The path to respectability and contention through building from within, as famously noted on Jan. 17 by Jim Dolan when the Garden CEO commandeered the microphone in the press room following the Rangers’ victory over Nashville, has been meticulously mapped since the 2004-05 lockout by general manager Glen Sather.
But now it is fair to believe the results of the next two games, tomorrow night at the Coliseum against the Islanders and the next night at home against the Sabres, will have an impact on that plan as it relates to the urgency of Sather’s pursuit of Rick Nash in advance of Monday’s trade deadline with the Blueshirts appearing sluggish in losing two of their last three.
Sources familiar with the parameters of the discussions between Sather and Columbus counterpart Scott Howson have told The Post the Rangers have designated Ryan McDonagh, Michael Del Zotto, 2009 first-rounder Chris Kreider and 2011 first-rounder J.T. Miller as untouchables when the Blue Jackets requested their inclusion in the package for Nash, the 27-year-old power winger who is being dangled to deep-pocket contenders.
It is believed that Sather, who is not fazed by the ramifications of adding Nash’s contract that runs through 2017-18 at a cap hit of $7.8 million per year, is prepared to send Brandon Dubinsky, Christian Thomas, and perhaps 2010 first-rounder Dylan McIlrath plus a first round pick to Columbus in order to bring the 6-foot-4, 220-pound, nine-year veteran to Broadway.
Sather has been unwilling to include promising 20-year-old defenseman Tim Erixon — who could be a call-up for the playoffs — in the package going to the Blue Jackets, though Howson has expressed interest in the rookie North American pro.
Unless Howson must move Nash before the deadline, it is difficult to imagine the Blue Jackets accepting Sather’s current bid even if it is the most credible offer on the table at 3 p.m. Monday.
If that’s the high offer, it would seem Columbus would be better served keeping Nash through the end of the season before re-opening the auction at the NHL Entry Draft in June, when the environment is more conducive to pulling off a mega-deal.
But Sather may feel compelled to sweeten the offer if the Rangers, who have been a step and a thought behind lately, don’t re-elevate their game against the Islanders and Sabres.
The Rangers have been shut out three times in the last 10 games, including the 1-0 shootout victory in Buffalo on Feb. 1. Their power play has slipped back again (0-for-12 in the last three games) following a brief rally. The Rangers rank 10th in the league in goal-scoring at 2.72 per game and 27th in power-play efficiency at 13.9 percent. Marian Gaborik has scored four goals in the last 20 games.
The Devils, Penguins and Flyers are all formidable and within striking distance. It is important for the Rangers to maintain first place in the Atlantic and not slide into the four-five first-round matchup if they’re going to win anything. Everyone knows that.
This wasn’t supposed to be the year for the Rangers, who have been building an organization meticulously to the owner’s delight. Everyone knows that, too.
But now they’re here. And now they’re slumping the week before the deadline with a marquee, big-contract player whom the general manager likes and who can fill an immediate need on the market.
It will be fascinating to see how much impact the 27 hours between 7 p.m. tomorrow and 10 p.m. Saturday will have on Sather’s pursuit of Nash.
To believe it will have no impact is foolish.