Entering the seventh day of the negotiating stalemate that has kept unsigned free agent Brandon Dubinsky out of training camp, the Rangers’ projected first-line center has reduced his asking price, The Post has learned.
“Of the three proposals on the table, we’ve altered the two- and one-year proposals that we believe are reasonable given the marketplace and the Rangers’ payroll,” Kurt Overhardt, Dubinsky’s agent, told The Post by phone late yesterday afternoon. “I think it’s unfortunate that Rangers’ management is treating this as a sum-zero game with this player.
“It doesn’t make sense.”
While Overhardt would not provide specific information regarding the proposals, it is believed that Dubinsky is now seeking a one-year deal for approximately $1.1 million or a two-year deal for approximately $2.15 million.
General manager Glen Sather, who declined the opportunity to weigh in on his conversation yesterday with Overhardt, is believed holding fast to a one-year offer of $700,000 or a two-year offer of approximately $1.85 million.
“My client came to New York early, before camp, to train with his teammates and had been looking forward to training camp and to the season with his teammates and the new coaching staff,” Overhardt said. “Even though we have worked hard and in good faith to reach an accord, the club made the decision not to allow Brandon to attend training camp without a contract.”
Dubinsky’s absence has shined a spotlight on the Rangers’ glaring lack of depth and talent at center. Dubinsky lacks leverage as a Group II, but the Blueshirts are lacking an important piece of their puzzle for as long as the parties remain estranged. A quartet of Vinny Prospal, Chris Drury, Artem Anisimov and Brian Boyle down the middle won’t even come close to cutting it.
It is unlikely that Dubinsky can attract an offer sheet of high enough value to discourage the Rangers from matching, which is likely the reason he hasn’t received one. If this deadlock persists, a trade becomes increasingly likely.
“This is a quality young player with character and a lot of great attributes that many teams covet,” said Overhardt. “We’ll keep working in good faith and hope for the same from the Rangers.”
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After Marian Gaborik (sore groin) scrimmaged yesterday for the first time, coach John Tortorella said that though the club’s most important forward will not play tonight in Detroit, he might play tomorrow in Boston.
“Gabby is sore, but a lot of it with him is getting through this mentally and feeling comfortable,” Tortorella said. “We’ve had conversations about this as we try to get to know each other as coach and player.
“He’s a great guy, and with his history, we have to show him respect. It will be imperative for him to play exhibitions, but this isn’t crunch time. We don’t want to short-circuit the process of him being ready for the season.”
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The Blueshirts have 10 defensemen on the roster — Matt Gilroy, Michael Del Zotto, Corey Potter, Bobby Sanguinetti, Alexei Semenov, Ilkka Heikkinen, Marc Staal, Dan Girardi, Wade Redden and Michal Rozsival — following yesterday’s mass cut-down. Michael Sauer was sent to Hartford.
“We’re continuing to evaluate that position; it’s wide open,” said Tortorella. “I like what I’ve seen from the kids but as far as the vets, I’m not crazy about the way a few guys have played.”