Is Brandon Dubinsky A First Line Center?

Is this the Rangers first line center of the future? That's the million dollar question. Why do we get the feeling that Sather isn't convinced of that? Then there's ol' Chris Drury. But again you get the feeling that Sather doesn't have first line plans for him either. So who is it then?

Lets hope it isn't someone at the expense of Brandon Dubinsky, but it sure seems headed in that direction. The Rangers have 2 players still unsigned. Nikolai Zherdev (who is unlikely to be signed) and Brandon Dubinsky. Why in the world is "Dubi" not signed? It doesn't make any sense unless it's true that Sather is shopping him. But are they already giving up hope on the youngster in exchange for a "proven" center?

I read an article the other day that laid out the potential lines for next season. I have to say, it begs the question, and undoubtedly has Sather's attention, of who will lead this team in the center ice position. Here are the hypothetical lines:

Higgins-Dubinsky-Gaborik

Kotalik-Drury-Callahan

Avery-Anisimov-Lisin

Byers-Boyle-Brashear

Lets break this down. Anisimov and Boyle are experimental, so little can be expected of them. Our top six wingers are strong, very strong in fact, and lets give Glen a pat on the back for that. But the potential problem, and undoubtedly what Sather is concerned with, is down the middle. What are the chances that either Drury and/or Dubinsky contribute significantly this year? If they do, then that would mean they overachieved. What are the chances of that? Drury isn't being shipped anywhere, he is here to stay and captain this team. So it's down to Dubinsky, and only Dubinsky. All these rumors about the Rangers being heavily interested in Brad Richards are nauseating. The former star is not what he used to be, and his level of play has diminished significantly since winning the cup. A trade such as Rozsival-Dubinsky-draft pick for Richards would be extremely tough to swallow, especially financially. Lets be fair though, swapping Richards in that lineup for Dubinsky does indeed raise an eyebrow. What if he and Gaborik click? That could be at least a combined 75 goals right there, which probably isn't realistic with Brandon in there.

But what a risk the trade would be. Too much so. I say give Dubinsky a shot next to Gaborik. If he falls on his face, then make a move mid-season. But give the kid a chance. It's better then taking on Richards' bloated contract that's almost $8 million per season.

That being said, based on media reports, a Richards acquisition seems to be what the Rangers front office is focused on these days and seriously considering. In the end here, the spotlight is on Brandon Dubinsky. The roster spot in question is Brandon Dubinsky's. The next move (or non-move) involves Brandon Dubinsky. Sign him Glen.

One last thing, I came across this photograph below, although I'm not sure who created it. Even though it is from last season prior to the trade deadline, I thought I'd pass it along. It is pretty damn funny.