According to various sources, including TheFourthPeriod.com, the New York Rangers have both expressed interest and made an offer to the free agent center. TFP reports that while Peca has shown interest in returning to the Buffalo Sabres, Sabres GM Darcy Regier has shown no interest. The Carolina Hurricanes have also shown interest in the 33yr old, however with the acquisition of Matt Cullen, their interest has lessened. Peca would be a perfect fit for the Rangers, filling the void that Matt Cullen has left. He would certainly be a welcome addition to the third line, playing with Avery and Callahan and would also provide grit and defensive prowess on the penalty kill. With the loss of Cullen and Jed Ortmeyer, two key components of the Rangers penalty kill last season, this move would certainly lessen the blow. It would also establish the Rangers as perhaps one of the best face-off taking teams in the league, with Gomez, Drury, Peca and Betts, the Blueshirts would certainly dominate the possession game.

In yesterday's post I suggested that the Rangers bring up rookie center Brandon Dubinsky to fill the void created by trading Matt Cullen back to Carolina. Here's why:

Following the signings of Scott Gomez and Chris Drury, I believe it's important that the Rangers continue to show their committent to youth and the development of their own prospects. So far it has really been working out, as players like Fedor Tyutin, Petr Prucha, Daniel Girardi, Ryan Callahan and of course Henrik Lundqvist have certainly made their mark. Having young, hungry and spirited players helps team chemistry and also helps to motivate veterans, as we've seen last year with Brendan Shanahan and Jaromir Jagr.

Dubinsky, an Anchorage, Alaska native almost won one of the remaining spots on the Rangers roster during training camp last year but in stead went on to play with the Wolfpack in the AHL. There, he has developed into a fine playmaker and worked very well with Rangers forward Ryan Callahan prior to his call up. The 6'-1", 210lb, left shooting, 21 year old center, scored 21 goals and had 22 assists for 43 points in 71 games last season with Hartford.

If he were to win a spot on the Rangers this year it would certainly make for some exciting hockey. He could potentially find himself centering a third line flanked by Ryan Callahan and Nigel Dawes, a line that would exhibit hard nosed and gritty North American style hockey combined with the skill to finish. I guess we'll just have to wait and see how it all shakes out.

It's hard to say how I really feel about this move. I was starting to like the look of the Rangers lines with Cullen slated in there as the third line center, but I guess I always kind of had an idea this was coming. It shoudn't be too long now before we hear about the re-signing of Avery and probably Hossa as well. Filling the void at center on the thir line should be interesting. Look to see either Brandon Dubinsky or Jarkko Immonen fill the role.

As far as the acquisition of Hutchinson goes the verdict is still out. I've read in various reportings of the trade that he is forecasted to be a potential "power-play quarterback". If that is the case you could expect either Marek Malik or Paul Mara to be dealt probably closer to the start of the season, freeing up some more cap space for Lundqvists long term deal. However it's really hard to tell at this point, as Hutchinson at 27 still hasn't really found himself at the NHL level. In any event, the move certainly does add depth to the Rangers defense, as rookie Marc Staal will also be looking to break in with the big squad come October.