No Surprise Gomez is Gone
Center didn't fit into Tortorella's style
Posted on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 7:27 PMGlen Sather dropped the first shoe and it has Chris Higgins name on it.
Expect another shoe to drop any moment – if it hasn't already – but whose name will be on it?
Anything trade-wise – or free agent-wise – is possible in the wake of the six-man, New York-Montreal deal that sent Scott Gomez to the Canadiens in exchange for Higgins, who will fulfill the Rangers goal-scoring needs; at least partially.
"Higgins is a goal-scorer," says Sather, who completed the deal at 3 p.m. on Tuesday. "The deal gives us quite a few options for Wednesday."
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO SATHER'S FULL CONFERENCE CALL ABOUT THE TRADE
In addition to Higgins, a Smithtown, Long Island native, New York obtained two defense prospects, Pavel Valentenko and Ryan McDonagh. In return, the Habs received defenseman Mike Busto and forward Tom Pyatt.
"Pavel and Ryan are two good prospects," adds Sather, who indicated that both have NHL potential.
Although Sather offered nothing but niceties about Gomez – "He's a very good player and real good guy." – Gomez in no way, shape or form fitted into the John Tortorella mold.
When the Rangers coach unequivocally stated on Monday that the team he inherited was too "soft," the implication was that Gomer was part of the "softness."
Another off-the-record remark by Tortorella a few weeks ago indicated a displeasure with Gomez's game during John's short tenure behind the Blueshirts' bench.
By unloading Scotty's fat contract, Sather enables himself to make an assortment of moves.
"We're not up against the (Salary) Cap," says the Rangers' boss, "but I'm not sure what will happen (in the next day or three.) What I do know is that shortly after the (Gomez) trade, I got three calls (from general managers.) This much I know, and that is that a team can't stay pat every year."
Sather allows that he needed more than one season to evaluate Scotty's ability to improve the Rangers. During the 2008-09 season, it became apparent that Gomer appeared on a treadmill to Rangers oblivion, although his skills as a skater, puck-carrier and creative center remained intact.
What was difficult to discern was his relationship to deposed coach Tom Renney.
After his departure, Renney obliquely linked Gomez to the club's lack of leadership, and there were insiders who suggested that Scotty hardly was Tom's biggest booster.
While Gomez uttered cheery homilies about Tortorella when John took command, it was Torts whose enthusiasm about Gomez plummeted after the Blueshirts were ousted in the opening playoff round.
Torts on Monday criticized the club's lack of stamina in a series that featured a three-games-to-one Rangers lead that dissipated at the end and culminated with the Capitals annexing the series. It would surprise no one if Gomer was one of the players the coach had in mind.
Higgins, who brings a peripatetic, gung-ho style of offense, says he's well aware of the Tortorella style and embraces it.
"I like to be moving throughout my shift," said Chris, "and I pride myself on my work ethic. The coach wants a team that doesn't take its foot off the gas pedal and I like that."
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO HIGGINS' FULL CONFERENCE CALL ABOUT THE TRADE
The newest Ranger admits that he was bogged down with injuries last season, starting with groin problem in training camp and a shoulder injury in mid-season.
"It took out a good chunk of my year," he goes on, "but I'll be in good shape at training camp."
Ironically, Higgins admits that although he grew up on Long Island, he rooted for the Canadiens.
"When the Rangers won the Stanley Cup in 1994," Chris recalls, "I had to hear it from all my friends who were Rangers fans.
"Right now, I'm absolutely thrilled to be a Ranger. I'm used to the pressure. In Montreal, it was unparalleled and I went through four years of it."
Next on the agenda is Sather's second major move which, he clearly indicates, could be only a phone call away; if it hasn't happened already.
This much is certain: the Scott Gomez Era ended on a disappointing note.
We'll know soon enough who will be part of the Rangers Era, circa 2009-2010.
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