He's Steve ****ing Yzerman only when negotiating. He's only Steve Yzerman when he's rescuing cats out of trees, baking apple pies, cleaning up the Oil spill, performing open heart surgery at TGH, teaching A-Rod how to be a true Yankee, etc.
No reason to trade his rights, no reason to harass him. I don't know if this just came up on the radio or what but everyone is throwing a ****fit about this all of a sudden. It didn't matter four weeks ago, why now?
Nothing has changed. Let the kid figure out what the deal is, and make a choice. Otherwise, our defense is set and we have a logjam already.
I don't get it either. There is nothing to gain by cutting ties to him. It is what it is and life goes on.
Not that this is a huge surprise, but Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman said on Wednesday that defenseman Paul Ranger, who has been away from the team since October because of personal issues, will not be at training camp when it opens Sept. 17 at Brandon.
"I had a chance to talk with Paul and we're entering training camp under the assumption Paul won't be part of it," Yzerman said.
I know, i'm with ya. I'm just not ready to jump ship and dump his rights, it'd be stupid by us. People keep crying "release him! we don't need whiners on this team" or some **** thats heater-worthy when it costs us nothing to retain his rights.
Still hoping he figures it out and comes back one day.
The Lightning have been surprisingly classy about the Ranger situation and respecting his privacy. He would be wrong to not reward that patience and honor with returning to them when he comes back free and clear of his problems and ready to play the game again.
about february of this year i had this big funny thing i was going to post about his absence but was afraid he had ebola or testicular cancer and would be an ******* for posting it. with time passing, i get it. i have been in the same situation as him. i had a career path which i was damn good at but lost the heart for it. couldnt continue, even though it was once a great passion. i just hope hes happy (all that matters), people dont push/annoy him (i was called crazy and pressured into continuing), and the paul ranger renaissance ends well.
There's little point in releasing his rights. The Lightning can have 50 players under contract, and hold another 30 unsigned rights. There's plenty of room.
Given the latest statement, I'm more sure than ever it's just a matter of him not having the personal drive to put in the effort needed to really succeed in the NHL.
I've put it together (perhaps incorrectly) that since Ranger's personal issue is commitment, telling the other players eventually about it, would lower him in their eyes. No matter what he'd do, it wouldn't be enough, because they'd think he's not going 100%.
Better for them to think that he's a victim of circumstances "beyond his control".
I think he should come back. Even if he flops, he's made it this far, and from the looks of it, not-playing hasn't reinvigorated him. New coach, new management. Perfect opportunity, given his age.
So he may be a fringe player or a minor leaguer, big deal. Realistically, he'll never get a chance to make so much money so quickly again. I can think of worse.
Consider this a sabbatical.
Only thing is, we'll be expecting a book. "Out of the Range: My year away from hockey and what's it's taught me about life." by Paul Ranger.
Last edited by Felonious Python: 09-06-2010 at 08:28 AM.
I have a quick question. I am in a fantasy league and I was looking to draft Paul Ranger because of his offensive numbers as a defenseman. However on capgeek his is listed as a member of the Lightning but not on the active roster.
Can someone please tell me what's the story with him, thanks.
