All 30 NHL teams plan their own mass spending stimulus plan today as free agents become available at noon eastern time. These moves will undoubtedly affect your Hartford Wolf Pack.
The Rangers moved Scott Gomez yesterday to Montreal. They also included a member of “The Triplets,” in the deal as Tom Pyatt was sent to Montreal and will in all likelihood be headed to the Hamilton Bulldogs. Coming back to the Rangers is highly touted defenseman Ryan McDonagh. However, McDonaugh is still in college at the University of Wisconsin and the Pack won’t see the 20 year old until his season is over.
The Rangers also picked up another defensive prospect in Pavel Valentenko. You may recall that Valentenko bolted the AHL from Hamilton to play in Russia. It’s unlikely he will play for the Pack.
So with all that money available to spend in New York, the question is how does it affect the Wolf Pack?
Tuesday both Dane Byers and last year’s captain Greg Moore were given qualifiers by the organization. Byers will have a shot at New York, while Moore is most likely headed back to captain the Wolf Pack and be on stand by for the Big Apple. Vladimir Denisov was cut loose and is unrestricted. While he’s a terrific young man, his game left much to be desired. The team also told oft injured Joe Barnes that he can try the free agent waters as well.
The big question surrounding the Pack, revolves around Patrick Rissmiller. Will he be back or will the Rangers try and move him or will he move himself and play elsewhere? It is also likely that Aaron Voros will in in the Capitol city this coming season unless the Blueshirts find a way to unload him on someone.
We have heard some pretty big rumblings as to where people are going to be and such but until we get confirmation, we can’t responsibly report it. A couple of them may surprise you.
One we know for sure is that Brock McBride who played well in his short stint with the Pack will not be back as he has signed with Columbus and will play in Syracuse this coming season. Other players are on the move but with no certainty yet. Mike Ouellette will no longer be with the team and is headed elsewhere.
So these next 24 hours should be big. Stay tuned…
