Around the Atlantic: Del Zotto, NYR 'not close'

As a potential NHL lockout draws closer, the urgency for Michael Del Zotto to agree on a deal with the Rangers becomes even greater.

But, according to a report by the New York Post, via ProHockeyTalk, the 22-year-old defenseman and the Rangers are "not close" to agreeing to terms.

“The gulf between the Rangers and unsigned Group II free agent Michael Del Zotto may not be quite as wide as the one separating the NHL and the NHLPA, but we’re told the parties are not close to striking a deal,” Larry Brooks of the New York Post wrote.

The sooner, the better for the young Del Zotto.

“The Blueshirts are believed to be offering a multi-year deal in the neighborhood of $2.2 million to $2.5 million per season to Del Zotto, who faces some urgency given the looming Sept. 15 shutdown of business and the possibility that less will be available under the cap under the next CBA,” Brooks wrote.

Sauer still recovering
Dion Phaneuf’s hit on Michael Sauer in December was so forceful that the Ranger was sidelined the rest of the season with concussion symptoms, and even worse, he’s still dealing with them.

The Post is also reporting that the Rangers don’t believe he’ll be ready to play, even if the season’s start time is pushed back.

“There is scant optimism within the Rangers’ camp that Michael Sauer, sidelined for the duration after being concussed last Dec. 5 on a hit delivered by Dion Phaneuf, will be cleared for a return to duty, even if this season’s opener is delayed by months,” Brooks wrote.

“If Sauer, said to be feeling better than he was before returning home to Minnesota for the summer but is not believed symptom-free, cannot play, he would be placed on the long-term injury list.”

NHL to hear Visnovsky’s grievance
Lubomir Visnovsky finds himself in quite an awkward predicament.

The Anaheim Duck is trying to block a trade that sent him to the New York Islanders. The league will listen to his grievance on Sept. 4, but regardless of how it plays out, it’s a sticky situation.

“If he sticks with the Isles, it will be common knowledge that he didn’t really want to land at Long Island. On the other hand, the Ducks attempted to get rid of Lubo, so that could be a bit strange too,” PHT points out.