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New York Rangers Review: Blueshirts Aim To Add Scoring Punch

By Ed Valentine
Mar 27, 2012; St. Paul, MN, USA; New York Rangers head coach John Tortorella during the second period against the Minnesota Wild at the Xcel Energy Center. The Rangers deafeated the Wild 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-US PRESSWIRE
Mar 27, 2012; St. Paul, MN, USA; New York Rangers head coach John Tortorella during the second period against the Minnesota Wild at the Xcel Energy Center. The Rangers deafeated the Wild 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-US PRESSWIRE

The New York Rangers have to sit home and watch as the New Jersey Devils and Los Angeles Kings meet in the NHL Stanley Cup Finals. After being ousted by the Devils in the Eastern Conference Finals the Rangers are planning for the 2012-2013 season.

Coach John Tortorella says his team still needs more weapons offensively. From WFAN:

"I think we have made improvements but I don’t think any organization in the league wants to sit still," coach John Tortorella said. "We have to continue to improve as an organization, not just skill but all throughout."

The Rangers have $49.1 million in player salaries earmarked for next season. With the salary cap expected to max out around $76 million and the organization’s usual willingness to spend, it would be no surprise if New York made a run at unrestricted free agent stars Zach Parise of New Jersey and Ryan Suter of Nashville.

"Sometimes when you think it’s a really good piece but he doesn’t exactly fit in all the little things you do, you can teach him those things if he really brings you something else," Tortorella said. "We have to work extremely hard to score goals. Along the way if there’s something that can help, you find a way to teach your concept (to a player and) allow some talent to let (him) work for you."

The Daily News also speculates that Rick Nash of the Columbus Blue Jackets could be a potential trade target.