Forsberg or Not Forsberg?

According to The Sporting News Peter Forsberg has informed his agent that he wants to play in the NHL this season and he should start to negotiate with various clubs. 

So the obvious question is: Should the Rangers make a play for Foppa?

I think the saying goes, “Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”  So on the logical end, the answer is a resounding no.  This line of thinking would say that signing the injury riddled, 34-year-old, former superstar would be a continued regression back into the dark days of 1998-2004.  This line of thinking would also say that signing the fading star would just take away valuable minutes from a youngster who could benefit from the time.  This line of thinking would say that adding another huge name would only disrupt even further the already obvious lack of chemistry on this team.  This line of thinking would probably be right.

But the funny thing about sports and sports fandom is that sometimes what’s logical isn’t always right and I think that might be the case right here. 

I say, unless the Rangers go on a run over the next two weeks where they reel off 6 of 7 and do it in consistent, dominating fashion, they should just take one more chance and go for it.

I mean really, why the heck not?!  What’s the worst that could happen?

Let’s for a second say that the Rangers just stay with the status quo.  Even if they tinker here or there, the odds are that they’ll be fighting for the 8th seed from here on out and its a 50/50 shot at best that they get it.  And even if they do, you’re delirious if you think they’re winning the Cup.  So whether they don’t make the playoffs or they lose in the first or second round, they’ll be in the same place come late May.

Now think about this.  A first line of Straka-Forsberg-Jagr and a second line of Shanahan-Gomez-Drury.  Right there you get Jagr back with his European center and move Drury to the pressure-reduced role of winger.  Right there you give the opposition two completely different styles to defend against.  Right there, you have quite possibly two of the sexiest lines ever drawn up on the same squd.

How can you not be intrigued?

Now the article on The Sporting News’ website says that Forsberg will be asking for two-years.  If that’s the case then I probably pass on the big man.  But if you can get him for the remainder of this year with maybe a club option for the second year then I think you have to do it.

In that scenario, if you think logically, there’s really no risk.  You don’t have to part with any of your own talent (as you would in a trade for Sundin or Vyborny) and the worst that happens is Forsberg’s a bust and you cut ties with him when the season’s over.

So you’re all entitled to your opinion, but know this.  If the Rangers don’t do anything, the season’s down the tubes.  So it may be worth it to take that one final shot at accomplishing what so many predicted this team would.

Taking that one final shot at Lord Stanley’s Cup.