Dan Girardi bought out by Rangers, thanks team for opportunities

New York Rangers General Manager Jeff Gorton announced today that the team will buy out the contract of defenseman Dan Girardi.

"Dan's contributions to the New York Rangers organization have been immeasurable," Rangers President Glen Sather said. "He has been a role model through his relentless determination, giving everything he had to this organization both on and off the ice. He, Pam, Landon, and Shaye will always be a part of the Rangers family."

"I would like to thank Dan for everything he has given of himself to the Rangers over 11 seasons," Gorton said. "He has been one of the key contributors to our success over the past decade. We have the utmost respect for Dan and wish him all the best going forward."

Girardi, 33, skated in 788 career games with the Rangers, registering 46 goals and 184 assists for 230 points, along with a plus-54 rating and 275 penalty minutes. He ranks ninth on the Rangers' all-time games played list, and he ranks fifth among Blueshirts defensemen in career games played, only trailing Harry Howell, Brian Leetch, Ron Greschner, and Jim Neilson. In addition, Girardi, who was signed by the Rangers as an undrafted free agent on July 1, 2006, appeared in more games with the Blueshirts than any other undrafted player in franchise history (among players who were eligible to be selected since the NHL Draft was implemented in 1963).

The Welland, Ontario, native helped the Rangers advance to the playoffs 10 times during his 11 seasons with the franchise (2006-07 - 2008-09; 2010-11 - 2016-17), including a trip to the Stanley Cup Final during the 2013-14 season. In addition, Girardi helped the Rangers finish in first place in their division twice during the regular season (Atlantic Division - 2011-12; Metropolitan Division - 2014-15) and finish with the best record in the NHL during the regular season in 2014-15, as the Blueshirts established single-season franchise records with 53 wins and 113 points. Girardi represented the Rangers at the 2012 NHL All-Star Game and finished sixth in voting for the Norris Trophy as the NHL's best defenseman in 2011-12. He led the league in blocked shots in 2010-11 and 2012-13, and he established career-highs in blocked shots (236), assists (27), and points (31) during the 2010-11 season. In addition, Girardi served as one of the Rangers' alternate captains since the start of the 2011-12 season.

The 6-1, 212-pounder skated in 788 of 820 regular season games the Rangers played from the time he made his NHL debut on Jan. 27, 2007 through the end of the 2016-17 regular season (96.1%), including 651 of 656 regular season games the team played from Jan. 27, 2007 through the end of the 2014-15 regular season (99.2%). Girardi has skated in at least 80 games in seven seasons in his career, and he has played all 82 games of a season five times. Since the NHL implemented an 82-game schedule in 1995-96, Girardi and Brian Leetch are the only Rangers who have played all 82 games in five different seasons. Since he made his NHL debut, Girardi leads the NHL in blocked shots (1,691) and ranks fourth among NHL defensemen in games played (788).

Girardi skated in 122 career playoff games with the Rangers, registering six goals and 27 assists for 33 points, along with 36 penalty minutes. He is the franchise's all-time leader in playoff games played (among skaters) and only trails Henrik Lundqvist (128) in career playoff appearances by a Ranger. Girardi also holds the franchise record (among skaters) in consecutive playoff games, as he skated in 109 consecutive playoff games with the Rangers from his NHL playoff debut in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against Atlanta in 2007 to Game 1 of the First Round against Pittsburgh in 2016. Girardi's 27 career playoff assists and 33 career playoff points rank fifth among Rangers defensemen in franchise history. Girardi registered three game-winning goals during the 2012 Playoffs, including one in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals vs. Ottawa on April 26, 2012, and his three game-winning goals were tied for the fourth-most a Ranger has recorded in one playoff year in franchise history. Girardi led the NHL in blocked shots (67) and led NHL defensemen in hits (80) during the 2014 Playoffs while helping the Rangers advance to the Stanley Cup Final.

During his tenure with the Rangers, Girardi received several team and league awards and nominations. He was the Rangers' nominee twice for the Bill Masterton Trophy (2011-12 and 2016-17), which is awarded annually to the NHL player who "best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey." Girardi received the John Halligan Good Guy Award in 2012-13 for his cooperation with the media, and he was named the Rangers Fan Club Rookie of the Year in 2006-07.

A MESSAGE FROM DAN GIRARDI

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the New York Rangers organization for giving me the opportunity to fulfill my childhood dream of playing in the National Hockey League. I would also like to thank James Dolan, Glen Sather, Jim Schoenfeld, Jeff Gorton, John Rosasco, Jason Vogel, all of the coaches and front office staff, Jim Ramsay and his amazing training staff, the equipment staff, and all the Madison Square Garden employees for making my past 11 years so special.

I have spent one-third of my life as a New Yorker and as a New York Ranger. New York will always be our second home. I started my family here, got married to my wife Pam, and had our two children, Landon and Shaye. We have been fortunate to meet so many great people and our kids have made so many friends.

I also wanted to thank all of the Blueshirt faithful. You are one of the best and most passionate fan bases in the NHL. I appreciate your support over the years.

I poured my heart and soul into this team for the past 11 seasons and I enjoyed every minute of it. I want to acknowledge that the Rangers are a first class organization who have always treated our players in a first class fashion. My family and I are most grateful for the way we have been treated during our stay in New York. 

Lastly, I want to acknowledge how great it has been to play alongside all of my teammates, including some Hall of Famers, for the past 11 years. I am going to miss all of the friends I have made along the way, but my family and I are looking forward to the next chapter in our lives. I wish the Rangers good luck and success in the future.

Sincerely,
Dan

Girardi credits roots for work ethic

By Chris Lomon/NHLPA

The more the dishes piled up, the calmer Dan Girardi became. Even during the busiest moments in the restaurant, the boss knew he could always count on the unflappable teenager.

You’ll find Kimono’s Chinese Buffet and Restaurant at 440 Niagara Street in Welland, the southern Ontario city of roughly 50,000 people, and home of New York Rangers defenceman Girardi.

Kimono’s was where the veteran of nearly 800 NHL regular season games worked part-time for four years, where he was tasked with scrubbing pots, pans, dishes and cutlery.

From the moment his shift started until the last customers left, Girardi was kept busy, expected to keep up the pace as the dishes were brought to the kitchen.

And that’s just what he did – without complaint – every night he worked.

“Being a dishwasher taught me to be a hard worker,” noted Girardi. “It taught me to plan and figure out the best way to get things done quickly. I had a great boss at Kimono’s named Dave who pushed me to be a great worker.”

It was a trait that crossed over to a hockey career that saw Girardi lace up his skates for three Ontario Hockey League teams: Barrie, Guelph and London.

In spite of his consistent play and ability to contribute at both ends of the ice, Girardi, who was eligible for the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, didn’t hear his name called.

Although disappointed, he remained undaunted. Girardi reached out to several NHL teams, including the Rangers, looking to get a tryout.

After stops in the East Coast Hockey League and American Hockey League between 2005-07, Girardi was called up by the Original Six squad on January 27, 2007.

It’s where he’s been ever since.

To this day, the 32-year-old points to the place he calls home as a major factor behind his NHL success story.

“Growing up in Welland shaped me to be an honest, hard-working man,” said Girardi. “It’s a close-knit community that always puts family first and that's how I approach my life with my family now. I loved growing up in Welland playing hockey with all my friends. I always had family close by cheering me on. I always like coming back home in the summer and driving through Welland and reliving some great memories from my childhood.”

Those recollections include the place where he learned the value of hard work.

“When it was a busy dinner, you had to have a great ethic so you could keep up and not get behind,” said Girardi.

Something he’s also managed to do, with great success, at hockey’s highest level.

Rangers acquire D Brendan Smith from Detroit

The New York Rangers acquired defenseman Brendan Smith from the Detroit Red Wings for  tw draft picks on Tuesday.

Smith has recorded two goals and three assists in 33 games played in 2016-17.

The Rangers also announced that defenseman Dan Girardi will be sidelined with an ankle injury for 10 days to two weeks.

In a corresponding move to Girardi’s injury, the Rangers recalled Steven Kampfer from their AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack.

Injury Notebook: 2016 Playoffs Round 1 Edition

"The Neutral Zone" Staff Report

Dan Girardi participates in the Rangers morning
practice on Monday, April 11, 2016. (@NYRangers)

McDonagh not ready to face Penguins, Girardi may be: The New York Rangers are down two defenseman, Dan Girardi and Ryan McDonagh,

Both defenseman practiced on Monday, and it seemed as if Girardi was recovering from his injury rather quickly.

Athough both players practiced, both left the ice before the formal practice begun.

"[McDonagh] is definitely not going to start (the series)," Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault said after practice Monday. "He is day-to-day."

McDonagh did skating drills, but never took shots before practice while wearing a no-contact jersey.


"We obviously want him back as soon as we can," defenseman Marc Staal said about McDonagh. "Anytime you are going into a game without your captain, you need other guys to step up and play well. That is what we will try to do."

Girardi skated before practice and was scheduled to skate after practice, according to Vigneault.

Forwards Eric Staal, Mats Zuccarello (lower body) and Viktor Stalberg (lower body) were full participants in practice Monday. Staal had a scary incident after colliding with his teammate Jesper Fast in the Rangers' regular season finale against the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday, while Zuccarelo and Stalerg missed the games with their respetive injuries.

"Everybody was there, everybody is good to go," Vigneault said.

Seguin's status for Game One still uncertain: Dallas Stars forward Tyler Seguin practiced Monday with his team, but his status for Game 1 in Round 1 against the MInnesota Wild is still uncertain.

Seguin practiced on Monday in a red no-contact jersey.

"It's not fully up to me, so I'm doing everything I can to be prepared and obviously I want to play," Seguin said.

Stars head coah Lindy Ruff is confident that Seguin can reach 100 percent good health.

"I think today was the next step," Ruff said. "I think when he can go 100 percent, go full out, we'll know where he's at. It might be tomorrow, it might be Wednesday, but today was a good step in the right direction for him."

Fleury practices with Penguins: Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury practiced Monday after recieving his second concussion of the season earlier in his 2015-16 campaign.

After the practice, Fleury said he felt good but was unable to say if he would be ready for Round One against the New York Rangers.

"I skated by myself the past few days, so it was good to get out there with the guys," Fleury said. "It's never easy to watch them … Just [taking it] one day at a time. It was my first practice." 

Parise and Haula miss second consecutive practice: Minnesota Wild forwards Zach Parise and Erik Haula missed practice for the second consecutive day on Monday.

It is in doubt if both players will play in Round One against the Dallas Stars. 

New York Rangers lose Girardi and McDonagh before playoffs; call up Skjei

"The Neutral Zone" Staff Report

Dan Girardi (left) and Ryan McDonagh (right).

New York Rangers defensemen Dan Girardi and Ryan McDonagh are both injured, and have no timetable for their returns.

Girardi was injured on Tuesday in the third period of the Rangers' game against the Tampa Bay Lightning after being checked shoulder-first into the boards. Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault said on Thursday that Girardi is day-to-day and will not be in the Rangers' lineup against the New York Islanders.

McDonagh blocked a shot on Monday against the Columbus Blue Jackets with his right hand in the first period. McDonagh finished the period, but did not return to the game for the second period and beyond.

McDonagh's injury prompted the Rangers to recall defenseman Brady Skjei from the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League on Tuesday before the team's game against the Lightning.

For the Rangers in their game against the Islanders tonight, Henrik Lundqvist will start in goal and Oscar Lindberg will be a healthy scratch, Vigneault confirmed on Thursday.

New York Rangers place Stoll on waivers, label Girardi as day-to-day.

"The Neutral Zone" Roster Report

Jarrett Stoll (Left).

Vincent Carchietta - USA TODAY Sports

Stoll Placed On Waivers:
New York Rangers center Jarret Stoll has been placed on waivers by the team. Stoll's last appearance in the Rangers' lineup was against the Edmonton Oilers on December 11th. 

The bottom six forward has been without a point since scoring a goal on November 3rd against the Washington Capitals, which was a span of 18 games.

The Rangers next game is Tuesday, at home, against the Edmonton Oilers who just bested the Rangers in a 7-5 loss on Friday.

Girardi Placed On Day-To-Day With Swollen Knee:
New York Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi has swelling in his knee and won't play Tuesday against the Edmonton Oilers, coach Alain Vigneault said Monday.

Girardi is considered day-to-day. The Rangers have been carrying six defensemen since Kevin Klein was injured and no decision has been made yet on who will be recalled from Hartford of the American Hockey League to replace Girardi.

Klein, who has an oblique injury, and center Derek Stepan, out with broken ribs, each skated Monday in a non-contract jersey. Each said they felt good and hope to skate again Tuesday.

Girardi, 31, has two goals and nine points. He has played in all 31 games this season for the Rangers and skated in 330 consecutive games from 2007-11.