Wednesday: June 14, New York. Today was the long-awaited day. The day that defensive stalwart Dan Girardi had his time with the NY Rangers terminated.
The second most tenured member of the Blueshirts -- behind only Henrik Lundqvist -- Girardi had the remaining three years and $16.5 million of his contract bought out by the Rangers' brass.
The buyout
Will spread Girardi's remaining salary out over the next six years at cap hits of: $2.61M, $3.61M, $3.61M, $1.11M, $1.11M, and $1.11M, until the end of the 2022-'23 season.
He ends his Rangers' career as the franchise leader in playoff games (122), as well as having played in 788 regular season games, and blocked 2,038 shots over the course of his 11 seasons on 7th Avenue.
Girardi accumulated 230 points (46 G, 184 A) and a plus 54 rating. He appeared in the Stanley Cup playoffs 10 times in his 11 seasons, and was voted to the 2012 All-Star Game.
When Girardi signed with the Rangers on July 1, 2006 as an un-drafted free agent, very few people expected him to carve out the career that he did.
Many people around the Rangers and the NHL have commented regarding his career and the words that most often come up are: warrior, gentleman, tremendous teammate, grace in dignity, and a commitment to perseverance and excellence.
Dan spent much of his career playing the right side paired with Ryan McDonagh, and he was better off for it. The defensive metrics may not have been kind to him over the past few seasons, but nonetheless, he was a tough as nails, throwback defenseman that won't soon be forgotten.
In a statement released by the Rangers
Girardi went on record saying, "I have spent one-third of my life as a New Yorker and as a New York Ranger. New York will always be our second home. I also wanted to thank all of the Blueshirt faithful. You are one of the best and most passionate fan bases in the NHL."
He was as important to this team as anybody that has called Madison Square Garden home over the past dozen or so years, and was the key fabric of the core group of players that have contributed to the success experienced by the Rangers since the 2011-12 season.
I would like to wish Dan good luck in his future, and whether he plays for another team or not, Girardi will always been remembered as a true blue player and a lifelong New York Ranger. His accomplishments both on and off the ice have cemented his status in Rangers' lore as one of the grittiest players in recent memory.
