Back at the Stadium for tonight's Yankees-Orioles game. But in ice matters, the Rangers and newly-acquired forward Enver Lisin, a restricted free agent, have agreed to terms. No contract terms yet but he earned $850,000 last season with the Coyotes.
As for the question posted before about arbitration rumblings. As far as Nikolai Zherdev is concerned, there's little chance this gets settled out of court. Zherdev clearly wants more than the $3.25 million he was qualified at and the Rangers are not so inclined. Don't see these sides meeting in the middle as so often happens.
Lisin press release below. My presence is required in the Yankee clubhouse.
New York Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather announced today that the club has agreed to terms with restricted free agent forward Enver Lisin.
Lisin, 23, was acquired by the Rangers from the Phoenix Coyotes, in exchange for Lauri Korpikoski on Monday. He skated in 48 games with Phoenix last season, registering 13 goals and eight assists for 21 points, along with 24 penalty minutes. Lisin established career-highs in games played, goals, assists, points, penalty minutes, game-winning goals (two), and shots (105). He tied for second on the team in even strength goals (12), tied for third in goals scored at home (eight), and tied for fifth in total goals. He posted four multi-point performances, including a career-high, three-point effort on March 30 against Dallas (two goals and one assist). In addition, Lisin recorded six points (two goals and four assists) in 10 games with the San Antonio Rampage of the American Hockey League (AHL) this past season.
The 6-2, 200 pounder has skated in 78 career regular season games in three seasons for the Phoenix Coyotes, registering 18 goals and 10 assists for 28 points, along with 46 penalty minutes. Lisin made his NHL debut on October 14, 2006 at Nashville, and recorded his first career point with an assist in his next game on October 17, 2006 at St. Louis.
Lisin has also appeared in 70 career AHL contests with San Antonio, collecting 20 goals and 23 assists for 43 points, along with 36 penalty minutes. In 2007-08, Lisin established AHL career-highs in games played (58), goals (16), assists (19), and points (26). He also posted a career-best, seven-game scoring streak from November 27 vs. Milwaukee to December 14 against Quad City, registering eight points (three goals and five assists) over the span.
In addition, Lisin skated in 116 career contests with Kazan Ak-Bars of the Russian Super League (RSL), recording 21 goals and 11 assists for 32 points, along with 48 penalty minutes.
The Moscow, Russia native was originally Phoenix's second round choice, 50th overall, in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.
It'll be interesting to see how Lisin does. He is either going to shine, or be a one-way player that the The Faithful will hate.
Any word on Dubinsky in arbitration?
Posted by: chris | July 21, 2009 at 03:40 PM
Higgins-Dubinsky-Gaborik
Avery-Drury-Kotalik
Lisin-Anisimov-Callahan
Top 3 lines assuming we sign Dubi and don't trade him? I read that Lisin plays LW or RW.
Posted by: GK | July 21, 2009 at 04:07 PM
Dubinsky hasn't signed a contract yet but he isn't going to arbitration. Only Zherdev is heading to arbitration. Dubinsky couldn't file this year for arbitration, if he only signs a 1 yr deal this season he can opt to do arbitration next season.
Posted by: PuckCentral.net | July 21, 2009 at 04:43 PM
Does anyone no the real cap status right now? Do we have room to sign a guy like zubov for a fairly small contract?
Posted by: Kevin | July 21, 2009 at 07:39 PM
We have approximately $3.5M, but hopefully it's not used on Zubov. GK, I think you'll find Kotalik playing the first line with Gaborik on the left side as Torts like to stack the top line with his best players. That would move Higgins and Callahan to the 2nd line, and Avery to the checking line. There is no conceivable way that Avery should play more minutes than Callahan. Moreover, Dubi will probably play second line center.
Posted by: chris | July 22, 2009 at 11:40 AM
Kevin, it should also be noted that we have the ability to go over the cap now, and sort it out later. While I'm not sure that's the wise move, as other teams can hold you over the barrel on trade options. And Chris, barring any other moves, I really think we could see Avery on the first line at some point. His antics aside, and I'm pretty sure (and not wrongly, mind you) you're one of the guys who has a problem with his antics, his speed, passing skills and the fact that he goes balls to the walls, suits Torts. On a more talented team, he's a third line player, no doubt. What I like about Avery is the passion and the disruption (under control). We don't get that from Drury, and we certainly didn't get it from Gomez. I could be wrong, but I lean towards liking Avery -- or rooting for him, at the least.
Posted by: Rogan | July 22, 2009 at 12:16 PM
Yeah, I think it will be interesting to see what happens in training camp. I don't have a problem with Avery's antics until he is penalized for it. The jawing and what he did to Marty, I have no problem with and encourage. I agree he is very underrated with respect to the finesse of the game. I just like Avery on the third line to give grit and spark to a line that will include one, if not both, two young Russian players, Lisin and Anisimov. I want to see how Drury reacts on and off the ice now that Gomez is gone. They were signed at the same time and I think the spotlight was often shined on Gomez for him to perform. It was just as much Gomez' team as it was Drury's. Let's see what happens with him...
Posted by: chris | July 22, 2009 at 01:51 PM
Chris, I totally agree. I also think if Cally continues to play like he did in the playoffs, and towards the end of last year -- he could be a 1st line player. As a side note, Cally and Avery played really well together -- hitting guys all over the ice -- just swarming.
Overall, I really like Drury -- like his all-round game. And he really does have a nose for the net; we didn't have enough other guys last year who got the puck on the net. Because Gomez and Drury signed on the same day, there was a greater connection between them -- and it started with the jersey numbers, who was going to be captain, who was going to center Jagr -- turned out they both failed at that. But I too was thinking that Drury might benefit from Gomez's departure. And obviously, it provides an opportunity for Dubinsky to take more of a leadership role as well.
Posted by: Rogan | July 22, 2009 at 02:48 PM
I couldn't agree with you guys more, but I still think we need a 1st line center for sure. As far as Avery, he could and has shown he could play 1st line once in a while. Although when we play someone like the Flyers, I wouldn't mind seeing him and Brashear on a 4th line that comes out every now and then :-0)
Posted by: KevLev | July 22, 2009 at 03:26 PM
I was thinking, have we basically been looking for a 1st line center since Messier? Nedved doesn't count; Nylander was Jagr's personal center, but in a way he doesn't count either. Neither Drury or Gomez turned out to be number 1 centers -- though they both are payed like it. Hell, when we signed Cullen, he couldn't even play well enough to be considered a number 2.
We've been looking for a true number 1 center for some time. I don't think this is going to be the year we find one. Maybe this time next year, it's Dubinsky or Anisimov. I don't know.
Posted by: Rogan | July 22, 2009 at 03:38 PM
Lindros didn't pan out. It's sad, I forgot about Lindros; when you consider what he was when he came into the league -- and I totally forgot he played for us.
Posted by: Rogan | July 22, 2009 at 03:40 PM
Well I'd love to have Big Joe Thorton, or even Marleau for that matter but I don't think it'll happen. One AWESOME fantasy of mine is that somehow Vincent comes from Tampa since he's Torts protege.
Posted by: KevLev | July 22, 2009 at 05:08 PM
I still don't know how we let Marc Savard go so easily. It's mind boggling. Anyone could obviously see that he's a playmaker, and is one of the greatest passers to play in the NHL. Granted, he would have wanted more money after awhile and we would have let him become a UFA, and was overshadowed by Gretzky and Messier at the time, but still. Thankfully, we're in need of centers so Dubi is probably safe, but it makes me sick to think he was used as bait in the Heatley deal.
Agree, Kevlev. Vince would own NY if he came to the Rangers. There's probably only 2-3 other players in the league I would rather have than Vince: Ovechkin, Richards, and maybe Zetterberg.
Posted by: Chris | July 22, 2009 at 06:29 PM
Anyone know what the hell Garth Snow is doing in Long Island? Dipietro, Roloson, and now Biron? Is Rick on the block?
Posted by: Chris | July 22, 2009 at 09:16 PM
CHRIS-are you kidding me? Savard one of the best passers to play in the NHL?! THat's a leap man-come on. He's a good player but geez, keep it in perspective here.
As far as the rest of the dialogue above I agree-it was tough for Gomez and Drury and neither of them could be the number one. Yes-Lindros was definitely a disappointment-and he got creamed by Stevens, that was bad. I think NYlander was pretty good though, he was a good scorer and I was surprised they let him go that easily. He can put up some points for sure when he's healthy. I can't believe they already signe Lisin to a deal and he hasn't even played in NY yet-why did they do that? Let the guy play first. I don't think Vince is coming either guys-that's a pipe dream just like Lebron to NY Knicks. Overall I think that this was a good offseason but it remains to be seen how good. THey still haven't addressed the D so hopefully some of the young guys can step up big time. I also agree that Cally is poised to do some good things, although I think he is getting close to his peak. Dubi has some more room to get better so we'll see...I'm ready for camp right now
Posted by: Keith | July 22, 2009 at 09:40 PM
Sorry, Keith, I guess we will have to agree to disagree because I stand by statement about Savard. As far as creativity and vision of the ice, he ranks up there with Francis, Oates, and Forsberg as one of the best passers in my book. It's not like I'm saying he is one of the best all-around guys to play the game, either; just one of the best passers I've seen.
As far as Lisin, he was an RFA, and when we traded for him, we just received the rights to him. Yeah, obviously, Vince isn't coming this year, but down the line, it's not out of the realm of possibilities.
Posted by: Chris | July 22, 2009 at 10:39 PM
Savard (in my opinion) is one of the most underrated players in the game. It's a shame we traded him away to Calgary for SANDY McCARTHY! I honestly thought he wouldn't be that good after leaving Atlanta (since there's no Kovalchuk there). But he's still been racking up the points. Sometimes your best move as a GM is not making one. I think the Rangers should keep what the team is and be patient. Let's all be honest here, I think it's safe to say the Rangers are not winning the Stanley Cup for the next few years, let's just deal with it and try and rebuild within the system. Maybe Anisimov becomes great, who knows? We can only find out with experience and patience.
As for the Isles, something tells me Dipietro's injury is much more serious than we all think because Garth Snow can't be that stupid to sign 3 quality starting goalies.
Posted by: Godwin | July 22, 2009 at 11:28 PM
By the way, anyone out there interested in salary cap numbers....
www.nhlnumbers.com
It shows each team's salary cap and each player's salary for the remainder of their contracts. It's pretty cool and it's usually updated daily.
Posted by: Godwin | July 22, 2009 at 11:47 PM
I think its not an awful move for the Islanders. If DP is still hurt then they have two solid veterans, and if DP is fine Garth has a solid trading chip in Biron because he is cheap and its only a 1 year deal. It is only a matter of time before a goalie gets hurt, just look at Brodeur last year.
Posted by: Mark | July 22, 2009 at 11:49 PM
I still thing something is brewing out on the island. My guess is that Dipi is out for next season (or at least the majority of it)
Posted by: Godwin | July 22, 2009 at 11:52 PM
think*
Posted by: Godwin | July 22, 2009 at 11:53 PM
Okay-thanks I did not know that about Lisin, lets hope he's a solid player then. I also want to add that Lundy's play in the Playoffs last year really sapped my confidence in him. I used to think he was definitely among the best in the league and now I am not so sure. I think if it comes down to priority I would say NY can do without a number one Center but without a PP QB on the back end they will not be successful ultimately. That hole must be fixed before they do anything significant. To be honest I don't even care about the NYI-Dipietro is a great goalie who kills the Rangers very often and I am not about to say I hope he's injured but whatever they do I still think the Islanders are a couple of years away
Posted by: Keith | July 23, 2009 at 07:05 AM
I agree. I could care less about the Isles. That would be a shame, though, if they end up moving because of continuous bonehead moves like these. I wonder how much DP's contract is hurting the Isles. For their sake, I hope Taveres works out for them, even though, I have my doubts.
Posted by: chris | July 23, 2009 at 09:44 AM
we did not trade marc savard away for SANDY McCarthy. We traded him and our 1st rounder in the 1999 draft for Jan Hlavac and Calgary's 1st rounder and picked Jamie Lundmark.
Posted by: Ed | July 23, 2009 at 09:57 AM
keith - nylander was a healthy scratch during most of the capsd playoffs. he is certainly not the answer here
chris - i actually hope the isles do move to kc in a yr or 2. the looks on their fans faces would be priceless.
Posted by: LI Joe | July 23, 2009 at 10:28 AM