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
New York Rangers General Manager Jeff Gorton announced today that the team has named Jed Ortmeyer as Director of Player Development, Steve Eminger as a Professional Scout, and Ben Prentiss as Strength and Conditioning Consultant.
In his role, Ortmeyer, 38, will work with the hockey operations department, along with Adam Graves, overseeing the development of Rangers prospects, both on and off the ice. Ortmeyer will work with Rangers prospects who have yet to begin their professional hockey careers, as well as players with the Rangers' American Hockey League affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, to further enhance their progression.
Ortmeyer played 11 seasons of professional hockey during his career, including parts of eight seasons in the NHL (2003-04 - 2011-12). In 345 career NHL games with the Rangers, Nashville, San Jose, and Minnesota, he registered 22 goals and 31 assists for 53 points, along with 161 penalty minutes. Ortmeyer also skated in 17 career NHL playoff contests, recording two points (one goal, one assist) and six penalty minutes. A native of Omaha, Nebraska, Ortmeyer became the second Nebraska native to play in the NHL. He was one of three finalists for the Bill Masterton Trophy in 2009-10, which is awarded annually to the NHL player who "best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey."
Ortmeyer played three seasons with the Rangers (2003-04 - 2006-07) after he signed with the team as an undrafted free agent on May 10, 2003. In 177 games with the Blueshirts, Ortmeyer recorded 24 points (nine goals, 15 assists), along with 76 penalty minutes. In addition, he helped the Rangers advance to the playoffs in two of his three seasons with the team. A fan-favorite during his tenure in New York, Ortmeyer was twice named the winner of the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award (2003-04 and 2006-07), which is given annually to the Ranger who, as chosen by the fans, "goes above and beyond the call of duty." In 2005-06, Ortmeyer was a co-recipient of the Players' Player Award, which is given annually to the Ranger who, as selected by his teammates, "best exemplifies what it means to be a team player." In addition, Ortmeyer was selected as the Rangers' nominee for the Bill Masterton Trophy in 2006-07.
Prior to beginning his professional career, Ortmeyer played four seasons of collegiate hockey at the University of Michigan (1999-00 - 2002-03). He served as the team's captain for the final two seasons of his collegiate career. During his senior year, Ortmeyer helped Michigan win the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) Championship, and he was named the Most Valuable Player of the CCHA Tournament. In addition, Ortmeyer played with the Omaha Lancers of the United States Hockey League (USHL) for two seasons (1997-98 and 1998-99), and he helped Omaha win the Clark Cup in 1997-98.
Eminger, 33, joins the Rangers organization after playing 14 seasons of professional hockey, including parts of 10 seasons in the NHL (2002-03 - 2012-13). In his role, Eminger is responsible for covering professional games in the NHL, as well as minor league games at the professional level throughout the United States and Canada.
In 488 career NHL games with the Rangers, Washington, Philadelphia, Tampa Bay, Florida, and Anaheim, Eminger registered 19 goals and 80 assists for 99 points, along with 359 penalty minutes. He also skated in 20 career NHL playoff contests, registering three points (one goal, two assists), along with a plus-three rating and six penalty minutes.
The Woodbridge, Ontario, native played three seasons with the Rangers (2010-11 - 2012-13). In 142 games with the Blueshirts, Eminger recorded 14 points (four goals, 10 assists), along with a plus-four rating and 58 penalty minutes. He helped the Rangers advance to the playoffs in every season during his tenure in New York, and he also helped the Rangers finish in first place in the Atlantic Division and the Eastern Conference during the regular season in 2011-12.
Eminger was a member of several championship teams during his playing career. In his final season of professional hockey in 2015-16, Eminger helped the Lake Erie Monsters win the Calder Cup as AHL Champions. In addition, he helped the Kitchener Rangers win the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Championship and Memorial Cup in 2002-03.
In his role, Prentiss will use his expertise to help develop and execute training programs for Rangers players and prospects, both on the ice and off the ice. Prentiss is the founder of Prentiss Hockey Performance (PHP), and he has worked with professional and Olympic hockey players for two decades.
Since he began working with professional athletes after opening PHP, Prentiss has trained several of the NHL's top players. Martin St. Louis, Brad Richards, and Chris Kreider are among the current and former NHL players Prentiss has trained. Prentiss is among a select group of trainers who have earned "Level 5 certification", as he has trained a medalist at the international level. In addition, Prentiss has served as the Director of Hockey Performance for Boston University's hockey program.
New York Rangers General Manager Jeff Gorton announced today that the team has agreed to terms with forward Matt Puempel on a new contract.
Puempel, 24, split this past season between the Rangers and Ottawa Senators, registering six goals and three assists for nine points, along with 11 penalty minutes in 40 games. He skated in 27 games with the Rangers after he was claimed off waivers from Ottawa on November 21, 2016, recording nine points (six goals, three assists) and four penalty minutes in those contests. Puempel ranked third on the Rangers in goals per 60 minutes of ice time (1.31) and tied for sixth on the team in goals per game (0.22) in 2016-17.
The 6-1, 205-pounder registered his first goal/point as a Ranger while making his debut with the team on November 25, 2016 at Philadelphia. He recorded his first career NHL hat trick on December 29, 2016 at Arizona, and he became the first Ranger to tally three power play goals in one game since Mike Gartner on January 31, 1994. Puempel also recorded eight points (five goals, three assists) in his final 19 regular season games in 2016-17.
Puempel has skated in 79 career NHL games over parts of three seasons with the Rangers and Ottawa (2014-15 - 2016-17), registering 10 goals and five assists for 15 points, along with 28 penalty minutes. Puempel made his NHL debut on February 21, 2015 vs. Florida and registered his first career NHL goal/point on March 10, 2015 vs. Boston.
The Windsor, Ontario, native was selected by Ottawa in the first round, 24th overall, of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.
In 1994, the Rangers won their fourth Stanley Cup and their first in 54 years. The Blueshirts won two seven-game thrillers over New Jersey in the Eastern Conference Finals and Vancouver in the Stanley Cup Finals. Brian Leetch won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the postseason MVP. Captain Mark Messier accepted the Stanley Cup from commissioner Gary Bettman in one of the most emotional championship celebrations in NHL history.
Here is a summary look back at the Blueshirts' 1994 playoff run:
Totals Games: 23
Record: 16-7
Goals Scored: 81
Goals Against: 50
Defeated: N.Y. Islanders, Washington, New Jersey, Vancouver
Leading scorer: Brian Leetch, 34 points (team record)
Most goals: Mark Messier, 12 (team record)
Goaltenders: Mike Richter (started 23 games); Glenn Healy (appeared in two games)
GAME-BY-GAME RESULTS:
Eastern Conference Quarterfinals: Rangers vs. N.Y. Islanders
1 Apr. 17 Islanders 6-0 W
2 Apr. 18 Islanders 6-0 W
3 Apr. 21 at Islanders 5-1 W
4 Apr. 24 at Islanders 5-2 W
Eastern Conference Semifinals: Rangers vs. Washington Capitals
1 May 1 Washington 6-3 W
2 May 3 Washington 5-2 W
3 May 5 at Washington 3-0 W
4 May 7 at Washington 2-4 L
5 May 9 Washington 4-3 W
Eastern Conference Finals: Rangers vs. New Jersey Devils
1 May 15 New Jersey 3-4 L(2OT)
2 May 17 New Jersey 4-0 W
3 May 19 at New Jersey 3-2 W (2OT, won by Stephane Matteau at 6:13 of second overtime)
4 May 21 at New Jersey 1-3 L
5 May 23 New Jersey 1-4 L
6 May 25 at New Jersey 4-2 W
7 May 27 New Jersey 2-1 W (2OT, won by Stephane Matteau at 4:24 of second overtime)
Stanley Cup Finals: Rangers vs. Vancouver Canucks
1 May 31 Vancouver 2-3 L (OT)
2 June 2 Vancouver 3-1 W
3 June 4 at Vancouver 5-1 W
4 June 7 at Vancouver 4-2 W
5 June 9 Vancouver 3-6 L
6 June 11 at Vancouver 1-4 L
7 June 14 Vancouver 3-2 W
By New York Rangers PR
The New York Rangers announced their 2017 pre-season schedule today. During the course of the pre-season, the Blueshirts will play three games at Madison Square Garden and six contests in nine days. The start time for all three games at MSG is 7:00 p.m.
The Rangers will play against three Metropolitan Division opponents during the pre-season: New Jersey, the NY Islanders, and Philadelphia. The Blueshirts will begin the pre-season at MSG on Monday, September 18 against the Islanders and will play their second game of the pre-season on Wednesday, September 20 against New Jersey at MSG.
Following their first two games, the Rangers will face the Islanders on Friday, September 22 at Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport, Connecticut, which is the home arena of the Islanders' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. The Rangers will face the Devils the following night, Saturday, September 23, at Prudential Center.
The Blueshirts conclude the pre-season with a back-to-back set against Philadelphia. The two teams face each other on Monday, September 25 at MSG and on Tuesday, September 26 at Wells Fargo Center.
2017 Pre-Season Schedule:
Monday, September 18 vs. NY Islanders
Madison Square Garden
7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 20 vs. New Jersey
Madison Square Garden
7:00 p.m.
Friday, September 22 at NY Islanders
Webster Bank Arena*
7:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 23 at New Jersey
Prudential Center
7:00 p.m.
Monday, September 25 vs. Philadelphia
Madison Square Garden
7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, September 26 at Philadelphia
Wells Fargo Center
7:00 p.m.
*in Bridgeport, CT
***All Times Are Eastern Standard Time
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.
NYR Alumni Birthdays 6/1
Mike Dunham G (2002-2004) Michal Grosek LW (200-2002) Leo Reise SR D (1929-1930) Ron Talakowski RW (1986-1988)
Today in NYR History June 1
2000: Glen Sather is hired as the 12th President and 10th General Manager in Rangers history.
