The New York Rangers have had a rollercoaster of a season, with highs and lows that have left fans and critics alike scratching their heads. With the NHL playoffs just around the corner, the team is looking to make some big moves to secure their spot in the postseason. And one move that could pay off big time is giving a former $20 million blue liner another shot at the NHL.
The player in question is none other than Dan Girardi, who spent 11 seasons with the Rangers before being bought out of his contract in 2017. Girardi was a key member of the team’s defense, known for his physicality and shot-blocking abilities. However, towards the end of his time with the Rangers, injuries and age caught up with him, leading to a decline in his performance.
But now, with the Rangers facing a desperate need for a solid defenseman, it’s time to consider bringing Girardi back into the fold. Here’s why the Rangers should seriously consider giving the former blue liner a shot at redemption.
First and foremost, Girardi knows the Rangers organization inside out. He spent over a decade with the team, becoming a fan favorite and earning the respect of his teammates and coaches. He knows the team’s systems, the coaching staff’s expectations, and the culture of the locker room. This familiarity could be a huge asset for the team, especially during a critical time in the season.
Moreover, Girardi’s experience and leadership could be invaluable for the young players on the team. The Rangers have a number of promising young defensemen, such as Adam Fox and Ryan Lindgren, who could benefit greatly from having a veteran like Girardi to learn from. His presence in the locker room could also help boost the team’s morale and confidence, which is crucial during the intense playoff race.
But perhaps the most compelling reason to give Girardi another shot is his recent performance with the Tampa Bay Lightning. After being bought out by the Rangers, Girardi signed with the Lightning and had a surprisingly strong season. He played in all 82 games and recorded 16 points, while also providing solid defensive play. This shows that Girardi still has what it takes to be a valuable asset to an NHL team, and the Rangers could certainly use his skills on their blue line.
Of course, there will be concerns about Girardi’s age and injury history. At 36 years old, he is not the young and agile defenseman he once was. But the Rangers have shown that they are willing to take on veteran players, such as Marc Staal and Henrik Lundqvist, who have proven to still be valuable contributors to the team. And with Girardi’s experience and determination, there’s no doubt that he will do everything in his power to stay healthy and contribute to the team’s success.
In addition, bringing Girardi back would not be a long-term commitment. The Rangers could sign him to a short-term contract, giving him a chance to prove himself and help the team in their playoff push. If he doesn’t perform up to expectations, the team can easily part ways with him without any major financial consequences.
Some may argue that the Rangers should focus on developing their young players and not rely on a veteran like Girardi. But with the team’s current defensive struggles, it’s clear that they need all the help they can get. And who better to provide that help than a familiar face who has proven his worth in the NHL?
In conclusion, the New York Rangers should seriously consider giving Dan Girardi another shot at the NHL. His experience, leadership, and recent performance with the Lightning make him a valuable asset to the team, especially during the crucial playoff race. And with the Rangers’ history of bringing back former players, it would be a fitting and potentially beneficial move for both the team and Girardi himself. Let’s hope the Rangers take this opportunity and give Girardi the chance to prove that he still has what it takes to be a top defenseman in the NHL.