Girardi hopes to shore up Rangers' blue line
The New York Rangers have come to terms with defenseman Dan Girardi. The 26 year-old Girardi filed for arbitration earlier this month, and the acceptance of the offer by the Rangers keeps Girardi from walking away a free agent.
Girardi grew up in Welland Ontario, and had a long junior hockey career, played entirely in the Ontario Hockey League. Going undrafted, Girardi started with the Barrie Colts, before moving to the Guelph Storm and finally ending up with the London Knights, where in 2005 he won an OHL championship and a Memorial Cup. Going undrafted Girardi was able to sign with the New York Rangers as a free agent.
His first season he spent between Rangers affiliates the Charlotte Checkers of the East Coast Hockey League and the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League. Girardi improved his game and the following season he was able to get some time with the Rangers, playing a total of 34 games with the big club. Having shown his worth as a defensive-defenseman Girardi spent all of next season playing for the Rangers. He recorded 28 points in 82 games and recorded a plus-minus of zero.
Over the next two seasons Girardi continued to be a rock at the back end, playing in all 82 games and recording over 20 points in both campaigns. In 280 NHL games Girardi has managed to tally 20 goals, and 60 assists for 80 points.
What this Means for the Rangers
Getting Girardi back for the Rangers was important. The blue liner was first on the team and sixth in the league in blocked shots, second on the team in hits, third on the team in plus-minus and logged over 20 minutes of ice-time a night. In addition Girardi has suited up for 280 straight contests, which currently stands as the ninth-longest streak in the NHL.
Girardi represents one half of the Rangers shut down pair along with young standout Marc Stall, and is a necessary component for them going forward. He is not a slick offensive player, but he manages to silence opponents' top scorers, while still notching respectable numbers for himself.
With a defensive core that is aging, and perhaps one of the worst in the NHL, retaining Girardi was a must for general manager Glen Sather. Going forward the Rangers have to expect that Girardi’s role with the franchise will grow. As Michael Rozsival and Wade Redden move towards retirement, and the only off-season addition to the back end being journey man defenseman Steve Eminger, Girardi will be looked upon to fill the void. Hanging onto Girardi also means that if Staal is lost to an offer sheet the Rangers still have half of their first unit.
What this Means for Girardi
For Girardi this gives him more time in a place where he has managed to be highly successful. He will certainly be hoping for Marc Staal to remain with the club, but regardless of the 22-year-old's decision, Girardi will be trusted upon as part of New York’s top pairing. The sheer volume of ice time should help a rugged Girardi improve his game. Being allowed to skate against the leagues top players as a shut down man should raise his profile around the NHL, as well as in the Rangers locker room, just in time for his next contract discussions.
Regardless of what happens the story of Girardi is a good one. Going from an undrafted over aged player with the London Knights to a staple for the New York Rangers certainly shows that perseverance for a tough defenceman can still open doors to the NHL.
Tags: