He said the Rangers “had a lot of balls in the air” the last two days, but that they weren’t in on the bidding for Marian Hossa, who signed for 12 years with Chicago.
On Gaborik putting up those stats under Jacqes Lemaire’s stifling system:
“Gaborik played under that system and had almost a point a game. It’ll be interesting to see how he does under Tortorella’s system … an up-tempo, speed game. This guy fits that bill to a ‘T’.”
Said that the Rangers sent a scout to Slovakia, to Gaborik’s house with a video tape. He said Rangers doctors have been in touch with Gaborik’s surgeons, and that the hip surgery he had last season is the same that Michal Rozsival had, and that Mario Lemieux once had. So he’s not concerned at all about the hip (or related groin injuries).
He pointed out that the dollars and term of the Gaborik deal were the same as Dany Heatley’s contract, but the Rangers didn’t have to give up anything else to get him.
Asked where Gaborik stands among the elite forwards in the NHL:
“He’s certainly in the top 10. He’s an exciting guy to watch play. He can skate. He’s a great player and he’s young.”
On worries about putting Brashear in the Rangers’ lockerroom:
“I think our players will be excited to have him in the room. They know he’s going to be the man.”
He said he thinks Brashear is quicker to the puck than Orr, and that he will be a better fit for Tortorella’s puck-pressure system.
Sather also said that he thinks Dubinsky could be a No. 1 center, but that he will still be looking to add players, maybe as soon as tomorrow. He is also confident he has enough cap space left to sign Dubinsky, Callahan, and even Nik Zherdev; and to ward off any potential—albeit unlikely—offer sheets to any of his restricted free agents.
I don't think Minnesota's system held him back, if you watch any of their games, he had free reign to do whatever he wanted, which many times including cherry-picking. The system actually worked to his advantage.
I don't wanna make too much of those comments but if you were gonna read between the lines it seems like he's trying to land a #1 center. Obviously there's really no point in landing another center unless he's a #1 guy who can center Gaborik. We already have enough centers as it is so it must be a player capable of being a true #1 imo.
My guess as to who those "balls" that are still in the air is Lecavlier, Richards and/or Horton. They were rumored to be available.
Originally posted by messaround: Your balls are in the air when your head is lodged up your a$$.
haha yeah Who uses the terms 'balls in the air' I thought... a juggling clown....'roll up roll up' two for one on Brashear jersey's this month..... oh wait a minute...... ;>
Again..now I know i'm looking into things too much lol but Torts was just on 1050 ESPN radio and he said he wants a lefty center to play with Gaborik. Interesting because even though he could have been talking about Dubi...Lecavalier and Richards (not Horton) are both lefties and former Torts players.
You would think if he has his heart set on Dubi playing on the same line as Gaborik he would have just said it. Obviously Dubi or Drury will play with Gaborik if we stay put and Drury is a righty. Something is in the works, I really think there is. Whether it actually happens or not is a different story but I think they're trying for Vinny or Richards.
community.msgnetwork.com 
a juggling clown....'roll up roll up' two for one on Brashear jersey's this month.....
