Rangers Roundup: Possible Madison Square Garden relocation, COVID status, and more

Anthony Scultore Updated: Feb 21, 2022

NYC covid — Rangers to honor Rod Gilbert (photo ctsy of MSG)

The New York Rangers are on the road for two more games against the Sharks (1/13) and Flyers (1/15). They will return home to Madison Square Garden to face the Maple Leafs on January 19th.

In a new report from the Buffalo Chronicle, NY Governor Kathy Hochul is proposing relocating the World’s Most Famous Arena to Dewitt Clinton Park between 52nd and 54th Streets.

Rangers new Madison Square Garden?

“The new arena is expected to be a super-modern, super-comfortable venue in a corner of Manhattan that is very centrally located but doesn’t feel as hyper-congested and gritty as the 33rd Street location,” an official with Empire State Development said to the Buffalo Chronicle. “The new arena’s construction cost is expected to cost New York State taxpayers $800 million, which is the estimated fair market cost of using eminent domain to acquire MSG’s interests in the property.”

According to the report, MSG owner James Dolan is “generally onboard” with the Governor’s proposal. It also notes that in 1963, MSG was given a 50-year operating permit and then granted a 10 year extension which expires in 2023.

James Dolan also receives a permanent property tax exemption given in 1983 by then Mayor ED Koch. I’m certain that will come into play with any relocation.

The new MSG overlooking the Hudson River sounds amazing. The Arena will sit on TV studios that will have a spectacular waterfront view.

Dolan’s other concerns are centered around transportation with a possible light rail leading from Penn Station to the new venue.

As for the plans regarding the old MSG, it will be to demolished and a new public square built in its place.

New York Rangers COVID status

rangers vs kraken — Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Rangers have had nine players enter the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol since returning from the Holiday Break in December. Five of those players have returned with their average stay on the list being seven days.

Recently, the League adopted the change in CDC Guidelines of reducing quarantine from 10 to five days. This has minimized the time players who are asymptomatic stay on the list.

Here’s a breakdown of the Rangers COVID situation since December 26:

Ryan Lindgren (Added 12/26, returned after 8 days)
Alexandar Georgiev (Added 12/26, returned after 6 days)
Jarred Tinordi (Added 12/27, returned after 9 days)
Kevin Rooney (Added 12/29, returned after 5 days)
Artemi Panarin (Added 1/2, returned after 7 days)
Igor Shesterkin (Added 1/6 – eligible to return)
Julien Gauthier (Added 1/7 – eligible to return)
Ryan Reaves (Added 1/8 – eligible to return)
Gerard Gallant (Added 1/9 – eligible to return 1/14)
Barclay Goodrow (Added 1/10 – eligible to return 1/15)

Yesterday at practice, Shesterkin and Gauthier were not present. It is possible for them to be cleared and join the team today. Alexandar Georgiev is expected to start. Reaves is eligible to come off the list today.