Unsigned Dubinsky Among 30 at Rangers Pre-Camp Workout

Written on 8/31/2009 by Jim Cerny

Brandon Dubinsky remains without a contract, but that didn't stop the 23 year-old center from taking to the ice on Monday with roughly 30 other players at an informal pre-camp workout at the Rangers training facility in Westchester, NY.

While I was otherwise engaged with new Ranger---and fellow New Yorker---Chris Higgins in the locker room after the workout, Newsday's Steve Zipay caught up with Dubinsky, and Dubi told him that, "I want to be a Ranger....something's going to get done real quick and this will be an afterthought."

The ongoing contract negotiations have not affected the affable Dubinsky's sarcastic sense of humor at all. When Dubinsky tried on a new pair of Bauer gloves, I asked him if they had some goals in them. Dubinsky, who potted 14 goals as a rookie two years ago and 13  last season, quickly shot back, "At least 50....give or take!"

The Rangers would sign up for half that 50-goal total in a heartbeat.

Dubinsky was also quite happy to show off his new watch. I asked him if he bought it on the streets of New York City, and the proud Dubinsky responded, "Nope. $27....on Amazon!"

And with that Dubinsky bid adieu, and left the contract work up to his agent.

Prediction: despite a somewhat down Sophomore campaign, Dubinsky is highly regarded by Rangers management and head coach John Tortorella. I think the two sides will avoid Dubinsky having to sign a qualifying offer, and instead he will get a multi-year deal in similar fashion---if not similar dollars---as 24 year-old teammate Ryan Callahan.

Posted in Brandon Dubinsky, New York Rangers, NHL, Rink Rap, Ryan Callahan, Steve Zipay |