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

[TheTakedown]

I was just saying that Stepniak being put in higher role than is suitable for his talent (because of lack of depth on a bad team) would mostly hide performance issues, not expose it. I'm still hoping that Nash will not be in this category but so far the good player / bad team observation applies.

And for this post, I'll point you to Dom Moore as a 2/3C... Tell me how he looked when brassard was hurt...

Everyone here stated how over his head he was.

Same for stempniak... If your team blows chunks you can't always perform

 

[HatTrick Swayze]

Not a bad thing in the same way as Stepniak playing on Brassard's line. I just think that Nash would be a better fit on this line. In other words:

Nash - Brass - Zuke, Hags - Miller - Stepniak

is better than

Stepniak - Brass - Zuke, Hags - Miller - Nash.

I think Nash is a MUCH better RW (mostly due to the ability to take the puck to the inside and create a strong shooting lane) which is why I take option 2.

 

[Wolfy*]

I'm not so sure Nash has a lot chemistry with Brass and Zucc, I guess that's why Zucc talked about Stemp and didn't even mention Nash.

But of course, it's up to AV.

 

[Savant]

I think Nash is a MUCH better RW (mostly due to the ability to take the puck to the inside and create a strong shooting lane) which is why I take option 2.

I think I take Option two as well. Especially if Stempniak has chemistry with brassard and MZA. Stempniak is not too dissimilar to Pouliot, maybe lightning strikes twice.

There has to be a reason Nash and Brassard have never really played together, and Miller can use all the help he can.

 

[kovazub94]

And for this post, I'll point you to Dom Moore as a 2/3C... Tell me how he looked when brassard was hurt...

Everyone here stated how over his head he was.

Same for stempniak... If your team blows chunks you can't always perform

I don't see your point. Are you saying the Rangers was a bad team? I also didn't think someone would bring up an emergency short term patch move of a player from a 4th line grinder role (where he excelled) to a scoring center role. Everything in your example is different.

 

[NewLife]

I think Nash is a MUCH better RW (mostly due to the ability to take the puck to the inside and create a strong shooting lane) which is why I take option 2.

He is better to the right is simple as that. We got to keep Zuccarello, MSL and Nash on separate lines. The forward line up I would like to see below.. No clear #1 line, AV is pretty smart coach and with find missmatch with that depth. I think a swap of Step and Kreider needs to be explored though.

Kreider-Stepan-Nash
Hagelin-Miller-St. Louis
Stepniak-Brassard-Zuaccarello
Fast-Moore-Carcillo

 

[LORENZO]

Did i miss Carcillo resigning?

 

[Ola]

I think Nash is a MUCH better RW (mostly due to the ability to take the puck to the inside and create a strong shooting lane) which is why I take option 2.

Agree.

But is Zucc really a much better RW than LW? Might work as LW with Nash.

 

[Idlerlee]

The brass stated only a few days ago that "They have a few ideas" with regards to whoever slots in on the LW for Brass and Zucc, so its safe to assume both stemp, kreider and nash will be tried there, hell maybe even Hags. See what sticks

 

[Ola]

The brass stated only a few days ago that "They have a few ideas" with regards to whoever slots in on the LW for Brass and Zucc, so its safe to assume both stemp, kreider and nash will be tried there, hell maybe even Hags. See what sticks

Yeah, and I've yet to see a NYR season where the lines established even after 15-20 games stick 50-60 games.

I think Miller could be a good fit with Brass and Zucc and he will get the first shot. That's my bet at least. Then Lombs with Hags and MSL.

The problem is this. Kreider-Step-Nash played together a ton last year. From day 1 they did get dramatically better. I don't think many recognize this, because they look at output, but that line was not good at all 5 on 5 early on. Then they steadily progressed during the year, and easily played their best hockey in the POs. But, when they faced the same team day in and day out, and a team on top of that that was real good, they could win the momentum battle but not score.

How much can the line of Kreider-Step-Nash keep on growing? You need them to be able to score too no doubt. How do you get Nash going? Because that line was not working well offensively at all, and it was not -- only -- Nash.

One option could be to move Zucc to the left and play Nash at RW on that line. Zucc plays kind of in a free role anyway, on the cirlce I don't think it would bother him at all to play LW. Nash would open up alot of ice for him. That could give us:

Kreider-Step-MSL
Zucc-Brass-Nash
Hags-Miller-Fast/Stemp
Glass-Moore-Lombardi/Fast/Stempniak

 

[Vitto79]

Did i miss Carcillo resigning?

Nope that assumption if they don't sign Hayes. My guess anyway

 

[silverfish]

From what I remember, Brass and Nash were tried in CBJ and didn't work. Someone should post on HFCBJ and see if their fans remember Nash on Brassard's LW and what it was like.

EDIT - Another thought... Could we trade Hagelin for an equal value 3C with size and get away with it?

Kreider - Stepan - MSL
Stemp - Brass - Zuccie
Miller/Lombo - 3C - Nash
Glass - Moore - Fast/Lombo/Bourque/Mueller/etc....
Biznasty (always tongue in cheek)

Not a huge advocate of losing Hagelin, but it makes a bit more sense to me.

 

[Zuccarello Awesome*]

Yeah, and I've yet to see a NYR season where the lines established even after 15-20 games stick 50-60 games.

I think Miller could be a good fit with Brass and Zucc and he will get the first shot. That's my bet at least. Then Lombs with Hags and MSL.

The problem is this. Kreider-Step-Nash played together a ton last year. From day 1 they did get dramatically better. I don't think many recognize this, because they look at output, but that line was not good at all 5 on 5 early on. Then they steadily progressed during the year, and easily played their best hockey in the POs. But, when they faced the same team day in and day out, and a team on top of that that was real good, they could win the momentum battle but not score.

How much can the line of Kreider-Step-Nash keep on growing? You need them to be able to score too no doubt. How do you get Nash going? Because that line was not working well offensively at all, and it was not -- only -- Nash.

One option could be to move Zucc to the left and play Nash at RW on that line. Zucc plays kind of in a free role anyway, on the cirlce I don't think it would bother him at all to play LW. Nash would open up alot of ice for him. That could give us:

Kreider-Step-MSL
Zucc-Brass-Nash
Hags-Miller-Fast/Stemp
Glass-Moore-Lombardi/Fast/Stempniak

That's the exact lineup I've been posting for over a month.

 

[Zuccarello Awesome*]

From what I remember, Brass and Nash were tried in CBJ and didn't work. Someone should post on HFCBJ and see if their fans remember Nash on Brassard's LW and what it was like.

EDIT - Another thought... Could we trade Hagelin for an equal value 3C with size and get away with it?

Kreider - Stepan - MSL
Stemp - Brass - Zuccie
Miller/Lombo - 3C - Nash
Glass - Moore - Fast/Lombo/Bourque/Mueller/etc....
Biznasty (always tongue in cheek)

Not a huge advocate of losing Hagelin, but it makes a bit more sense to me.

You have two natural centers playing wing and then trading Hagelin for a center for no reason.

Perhaps just let the centers play center, and let Hagelin play wing.

I seriously can't believe you suggested trading Hagelin to acquire a center so that he could center one of two natural centers playing the wing.

Miller: natural C
Lombardi: natural C
Lindberg: natural C

Why the hell would we trade Carl Hagelin so that one of those players could play out of position on the third line?! Just because you want an extra inch or two in height for your 3C? Unreal. Truly.

 

[Wolfy*]

Okay so Zucc made a 5 million player out of Pouliot, and now he's gonna get the best out of Nash. Hmm, maybe not such a dumb idea...

I can see Nash cashing in on those accurate passes from Zucc.

 

[silverfish]

You have two natural centers playing wing and then trading Hagelin for a center for no reason.

Perhaps just let the centers play center, and let Hagelin play wing.

I seriously can't believe you suggested trading Hagelin to acquire a center so that he could center one of two natural centers playing the wing.

Miller: natural C
Lombardi: natural C
Lindberg: natural C

Why the hell would we trade Carl Hagelin so that one of those players could play out of position on the third line?! Just because you want an extra inch or two in height for your 3C? Unreal. Truly.

Miller: Hasn't proven he can handle C duties at the NHL level. Better suited on the wing to learn defensive responsibility in a lessened role. Maybe the coaches (both Tortorella and AV are onto something when they don't put him at C every time he gets called up?)

Lombardi: Unless he wins the 3C gig, he's not going to play center on this team.

Lindberg: Not in my lineup. Won't be surprised if he severely outplays Miller in camp and pre-season. Can come in and PK right away. Defensively responsible. Will go a long way to impress the coaches.

You trade Hagelin because we have nice depth on the wings. You get a 3C in return who can fill the hole now and into the future. Anyway, this isn't necessarily an agenda I'm going to be pushing. It was just a thought that made a bit of sense to me. Hagelin would return a nice young 3C for us. It's a thought to explore IMO.

 

[LundqvistsEvilTwin]

dont worry guys.. im not dead.. just not much to really speculate on

#bringbackjoel

 

[RangerBoy]

Ryan McDonagh. There’s no doubt the standout blueliner had a breakout performance last year, but all signs point to him reaching an even higher level in 2014-15. McDonagh should not only be the Rangers’ best player, but a serious Norris Trophy contender. While the likes of P.K. Subban, Erik Karlsson and Zdeno Chara might garner more attention heading into the season, don’t be surprised if McDonagh emerges as the best defenceman in the East. He has steadily progressed throughout his first four seasons in the NHL and was truly remarkable during the Rangers’ run to the Cup final.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/nhl-breakout-players-2014-15-eastern-conference/

14 goals and 43 points in 77 games last season. More PP time.

 

[Mikos87]

Kreider-Step-MSL
Zucc-Brass-Nash
Hags-Miller-Fast/Stemp
Glass-Moore-Lombardi/Fast/Stempniak

Good post as usual Ola, I think the lines will be very close to what you are posting.
The thing I would do is switch Nash and Zucc on the wings since Zucc is a more effective RW, and Nash would be a huge plus version of Pouliot if Nash engages himself.

The Poo-Brass-Zucc line was a solid 2nd/3rd line option, but upgrading Pouliot with Nash legitimizes that as a 2nd line, if not pushing a 1st line option if banking on Brassard actually pays off.

I think MSL feeding Kreider going hard to the net would make him a 30 goal scorer, and should lead to Stepan scoring more goals in a Stamkosian role from time to time in the offensive zone with one timers.

The bottom six reminds me of Buffalo in 2007 in the sense that they aren't your traditional bottom 6, but with guys that have a lot of speed. Heck having a "4th line" with speed guys that have scored 40+ points in the NHL is a gigantic advantage.

Insulating Miller with two of the fastest players in the league should Fast make it will in turn simplify the game for him at center. If Miller can't then Lombo should be able to. This line up should pose a lot of problems for defensemen and bottom 6 forwards for other teams just on the speed quotient alone.

Kreider-Stepan-MSL
Nash-Brassard-Zucc
Hagelin-Miller-Fast
Lombo-Moore-Stempniak

On the backend, my only concern is if JMoore needs to be sheltered or not, if he doesn't and comes to camp with some muscle and plays an engaged game in the D-Zone, and is willing to pay a price to make a play, then I will gladly consider the Rangers stacked.

 

[bernmeister]

Deadline deals:

1) Nash for Boychuk (UFA-to-be) and Marchand (Nash waives NTC to go to Boston where he can be on a contender without having to be "the guy.")

2) Klein and Lindberg for Vermette (UFA-to-be)

Kreider Stepan St. Louis
Marchand Brassard Zuccarello
Hagelin Vermette Stempniak
Glass Moore Lombardi
Miller

McDonagh Girardi
Staal Boyle
Moore Boychuk
Allen

Lundqvist
Girardi

We can get better, IMO for Nash.
This also undervalues Lindberg, who at this point seems more like the real deal than not (based on demonstrated faceoff ability and playing with top Swedish competition).

 

[Infinitum Vitae*]

MSL is the vet Miller needs for that 3c role

 

[Raspewtin]

EDIT - Another thought... Could we trade Hagelin for an equal value 3C with size and get away with it?

Just flat out not interested in trading Hagelin. Especially not for a 3C. It's not exactly a hard role to fill. If Miller faceplants this season then I might express concern about that spot, but I don't believe that will happen

 

[NYRFAN218]

I think I take Option two as well. Especially if Stempniak has chemistry with brassard and MZA. Stempniak is not too dissimilar to Pouliot, maybe lightning strikes twice.

There has to be a reason Nash and Brassard have never really played together, and Miller can use all the help he can.

Nash and Brassard played together briefly in the 2013 playoffs. I thought they looked decent together.

I don't like the idea of moving one of Zucc or Nash off RW though. Rather have 3 balanced lines. Everyone points to Brassard and Zucc getting tougher matchups but if Nash and MSL are RW's on two different lines, will the teams really match up their best players against the Brassard - Zucc pairing and possibly letting one or both of Nash and MSL off with easier matchups?

 

[AHB*]

Miller: Hasn't proven he can handle C duties at the NHL level. Better suited on the wing to learn defensive responsibility in a lessened role. Maybe the coaches (both Tortorella and AV are onto something when they don't put him at C every time he gets called up?)

Lombardi: Unless he wins the 3C gig, he's not going to play center on this team.

Lindberg: Not in my lineup. Won't be surprised if he severely outplays Miller in camp and pre-season. Can come in and PK right away. Defensively responsible. Will go a long way to impress the coaches.

You trade Hagelin because we have nice depth on the wings. You get a 3C in return who can fill the hole now and into the future. Anyway, this isn't necessarily an agenda I'm going to be pushing. It was just a thought that made a bit of sense to me. Hagelin would return a nice young 3C for us. It's a thought to explore IMO.

Miller looked ten times better at center last year then when he was on the wing. He is much better suited to play there full time. It seems he is able to focus much more. Put defensively responsible wings with him, possibly MSL/Hags that can help him when he has his understandable errors.

Also, trade Hagelin? Is that a joke? We have depth on one wing, not two. Our LW depth is **** without him. We cannot afford to trade him. That is probably our WEAKEST position on the team. I can't believe you're even of the idea that it's a strength.

Kreider
Stempniak
Glass??

Nash, MSL and Zucc are all much better on the RW and will likely play there. Miller should get a chance at 3C this year. If he can't cut it, you maybe ship him out for someone. But this is his year. We need him to become a productive player.

Hagelin is criminally undervalued on this board.

 

[Wolfy*]

Not so sure MSL wants top line minutes, he's almost 40. I think he'd prefer 3rd line duty, where he can also be a leader and mentor for the new guys. My top six...

Kreider - Stepan - Nash
Stempniak - Brassard - Zuccarello