I have read in recent weeks that several centermen are available. Buffalo are likely to shop Tim Connolly and his 1 year @ 4.5m, Derek Roy is not satisfying the same management and has a nice contract at 4m/year over 3 years. Then there are names such as Jason Spezza, Vinny Lecavalier, Rusty Olesz, Patrick Sharp and even more that aren’t secure of their current locations for next year.

It got me thinking about potential additions to the Rangers, not through the draft. Barring an unexpected move into the top 3 the Rangers are not getting an NHL ready player in the draft so can the team get immediate help elsewhere?

Now, back to Tim Connolly the much injured, mercurial centreman. Dependant on the priceĀ I think he would be a very nice choice for the Rangers. A reasonable salary, decent age (28), no distinct commitment (1 year) and the pass first playmaking center that Gaborik and insert left wing here could benefit from. I wouldn’t consider any of the others bar Roy.

Connolly hasn’t had a line mate of Gaborik’s standard consistently. The lines in Buffalo are as consistent as they are in New York yet over the past 3 seasons Connolly has 152 points in 169 games, including 65 (48 assists) this year. His playoff performance this year left alot to be desired but does seem to be a scapegoat for Buffalo’s struggles. A chance for a team to obtain a player below his true value?

Health is the main concern but a change of scenery could see Connolly become the elite center he was once touted to be, could that change be in New York? If the price is right I’d give him a chance.

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