Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Shanahan Makes It Official

That Brendan Shanahan would no longer be a New York Ranger has been a foregone conclusion for quite some time now. For those Shanny fans who had still been holding out hope, the last embers of that flame were snuffed out today.

Shanahan told Larry Brooks at the New York Post that his wait for a cap space-creating move by Glen Sather is over:

The 39-year-old unsigned right wing who'd been advised for months by GM Glen Sather to "sit tight" in anticipation of both a roster spot and salary-cap space opening up to create an avenue for his return to Broadway, Shanahan is no longer doing so.

Nearly four months after becoming a free agent, Shanahan is putting himself onto the open market.

"I've told Rick [Curran] that I can no longer wait and that it's time to move on," Shanahan, referring to his agent, told The Post this afternoon. "Until now, Rick has been under instructions to tell inquiring teams that my focus was on re-signing with the Rangers, and that I was not accepting any other offers.

"That has changed."


Like I said when the Rangers season ended last spring, Brendan was a solid Ranger--as his 52-56-108 over the prior two seasons attests to--and he did so for a bargain-basement price of about $4m a season. Needless to say, he was well worth the cash.

That being said, his productivity dipped with age and injuries and the time had come for Brendan and the Rangers to move on.

That part of the decision I have no problem with. Leaving the guy on hold for the entire summer and a full month of the season, that's another story. If he was a real part of plan, Glen Sather's gotta get the moves done and open up a roster spot.

If he never was, then Jesus, let the guy know. Not for nothing but the guy only has so much left in the tank pushing 40-years-old. Didn't he do enough to merit an answer one way or the other?

Well, in any case, best of luck to Shanny. Someone will make a pretty wise signing in picking him up and another fan base will attach itself to a lovable legend.


[Via Skate2Stick.com]

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