2010-08-20 00:18:35 +0000 #1
Quote:
White on the mend
Ex-Thrashers center Todd White is not sure what his exact role with the Rangers will be but the 35-year-old was excited to be coming to New York in the deal that sent Donald Brashear and Patrick Rissmiller to Atlanta.
Mostly, White wants to prove that last season was an aberration. White suffered through two knee dislocations and then tore his labrum late in the season as he compiled seven goals and 19 assists in 65 games. White said his knees are not an issue and he was cleared to skate about three weeks ago. However, he has not yet been cleared for contact, though he believes he will be good for contact drills by the time the Rangers open training camp on Sept. 17.
(The rehab) is going well, White said by telephone. I saw the doctors three weeks ago and I was cleared to start skating. Ive skated a couple of times, passing and shooting. I had the shoulder surgery as soon as the season was done, thats part of not being allowed to take contact. (The start of training camp), thats my goal, that was the plan all along in Atlanta, to be ready. Ive been progressing really well. Its just a matter of getting my strength, my range of motion is back.
White said the trade didnt necessarily come as a surprise. The move was purely a financial one on the part of the Thrashers, who save about $800,000 in real money in the difference between buying out White, set to earn $2.375 million this season, or Brashear, who will earn $1.4 million, though, as an over-35, he will still count against the Thrashers salary cap.
I knew something might be going on but I didnt know what, White said. Im very excited about coming to New York. They almost reached the playoffs last season. Im looking forward to coming and helping them reach their goals.
(The Thrashers) were not tight against the cap but tight against their cap, thats why I knew something was happening, that I might be moved in order for them to have some financial flexibility, White added. I didnt know when it might happen. Its nice to know now so we can get settled rather than two days before training camp, trying to figure it out.
At the same time, White said playing in the final year of his contract wont be on his mind this season.
I dont think so, White said. I just want to play to the best of my abilities. Im excited to go to a new place and show what I can do. The last year of my contract has nothing to do with how I want to perform this year. I just want to prove New York right.
White said he doesnt blame his injuries for what he considers a sub-par performance in 2009-10.
I had a down year that I wasnt happy with, White said. I want to get back to being the player I know Im capable of being, a strong two-way player helping the team win. Whatever role they ask of me Im prepared to do.
There were different reasons why things didnt work out as much as the year before (22 goals, 51 assists in 2008-09), White added. Its a long season and I never really got on track and got a lot of confidence. Im looking forward to a fresh start.
Atlanta suffered through a see-saw season that saw Ilya Kovalchuk traded, coach John Anderson fired-at seasons end - veteran Slava Kozlov said the team had enough talent to reach the playoffs but was poorly coached - and longtime GM Don Waddell bumped upstairs in favor of Rick Dudley.
As of this morning, White said he had yet to speak with Rangers GM Glen Sather or coach John Tortorella - assistant GM/coach Jim Schoenfeld made the call to him welcoming him to the Rangers - or any of his new teammates. He knows a few, having played with center Erik Christensen in Atlanta, right wing Marian Gaborik in Minnesota (they did not play on a line frequently) and defenseman Wade Redden in Ottawa.
White said he knows what to expect from Tortorella and is looking forward to working with the fiery coach.
All I know is hes had a lot of success in the league, White said. I know he demands a lot of his players and holds them accountable. Thats all you can ask for. Im excited for the opportunity to go there.
And White said seeing Christensens play with the Rangers last season gives him hope he can regain his touch.
Playing against him late in the year, both our teams were fighting for a playoff spot, he was playing very well, White said. He definitely learned a lot from his time in New York and its exciting to see the improvements a player can have. Im excited to get back to where I think I can be.
White said he has not spent much time in New York City - he thinks none at all for his wife - but he did play his college hockey in upstate New York at Clarkson.
blogs.northjersey.co...s/white_on_the_mend/
White on the mend
Ex-Thrashers center Todd White is not sure what his exact role with the Rangers will be but the 35-year-old was excited to be coming to New York in the deal that sent Donald Brashear and Patrick Rissmiller to Atlanta.
Mostly, White wants to prove that last season was an aberration. White suffered through two knee dislocations and then tore his labrum late in the season as he compiled seven goals and 19 assists in 65 games. White said his knees are not an issue and he was cleared to skate about three weeks ago. However, he has not yet been cleared for contact, though he believes he will be good for contact drills by the time the Rangers open training camp on Sept. 17.
(The rehab) is going well, White said by telephone. I saw the doctors three weeks ago and I was cleared to start skating. Ive skated a couple of times, passing and shooting. I had the shoulder surgery as soon as the season was done, thats part of not being allowed to take contact. (The start of training camp), thats my goal, that was the plan all along in Atlanta, to be ready. Ive been progressing really well. Its just a matter of getting my strength, my range of motion is back.
White said the trade didnt necessarily come as a surprise. The move was purely a financial one on the part of the Thrashers, who save about $800,000 in real money in the difference between buying out White, set to earn $2.375 million this season, or Brashear, who will earn $1.4 million, though, as an over-35, he will still count against the Thrashers salary cap.
I knew something might be going on but I didnt know what, White said. Im very excited about coming to New York. They almost reached the playoffs last season. Im looking forward to coming and helping them reach their goals.
(The Thrashers) were not tight against the cap but tight against their cap, thats why I knew something was happening, that I might be moved in order for them to have some financial flexibility, White added. I didnt know when it might happen. Its nice to know now so we can get settled rather than two days before training camp, trying to figure it out.
At the same time, White said playing in the final year of his contract wont be on his mind this season.
I dont think so, White said. I just want to play to the best of my abilities. Im excited to go to a new place and show what I can do. The last year of my contract has nothing to do with how I want to perform this year. I just want to prove New York right.
White said he doesnt blame his injuries for what he considers a sub-par performance in 2009-10.
I had a down year that I wasnt happy with, White said. I want to get back to being the player I know Im capable of being, a strong two-way player helping the team win. Whatever role they ask of me Im prepared to do.
There were different reasons why things didnt work out as much as the year before (22 goals, 51 assists in 2008-09), White added. Its a long season and I never really got on track and got a lot of confidence. Im looking forward to a fresh start.
Atlanta suffered through a see-saw season that saw Ilya Kovalchuk traded, coach John Anderson fired-at seasons end - veteran Slava Kozlov said the team had enough talent to reach the playoffs but was poorly coached - and longtime GM Don Waddell bumped upstairs in favor of Rick Dudley.
As of this morning, White said he had yet to speak with Rangers GM Glen Sather or coach John Tortorella - assistant GM/coach Jim Schoenfeld made the call to him welcoming him to the Rangers - or any of his new teammates. He knows a few, having played with center Erik Christensen in Atlanta, right wing Marian Gaborik in Minnesota (they did not play on a line frequently) and defenseman Wade Redden in Ottawa.
White said he knows what to expect from Tortorella and is looking forward to working with the fiery coach.
All I know is hes had a lot of success in the league, White said. I know he demands a lot of his players and holds them accountable. Thats all you can ask for. Im excited for the opportunity to go there.
And White said seeing Christensens play with the Rangers last season gives him hope he can regain his touch.
Playing against him late in the year, both our teams were fighting for a playoff spot, he was playing very well, White said. He definitely learned a lot from his time in New York and its exciting to see the improvements a player can have. Im excited to get back to where I think I can be.
White said he has not spent much time in New York City - he thinks none at all for his wife - but he did play his college hockey in upstate New York at Clarkson.
blogs.northjersey.co...s/white_on_the_mend/
