Rangers president and general manager Glen Sather announced today that the club has signed goaltender Matt Zaba to a contract extension. Zaba, 24, appeared in 28 games with the Charlotte Checkers and Idaho Steelheads of the East Coast Hockey League…

What, did you think you were reading an apocalypse blog? Rather, tomorrow is the first day of free agency and given the bevy of signings over the past couple years within the first few hours, tomorrow should be interesting.

Like last year, I will be sitting in a room (since I coincidentally have this week off from work) with my XM radio, Mac Powerbook, and NHL Network on to bring everyone the latest updates.

Early on, I get the sense that it will be a hit or miss off-season for the Rangers. One where we will either see a wind of total change, or merely a couple small moves. Much will hinge upon Jaromir Jagr, who I still believe will re-sign.

Many rumormongers out there have different percentages of liklihoods etc. so I am going to throw a few names out there and where they stand in the Rangers plans. I will start with the forwards and put in the D later.

Jagr: I feel he is 80% back to the Rangers, with a 10% chance of Pittsburgh and 10% chance of Russia.

Sundin: 50% to the Rangers. 25% to the Canadiens. 25% to Toronto. In my heart I don’t see him going to Toronto’s rival, nor do I see him really going to the Rangers. However, the reports have said otherwise. My gut is telling me he stays in Toronto.

Hossa: He’s a tough cookie. You hear a ton of news about him, but no sense as to where he’s really going to go. I could see him following the $ so long as the team is somewhat competitive. I am going to give the Rangers a 20% chance, particularly if they don’t re-sign Jagr. I am also going to say 20% to Pittsburgh. 20% to Philadelphia. 20% to Ottawa. 20% to Montreal. Did I cast a wide enough net?

Avery: Sean hasn’t realized you don’t mess with Sather. I still believe he will re-sign, particularly since Darcy Tucker is now on the market. I think Avery is 60% to the Rangers. 20% to San Jose. 20% to Chicago.

Tucker: Much of this will hinge on Avery, but I could see this happening. 20% to the Rangers. 40% to Boston. 20% to Buffalo. 20% to Pittsburgh.

Naslund: More should be spoken about him. At 33, he should have another 4 good years left. I think a change of scenery would do him good. I could see him coming to the Rangers for $4 million per, he almost did after the lockout. 40% to the Rangers. 40% to stay with Vancouver. 20% to Detroit.

More to come…

New York Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather announced today that the club has signed goaltender Matt Zaba to a contract extension.

Matt Zaba

Zaba,…

If you’re reading what all the New York Rangers beat writers are saying, you’ve probably heard that the team could look very different when they hit the ice next season.

If you’re reading what all the New York Rangers beat writers are saying, you’ve probably heard that the team could look very different when they hit the ice next season.

Jaromir Jagr wants two years at top dollar. The Rangers are offering one year on a bonus-based contract. Each is grounded in the logic of hockey economics, but it likely means that Jagr won’t be on Broadway next season.

Rangers 2007 7th Round Selection David Skokan works out at the training facility during Prospect Camp.

By BRETT CYRGALIS Can’t say this was too unexpected, but it was reported on the team’s website that Marty Straka has decided to return to his native Czech Republic to be both player and sports director for his former club,…