Speculation: 2014 Offseason - Roster Building / Trade Speculation Thread III

[effen]

I thought Boyle made it clear he wanted more ice time saying everyone wants to score goals. He had something super low like 25% o-zone starts this year, unless he's decently overpaid he's probably not going to want to come back to score 6 goals and block shots. Can't see why AV would have him do anything else though, so I think he's kind of gone.

Stralman you keep Staal you move for reasons I elucidated.

A concern I have with the Brass line is I think as other teams got tape on them, they got figured out more and more as the season went on. Sometimes Zuke made things happen out of sheer desire and creativity but I definitely noticed some of their set plays being defended/blocked (that high slot tip on the PP comes to mind, worked great 3 or 4 times, then practically never again). They could figure it out, but, they might not. If they don't, a lot of their value is tied up in Zuke making it work - I think he's productive almost anywhere, while the other two need factors in their favor.

 

[effen]

Brassard never had a concussion in Columbus. If you're thinking of injury issues, you're probably thinking of the shoulder injury that basically ruined any possibility of him being a first liner.

Looking back your right. I think I combined Umburger's concussions with his shoulder injury? Color me corrected.

 

[SupersonicMonkey*]

I think the only way Boyle does come back is if indeed they decide that JT Miller will replace Richards instead of signing a Statsny, or trading for a ROR.

I honestly would not mind that approach, but I do wonder how the Poo-Brass-Zucc line will do against heavier competition, which likely will occur if this scenario comes to fruition.

Expensive center isn't always the best way to go. If the cap weren't an issue, then absolutely go after Stastny, Spezza, Thornton...

IMO they can improve, but stay relatively cheap in that spot if they get a little creative.

I agree, i worry a little about the heavier competition. Which is why i worry a little about Miller. He will be drawing tough competition as well. He has a history of being able to bring his A game and lead a winning team at the lower levels. Which is why i believe he will eventually develop that way in the NHL, but right away? I'm not sure. He progressively did it at the lower levels. Lead USA's U-18 squad to a gold medal. Lead USA's U-20 squad to a gold medal.

All that said, i do have faith in Gorton, Clark, the player development staff, and the coaching staff, so if they feel Miller is ready, then, who am I to question it.

 

[Raspewtin]

Yes, had them in Columbus, hasn't really been the player since he was drafted to be. I've gone over what I think it impacts (physically mostly hands, style wise he avoids contact and such).

The line of Pouliot-Brassard-Zuke as a whole is an average 2nd line ITL, imo. It was only the "third" line because Richards made $7M - remove the center and if you have wings with Hagelin and Callahan, it's not going to be a traditional scoring line.

The injury in question I'm almost sure were shoulder injuries. I never heard of him having concussions.

 

[cd211]

It's been said that BRassard was also sheltered against better competition.. as the 2C he will no longer be, he's going to have to up his game and I'm not confident he can do it based on his entire career so far.

playoffs though? guy produced..

I agree long term maybe not, but in the short i rather have him.. then sign a crazy deal to UFA..

I personally would try like hell to get Kesler, and make him want to be a ranger.. ROR is a dream.

 

[LaffyTaffyNYR]

playoffs though? guy produced..

I agree long term maybe not, but in the short i rather have him.. then sign a crazy deal to UFA..

I personally would try like hell to get Kesler, and make him want to be a ranger.. ROR is a dream.

ROR is probably a better chance than Kesler (who doesn't want to come here) IMO.

 

[Rangerfan4life90]

I thought AV and Kesler have bad blood, to the point where Kesler refused to ever play for AV again.

He's also injury prone and a shell of his former self. So, don't want.

 

[NYR Viper]

I don't think people are looking at this correctly. To me it's not Brassard or Grabovski but both. To me, signing another 50 point center far outweighs re-signing someone like Pouliot who I like. Give that wing spot to a youngster and role with Stepan-Grabovski-Brassard-Moore

 

[n8]

here is my goofy "nothing's changed" line up. It'd be nice to get ourselves a top center but I'm not sure what assets we really have to give anymore. I really don't want to see some a$$ backwards trade like Duclair and Miller for old man Joe Thornton. unless the scouts know something I don't like "those two aren't destined for the NHL." Still a distasteful price... I doubt Joe would go for two 2nd rounders. Like we haven't trade enough draft picks already. And I don't see Statsny as the answer. Just a whole lot of mediocrity waiting to happen. He'll fit right in

Hagelin-Stepan-MSL
Kreider-Brassard-Zucc
Boyle-Moore-Nash
Miller-Lindberg-Fast/Dorsett

Hagelin and MSL were great together. give them a center who can actually play and effing spaghetti and meatballs. Poo gone, Kreider fills in and makes an already dangerous line even more so. Chicken Alfredo! Boyle mentioned that he wants a bigger role on the team. Promote him and Moore up to the third line and give them Rick Nash. Moore has shown a lot of creativity and with Boyle they just always seem to create a lot of room. How many good opportunities did Dorsett get this season? Rigatoni Baby! Bring in the kid line. Tenacious forechecking, defensively reliable (?), high energy, modest minutes to acclimate them to the NHL. Linguini Vongole!!!

 

[Broadway Brad]

here is my goofy "nothing's changed" line up. It'd be nice to get ourselves a top center but I'm not sure what assets we really have to give anymore. I really don't want to see some a$$ backwards trade like Duclair and Miller for old man Joe Thornton. unless the scouts know something I don't like "those two aren't destined for the NHL." Still a distasteful price... I doubt Joe would go for two 2nd rounders. Like we haven't trade enough draft picks already. And I don't see Statsny as the answer. Just a whole lot of mediocrity waiting to happen. He'll fit right in

Hagelin-Stepan-MSL
Kreider-Brassard-Zucc
Boyle-Moore-Nash
Miller-Lindberg-Fast/Dorsett

Hagelin and MSL were great together. give them a center who can actually play and effing spaghetti and meatballs. Poo gone, Kreider fills in and makes an already dangerous line even more so. Chicken Alfredo! Boyle mentioned that he wants a bigger role on the team. Promote him and Moore up to the third line and give them Rick Nash. Moore has shown a lot of creativity and with Boyle they just always seem to create a lot of room. How many good opportunities did Dorsett get this season? Rigatoni Baby! Bring in the kid line. Tenacious forechecking, defensively reliable (?), high energy, modest minutes to acclimate them to the NHL. Linguini Vongole!!!

You want Nash with Moore and Boyle? Okay then.

 

[Infinitum Vitae*]

Lol at the McD doughty talk...if you watched the SCF it's pretty clear there's only a tiny gap between the two

 

[CommaSynapse]

Has anyone seen Haggerty play? Is he a real contender for a spot (if available) heading into camp?

Kreider (2.5) - Stepan (3.1)- Nash(7.8)
Hagelin (2.25) - Miller (.9k) - St. Louis (5.6)
Pouliot (2) - Brassard (4.5) - Zuccs (4.5)
Lindberg (.67)- Moore (1.5) - Dorsett (1.6)

McD (4.7) - Girardi (5.5)
Staal (4) - Stralman (4.5)
Moore (1.5) - Klein (2.9)

That would leave us $2.5 million in cap space (if a $71 cap) to find 2 extras and maintain the team throughout the season. It'd be cutting it close. As good as Brass and Zuccs has been, it feels like overpayment to me, but I guess that's the gamble that happens with one year to go until UFA years.

I'm leaning towards everyone coming back except for Richards (obviously) and Boyle (cap). That would leave us with this lineup. My guess is that we'd be trying out Miller for the C position, and maybe a guy like Lindberg on Moore's wing with the intention to have him play 4C next year.

If Stralman is back, we're set on RD, but it means Allen, McIlrath, and possibly Bodie won't have much of an opportunity to make the team if everyone returns. Does that make a d-man expendable/trade bait?

In addition, it would mean that Fast and/or Haggerty won't have much of an opportunity in camp. It wouldn't be the worst thing. Fast missed a good chunk of the season this year if I recall correctly, and Haggerty could use adjustment in the A. But does a guy like McIlrath get frustrated? Barring a movement of a RD, I don't think there's much of a chance he makes the team.

Hopefully the cap goes up further so we can afford to resign in the offseason. Hopefully Nash picks up his play or that contract is going to be really ugly over the next few years.

 

[GAGLine]

I don't think people are looking at this correctly. To me it's not Brassard or Grabovski but both. To me, signing another 50 point center far outweighs re-signing someone like Pouliot who I like. Give that wing spot to a youngster and role with Stepan-Grabovski-Brassard-Moore

Unfortunately, Grabovski will cost quite a bit more than Pouliot. If we're signing Grabo, say goodbye to one of Zucc, Brass or Stralman.

 

[UAGoalieGuy]

When is the final salary cap number coming out?

 

[RangerBoy]

Grabovski wants $5M per for 4-5 years.

 

[RangerBoy]

When is the final salary cap number coming out?

Sometime this week. Probably before the draft on Friday night.

 

[UAGoalieGuy]

Sometime this week. Probably before the draft on Friday night.

Wow. Feel like its coming out much later then previous years

 

[CommaSynapse]

How's Peter Mueller doing? Supposedly, he wants back in the NHL. Could be an inexpensive option for 3C. I also read he's capable of being a PP QB. Obviously, the concussion issues make for a gamble, but he played over in Switzerland without issue (as far as I know) in addition to playing for the U.S. at the World Championships and in an international tournament.


Honestly, he might be an option. If he's hurt, then Miller is the backup option. Could result in a split of games, give Miller experience as a way to acclimate him to the game. I just don't know who I'd slot him with. I figure Pouliot - Brass- Zuccs are a line set in stone barring any problems. So it'd be he and Stepan for some combination of Kreider, Nash, Hagelin, and MSL.


012-2013 Florida Panthers NHL 43 8 9 17 18 |
2013-2014 Kloten NLA 49 24 22 46 12 | Playoffs 10 2 1 3 4
USA WC 8 1 3 4 2 |
Team USA International 3 2 3 5 0

 

[GAGLine]

Wow. Feel like its coming out much later then previous years

Nah, it's usually right around draft time.

2011-11 cap was announced on June 23rd.
2011-12 cap was announced on June 23rd.
2012-13 cap was announced on June 28th.

2013-14 was announced in January 2013 as part of the new CBA, but this year, it's back to business as usual.

 

[Ola]

I don't think people are looking at this correctly. To me it's not Brassard or Grabovski but both. To me, signing another 50 point center far outweighs re-signing someone like Pouliot who I like. Give that wing spot to a youngster and role with Stepan-Grabovski-Brassard-Moore

I get your point, but I don't think Grabovski is enough an hence I would stay away. If we get him, we don't have many options going forward. If we play kids in a good environment, it will give us a lot more options.

 

[NewLife]

How's Peter Mueller doing? Supposedly, he wants back in the NHL. Could be an inexpensive option for 3C. I also read he's capable of being a PP QB. Obviously, the concussion issues make for a gamble, but he played over in Switzerland without issue (as far as I know) in addition to playing for the U.S. at the World Championships and in an international tournament.


Honestly, he might be an option. If he's hurt, then Miller is the backup option. Could result in a split of games, give Miller experience as a way to acclimate him to the game. I just don't know who I'd slot him with. I figure Pouliot - Brass- Zuccs are a line set in stone barring any problems. So it'd be he and Stepan for some combination of Kreider, Nash, Hagelin, and MSL.


012-2013 Florida Panthers NHL 43 8 9 17 18 |
2013-2014 Kloten NLA 49 24 22 46 12 | Playoffs 10 2 1 3 4
USA WC 8 1 3 4 2 |
Team USA International 3 2 3 5 0[/QUOTE
Can we sign him on a try out just like Strålman did with the Devils before we took care of him? He has always been a skilled hockey player an if the problems are behind him he will get a shot somewhere and Sather really like these kind of pick ups.

 

[BarbaraAlphanse]

Grabovski will provide essentially the same offensive output as Brassard. They'll be interchangeable. We'll have an underperforming 2nd line, again, and an overperforming third line. Ideally, we should be trying to get two lines that are overperforming.

The point of having Brassard on the third line is as clear as day, although some on here are glossing over its importance.

We were able to dictate and dominate play because Brassard's line was producing 2nd line quality chances, pressure, and at points production on the third line.

It's easy for you to sit there and claim that "oh it was our 2nd line and richards' line was the 3rd"... that's not true. Richard's line played the better defensive pairings consistently. They were given more minutes consistently.

The Brassard line was so effective because after we were able to wear down the opposing teams with our first two lines we'd have a fast and skillful 3rd line capable of making any team pay.

If you notice, we became consistently successful, when we started rolling out 4 lines. That took several months for AV to accomplish. Between cutting deadweight and finding successful partnerships. Now, Richards is gone, and we want to slot Brassard up... and kill the depth.

The prudent and sensible thing to do would be to, yes, obtain another 2nd line center - play Miller on the wing with Brassard, and see if Brassard is in fact needed/worth the contract he seeks, or if he should be traded.

But no, let us kill our depth because... hell, your argument must be better than mine. Clearly.

 

[BarbaraAlphanse]

Dude McDonagh>Yandle AINEC

It's really not as far as you think. Yandle is a great 1st pairing guy. He's come a far way over the last few years.

For one of my classes sophomore year, I was able to volunteer at this place in Boston for 10 months, as part of the curriculum. The guy running the non-profit played in the AHL, and had grown up being friends with Yandle from a young age.

Met him once. He really loves Boston. I think he's from Mass. The guy I worked with told me he was only getting better, and seemingly, every time I have seen him play since, his play has seemed to have improved.

Would love to have him, but he'll cost a lot.

 

[SingnBluesOnBroadway]

Grabovski wants $5M per for 4-5 years.

The biggest of passes.

 

[Matt4776]

Yeah, Grabovski will cost too much.

To be honest, I think we should just wait it out and see what Miller looks like. If he's struggling, we'll still make the playoffs, and we can make a deal before the deadline.

I really would want to put Kreider and MSL with Miller, but that line would be an absolute abomination in the defensive zone. With our 3rd line already mediocre (at best) defensively, we can't afford another defensive ****show like that.

Kreider-Stepan-Nash
Hagelin-Miller-MSL
Poo-Brass-Zucc
Boyle/Fast-Moore-Dorsett/Fast

McD-G
Staal-Stral
Moore-Klein

If Miller ever develops into that Kesler/Dubinsky/M. Richards lite player that he was projected to become (i.e. becomes defensively responsible), I think he's the perfect center for Kreider.