2013-14 New York Rangers Breakup Day

[Ail]

“@stevezipay: Possibility for #NYR? RT @mirtle: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli on Shawn Thornton: "I informed him that we wouldn't be re-signing him."â€

For what reason, is he a cap casualty, or is this based on play?

Thornton was a very solid 4th line player for Boston.

 

[Kreider Typical]

For what reason, is he a cap casualty, or is this based on play?

Thornton was a very solid 4th line player for Boston.

noticeably old and tired. don't want what he's gonna want to be paid either. 4th line he's a tossup, but he's gonna be expensive for the 4th... depends wqhat happens after the richards buyout-- if we fill his cap with a f/a or trade

 

[Ail]

noticeably old and tired. don't want what he's gonna want to be paid either. 4th line he's a tossup, but he's gonna be expensive for the 4th... depends wqhat happens after the richards buyout-- if we fill his cap with a f/a or trade

Pass. We are trying to move away from slow and old.

 

[Zil]

I could easily see Stralman going instead of Boyle. In fact, I can easily see them both going and think it'd be a couple of big mistakes.

But the reason I think Stralman has a better chance of going is that, ultimately, the Rangers will make a decision that they can produce D-men at a better clip than produce any players that give what Boyle gives.

They aren't producing very many defensemen that play the right side. If anyone is going to go because of what the system can produce it's Staal: On the left side we have Skjei, Allen, Bodie, and Graves. On the right side we have McIlrath, Andersson, and Zamorsky. We clearly have better bets on the left side then the right.

Staal's cap hit is only $3.975 million, but he makes $5.45 million in actual salary. That means he's going to be looking for a Girardi contract or higher. As big a raise as Stralman may be looking at, nobody's projecting he'll get quite that big of a contract.

I do think Boyle's gone with him talking about wanting a bigger role. He doesn't seem to understand that he's perfect on a fourth line, but a poor fit in a team's top nine. I think we sign a cheaper vet to compete with Lindberg in camp for Boyle's spot while also bringing back Moore.

 

[Clown Fiesta]

Haha. I think it is dependent on term which seems to be more of a priority for Stralman. If they were looking at a 2 or 3 year deal, I could see him getting closer to 4.5 for the short term. Realistically if they bargain with him and give him 5-6 years, the cap hit should be much closer to 3.5 - 4.

I think my ceiling would be 4.2 for 3-4 years, give him a little more term and bring it down to 4 or a little under. He's a good player for us in a semi limited role, I think he knows this.

 

[SML]

So is it safe to say McIlrath is a bust now? It's been 4 years

You know who else is a bust? Stralman. I mean the guy got drafted in 2005 and couldn't make the Leafs or the Jackets... I mean the Devils wouldn't even give the guy a contract. Let's face it. If you aren't on a roster and an All-Star by 21 or 22 tops, you're just not ever really going to pull it together and make anything out of yourself or contribute at all.

For crying out loud, we're finally in a place where we don't have to rush every first rounder into the lineup and can let them mature, but even that's not good enough.

 

[Ex Officer Friendly]

I'm skeptical of the idea of emulating last year's champs. It changes every year, and it's purely reactionary.

This!!! look at what happened in Vancouver after the 2011 finals the moves that they started to make in order to get bigger and stronger actually started to set them back and then look at them this season.

 

[Fitzy]

Sauer made the Rangers at age 23. Girardi was almost 23. Allen is already 24. Dylan JUST turned 22.

The difference is expectations. Mac has had them since draft day. He's not even close to busting yet.

 

[Xref]

Yeah, some serious underrating of Klein going on here. He was second fiddle on the right side behind Weber playing 18-20 minutes a game in Nashville before Seth Jones fell into their laps. He'll be just fine playing on our second pairing if needed.

Yep. I was impressed with Klein's play. Stepped in and was quite steady.

That said, it's clear that we need a booming shot from the point, from someone who can create his own lanes. Not sure if we have such an animal in McD, or may need to look outside the organeyezation.

 

[Trxjw]

I'd give Stralman a long term deal if it cut down on the cap hit, given the cap trajectory.

Do the same thing for Staal.

Lock this group of top 4 defensemen up for a long, long time together. Give this NYR team an identity of continuity like the Red Wings.

Can't say I agree in terms of locking all 4 of them up. You can't afford to have that amount of money tied up in 4 players who gave you a total of 94 points on the year from the blue line. 43 of which game from one guy.

 

[Zil]

If people want to make substantial improvements down the middle, Staal is the only trade chip we have. Like I said before, he's going to command a Girardi contract or more. Factor in his injury history and up and down play and I think extending him becomes a bad idea.

 

[TheTakedown]

“@AGrossRecord: AV says there are financial considerations but says he's a big "fan of Brad Richards" and Richards dealing with situation as a "pro."â€

“@AGrossRecord: Vigneault says no final decision made yet on buying on Brad Richards. Organizational meetings upcoming.â€

“@AGrossRecord: Vigneault asked about Rangers' desire to infuse more youth into lineup next season. "You have to, just look at LA."â€

“@AGrossRecord: Vigneault was asked whether he can envision Kevin Klein in a top four D-man role: "He did that in Nashville."â€

Heres how I read those quotes:

- AV: I like Richards, but Slats wants him gone

- AV: I guess I'll have to make room for Miller

- Slats: I think we'll trade Stralman's rights

Hadn't considered that. That's a great point.

I just feel like he's been underwhelming in every game I've seen him play with NY or with MTL.

I don't mind him as a 7/6, but I really don't see him as a top 4 on a good team. If he can grow into it, that's awesome. I'm skeptical but I'd love to be proven wrong.

Been saying that since he came in for that Moore suspension. He's a good hockey player, and played top 4 in MTL. He can do the job, especially with a solid partner on his pairing.

 

[TheTakedown]

Also interesting to note that Boyle is getting married this coming Friday... Never know where him and his wife plan to end up living... that could have some impact on negotiations

 

[Pizza]

You know who else is a bust? Stralman. I mean the guy got drafted in 2005 and couldn't make the Leafs or the Jackets... I mean the Devils wouldn't even give the guy a contract. Let's face it. If you aren't on a roster and an All-Star by 21 or 22 tops, you're just not ever really going to pull it together and make anything out of yourself or contribute at all.

For crying out loud, we're finally in a place where we don't have to rush every first rounder into the lineup and can let them mature, but even that's not good enough.

Great Effing post.

Just when my eyes are starting to bleed from what I'm reading, and somebody comes to the rescue.

 

[Richter Scale]

How does he think the fans feel? At least he still gets to wake up and be Henrik Lundqvist. Time to focus on winning next year Henrik.

Edit: I should say, even if you were serious with this, I don't think you meant it negatively. But I wanted to respond to the sentiment, since I've seen it elsewhere as well.

I get the "he's still making a buttload of $ argument." I really do; and I would certainly get behind it in other situations. But I can't get behind it here, if that's what you're saying. Unless this is a joke/sarcasm that flew right over my head.

I had plenty of posts being critical/expecting more of Hank at certain points in this playoffs, and I don't like there are times when he seems to take some of the goals scored against out on his teammates in the heat of the moment; but I can't get on his case for being emotionally distraught right now. He gets to have some time to let the wounds heal. Fans can be as devastated as we want. But I 100 % guarantee you that it is a thousand times worse, emotionally, as a player to come that close to winning the cup and losing than it is to watch your favorite team fail. Especially with how it ended for Hank. I would argue that game 5 was one of, if not THE, best game Hank has played even if it wasn't reflected in the outcome or the raw stats. You could just see by how he was playing that he was willing his team to victory and putting them on his back (more than he has in the past in my mind). To put up such a superhuman individual effort and still come up short, that's gotta be pretty painful even if it is a team sport.

[As an aside, this may not be the place to talk about this but: The stats that were repeatedly posted about Hank's elimination game #s were impressive. No doubt. And I'm glad he stepped up time and again when it was all on the line, but at the same time you gotta sit there and think - there were quite a few chances for him to play that way before being put in that position and shorten some of these series this playoffs. He needs to find a way in the future to come as close as he can to duplicating that desperation and that level of play in non-elimination games.]

Granted, I do want him saying the right things and thinking the right things for the sake of the media and his teammates. Like it or not, he is a leader in that locker room and how he acts impacts how his teammates act and think. But he is allowed to be an emotional mess on the inside for a few weeks and maybe not truly believe everything he says at first on the inside (if he says the "right" things anyway). Eventually though, I'm with you. The wounds need to heal and he needs to use it as motivation. He's certainly allowed to still be more than a bit disappointed just two days after losing a chance at the cup. You're fooling yourself if you think there isn't a player in that locker room who doesn't feel that way -- some are just better at hiding it than others.

 

[Blueshirt Special]

The impact on D without 1C

Both Girardi and McD will be better when we finally get a number One Center. Yes, even McD will benefit.

I think it is something that is overlooked, how much pressure it puts on defensemen when a team is so weak down the middle.

 

[JCrusher*]

Another thing that can't be replaced is Boyle's locker room presence. Whether it be Del Zotto, Kreider, or Miller, he has always been close with the younger, less experienced players. Hopefully another one of our veterans will be able to step in and take on Boyle's role of mentor.

Good Point. I know Boyle and kreider are pretty close since they are both Boston guys. I hope he stays but if he is looking for a Prust type deal then thats too much for what he produces

 

[Zil]

- Slats: I think we'll trade Stralman's rights

Meh, what do you expect AV to say? "No, Klein can't do it. We're ****ed without Stralman. His agent really has us over the barrel here."

 

[Trxjw]

Another thing that can't be replaced is Boyle's locker room presence. Whether it be Del Zotto, Kreider, or Miller, he has always been close with the younger, less experienced players. Hopefully another one of our veterans will be able to step in and take on Boyle's role of mentor.

Yep. I know Boyle has been huge when it comes to helping Kreider adjust to the NHL. They're very close.

He's the kind of guy you really end up missing in the long run.

 

[BarbaraAlphanse]

Yep. I know Boyle has been huge when it comes to helping Kreider adjust to the NHL. They're very close.

He's the kind of guy you really end up missing in the long run.

I think he stays.

I understand he wants more of a role but he's been so consistent with saying how much he loves NY and how much he'd love to resign.

 

[ThisYearsModel]

I would be shocked if Boyle is here next season. I always thought he would end up in Boston but he would not crack the top 9 up there either. He could always go to NJ, where he could be the #1 or 2 center.

 

[Tundra]

I would be shocked if Boyle is here next season. I always thought he would end up in Boston but he would not crack the top 9 up there either. He could always go to NJ, where he could be the #1 or 2 center.

Don't forget he's from BC and Lou collects BC alum like rare trading cards.

 

[Trxjw]

I think he stays.

I understand he wants more of a role but he's been so consistent with saying how much he loves NY and how much he'd love to resign.

All of that can quickly go out the window when you have a family and a future to think about. Boyle's a sharp guy and I'm sure he'll find work after hockey, but guys like him need to chase the money when they have the chance. They need to provide for the long-term.

I'm sure some team is looking at his 20 goal year and saying "If we can just put the right players on his wings.." while they open up the checkbook.

 

[NickyFotiu]

You know who else is a bust? Stralman. I mean the guy got drafted in 2005 and couldn't make the Leafs or the Jackets... I mean the Devils wouldn't even give the guy a contract. Let's face it. If you aren't on a roster and an All-Star by 21 or 22 tops, you're just not ever really going to pull it together and make anything out of yourself or contribute at all.

For crying out loud, we're finally in a place where we don't have to rush every first rounder into the lineup and can let them mature, but even that's not good enough.

Great post.

 

[Jersey Girl]

You know who else is a bust? Stralman. I mean the guy got drafted in 2005 and couldn't make the Leafs or the Jackets... I mean the Devils wouldn't even give the guy a contract. Let's face it. If you aren't on a roster and an All-Star by 21 or 22 tops, you're just not ever really going to pull it together and make anything out of yourself or contribute at all.

For crying out loud, we're finally in a place where we don't have to rush every first rounder into the lineup and can let them mature, but even that's not good enough.

Your post is fair, but you are comparing a seventh round draft pick (Stralman) with a #10 overall draft pick (McIlrath). There are different expectations at those levels.

Fans are naturally going to compare McIlrath with whoever else we could have drafted at the time, especially since some of those players are already becoming big contributors. We don't get many top ten draft selections, and we were hoping to make the most of it.

That all said, I hope McIlrath at some point does come in and prove he was a good selection at #10.