[Gotham Dark Knight]

New York Rangers
On the spot: GM Glen Sather

Greatest needs: Dependable second-line scoring, a legitimate top-two defenseman.

Did he fill them? With more than $6 million left to spend, it's likely Sather isn't finished reworking the roster, but his moves so far point to a Rangers team that will further improve on their turnaround season of 2005-06.

Sather smartly signed UFAs Brendan Shanahan and Matt Cullen to anchor the second line, and along with sophomore winger Petr Prucha, they should combine to take pressure off Jaromir Jagr's first unit. Shanahan may not repeat his 40-goal effort of last season, but he's a great leader and should propel an already potent power play into the top five. Cullen's better suited for the third line, but he impressed with his speed and tenacity during the Hurricanes' Stanley Cup run. Adam Hall, acquired from Nashville, might benefit from the change in scenery, but he'll make minimal impact on the fourth line.

Veteran defender Aaron Ward isn't a top-two guy, but the UFA signing adds stability to a relatively undistinguished crew of backliners. Karel Rachunek, who spent 12 games with the Blueshirts in 2003-04, returns after spending two years in Europe. He could slip into the top four. Neither are exactly what the Rangers needed, but Slats definitely improved on the mix.

Atlantic Division report card - NHL - Yahoo! Sports

So how do you rate the GM's off season moves? I like the fact they brought in Shanahan.

[mervinout]

i dont care how it didnt get screwed up but i got one favor to ask of the rangers. PLEASE DONT LET DOLAN TOUCH IT. ive had to deal with being a knick fan thats enough dont make it twice as worst

[MJHMarc]

As long as the Rangers have Jagr, I hear a good season coming their way!