Speculation: 2014 - 2015 New York Rangers :: Roster building / proposal thread Part II

[bernmeister]

Bern and 77 have to be related

Why?
'Cause we push for Stepan to be traded?

-----------------

And again, there is a huge dif here.

77 wants to do Stepan + for ROR.

I want to flip Stepan if high enough overpayment then makes it worthwhile.
Most of you guys don't want to take the hit at 1C to get a LOT of help elsewhere.

 

[Zuccarello Awesome*]

Why?
'Cause we push for Stepan to be traded?

-----------------

And again, there is a huge dif here.

77 wants to do Stepan + for ROR.

I want to flip Stepan if high enough overpayment then makes it worthwhile.
Most of you guys don't want to take the hit at 1C to get a LOT of help elsewhere.

I'm not trying to trade Stepan just to trade him.

I want to improve the team, and Stepan is a very attractive asset that might be able to do that. I also recognize that Stepan is due to make 6+ million next season and although that's becoming the going rate for his production, I'd rather spend 7 million on a legitimate 1C than Stepan, who I think is a 1/2 tweener at best. Brassard (although totally different style) gets you just about the same production, and has been better in the playoffs. I'd rather pay Brassard 4-5 to be our 2C and have a legitimate star 1C than to pay a combined 11 million on two centers and neither of them are really that top-end skill player who makes his teammates better.

 

[Lindberg Cheese]

This is a fully operational roster... 13h and 14th forward, 7th and 8th D...

CAPGEEK.COM ARMCHAIR GM ROSTER
CapGeek Armchair GM Roster
FORWARDS
Chris Kreider ($2.250m) / Derek Stepan ($3.075m) / Martin St. Louis ($5.625m)
Rick Nash ($7.800m) / Derick Brassard ($4.000m) / Mats Zuccarello ($3.600m)
Carl Hagelin ($2.250m) / J.T. Miller ($0.894m) / Lee Stempniak ($0.900m)
Tanner Glass ($1.450m) / Dominic Moore ($1.500m) / Matthew Lombardi ($0.800m)
Daniel Carcillo ($0.825m) / Jesper Fast ($0.805m) /
DEFENSEMEN
Ryan McDonagh ($4.700m) / Dan Girardi ($5.500m)
Marc Staal ($3.975m) / Dan Boyle ($4.500m)
John Moore ($0.851m) / Kevin Klein ($2.900m)
Mike Kostka ($0.650m) / Matt Hunwick ($0.600m)
GOALTENDERS
Henrik Lundqvist ($8.500m)
Cameron Talbot ($0.563m)
BUYOUTS
Wade Redden ($0.000m)
Brad Richards ($0.000m)
BONUS OVERAGE
$0
------
CAPGEEK.COM TOTALS (follow @capgeek on Twitter)
(estimations for 2014-15)
SALARY CAP: $69,000,000; CAP PAYROLL: $68,512,167; BONUSES: $445,000
CAP SPACE (24-man roster): $487,833

If you want more balance in the lineup, you run with this:

CAPGEEK.COM ARMCHAIR GM ROSTER
CapGeek Armchair GM Roster
FORWARDS
Chris Kreider ($2.250m) / Derek Stepan ($3.075m) / Rick Nash ($7.800m)
Lee Stempniak ($0.900m) / Derick Brassard ($4.000m) / Mats Zuccarello ($3.600m)
Carl Hagelin ($2.250m) / J.T. Miller ($0.894m) / Martin St. Louis ($5.625m)
Tanner Glass ($1.450m) / Dominic Moore ($1.500m) / Matthew Lombardi ($0.800m)
Daniel Carcillo ($0.825m) / Jesper Fast ($0.805m) /
DEFENSEMEN
Ryan McDonagh ($4.700m) / Dan Girardi ($5.500m)
Marc Staal ($3.975m) / Dan Boyle ($4.500m)
John Moore ($0.851m) / Kevin Klein ($2.900m)
Mike Kostka ($0.650m) / Matt Hunwick ($0.600m)
GOALTENDERS
Henrik Lundqvist ($8.500m)
Cameron Talbot ($0.563m)
BUYOUTS
Wade Redden ($0.000m)
Brad Richards ($0.000m)
BONUS OVERAGE
$0
------
CAPGEEK.COM TOTALS (follow @capgeek on Twitter)
(estimations for 2014-15)
SALARY CAP: $69,000,000; CAP PAYROLL: $68,512,167; BONUSES: $445,000
CAP SPACE (24-man roster): $487,833

About $1.2 mil short on the RFAs but if you dump Fast and Hunwick then we have 200k in cap space. Not enough. I think the target is north of 500k, prob around 750k.

 

[Zuccarello Awesome*]

You don't just put your best three forwards on one line, the next best three on the second, and so on down the lineup. The idea is to find balance. It's simplest and most sensible to fit Stempniak right in with Zucc and Brass.

Nash doesn't really need Stepan or Brassard. He doesn't use his teammates well and he creates a lot on his own. It makes sense to put him with Miller, who will be our third line center as Sather basically came out and said. St. Louis, on the other hand, relies on teammates to drive possession which he can then use to generate high percentage chances. He slots in ideally with Stepan and Kreider.

Lombardi can play the Brian Boyle role as the second center for the fourth line flanking Moore. Any offense he chips in is a bonus and his speed can cause unexpected havoc against weak matchups. Lindberg should begin in the AHL where he can continue polishing his game. Hopefully reason will prevail and Fast will beat out Glass for the other fourth line wing job.

except that's merely your opinion.

Stempniak doesn't forecheck the way Pouliot does. He doesn't create space the way Pouliot does.

Do you know who does that and better? Rick Nash

Nash with Brassard and Zuccarello makes the most sense.

Kreider Stepan St. Louis
Nash Brassard Zuccarello

It makes no sense to put your leading scorer on the third line with a rookie, just because YOU want to look at a balanced lineup on paper.

That's not how hockey works because you want it to.

I'd love for J.T. Miller to tear up the NHL this season and be good enough to center a line with MSL, but I highly doubt it's going to play out that way, pal.

 

[SupersonicMonkey*]

This is a fully operational roster... 13h and 14th forward, 7th and 8th D...

CAPGEEK.COM ARMCHAIR GM ROSTER
CapGeek Armchair GM Roster
FORWARDS
Chris Kreider ($2.250m) / Derek Stepan ($3.075m) / Martin St. Louis ($5.625m)
Rick Nash ($7.800m) / Derick Brassard ($4.000m) / Mats Zuccarello ($3.600m)
Carl Hagelin ($2.250m) / J.T. Miller ($0.894m) / Lee Stempniak ($0.900m)
Tanner Glass ($1.450m) / Dominic Moore ($1.500m) / Matthew Lombardi ($0.800m)
Daniel Carcillo ($0.825m) / Jesper Fast ($0.805m) /
DEFENSEMEN
Ryan McDonagh ($4.700m) / Dan Girardi ($5.500m)
Marc Staal ($3.975m) / Dan Boyle ($4.500m)
John Moore ($0.851m) / Kevin Klein ($2.900m)
Mike Kostka ($0.650m) / Matt Hunwick ($0.600m)
GOALTENDERS
Henrik Lundqvist ($8.500m)
Cameron Talbot ($0.563m)
BUYOUTS
Wade Redden ($0.000m)
Brad Richards ($0.000m)
BONUS OVERAGE
$0
------
CAPGEEK.COM TOTALS (follow @capgeek on Twitter)
(estimations for 2014-15)
SALARY CAP: $69,000,000; CAP PAYROLL: $68,512,167; BONUSES: $445,000
CAP SPACE (24-man roster): $487,833

If you want more balance in the lineup, you run with this:

CAPGEEK.COM ARMCHAIR GM ROSTER
CapGeek Armchair GM Roster
FORWARDS
Chris Kreider ($2.250m) / Derek Stepan ($3.075m) / Rick Nash ($7.800m)
Lee Stempniak ($0.900m) / Derick Brassard ($4.000m) / Mats Zuccarello ($3.600m)
Carl Hagelin ($2.250m) / J.T. Miller ($0.894m) / Martin St. Louis ($5.625m)
Tanner Glass ($1.450m) / Dominic Moore ($1.500m) / Matthew Lombardi ($0.800m)
Daniel Carcillo ($0.825m) / Jesper Fast ($0.805m) /
DEFENSEMEN
Ryan McDonagh ($4.700m) / Dan Girardi ($5.500m)
Marc Staal ($3.975m) / Dan Boyle ($4.500m)
John Moore ($0.851m) / Kevin Klein ($2.900m)
Mike Kostka ($0.650m) / Matt Hunwick ($0.600m)
GOALTENDERS
Henrik Lundqvist ($8.500m)
Cameron Talbot ($0.563m)
BUYOUTS
Wade Redden ($0.000m)
Brad Richards ($0.000m)
BONUS OVERAGE
$0
------
CAPGEEK.COM TOTALS (follow @capgeek on Twitter)
(estimations for 2014-15)
SALARY CAP: $69,000,000; CAP PAYROLL: $68,512,167; BONUSES: $445,000
CAP SPACE (24-man roster): $487,833

Agree.

Though, remains to be seen if they want Carcillo back. Mueller would be fine there. He can take faceoffs and kill penalties.

Either way, the roster is not as bad as the media would have you believe. It's a versatile roster with a lot of speed.

 

[bernmeister]

I'm begging you guys to stop listing Miller as our 2nd line center. He has yet to prove he's capable of being an everyday 3C.

I get that you're obsessed with spreading offense throughout the lineup, but be realistic:

1) J.T. Miller will not be centering Marty St. Louis or Mats Zuccarello on opening night.

2) Derek Stepan and Derrick Brassard are our top 2 centers. They will likely be centering our four best wingers (Zuccarello, St. Louis, Nash, Kreider).

3) J.T. Miller (IF he wins the 3C job; competition with Lindberg, Lombardi) will be centering a line with Carl Hagelin on the left and likely Lee Stempniak on the right. That's our third line. Zuccarello and Brassard are not third line players, no matter how much you want Miller to set the NHL on fire.

with possible exception of Lombardi, to date Miller is our fastest C.
EVENTUALLY the correct policy to maximally exploit that speed will be Kreider =Miller = MSL

He also offers some size and strength.

Eventually Stepan/Brassard/Brassard=Zuc as a combo/Lindberg, one of these guys will be moved.

based on track record, overcompensation would be offered for Stepan.
Not so for Miller who is just getting started.

Better to move the guy who brings more, while developing other guys for overpayment down the road.

 

[TheTakedown]

except that's merely your opinion.

Stempniak doesn't forecheck the way Pouliot does. He doesn't create space the way Pouliot does.

Do you know who does that and better? Rick Nash

Nash with Brassard and Zuccarello makes the most sense.

Kreider Stepan St. Louis
Nash Brassard Zuccarello

It makes no sense to put your leading scorer on the third line with a rookie, just because YOU want to look at a balanced lineup on paper.

That's not how hockey works because you want it to.

I'd love for J.T. Miller to tear up the NHL this season and be good enough to center a line with MSL, but I highly doubt it's going to play out that way, pal.

You do realize that MSL ran the "1st Line" with a rookies this year and still maintained over 1 PPG....

It can be done. Miller is a rookie, sure, but he's not some dud who has never touch NHL ice, and has already accomplished 1PPG in the AHL... I think surrounding him with Hagelin and MSL will work just fine.

 

[bernmeister]

Pretty good foresight - no ?
We signed Stempniak (waiting for $$$).
We are reportedly in on Hayes (which Brooks Broke after this post)
Now just let us sign The RFAs to reasonable $$$ and one of Carter/Carcillo for cheap
And finally await a minor trade after camp (maybe Morin or MPS)
Nostradamus hath spoken

hail mighty BBKers!

 

[bernmeister]

I'm not trying to trade Stepan just to trade him.

I want to improve the team, and Stepan is a very attractive asset that might be able to do that. I also recognize that Stepan is due to make 6+ million next season and although that's becoming the going rate for his production, I'd rather spend 7 million on a legitimate 1C than Stepan, who I think is a 1/2 tweener at best. Brassard (although totally different style) gets you just about the same production, and has been better in the playoffs. I'd rather pay Brassard 4-5 to be our 2C and have a legitimate star 1C than to pay a combined 11 million on two centers and neither of them are really that top-end skill player who makes his teammates better.

I did not accuse you of the bold.
I complain that, while I agree Stepan should be moved, I'm putting him in deals for a serious upgrade, and you want to squander his trade worth on ROR, who is overrated to begin with.

 

[Zuccarello Awesome*]

You do realize that MSL ran the "1st Line" with a rookies this year and still maintained over 1 PPG....

It can be done. Miller is a rookie, sure, but he's not some dud who has never touch NHL ice, and has already accomplished 1PPG in the AHL... I think surrounding him with Hagelin and MSL will work just fine.

out of necessity.

I think our best offensive players should play together, granted nobody's forced to play out of position. Since Nash and Zuccarello have both played LW and been effective in their careers, I see no reason why our top 6 shouldn't be a combination of Stepan, Brassard, Nash, Kreider, Zuccarello, St. Louis.

Our third line should be made up of 3rd line players. Hagelin's speed alone makes it a great line. Miller and Stempniak need to keep up and play smart two-way hockey. That's what will be asked of them. If you put a rookie with MSL, it also often causes the rookie to overthink and defer to the veteran instead of just growing and developing organically.

I did not accuse you of the bold.
I complain that, while I agree Stepan should be moved, I'm putting him in deals for a serious upgrade, and you want to squander his trade worth on ROR, who is overrated to begin with.

That's fine. We disagree. I think ROR is still on his way up and will become a poor man's Datsyuk (less flashy and silky smooth of course). I think he puts up a point-per-game in the prime of his career. I also don't think the "overpayment" would be the type that we need. Any team that would overpay to acquire Stepan likely is doing so to get younger, which means they won't be trading us the young talent that we'd want; rather, they'd want to offload salary / veterans.

 

[Mac n Gs]

I gotta say, I'm satisfied with the organization's approach this offseason. I think they finally were able to add stable depth to the Rangers and Wolf Pack. Both teams should ice very competitive teams with good depth.

 

[TheTakedown]

I gotta say, I'm satisfied with the organization's approach this offseason. I think they finally were able to add stable depth to the Rangers and Wolf Pack. Both teams should ice very competitive teams with good depth.

Agreed. Some very wise and smart reclamation signings and additions... Also giving the kids a shot too...

Pack should be ****ing beast this year.

 

[Zuccarello Awesome*]

Let's assume that Miller has a terrible camp and shows he really isn't ready for the NHL yet, and Lombardi is still a question-mark.

In that scenario, would any of you be interested in Lecavalier if Philly retained 15% of his salary?

For example, a 4th round pick for Lecavalier (PHI retains 15% making his cap-hit 3.825).

Kreider Stepan St. Louis
Nash Brassard Zuccarello
Hagelin Lecavalier Stempniak
Moore Glass Fast/Lindberg/Lombardi

As a 3C, Lecavalier (who still put up nearly 40 points in only 69 games during the "worst" season of his NHL career, while being shuffled around the lineup and spending time on the 4th line) isn't the worst option I could imagine.

The only real issue I'd have is the remaining length of his contract. He's signed for four more years (including this upcoming season) which brings him to age 38. If he were to retire, we'd face a recapture penalty (not sure the exact amount as Philly would be penalized partially as well). Of course, were he to be injured, he could ride out the remainder of his contract on LTIR the same way Pronger is doing in Philly.

I'm sure some immature posters will flip out and flame me for even suggesting this idea, but it's a valid one. Our success last year was due in large part to our depth at center, because despite having a bonafide star 1C, we had three very capable centers who all produced over 45 points. If Miller isn't ready, having Lecavalier in Richards' spot would be a safe bet to produce at least 45 points. But the risk involved makes me very apprehensive. The cost to acquire him would be negligible, and the only way this even gets off the ground is if Philly were to retain salary, like I mentioned. It's something to think about down the road if Miller really struggles in camp.

 

[Zuccarello Awesome*]

Brace yourselves. Here I go again...


SCENARIO 1:

Stepan and Staal for Datsyuk and DeKeyser


Detroit gets the eventual replacement for Datsyuk (he's 35 and his contract runs another 3 years) and a more veteran defenseman who they'd try to re-sign. Staal would be perfect in Detroit IMO.

NY gets an elite first line center who instantly makes them a better and more dynamic team, and a younger, cost-controlled defenseman with tons of offensive potential.


Kreider Datsyuk St. Louis
Nash Brassard Zuccarello
Hagelin Miller Stempniak
Glass Moore Lombardi

McDonagh Girardi
DeKeyser Klein
Moore Boyle

Lundqvist
Talbot


note: There's no chance Detroit does this now, but if they somehow are out of the playoff picture (for the first time in 23 years) at the deadline, this is something that actually could interest them. It's going to be hard to lose Datsyuk for nothing when he retires in a few years. The Rangers are in WIN-NOW mode because Lundqvist isn't getting any younger. This could be the move that puts them over the top.


SCENARIO 2

Staal and Klein for Ryan and Gryba

Ryan Stepan St. Louis
Kreider Brassard Zuccarello
Hagelin Miller Nash
Glass Moore Stempniak
Lombardi
Lindberg

McDonagh Girardi
Moore Boyle
Allen Gryba
McIlrath
Kostka

Lundqvist
Talbot



Both M. Staal and Bobby Ryan are UFA's after this season. If OTT gets the feeling that he doesn't want to re-sign there, perhaps they deal him for Marc Staal and attempt to extend him. If not, they trade him as a deadline rental the same way they would've done with Ryan. I can't see Ryan not wanting to re-sign in NY (unless he really has his sights set on the Flyers, but I doubt it because they're still a mess IMO). Klein for Gryba has to be part of the deal for cap reasons, but we also get younger and tougher with that aspect of the deal.

 

[Championship*]

Wow. This last page has just been jammed packed of awful hasn't it??

 

[Elevate]

Let's assume that Miller has a terrible camp and shows he really isn't ready for the NHL yet, and Lombardi is still a question-mark.

In that scenario, would any of you be interested in Lecavalier if Philly retained 15% of his salary?

For example, a 4th round pick for Lecavalier (PHI retains 15% making his cap-hit 3.825).

Kreider Stepan St. Louis
Nash Brassard Zuccarello
Hagelin Lecavalier Stempniak
Moore Glass Fast/Lindberg/Lombardi

As a 3C, Lecavalier (who still put up nearly 40 points in only 69 games during the "worst" season of his NHL career, while being shuffled around the lineup and spending time on the 4th line) isn't the worst option I could imagine.

The only real issue I'd have is the remaining length of his contract. He's signed for four more years (including this upcoming season) which brings him to age 38. If he were to retire, we'd face a recapture penalty (not sure the exact amount as Philly would be penalized partially as well). Of course, were he to be injured, he could ride out the remainder of his contract on LTIR the same way Pronger is doing in Philly.

I'm sure some immature posters will flip out and flame me for even suggesting this idea, but it's a valid one. Our success last year was due in large part to our depth at center, because despite having a bonafide star 1C, we had three very capable centers who all produced over 45 points. If Miller isn't ready, having Lecavalier in Richards' spot would be a safe bet to produce at least 45 points. But the risk involved makes me very apprehensive. The cost to acquire him would be negligible, and the only way this even gets off the ground is if Philly were to retain salary, like I mentioned. It's something to think about down the road if Miller really struggles in camp.

Too bad we bought out Brad, effectively ruining the Bolts reunion in MSG.

On a serious note I'm not quite as sure that Vinny would put up 45 points playing Richie's minutes. He faced easier competition this past season and still was an anchor for the team possession wise. Looked kind of out of gas to me and I'd not want his contract on my hands.

 

[Kakko]

How exactly are we fitting Lecavalier under the cap?

 

[Mac n Gs]

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Datsyuk. The guy is absolutely ****ing filthy, but let reality set in and realize he's 35 and missed almost half of last season with a bad right knee. I'd understand people vying to trade Step (even though I think it would be an EXTREMELY stupid move) if we had organizational prospects to replace center depth. I'm not holding my break for Stamkos as an UFA. Trading Stepan just doesn't make sense because this "#1 center" people want to acquire requires more pieces than Stepan. Gutting depth again for a star isn't the way to go. Why can't people just be happy that this organization drafted a very talented 24 year old center who has grown with us since he's 19. He's steadily improved every year, and he already plays top quality two-way defense. Could he look to shoot on the PP more? Of course he could, but that is the coaching staff's job to tell him to do so. It doesn't mean we trade him for someone who will.

The same thing with Miller. There will be hiccups, but let him grow. We're lucky to have great veterans on this team to guide the younger players that are being infused. Defense can be taught, and Miller will be fine.

I just don't understand how people are upset with this team after completely changing the organizational philosophy from buying a team rather than drafting and molding one. The fat from the Torts era is gone, and the players we have now can flourish in AV's system. This team seems poised for consistent success. I'd rather have that than blow our wad to win a Cup just so the team can be ****** again. Be happy with the direction and growth of this team. We have a very, very good hockey team.

 

[silverfish]

We're not done. I think a trade comes to sure up 2LW or 3C, and then we're done. Don't know who goes, don't know for what, but I think we'll see a trade after arbitration wraps up and Sather knows the cap # for sure.

If there's no trade, and we're moving one of Nash/MZA to LW, I think Nash makes the most sense there. Put him on Stepan's left so he's feeding him as a right handed shot.

Nash - Stepan - MSL
Kreider - Brassard - MZA
Hagelin - Lombardi/Miller - Stempniak
Glass - Moore - Lombardi/Fast/Mueller

That Stempniak signing does absolute wonders for our depth. Bravo, Sather

 

[TheTakedown]

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Datsyuk. The guy is absolutely ****ing filthy, but let reality set in and realize he's 35 and missed almost half of last season with a bad right knee. I'd understand people vying to trade Step (even though I think it would be an EXTREMELY stupid move) if we had organizational prospects to replace center depth. I'm not holding my break for Stamkos as an UFA. Trading Stepan just doesn't make sense because this "#1 center" people want to acquire requires more pieces than Stepan. Gutting depth again for a star isn't the way to go. Why can't people just be happy that this organization drafted a very talented 24 year old center who has grown with us since he's 19. He's steadily improved every year, and he already plays top quality two-way defense. Could he look to shoot on the PP more? Of course he could, but that is the coaching staff's job to tell him to do so. It doesn't mean we trade him for someone who will.

The same thing with Miller. There will be hiccups, but let him grow. We're lucky to have great veterans on this team to guide the younger players that are being infused. Defense can be taught, and Miller will be fine.

I just don't understand how people are upset with this team after completely changing the organizational philosophy from buying a team rather than drafting and molding one. The fat from the Torts era is gone, and the players we have now can flourish in AV's system. This team seems poised for consistent success. I'd rather have that than blow our wad to win a Cup just so the team can be ****** again. Be happy with the direction and growth of this team. We have a very, very good hockey team.

Your sanity is appreciated.

We have a good team. If the low risk high reward signings work out, I think we're actually deeper than last year...

 

[Mac n Gs]

Your sanity is appreciated.

We have a good team. If the low risk high reward signings work out, I think we're actually deeper than last year...

Exactly. Someone mentioned it before but our signings have been dual-purposed, ig Boyle replacing Brad on the PP point and Stralsy 5v5. Stempniak replaces Pouliot 5v5 and Boyle on the PK. We have more speed now, which is what AV wanted anyways. Add in a year of development for our younger players, and we definitely a deeper team throughout the ENTIRE organization. A lot of people overlook how we actually made useful signings rather than having players like Kyle Beach and Jason Wilson take up contract spots.

 

[LaffyTaffyNYR]

Brooks says that the minimum starting numbers for Staal will likely be six-years and $5.5 million per season. Staal would get at least that as a free agent next summer unless he were to sustain another concussion this year. (NY Post)

The cap will go up.. so not sure a 1.5M raise for Staal is that bad honestly.. but then you have to factor in raises for Stepan and Hagelin and to re sign St Louis as well.. Should the Rangers pay that to be the #2LHD or trade him? They also have Brady Skejl who isn't supposed to be far off.

Our D would also account for almost 26M of our cap (Girardi 5.5), Staal (5.5), Mcdonagh (4.7), Boyle (4.5), Klein (2.9) is 23M, then whoever the other 3 dmen are.

 

[LaffyTaffyNYR]

Exactly. Someone mentioned it before but our signings have been dual-purposed, ig Boyle replacing Brad on the PP point and Stralsy 5v5. Stempniak replaces Pouliot 5v5 and Boyle on the PK. We have more speed now, which is what AV wanted anyways. Add in a year of development for our younger players, and we definitely a deeper team throughout the ENTIRE organization. A lot of people overlook how we actually made useful signings rather than having players like Kyle Beach and Jason Wilson take up contract spots.

signing Stempniak and Lombardi does 2 things. 1. We don't have to rely on the kids if they aren't quite ready yet and 2. In case of injury, because we arent' relying on the kids, they will be able to come up because they won't already be on the team.. depth throughout the organization, like you said is a good thing.

 

[Zuccarello Awesome*]

We're not done. I think a trade comes to sure up 2LW or 3C, and then we're done. Don't know who goes, don't know for what, but I think we'll see a trade after arbitration wraps up and Sather knows the cap # for sure.

If there's no trade, and we're moving one of Nash/MZA to LW, I think Nash makes the most sense there. Put him on Stepan's left so he's feeding him as a right handed shot.

Nash - Stepan - MSL
Kreider - Brassard - MZA
Hagelin - Lombardi/Miller - Stempniak
Glass - Moore - Lombardi/Fast/Mueller

That Stempniak signing does absolute wonders for our depth. Bravo, Sather

You make some some good points but the notion that Nash is a good fit there simply because Stepan is a righty and would be passing to him on his forehand is silly. Left-wings don't only stay on the left side of the ice. Hockey is far less basic / straightforward than that.

Personally I think Nash in Pouliot's spot on the LW with Brass and Zucc makes the most sense: similar body-type and skillset with Nash being better at everything. Plus, Kreider has looked the most confer able on Stepan's left wing; no reason to upset that.

 

[silverfish]

You make some some good points but the notion that Nash is a good fit there simply because Stepan is a righty and would be passing to him on his forehand is silly. Left-wings don't only stay on the left side of the ice. Hockey is far less basic / straightforward than that.

Personally I think Nash in Pouliot's spot on the LW with Brass and Zucc makes the most sense: similar body-type and skillset with Nash being better at everything. Plus, Kreider has looked the most confer able on Stepan's left wing; no reason to upset that.

From what I remember, Nash and Brassard didn't really work well together in CBJ. Times change I'm sure, but who knows. Would rather keep Nash comfortable than Kreider.

Kreider is also a possession and points/60 goals/60 monster; like Pouliot.