Nedved is No Longer a Ranger

Even though forward, Petr Nedved, had two goals and an assist in three pre- season games, the New York Rangers decided to go with youth, and gave the 36 year-old his official release, last week.

“This is probably it for me as far as the NHL goes,” Nedved, who scored 310 goals and 407 assists in 982 NHL games, said. “Obviously it gave me an indication that I can still play in this league.”

According to New York Rangers’ head coach, Tom Renney, he explained to Nedved. during the off-season. that he can come to camp on a tryout basis, but when it’s all said and done, they would more then likely, go with the younger players, and that’s what materialized.

“In the best interest of growing our organization, integrating new blood into it, to develop this team for the long run. That’s what we were going to do,” said Renney. “Had we not had the performance of a couple of young people, there’s a good chance Petr would still be here.”

What hurt Nedved’s chances was also his defensive play. In his final exhibition game, which came in a loss against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the forward was on the ice for three of four goals, and finished the game at a minus 2.

“If it was going to be this decision, there was no point in waiting any longer,” said a disappointed Nedved, who was hoping for a third stint with the Rangers.

This former 1990 Vancouver Canucks’ first round draft pick, who also played for the St. Louis Blues, Pittsburgh Penguins, Phoenix Coyotes, Philadelphia Flyers, and the Edmonton Oilers; had some previous success with the Rangers. During his two tours in New York, (1994-95 — 1998-2004), he registered 149 goals and 202 assists in 478 games.

Looking ahead to the future, Nedved is making final arrangements to join his team Liberec, in the Czech Republic.

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