Rangerland Forum Information

[toph]

Hamrlik is done, he's been awful for the Caps.

[Andy from the LE...]

Knuble? He is having a shittier season than Boyle.

Yeah, 'cause Hunter's buried him on the 4th line.

We can play this game with anyone.

"How about ___________?"

"Nah, he's too ___________."

Face it - no one of great quality is gonna be coming here. It's hamburger helper or bust. That said, I think this team only needs depth guys, not game changers.

Should I bother mentioning then that Mike Ribeiro might be available?

[Mike B.]

Mike Ribeiro >>>>> Mike Knuble >> Hamrlik

[Andy from the LE...]

Mike Ribeiro >>>>> Mike Knuble >> Hamrlik

Gaborik+Kreider+the next 3 first rounders!!!!111!!!!!!!! Get it done Slats!!!!!!

[jkman61494]

I haven't paid attention to the Caps because for all that made them fun a few years back, they just seem like a miserable bunch now. I don't know if Knuble simply got old and is about to be put out to pasture, or if he and Dale Hunter simply do not see eye to eye and they just want to get rid of him.

I could honestly see a scenario where we just trade scratched players. Knuble for Wolski. I think both players could benefit from that.

[Greatone]

Mike Ribeiro >>>>> Mike Knuble >> Hamrlik

Gaborik+Kreider+the next 3 first rounders!!!!111!!!!!!!! Get it done Slats!!!!!!

I think future 60 point per year player Mats Zuccarello would be more of interest than some college prospect.

[Andy from the LE...]

I think future 60 point per year player Mats Zuccarello would be more of interest than some college prospect.

Nah, it'll take The Next Jean Ratelle.

[Andy from the LE...]

I could honestly see a scenario where we just trade scratched players. Knuble for Wolski. I think both players could benefit from that.

$10 says this is probably what's gonna happen.

[Hockey101]

Knuble? He is having a shittier season than Boyle.

Yeah, 'cause Hunter's buried him on the 4th line.

We can play this game with anyone.

"How about ___________?"

"Nah, he's too ___________."

Face it - no one of great quality is gonna be coming here. It's hamburger helper or bust. That said, I think this team only needs depth guys, not game changers.

Should I bother mentioning then that Mike Ribeiro might be available?

I already did a day or two ago.

I agree with you, by the way. I think Hamrlik is not a bad acquisition. Knuble i think is done and if we want a big guy to use then why not get Penner (he can skate well for his size, is young, and can rebound in NY). We need a d-man anyway. You can't win 16 playoff games with 20 minute OTs and your top two d-men playing 30 minutes-plus because your lower end d-men are okay. Hamrlik is not having a very good season, but not a bad one, at all. He is a plus rating on a team that is mostly a minus rating. He is not going to be worse than Bickel and Woywitka.

[Mike B.]

I don't mean to slag on Mike Knuble, because he's had a pretty damn nice career (8 straight 20+ goal seasons, usually around 30). He's just done.

[Greatone]

What is with the frigin fascination with Dustin Penner? Dude is always in need of a "change of scenery"

[ak996]

Rumor on twitter, Selanne isn't going anywhere after the Ducks hot streak.

Fact all season, Selanne, Doan, Iginla are not going anywhere.

[Dunc]

I hate Mike Ribiero, which means I'd like to add him to the roster. After losing Richards for nothing last year, you'd think Nieuwendyk would be reasonable in listening to offers.

[Hockey101]

What is with the frigin fascination with Dustin Penner? Dude is always in need of a "change of scenery"

He only needed that once out of Edmonton, where he did well overall. LA is just a struggling scoring team so no one should be singled out. Penner has a proven record showing the ability to use his size effectively, be physical, and show offensive skills. He can provide some much needed size on the top two lines for the Rangers, and on the PP.

I think he is a low risk acquisition and if he does not work out no harm done. He is a UFA.

[Greatone]

What is with the frigin fascination with Dustin Penner? Dude is always in need of a "change of scenery"

He only needed that once out of Edmonton, where he did well overall. LA is just a struggling scoring team so no one should be singled out. Penner has a proven record showing the ability to use his size effectively, be physical, and show offensive skills. He can provide some much needed size on the top two lines for the Rangers, and on the PP.

I think he is a low risk acquisition and if he does not work out no harm done. He is a UFA.

So he is replacing Anisimov or Hagelin on the top two lines?

[Hockey101]

What is with the frigin fascination with Dustin Penner? Dude is always in need of a "change of scenery"

He only needed that once out of Edmonton, where he did well overall. LA is just a struggling scoring team so no one should be singled out. Penner has a proven record showing the ability to use his size effectively, be physical, and show offensive skills. He can provide some much needed size on the top two lines for the Rangers, and on the PP.

I think he is a low risk acquisition and if he does not work out no harm done. He is a UFA.

So he is replacing Anisimov or Hagelin on the top two lines?

He could. If not he replaces Mitchell, and that's an upgrade.

[Greatone]

What is with the frigin fascination with Dustin Penner? Dude is always in need of a "change of scenery"

He only needed that once out of Edmonton, where he did well overall. LA is just a struggling scoring team so no one should be singled out. Penner has a proven record showing the ability to use his size effectively, be physical, and show offensive skills. He can provide some much needed size on the top two lines for the Rangers, and on the PP.

I think he is a low risk acquisition and if he does not work out no harm done. He is a UFA.

So he is replacing Anisimov or Hagelin on the top two lines?

He could. If not he replaces Mitchell, and that's an upgrade.

How? He is a LW. We have Anisimov, Hagelin and Dubinsky at LW. And I don't think you move Hagelin down to 3rd line RW to fit in Dustin Penner.

[Hockey101]

What is with the frigin fascination with Dustin Penner? Dude is always in need of a "change of scenery"

He only needed that once out of Edmonton, where he did well overall. LA is just a struggling scoring team so no one should be singled out. Penner has a proven record showing the ability to use his size effectively, be physical, and show offensive skills. He can provide some much needed size on the top two lines for the Rangers, and on the PP.

I think he is a low risk acquisition and if he does not work out no harm done. He is a UFA.

So he is replacing Anisimov or Hagelin on the top two lines?

He could. If not he replaces Mitchell, and that's an upgrade.

How? He is a LW. We have Anisimov, Hagelin and Dubinsky at LW. And I don't think you move Hagelin down to 3rd line RW to fit in Dustin Penner.

Penner can play, and has played, RW.

[Greatone]

Penner can play, and has played, RW.

Huh. I never knew this as I've always seen him penciled in at LW in Edmonton and LA. If he does in fact play the right side then the deal would make more sense.

[Tex]

I hate Mike Ribiero, which means I'd like to add him to the roster. After losing Richards for nothing last year, you'd think Nieuwendyk would be reasonable in listening to offers.

fuck Nieuwy. Take Loui.

[Alitaki]

I hate Mike Ribiero, which means I'd like to add him to the roster. After losing Richards for nothing last year, you'd think Nieuwendyk would be reasonable in listening to offers.

fuck Nieuwy. Take Loui.

Seriously dude? LET. IT. GO.

[Nilan 666]

Dustin Penner tends to float, Torts is not going to be a fan.

[Knight of Dight]

I don't mean to slag on Mike Knuble, because he's had a pretty damn nice career (8 straight 20+ goal seasons, usually around 30). He's just done.

Knuble was the master of garbage goals. He perfected the art of plastering his ass in front of the goalie's face and then poking in loose pucks when there was a scramble.

This post has been edited by Knight of Dight: Feb 22 2012, 10:35 PM

[Charlie]

What is with the frigin fascination with Dustin Penner? Dude is always in need of a "change of scenery"

He only needed that once out of Edmonton, where he did well overall. LA is just a struggling scoring team so no one should be singled out. Penner has a proven record showing the ability to use his size effectively, be physical, and show offensive skills. He can provide some much needed size on the top two lines for the Rangers, and on the PP.

I think he is a low risk acquisition and if he does not work out no harm done. He is a UFA.

I remember reading an article recently (I think by Katie Baker) that when she went to an LA game and watched him in person, she couldn't remember having seen a worse player. She went in thinking L.A. fans are overreacting, and left thinking he does not have a place in the NHL.

He also hurt himself eating pancakes.

[jkman61494]

I don't mean to slag on Mike Knuble, because he's had a pretty damn nice career (8 straight 20+ goal seasons, usually around 30). He's just done.

Knuble was the master of garbage goals. He perfected the art of plastering his ass in front of the goalie's face and then poking in loose pucks when there was a scramble.

Well, going by that logic, he'd be a perfect fit here honestly. Get him on a line with Boyle and Dubinsky and have him replace Mitchell in the lineup. Now, if the dude now needs a pair of crutches to get down the ice, then obviously that's a different story.

[Greatone]

JOHN MITCHELL IS CENTERING THE FOURTH LINE.

Trading for a winger wont get him out of the lineup.

[jkman61494]

I thought you or someone else was so fond of telling me Mike Rupp could play center?

[Greatone]

I thought you or someone else was so fond of telling me Mike Rupp could play center?

If necessary. But I don't think the Rangers want him to otherwise he would have been there instead of Fedotenko for those handful of games.

[Hockey101]

Penner can play, and has played, RW.

Huh. I never knew this as I've always seen him penciled in at LW in Edmonton and LA. If he does in fact play the right side then the deal would make more sense.

The majority of his career has been on LW, but he has played RW before in Edmonton. Maybe in Anaheim as well, i can't remember, and for LA only a few times. Either way, i think have depth for insurance in case of injuries is never a bad idea.

[Hockey101]

What is with the frigin fascination with Dustin Penner? Dude is always in need of a "change of scenery"

He only needed that once out of Edmonton, where he did well overall. LA is just a struggling scoring team so no one should be singled out. Penner has a proven record showing the ability to use his size effectively, be physical, and show offensive skills. He can provide some much needed size on the top two lines for the Rangers, and on the PP.

I think he is a low risk acquisition and if he does not work out no harm done. He is a UFA.

I remember reading an article recently (I think by Katie Baker) that when she went to an LA game and watched him in person, she couldn't remember having seen a worse player. She went in thinking L.A. fans are overreacting, and left thinking he does not have a place in the NHL.

He also hurt himself eating pancakes.

Again, if he sucks then what's the harm done? I mean, i think the Kings would give him away for a bag of pucks just to clear up cap space, but i saw him when LA came to play the Panthers not too long ago and not only was LA's offense brutal as a whole (Kopitar was quite bad), but some guys skated and others didn't. I thought Penner looked like one of those guys that hustled and tried to split the neutral zone, and parked himself in front of the net a number of times. LA looks like a disconnected team, like the Caps, except the Kings are good defensively and have a star performing goalie.

Also, i said that if we're looking for that big forward to score some garbage goals and park himself in front of the net then an alternative to an old Mike Knuble would be Penner. I am not listing Penner as the guy the Rangers MUST get. I think he is a pretty good acquisition if taken at a cheap price to address a couple of issues. But, that's it really.

[Chris4]

Again, if he sucks then what's the harm done?

Dustin Penner has been called lazy. He's been accused of being out of shape. He's been accused of having motivational issues. The New York Rangers are where they are because of motor. Teams that go through the wall have no use for players with no motor.

[Melvin]

While I'm at it...anyone interested in Mark Streit? One year left on his deal, might help the PP. Granted, I'm sure everyone here would rather vomit than trade with the Islanders, but maybe he can be had cheaply.

Why would the Islanders trade him to US of all teams cheaply though? It makes no sense on their end to do it with what we would consider "cheap." The Islanders are in a bit of a PR nightmare right now, and trading their captain to the rival Rangers is probably as likely as Glen calling the Canadians up about Gomez.

This IS Garth Snow you're talking about...

Sorry to necromance a page 1 post...And sorry to go all knee-jerk fan-boy at the simple mention of Garth, but...

Why do you think Garth is an easy target to make a lop-sided trade with?

[Andy from the LE...]

Why do you think Garth is an easy target to make a lop-sided trade with?

Because aside from good deals to acquire draft picks, I'm sorry, I can't point to any player-for-player trade (maybe Rolston?) that Snow has clearly "won."

[jkman61494]

If this team has this amazing team chemistry that everyone, and I mean everyone from this forum to NHL analysts speak of, then I would hope that Dustin Penner would enjoy being here and would change his work ethic.

Maybe he has been lazy. But there are a lot of other guys that underperformed in this league that are now success stories on this team. How about Anton Stralman? Maybe he wasn't lazy but the league thought so little of him he was sent home with no team. Now he's a 2nd pair d-man.

Fedetenko? Out of hockey. Comes to the Rangers and has been a solid 3rd/4th liner. Brandon Prust? A nobody. Brian Boyle is another one. Today, a big role player. Even Jeff Woywitka. I remember people positing scouting reports about how useless he was but he was a adequate player here.

Point being, there are a lot of guys many teams in the NHL gave up on, who've found a place here. I don't know why everyone is so 100% certain Penner would be a complete failure. If we could get him for Mats Zucarello and a 3rd rounder? Then go for it.

This post has been edited by jkman61494: Feb 23 2012, 11:26 AM

[Melvin]

Why do you think Garth is an easy target to make a lop-sided trade with?

Because aside from good deals to acquire draft picks, I'm sorry, I can't point to any player-for-player trade (maybe Rolston?) that Snow has clearly "won."

Understand that "winning" a trade is very, very subjective. Also, Snow hasn't made that many player-for-player deals. Looking at the history, it's mostly player-for-picks or picks-for-picks. If you include those types of trades, I think he's made some very good trades, including:

-- Trading for and then dumping off Wisniewski for a "profit" (gave a 3rd, got back a 2nd and 5th)

-- The Ryan Smyth trade. Before you react as everyone else does ("But he left them for free agency as fast as his crying eyes would let him!!!"), remember that they had a great finish to that year and squeaked into the playoffs - which is exactly what a rental player is for (initially, anyway). Then, add to it the fact that they gave EDM not one player that made any impact whatsoever and I'm not sure you can convince me that he "lost" this trade.

-- Gets Dean McAmmond and a 1st round pick from the Sens for Campoli and Comrie. Not one impact player in that trade, but he somehow wound up with a 1st round pick.


I could list a few more deals involving the acquisition of picks (in which he was able to draft players like Petrov, Kabanov, Nilsson, Cizikas, de Haan or any number of the other really good prospects he's stocked), but my point is the same.

Can you find a trade that Snow "lost"?

[Greatone]

I don't think the goal for the Rangers at the deadline is to acquire someone they would have to change in the middle of a playoff push weeks before the playoffs.

You trade for someone that fits.

[jkman61494]

I think there are a few ways to look at that. In one way I agree with you. You don't want to rock the proverbial boat.

But on the other hand, do you come to the conclusion that what the team is currently doing not good enough to win a championship? Could doing some tinkering help the team? It's legitimate questions they are I'm sure talking about right now.

The fact is, any guy from Rick Nash, to Dustin Penner to Ales Hemsky will need to come into a the Torts system and adapt. I think if Penner played to his ability he'd be the easiest to fit in.

Having a line of Dubinsky/Boyle/Penner sounds like a potential great grinder line that just pummels the defense along the boards.

A line of Hagelin/Boyle/Hemsky could have two really speedy guys buzzing around the zone while you have the Sasquatch fight in the boards.

Would these require some changes? Yes. But I think it'd be risks worth taking.

This post has been edited by jkman61494: Feb 23 2012, 11:55 AM

[Greatone]

Dude. I'm not saying the Rangers shouldn't make a deal to not "rock the boat"

I'm saying they shouldn't make a deal for someone with serious flaws that are opposite of the team system and hope the player decides to change in a matter of weeks.

And you also keep posting about a line of Hagelin and Hemsky. Uh, why is Hagelin getting bumped to the 3rd line? Is Dubinsky now a 2nd line LW just to fit Hemsky on a line with Hagelin? And why would we stick the two(if Hemsky does indeed come here) of the fastest guys on the team with Brian frigin Boyle?

[jkman61494]

Well You have Gaborik and Callahan on the first two lines, so Hemsky would have Boyle or Mitchell. Frankly, this is why I'd probably prefer the Rangers going hard after Sam Gagner. He's my version of Loui Eriksson. I think he'd be a perfect 3rd line center here because then you could get Boyle on the 4th line.

He's 22 years old, plays center and if you take his 8 point game away, still has a respectable 32 points in 51 games.

The latest reports are the Oilers don't want to deal him but we've heard that about a million times from a GM.

[Melvin]

Well You have Gaborik and Callahan on the first two lines, so Hemsky would have Boyle or Mitchell. Frankly, this is why I'd probably prefer the Rangers going hard after Sam Gagner. He's my version of Loui Eriksson. I think he'd be a perfect 3rd line center here because then you could get Boyle on the 4th line.

He's 22 years old, plays center and if you take his 8 point game away, still has a respectable 32 points in 51 games.

The latest reports are the Oilers don't want to deal him but we've heard that about a million times from a GM.

This is a legit question, but...

Gagner is - like you said - a respectable 22-year old player who has top-line skills and has shown he can be an elite player. You can't just "take-away" an 8 (7?) point night. Doing so just means you're trying to devalue him. Like every other top-level rookie, the unknown is if he can display those obvious skills consistently. He has yet to do that, yes, but his upside is humangous big.

So, I wonder why you think a player like that would be easier to get (and qualify as a "tinkering" of the roster) as opposed to a blockbuster deal? Using Rick Nash as comparable ("blockbuster" to "tinker"), Nash is still young and a proven 40-goal guy, so you're getting that consistency that Gagner lacks, but you're also getting a giant cap number that Gagner won't sniff for a few more seasons at least. To pry a player like Gagner away from a rebuilding team with a low budget is just as hard (if not harder) than getting a high-cap contract of a proven player from an under performing team looking to shed salary. That wouldn't be "tinkering" since the Rangers would have to send EDM something like (spitballing?) Kreider, McDonaugh and a pick - basically the Nash deal without Dubinsky.

Edmonton can ask for such a package because they have zero reason to deal Gagner. He is what they need. Young, inexpensive and skilled. You're not making that deal unless you get back a king's ransom.

This post has been edited by Melvin: Feb 23 2012, 12:37 PM

[jkman61494]

The reason I discounted the 8 point night was for people on here that may say that one game inflated his stats. Even without it, he'd still be one of the top scorers on our offense currently.

I suppose I could be wrong, but from what I saw awhile back when taking a look at his stats, the guy is an unrestricted free agent next year, and there is some belief that he will get picked off by another team in July.

http://capgeek.com/players/display.php?id=23

If that is indeed true, he should be an easier grab than a guy like Nash or other guys under long term contracts because there is no urgency to get value back in those cases. Maybe the Oilers believe they'll get him signed long term, but it's still a risk when you'll have a number of teams drooling over a 22 year old center with big potential. You also have to ask yourself if Edmonton can afford to pay this guy when you will obviously have to give people like Hall, Eberly, Nugent-Hopkins huge contracts in a few years.

If New York were to offer Tim Erixon who is a stud defensive prospect plus our 2012 first rounder? When the Oilers already have good offensive talent and another upcoming top 3 draft pick? To me it'd be a win win for both franchises. Erixon could end up being a top pair defenseman on that team much much sooner than he'd ever have a chance to be one here in New York.

On the Rangers end, you'd get another center for the long term. You use your money saved from Wolski and give this guy a 3 or 4 year deal absolutely solidifying the center ice position.

This post has been edited by jkman61494: Feb 23 2012, 04:14 PM

[Ari_Schmells]

I'm saying they shouldn't make a deal for someone with serious flaws that are opposite of the team system and hope the player decides to change in a matter of weeks.

Exactly, and a huge part of the equation that some folks are missing here as they blurt out names like Hemsky, Penner, Ribiero, is whether or not these guys are Tortorella types of guys. This is a huge factor when considering a piece to the puzzle. They're not going to make a deal just to make a deal and they certainly aren't going to aquire someone the coach will have listed as a healthy scratch by March 15th. Haven't we all already seen Torts chew up and spit out tougher pussy then Ales Hemsky for breakfast?

[xcdudesquadloves...]

What is with the frigin fascination with Dustin Penner? Dude is always in need of a "change of scenery"

He only needed that once out of Edmonton, where he did well overall. LA is just a struggling scoring team so no one should be singled out. Penner has a proven record showing the ability to use his size effectively, be physical, and show offensive skills. He can provide some much needed size on the top two lines for the Rangers, and on the PP.

I think he is a low risk acquisition and if he does not work out no harm done. He is a UFA.

I remember reading an article recently (I think by Katie Baker) that when she went to an LA game and watched him in person, she couldn't remember having seen a worse player. She went in thinking L.A. fans are overreacting, and left thinking he does not have a place in the NHL.

He also hurt himself eating pancakes.

I don't disagree with you, but having a back injury similar to Penner's he didn't hurt himself eating pancakes. It's funny and all yeah, but when you can't get up form a table because your back seized up on you when you are sitting down SUCKS so much.

Back to being reasonable about the Rangers deals everyone.

[HDH]

I'm saying they shouldn't make a deal for someone with serious flaws that are opposite of the team system and hope the player decides to change in a matter of weeks.

Exactly, and a huge part of the equation that some folks are missing here as they blurt out names like Hemsky, Penner, Ribiero, is whether or not these guys are Tortorella types of guys. This is a huge factor when considering a piece to the puzzle. They're not going to make a deal just to make a deal and they certainly aren't going to aquire someone the coach will have listed as a healthy scratch by March 15th. Haven't we all already seen Torts chew up and spit out tougher pussy then Ales Hemsky for breakfast?

Not fer nuthin.......but Tortorella type guys pretty much consist of Mitchell, Boye, Prust, Rupp, and Callahan. These are the types of players he leans on. Most, if not ALL, of the players we have speculatively hoped to obtain to address the glaring weakness the team has (scoring), DO NOT fit into this mold at all. Including Nash and those mentioned above.

[Chris4]

Not fer nuthin.......but Tortorella type guys pretty much consist of Mitchell, Boye, Prust, Rupp, and Callahan. These are the types of players he leans on. Most, if not ALL, of the players we have speculatively hoped to obtain to address the glaring weakness the team has (scoring), DO NOT fit into this mold at all. Including Nash and those mentioned above.

I dont disagree.. but tell me more about the '04 Lightning. How did that team play? That team had multiple elite offensive players. Were they known to be the type of team the Rangers are now? Honest questions. I was like 17.. I had chicks on the mind. Not Tortorella's system.

And in a sort of related point, if Tortorella is this great motivator, which he is.. Dont you like you chances with getting a guy like Nash to perform for him?

[jkman61494]

This is an argument that we could probably have until Tuesday and go about in an endless loop. Honestly, I see both sides you're all trying to make.

I'm one to say that this team has great chemistry, people buy into the Torts system, so why would other players not buy in to this considering they'd be a Cup contender. I actually probably side more with this.

But then I think of the $3.8 million currently sitting in the stands. That is a prime example of someone we acquired that for whatever reason is on the Torts s*it list to the point Torts would essentially rather dress only 11 forwards rather than let Wolski see the ice.

The answer to this little debate is we have no idea who or who won't buy into the Torts system until they arrive. No one will know, not even the Rangers. Maybe we trade Wolski and a 3rd over to L.A. for Penner and the light bulb goes on when he gets to be part of a grinder style of hockey.

Or, maybe he enjoys the great New York pizza, balloons to 275 pounds, doesn't shower for 2 months and we have an infestation of fleas in the Rangers box as he watches the team play Toronto, Winnipeg or Washington in the first round.

[Alitaki]

I suppose I could be wrong, but from what I saw awhile back when taking a look at his stats, the guy is an unrestricted free agent next year, and there is some belief that he will get picked off by another team in July.

http://capgeek.com/players/display.php?id=23

You're wrong. He's an RFA.

[HDH]

Not fer nuthin.......but Tortorella type guys pretty much consist of Mitchell, Boye, Prust, Rupp, and Callahan. These are the types of players he leans on. Most, if not ALL, of the players we have speculatively hoped to obtain to address the glaring weakness the team has (scoring), DO NOT fit into this mold at all. Including Nash and those mentioned above.

I dont disagree.. but tell me more about the '04 Lightning. How did that team play? That team had multiple elite offensive players. Were they known to be the type of team the Rangers are now? Honest questions. I was like 17.. I had chicks on the mind. Not Tortorella's system.

And in a sort of related point, if Tortorella is this great motivator, which he is.. Dont you like you chances with getting a guy like Nash to perform for him?

They were an offensive group. Period. Their top defensemen were Kubina and Boyle, two guys not particularly known as shut down guys. They weren't bad defensively, but nothing like this current Rangers team.

[Tex]

so, basically, our coach has built a team that can only succeed in the regular season? shit.

[jkman61494]

I suppose I could be wrong, but from what I saw awhile back when taking a look at his stats, the guy is an unrestricted free agent next year, and there is some belief that he will get picked off by another team in July.

http://capgeek.com/players/display.php?id=23

You're wrong. He's an RFA.

Yeah, you're right. He's an RFA...for now.

Looking at some news on him, I think where I had read it about him being a UFA (full disclosure, I don't remember where), was because his salary may double in arbitration and the Oilers may or may not match it and thus, you'd have a situation similar to Niemi in that he's a good, young player who walks.