Dan Girard bought out by Rangers, thanks team for opportunities

New York Rangers General Manager Jeff Gorton announced today that the team will buy out the contract of defenseman Dan Girardi.

"Dan's contributions to the New York Rangers organization have been immeasurable," Rangers President Glen Sather said. "He has been a role model through his relentless determination, giving everything he had to this organization both on and off the ice. He, Pam, Landon, and Shaye will always be a part of the Rangers family."

"I would like to thank Dan for everything he has given of himself to the Rangers over 11 seasons," Gorton said. "He has been one of the key contributors to our success over the past decade. We have the utmost respect for Dan and wish him all the best going forward."

Girardi, 33, skated in 788 career games with the Rangers, registering 46 goals and 184 assists for 230 points, along with a plus-54 rating and 275 penalty minutes. He ranks ninth on the Rangers' all-time games played list, and he ranks fifth among Blueshirts defensemen in career games played, only trailing Harry Howell, Brian Leetch, Ron Greschner, and Jim Neilson. In addition, Girardi, who was signed by the Rangers as an undrafted free agent on July 1, 2006, appeared in more games with the Blueshirts than any other undrafted player in franchise history (among players who were eligible to be selected since the NHL Draft was implemented in 1963).

The Welland, Ontario, native helped the Rangers advance to the playoffs 10 times during his 11 seasons with the franchise (2006-07 - 2008-09; 2010-11 - 2016-17), including a trip to the Stanley Cup Final during the 2013-14 season. In addition, Girardi helped the Rangers finish in first place in their division twice during the regular season (Atlantic Division - 2011-12; Metropolitan Division - 2014-15) and finish with the best record in the NHL during the regular season in 2014-15, as the Blueshirts established single-season franchise records with 53 wins and 113 points. Girardi represented the Rangers at the 2012 NHL All-Star Game and finished sixth in voting for the Norris Trophy as the NHL's best defenseman in 2011-12. He led the league in blocked shots in 2010-11 and 2012-13, and he established career-highs in blocked shots (236), assists (27), and points (31) during the 2010-11 season. In addition, Girardi served as one of the Rangers' alternate captains since the start of the 2011-12 season.

The 6-1, 212-pounder skated in 788 of 820 regular season games the Rangers played from the time he made his NHL debut on Jan. 27, 2007 through the end of the 2016-17 regular season (96.1%), including 651 of 656 regular season games the team played from Jan. 27, 2007 through the end of the 2014-15 regular season (99.2%). Girardi has skated in at least 80 games in seven seasons in his career, and he has played all 82 games of a season five times. Since the NHL implemented an 82-game schedule in 1995-96, Girardi and Brian Leetch are the only Rangers who have played all 82 games in five different seasons. Since he made his NHL debut, Girardi leads the NHL in blocked shots (1,691) and ranks fourth among NHL defensemen in games played (788).

Girardi skated in 122 career playoff games with the Rangers, registering six goals and 27 assists for 33 points, along with 36 penalty minutes. He is the franchise's all-time leader in playoff games played (among skaters) and only trails Henrik Lundqvist (128) in career playoff appearances by a Ranger. Girardi also holds the franchise record (among skaters) in consecutive playoff games, as he skated in 109 consecutive playoff games with the Rangers from his NHL playoff debut in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against Atlanta in 2007 to Game 1 of the First Round against Pittsburgh in 2016. Girardi's 27 career playoff assists and 33 career playoff points rank fifth among Rangers defensemen in franchise history. Girardi registered three game-winning goals during the 2012 Playoffs, including one in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals vs. Ottawa on April 26, 2012, and his three game-winning goals were tied for the fourth-most a Ranger has recorded in one playoff year in franchise history. Girardi led the NHL in blocked shots (67) and led NHL defensemen in hits (80) during the 2014 Playoffs while helping the Rangers advance to the Stanley Cup Final.

During his tenure with the Rangers, Girardi received several team and league awards and nominations. He was the Rangers' nominee twice for the Bill Masterton Trophy (2011-12 and 2016-17), which is awarded annually to the NHL player who "best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey." Girardi received the John Halligan Good Guy Award in 2012-13 for his cooperation with the media, and he was named the Rangers Fan Club Rookie of the Year in 2006-07.

A MESSAGE FROM DAN GIRARDI

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the New York Rangers organization for giving me the opportunity to fulfill my childhood dream of playing in the National Hockey League. I would also like to thank James Dolan, Glen Sather, Jim Schoenfeld, Jeff Gorton, John Rosasco, Jason Vogel, all of the coaches and front office staff, Jim Ramsay and his amazing training staff, the equipment staff, and all the Madison Square Garden employees for making my past 11 years so special.

I have spent one-third of my life as a New Yorker and as a New York Ranger. New York will always be our second home. I started my family here, got married to my wife Pam, and had our two children, Landon and Shaye. We have been fortunate to meet so many great people and our kids have made so many friends.

I also wanted to thank all of the Blueshirt faithful. You are one of the best and most passionate fan bases in the NHL. I appreciate your support over the years.

I poured my heart and soul into this team for the past 11 seasons and I enjoyed every minute of it. I want to acknowledge that the Rangers are a first class organization who have always treated our players in a first class fashion. My family and I are most grateful for the way we have been treated during our stay in New York. 

Lastly, I want to acknowledge how great it has been to play alongside all of my teammates, including some Hall of Famers, for the past 11 years. I am going to miss all of the friends I have made along the way, but my family and I are looking forward to the next chapter in our lives. I wish the Rangers good luck and success in the future.

Sincerely,
Dan

Brooks: Rangers did not ask Staal or Girard to waive NMC

Larry Brooks tweeted yesterday that Sources tell him the Rangers didn’t ask defensemen Marc Staal or Dan Girardi if they would waive their no-movement clauses before the deadline.

Per sources, Rangers did not ask either Marc Staal or Dan Girardi to waive no-trade today.

— Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) June 12, 2017

Rangers acquire Brendan Smith; Girardi out at least 10 days; Kampfer recalled

THe New York Rangers acquired defenseman Brendan Smith from the Detroit Red WIngs for two draft picks on Tuesday.

Smith has recorded 2 goals and three assists in 33 games played in 2016-17.

Girardi out at least 10 days; Kampfer recalled: Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault announced Tuesday that defenseman Dan Girardi will be sidelined 10 days to two weeks with an ankle injury.

In a coresponding move, the Rangers recalled Steven Kampfer from the Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL. Kampfer, 28, has skated in 41 AHL games with the Wolf Pack this season, registering four goals and 12 assists for 16 points, along with 42 penalty minutes. He is tied for third among Wolf Pack defensemen in goals, and ranks fourth among team defensemen in assists and points in 2016-17. Kampfer registered seven points (two goals, five assists) in his last nine AHL games prior to being recalled. The 5-11, 192-pounder has skated in 134 career NHL games over parts of five seasons (2010-11 - 2011-12; 2014-15 - 2016-17), registering nine goals and 14 assists for 23 points, along with a plus-eight rating and 60 penalty minutes. Kampfer skated in 47 games with Florida in 2015-16, tallying four assists and posting a plus-four rating. He also skated in one game with the Panthers this season, recording four penalty minutes. The Ann Arbor, Michigan, native was acquired by the Rangers from Florida, along with a conditional draft pick, in exchange for Dylan McIlrath on Nov. 8, 2016.

Rangers to protect Girardi in expansion draft?

The Rangers may be able to protect defenseman Dan
Girardi if there is an expansion draft in 2017.

Larry Brooks of the New York Post on Tuesday wrote that the Rangers may be allowed to protect defenseman Dan Girardi if the NHL has a Las Vegas expansion draft in 2017.

Someone who had firsthand knowledge of a possible 2017 NHL expansion draft told The New York Post that teams "only would be compelled to protect players with no-move clauses (and contracts) that extend through at least the 2017-18 season".

According to Brooks, that means that players whose no-move clauses (or contracts) that expire at the end of 2016-17 would not have to be protected.

That would include Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi, whose no-move clause will become a modified no-trade clause on July 1, 2017.

According to Brooks, Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Ben Bishop, who is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on that date; and Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman's no-move and contracts both expire after next season.

NYR TODAY TUES 5/18; NYR Grades: Girardi, Alumni Birthdays, TDINYRH

RNYRF's GRADING THE RANGERS 2015-2016
DAN GIRARDI Defenseman

Another Rangers defenseman worn down by too many games played over the past few seasons, Girardi looked over matched many times during the 2015-2016 season. In 74 games Girardi tallied 2 goals, 15 assists, was a plus 18 and averaged 20+ minutes of ice time per game. Undergoing ankle surgery in the off season it seemed as though the lately oft injured Girardi couldn't get back on track and find a consistency to his game. Another D man who was thought to be suffering through injuries all season Girardi fessed up on "breakup" day and let it be known he was diagnosed with a concussion late in the season after a hit by former NY Rangers teammate Brian Boyle. Missing the final 2 games of the regular season, Girardi played in game 1 of the first round playoffs and wasn't able to return again until game 5 collecting an assist in those 2 games while being a minus 2 it was obvious he wasn't in shape to return to the lineup. The usual "Iroman" of the Rangers D is one of the players that should benefit from the extra 2 months rest to heal from the toll of injuries and extended ice time. With 5 years left on a 5.5 million per year contract along with young upcoming defenseman in the Rangers system there are rumors of the Rangers using their buyout on his contract. It should be interesting to see if the career Ranger remains on Broadway come July 1st.
GRADE C-

NYR Alumni Birthdays 5/18 
Jari Kurri RW (1995-1996) Manny Malhotra C (1998-2000) Marty McSorley D (1995-1996) Darren VanImpe D (2001-2002) Jay Wells D (1991-1995)

Today in NYR History May 18

1965: The Rangers acquire goaltender Ed Giacomin from Providence (AHL).

1997: Wayne Gretzky gets his 10th and final playoff hat trick by scoring three times in the New York Rangers' 5-4 victory against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Spectrum in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Final. Gretzky scores twice in less than two minutes in the first period and completes his hat trick midway through the second.

NYR TODAY FRI 4/29: NYR Grades, Alumni, TDINYRH

RNYRF's GRADING THE RANGERS 2015-2016

JESPER FAST Right Wing
Fast in his first full year with the Rangers played an NHL career high 79 games posting 10 goals and 20 assists for 30 points and was a plus 9 on the season.
Playing on all 4 lines this season, Fast proved himself as a team player who plays hard every game earning himself the team's "Player's Player" Award this season.



Jesper's play this season should earn him a spot on the 3rd line or higher next season.
GRADE B-

New York Rangers Birthdays
Dan Girardi, Defenseman, 2006-Current: Alternate Captain
Born: April 29, 1984, Birthplace: Welland, ON, CAN 

Acquired: Signed as an undrafted free agent with the Rangers on July 1, 2006.

Shoots: Right

NYR Alumni Birthdays 4/29 
Bruce Driver D (1995-1998) Brandon Dubinsky C (2006-2012) Benn Ferriero C (2012-2013) John McIntyre C (1992-1993) Mel Pearson LW (1959-1965)

TODAY IN NYR HISTORY APRIL 29
1959: The New York Rangers and Boston Bruins begin a 23-game, 26-day exhibition tour of Europe, playing games in England, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Germany and Austria. The Rangers go 11-9-3 against the Bruins, thanks in part to the addition of Bobby Hull. The 20-year-old Chicago Blackhawks forward, who makes the trip in place of the Rangers' Andy Bathgate, becomes "The Golden Jet" on the bigger ice surfaces, transforming from a checking center into a freewheeling left wing with great speed and a tremendous shot; he goes on to score 39 goals and win the Art Ross Trophy as the NHL's top scorer in 1959-60.

1971: Pete Stemkowski scores 1:29 into triple overtime to give the Rangers a 3-2 win over the Blackhawks in Game 6 of the Semifinals. The goal ended the longest overtime in MSG history.

2007: Michal Rozsival scores 16:43 into double overtime and the Rangers defeat the Buffalo Sabres, 2-1, in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

NYR PRACTICE NOTES 4/15: Lundqvist, Girardi, Lines

NYR PRACTICE NOTES 4/15:
Henrik Lundqvist was first player on ice and working in the starter's net
Magnus Hellberg on the Rangers' bench without equipment on.
Lundqvist and Antti Raanta working with goalie coach Benoit Allaire, who, as noted, was very sharp distributing pucks earlier.

No Dan Girardi or Ryan McDonagh on ice for practice.
Lines and D-Pairings at practice, AV tweaks top 2 lines:
Kreider-Stepan-Zuccarello Miller-Brassard-Nash EStaal-Hayes-Fast Glass-Moore-Stalberg MStaal-Klein Yandle-McIlrath Skjei-Boyle

NY Rangers Update:

2:30 PM

AV says that Henrik Lundqvist is game time decision tomorrow team wants to see how he reacts to strain of practice.and that Dan Girardi is hurt, will not play because of injury. Asked whether it's upper or lower, AV says, "It's the whole thing."

AV says Rangers have six healthy d-men now, doesn't commit to McIlrath, might recall somebody from Hartford (AHL) in case "somebody wakes up with a boo-boo." AV not necessarily saying who his six d-men are tomorrow. Raphael Diaz is now healthy and played last game for Hartford. He's a righty. McIlrath says he’s “hungry” to play. But no word yet whether he’s in.

AV says he needs more from Stepan and Brassard lines: "We need our top end players to play better. It's time to make a difference."

Vigneault reminds in French that Ranger's goal since start of season has been the Stanley Cup but right now must focus only on Pens.

Henrik Lundqvist said No damage to the eye, just swelling that made him uncomfortable for a bit. Says eyesight was blurry and couldn't focus after hit by stick in Game 1, immediately after being hit, he had about "20, 30 seconds where i had some really bad thoughts going through my head on what would happen to my eye." He was feeling better by the time he went to bed on Wednesday night. Lundqvist has a little black and blue over slightly swollen top of right eye. Lundqvist looked quick and normal in practice.

Practice Notes: Lundqvist leaves ill, McDonagh and Girardi skate (with limitations)

"The Neutral Zone" Staff Report

Here are some basic notes from the Rangers' morning skate this morning:

• Rangers head coach Alaimm Vigneault said on Monday that starting goaltender Henrik Lundqvist left practice early. Members of the team medical staff told him to leave and get some rest because he seemed ill. Lundqvist is expected to be better tomorrow, according to the Rangers' Twitter page.
• Vigneault said defenseman Ryan McDonagh is out with an upper-body injury and will not start in Game One against the Penguins on Wednesday. McDonagh skated in the practice session, but sources say that he did not grip the stick with his right hand.
• Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi did skate this morning, as Girardi has missed the past few games with an upper-body injury.

Dan Girardi fires away during #NYR practice today pic.twitter.com/3q6qjJ6scf

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) April 11, 2016

Stepan and Kreider talk it over at #NYR practice today pic.twitter.com/39R2nweMoW

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) April 11, 2016

THE LATEST ON RANGERS DEFENSEMAN DAN GIRARDI

Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi was evaluated last night after the hit from behind by trainer Jim Ramsay and the medical staff. Further evaluation will be done sometime today but no timetable was given. Coach Vigneault stated in post game press conference that Girardi was "shook" but everything looked good. Fellow teammates Henrik Lundqvist and Derek Stepan were not as optimistic stating the "It Was Not Good" and they hoped that the trauma to the head and neck was not too serious since Girardi would only go down like he did if the pain was extremely serious. Any further updates will be updated on this blog page once more information is available.

@RNYRF Staff Report

NEWS AND NOTES 12/14

NYR‬ optional practice today both Derek Stepan (ribs) and Kevin Klein (oblique) are skating while wearing non-contact jerseys.

Dan Girardi will not play tomorrow against the Oilers due to swelling in his knee. (NYR)
Girardi is considered day to day.

 The Rangers have placed Jarret Stoll on waivers. (Rishaug)
Stoll is on a one-year deal worth $800,000.
In 29 games this season Stoll has 1 goal, 2 assists, a plus three rating, 20 PIM, 26 shots on goal, 58 hits, 21 blocked shots, 6 giveaways, 6 takeaways and an average of 13:46 per game.
Stoll, 33, was winning 57.9% of his faceoffs and killing 1:56 per game on the PK.
He was a healthy scratch on Saturday against the Flames.
Sending Stoll to the minors would give the Ramgers $950,000 in cap space.

 Cam Talbot starting for Edmonton tonight, likely not going to play Rangers tomorrow