Souray or not?

[#96 0]

From EJ Hradek:

The Souray Chase posted: Friday, July 6, 2007

We're five days into free agency and just about every worthwhile player is off the market.

Well, just about every worthwhile player. Of the players left on the market, the guy that I've been getting the most questions about is defenseman Sheldon Souray.

Last season, in Montreal, Souray's heavy shot made him a force on the power play. He established a record for power-play goals scored by a defenseman in a single season, netting 19 for the Habs. Souray broke the old mark, held by Denis Potvin (Islanders, 1974-95) and Adrian Aucoin (Canucks, '98-99) who each had 18 PPGs.

Most figured that Souray would be long off the market by now. But, for some reason, he remains available for all 30 clubs.

After talking with a couple of sources with some knowledge of the situation, I get the sense that Souray could be headed for New York to join the Rangers. That scenario makes sense for five reasons (that I can think of).

First, the Rangers figure to add another experienced defenseman.

Second, the Rangers don't have a dangerous offensive presence on their blue line.

Third, the Rangers could deal a roster player (Matt Cullen?) and/or offer less money to their own UFA Brendan Shanahan to create the cap space for another major addition.

Fourth, Souray might be waiting to sign with the Rangers to allow them to pursue a deal to create cap space. By waiting, Souray would allow his future team to make a deal with full leverage. If a club knew the Rangers had to make a deal for cap purposes, that club might offer less in return.

Fifth, Rangers GM Glen Sather has a good relationship with Souray's agent, Paul Theofanous.

Will this scenario play out? At this point, Souray's future plans remain a bit of a guessing game. And, as the Oilers found out, there are no certainties until a player signs a contract. Until he does sign his autograph on the dotted line, Souray remains a free agent. And, until then, we'll keep trying to figure out where he's going.

By E. J. Hradek via ESPN Insider

[RadioGaGa 162]

Edmonton ---> http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=213373&hubname=

I s'pose this can be moved into "Transactions" now.