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Mailbag: Excitement and Redden

by Adam Rotter on August 22nd, 2009 at 12:00 pm

Remember to keep sending in questions, if I don’t respond to you personally, most likely I am saving the question for this sort of mailbag. Adamrotter@gmail.com, keep sending them.

Chris H: What are your expectations for Wade Redden this season? Is there any chance that he does better?

Adam Rotter: In the case of Wade Redden, if he was making three million instead of six million, no one would have a problem with him. But he isn’t and because of his salary, he is always in the line of fire for Rangers fans. Redden is a solid player who is paid to be a star, but just because his salary is high, doesn’t mean Redden will turn into Brian Leetch. Redden isn’t what he was when he was partnered with Zdeno Chara in Ottawa, but he has a big role with the Rangers and should improve with a full season under John Tortorella. Redden had three goals and 23 assists last season but with a more-uptempo system from Tortorella and better players around him, Redden’s numbers should go up, hopefully to around 40 or so points.

Josh B: Which Ranger are you most excited to see this season?

Adam Rotter: Well besides Wade Redden, it has to be Marian Gaborik. The guy is a legitimate sniper and, if healthy, could give the Rangers the type of play that Jaromir Jagr did in 2005-06. That is lofty expectation but if Gaborik can stay healthy enough, he will be special. I am also very excited to see Christopher Higgins and to see what Enver Lisin has. He is someone, who more than other players, will have to really earn his ice time and if he plays well enough to warrant a lot of ice time, the Rangers may have gotten a steal. But again, that is lofty expectation.
  • Twin-G

    I may be of the minority opinion, but I thought Wedden may have been the steadiest of our “D” in the Playoffs. He does remind me of Dave Maloney late in his career; Redden needs to develop more upper body strength so he doesn’t get knocked off the puck so easily. I would think after adjusting to NY he should have a better year in 2009-10.

  • JR

    I think it wishful thinking on our parts, Redden stinks!

  • myself

    Redden needs to make a serious commitment to improving. Hopefully people are not still making excuses for him at Christmas time.

    I have to agree that to date Redden is a huge letdown, never mind his salary and cap hit. He looks like my grandfather out there (If I had one).

  • goonsquad

    anyone as worried as i am about the olympics this yr? we saw what it did to this team a few years back

  • blay28

    the only good thing about redden is he only has a couple years left on his contract i believe so he should more “moveable” as the days go by ….i also am very high on Lisin and expect big things from him if he’s given the chance (which is all on him whether he does or doesnt) ….i just cant wait for the first preseason game even i wanna see gaborik wearin that rangers sweater …. im also really looking forward to seein Grachev out there and Del Zotto as well ….the olympics do kind of bother me i hate how its in season but every team has to go through it .. my biggest worry going into the season is the 3rd defensive pairing and gaboriks health