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***Nike*** · 06-14-2014, 08:14 AM

Hello folks and welcome back to NYHN radio. New York hockey network radio is your source for all things Manhattan Rage hockey. The Rage have captured game two of their first round series against the New England Wolfpack. Already, the scoring is underway and the Rage have picked up right where the regular season left off. Even with the series knotted at 1, some of the focus is on the hockey aspects "off the ice".

As the season winds down, half of the league is still suiting up to play puck. Others are on the outside of the playoff picture and winding down from a long SHL season. While most who are still playing would be focusing on playing playoff, others are focused on the offseason. Some teams, on the outside looking in, need some help to get back in the mix and make a run for a cup.

One of the pieces headed to free agency this offseason is Rage winger, Nike Kickz. This will be the first time in Kickz' career that he has gone to free agency. The winger has always been quick to resign an extension when his contract approached it's end. However, this season, Kickz has been honest that he wants to experience free agency atleast one time during his career. With that said, this will likely be the final time this player hits the market. Teams who are looking to get better this offseason will certainly be after free agents like Kickz.

Hopefully, Manhattan's playoff run will delay any free agency thoughts from Kickz the rest of the way. Nevertheless, Kickz offered yet another set of rankings for his pending free agency.

RANKINGS

1. Rage

Manhattan Rage Rage

It's no doubt that the rage are still the front runner. As long as the Rage can resign Yousuf Scherbluk and keep the core of players there. It will be a top destination for most any free agent. The Rage should look to be cup contenders for the next few seasons. People always are quick to remind us that Kickz will almost always remain close with current Rage center, Jordan Nugent Hall. Nugent Hall is slated for another season with Manhattan next season, and breaking up that love affair will be difficult.

2.

Edmonton Blizzard

Edmonton is hockey's powerhouse. The Blizzard finished yet another regular season with outstanding conviction. The Blizzard captured this season's President's Trophy and it's no doubt that their convincing domination will draw free agents. Kickz is no different and could easily be drawn to the winning franchise. Kickz also has a past friendship with Kyle Keenan that could spark a trip to Edmonton. Perennial success does wonders for making a team a top destination.

3. Chiefs

Minnesota Chiefs Chiefs

Minnesota has two things: Hockey culture and hockey history. It's nothing new for Minnesota to have fantastic success on the ice and this season they've proved to be a top eastern conference contender. If Minnesota can knock off Hamilton in the first round of the SHL playoffs, they can certainly become the destination of the future for Kickz.

4.

New England Wolfpack

Kickz loves New England. We know that his history with the franchise could draw him there. The remaining games against New England in this first round series could really decide where the Wolfpack head in these rankings. O' Callahan laid a HUGE hit on Kickz in game 2 of their series and sent a message to Kickz for jumping ship last season. It will be interesting to watch handshakes at series end and see if the two old friends are still as close as they were at series premier. It could have a large effect on Kickz' choice to return to New England.

5.

Texas Renegades

Texas wasn't really on the radar the first time Kickz discussed his offseason plans. However, the team really benefitted from the publicity the last day of the season brought them. Warm and dry weather isn't always the best environment for the world's coldest sport. Sadly, the Renegades were left on the outside looking in at season's end, but Kickz could be the major piece that Texas chases this offseason.

6.

Los Angeles Panthers

Los Angeles, after a fantastic season and playoff run in S17, fell outside of the playoff picture in the same frenzy that saw Texas on the outside looking in. The biggest draw for Kickz to LA originally was their success in the playoffs, but if they can't get in with all their current talent it might hurt their chances of grabbing Kickz.

7. Riot

Seattle Riot Riot

With a surprising jump 2 spots in the rankings are the Seattle Riot. While most have been discounting Seattle all year, they made a big splash finding their way into the playoffs through a frenzy of final day games. Seattle has jumped in the rankings because of Kickz' recent words about Seattle's management. Kickz thinks Seattle is on it's way to success and they just need one name to help them get to desirable status. Most just aren't sure Kickz would make that leap nearing the end of his career.

Other teams may still have a shot, but from our discussions with inside officials in the Manhattan organization and Kickz' agent it seems these are the most likely destinations for Nike this offseason. Anything can happen as the SHL playoff continue and after the break we will cover more of your game two reactions and take a few callers. Get on those phone lines and let us know what you think about Kickz' and Scherbluk's futures here in Manhattan or the Rage's convincing game two victory to battle back from the game one loss against New England.

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Cuffy · 06-14-2014, 08:22 AM

your everything we need in texas :wub:

Chris-McZehrl · 06-14-2014, 09:06 AM

Edit: and yes, we will try and fight to get finally an Free Agent! we knows that will brings an huge impact! all FAs will get an offer from us! then they must decide Wink