Didn't we used to have a guy named Dubinsky?

The recent acquisition of free agent forward "Vaclav!" Prospal - who can play Center if called on - has set all of us here at Blueshirt Brothers to wondering what, exactly, this means for our one remaining RFA - one Mr. Brandon Dubinsky.

We are hearing that talks between Dubinsky's agent and the Ranger's front office have pretty much broken down. The two sides are far apart on a multi year deal for the young hard-working centerman. So - with Brandon a Restricted Free Agent - where does this leave us? There are a few ways this can play out:

Other teams can sign Dub to an Offer Sheet. But if that happens the Rangers can match that offer and keep Dubinsky for the season.

If no offer sheets come - Brandon has little choice besides playing for the Qualifying Offer the Rangers made at the start of the off-season.

.

If either of those things happen - Dubs will be a Ranger for this season - but then becomes a UFA when the season ends. Of course - the Rangers can sign him at any time up to and after that - but right now - with our RFA rights - this is our best leverage in signing him.

Of course - if we wait - we'll all have another season to look at and analyze what Brandon's value is. Waiting may not be the smartest option for Sather - but with a qualifying offer under $700 K - it certainly is the cheapest.