After an odd and somewhat prolonged courtship for a player seeking a one-year deal, the Rangers and free agent center Mike Peca have gone their separate ways.
According to Don Meehan, Peca's agent, he was trying to conclude a deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight after speaking with Rangers GM Glen Sather.
"The Rangers are out on Peca," Meehan said in a phone interview a few moments ago. "I spoke with Glen and we both decided to go our own ways."
The Rangers decided not to make an offer, with Sather and coach Tom Renney feeling it was best "to give our young guys a chance," a Rangers spokesman said.
Peca, 33, had been in New York for a physical and interviews with Rangers brass, and it appeared a deal was close with the former Islander and Sabre in the $1 million to $1.5 million range.
But Meehan said Sather was taking too long to make up his mind and got impatient, as did Peca, who played just 35 games last season after breaking his right leg in late December.
If healthy, Peca could have helped the Rangers with his defensive and faceoff skills.
Instead it appears, Brandon Dubinsky or another youngster could win a job in camp.
More on that in a few minutes....
Comments (11)
really smart go into the season with a question mark at third line center and a garbage defense core. Really smart we are really ready to win a cup.
I knew this @ 6:41 tonite. Check my post earlier. LOL
Hamilton here ya come!
Ranger Fans Suck!!
we can with the Cup without Mike Peca, no big loss here
terrible decision here. i think peca would have been perfect for third line center . now we have question marks with dubinksy and armensev.
How's about in 94 when they went into the season with super young Sergei Zubov?
I'm fine with it. Gives a youngster a chance.
Good move Peca's career pretty much was ended five years ago by Tucker everyone knew he was done, but Peca. Glad to see them giving young players with upside a chance.
Good move Peca's career pretty much was ended five years ago by Tucker everyone knew he was done, but Peca. Glad to see them giving young players with upside a chance.
It really seems like Sather has learned his lesson. Pre-lockout Sather would have signed Peca in a heartbeat, old age and injury history be damned, he's Michael Peca, a "star". Smart, very smart non-move by Slats.
Butch: that "garbage" defense you talk about was 2nd in goals against in the east.
And really, why bother with a washed up veteran with a history of injuries ??
Hey Cap'n Ego-
Where are you now?