Speculation: 2014 Offseason - Roster Building / Trade Speculation Thread

[Championship*]

What if we did absolutely nothing but retain our players and let Boyle walk, with Miller replacing Richards. How would you guys feel?

What if we let Boyle and Stralman go and replace them with Lindberg/Fast and Dan Boyle, with Miller replacing Richards. How would you guys feel about that?

I don't know what I prefer. I love Stralman and Boyle, but I think long term, we're better off letting them go.

Not great. Overall it's a downgrade.

 

[Clown Fiesta]

The Rangers should avoid Thornton but not because he's a "choker" a ridiculous statement in and of itself. They need to avoid the 29-34 age group altogether.

 

[AlternateSideParking]

If they can replace Richards with Kesler (somehow) I would be very happy.

 

[Clown Fiesta]

If they can replace Richards with Kesler (somehow) I would be very happy.

They can't and won't and probably shouldn't.

 

[Inferno]

The Rangers should avoid Thornton but not because he's a "choker" a ridiculous statement in and of itself. They need to avoid the 29-34 age group altogether.

so, the rangers need to get a #1 center...whose in the right age group, and can be had withotu completely dismantling the team.

who is that?

im sure ppl will say ROR..but if he's a #1 center, then so is Derek Stepan...in which case maybe its better to go after a #2 like Grabovski, who WOULDNT cost assets, and fills a need for a speedy scoring center, and whose cap hit would likely be HALF of what ROR wants.

To me, trading Staal for ROR is a much worse move than signing Grabovski for 3.25mil or something like that.

 

[jerseyjinx94]

so, the rangers need to get a #1 center...whose in the right age group, and can be had withotu completely dismantling the team.

who is that?

im sure ppl will say ROR..but if he's a #1 center, then so is Derek Stepan...in which case maybe its better to go after a #2 like Grabovski, who WOULDNT cost assets, and fills a need for a speedy scoring center, and whose cap hit would likely be HALF of what ROR wants.

To me, trading Staal for ROR is a much worse move than signing Grabovski for 3.25mil or something like that.

ROR>>>>>>>>>Grabovski. How many years are you giving Grabovski?

 

[Clown Fiesta]

so, the rangers need to get a #1 center...whose in the right age group, and can be had withotu completely dismantling the team.

who is that?

im sure ppl will say ROR..but if he's a #1 center, then so is Derek Stepan...in which case maybe its better to go after a #2 like Grabovski, who WOULDNT cost assets, and fills a need for a speedy scoring center, and whose cap hit would likely be HALF of what ROR wants.

To me, trading Staal for ROR is a much worse move than signing Grabovski for 3.25mil or something like that.

I am of the belief that they could survive without a #1 center as they have been doing since they signed Drury and Gomez. This is something that we peg as a need every year, and every year we have the same basic outcome.

There is simply no need to trade assets for anyone in the 29-34 range to come in and put up 60 pts on the first line when we have Stepan capable of doing just that.

A savvy signing like Grabovski might work out better for them in the long term.

I've been ok with the trades thus far, I knew they wanted MSL for two playoff runs at least and knew they would pony up to get him. So far that payed dividends. However, you have to stop trading assets at some point. Now would be a good time. It won't happen, I am almost certain we'll end up with one of these clowns, and we will all be discussing how sweet it would be to have a buyout available in a few years. Especially if Stamkos hits free agency and we've over committed at center.

If you must add a center and you want to trade assets then go hard for ROR, if that won't happen forget about it, flip Staal to WPG if you can for E. Kane. Center is a valuable position but it wasn't the Kings centers who beat us it was their wingers. Overload the wings with guys like Kane/Kreider/Nash/MSL/Duclair before long. We're going to have to either get lucky and fleece someone out of a franchise center or really do our homework and draft one with a later first or deeper in the draft.

ROR>>>>>>>>>Grabovski. How many years are you giving Grabovski?

I'd agree ROR is more ideal, getting him won't be easy if it's even possible. At some point you have to start looking at other options. Sure getting ROR without giving up the farm would be much better than just signing Grabovski, but Grabovski for money on a 2-3 year deal beats ROR for too many assets any day of the week.

 

[Infinitum Vitae*]

I can see Boyle going to Columbus

 

[SupersonicMonkey*]

so, the rangers need to get a #1 center...whose in the right age group, and can be had withotu completely dismantling the team.

who is that?

im sure ppl will say ROR..but if he's a #1 center, then so is Derek Stepan...in which case maybe its better to go after a #2 like Grabovski, who WOULDNT cost assets, and fills a need for a speedy scoring center, and whose cap hit would likely be HALF of what ROR wants.

To me, trading Staal for ROR is a much worse move than signing Grabovski for 3.25mil or something like that.

IMO the route of going with potential is a good route.

Colin Wilson will be financially manageable for the foreseeable future, and has the potential to boom. Mid-20's, size, hands, smarts, local kid. Won't cost as much in assets as the Spezza, Thornton, O'Reilly group.

Stepan
Wilson
Brassard/Miller
Moore

Its not going to blow anyone away as far as numbers go, but its solid depth, and the Rangers could use the spare cap room from the Richards buy-out to retain their important RFA's and UFA's.

Continue to roll 4 lines.

Kreider - Stepan - Nash
Miller/? - Wilson - St. Louis
Pouliot - Brassard/Miller - Zuccarello
Hagelin - D.Moore - Boyle

McDonagh - Girardi
Staal - Stralman
J.Moore - Klein

Just shooting around ideas.

 

[stan the caddy]

30+ year old players are require significantly less in a trade. Yea, in a perfect world you don't want a player on the wrong side of 30 but those are your options when you don't want to part way with players.

 

[jerseyjinx94]

IMO the route of going with potential is a good route.

Colin Wilson will be financially manageable for the foreseeable future, and has the potential to boom. Mid-20's, size, hands, smarts, local kid. Won't cost as much in assets as the Spezza, Thornton, O'Reilly group.

Stepan
Wilson
Brassard/Miller
Moore

Its not going to blow anyone away as far as numbers go, but its solid depth, and the Rangers could use the spare cap room from the Richards buy-out to retain their important RFA's and UFA's.

Continue to roll 4 lines.

Kreider - Stepan - Nash
Miller/? - Wilson - St. Louis
Pouliot - Brassard/Miller - Zuccarello
Hagelin - D.Moore - Boyle

McDonagh - Girardi
Staal - Stralman
J.Moore - Klein

Just shooting around ideas.

Hagelin-Moore-Boyle? In that scenario, Miller would be in the AHL, Hagelin would be on the 2nd line and Dorsett would be on the 4th line.

 

[Clown Fiesta]

30+ year old players are require significantly less in a trade. Yea, in a perfect world you don't want a player on the wrong side of 30 but those are your options when you don't want to part way with players.

They may require less but that's because they are worth less. Also less doesn't always mean the price isn't still high. You aren't required to bring one of them in to fill out your roster and stay competitive.

 

[rangers1314]

I can see Boyle going to Columbus

I think he'd be a perfect fit in Chicago, but I dont think they have any cap room.

 

[SupersonicMonkey*]

Also, if they can't retain both Staal and Stralman, its going to be a tough decision to pick the right one to keep.

Personally, i feel Stralman fits with what our strength is, quick transition, movement/speed, and possession.

If we do move/lose either one, targetting a player with potential to fill in would be smart. Ala John Moore.

Matt Tennyson, Adam Clendening, Ryan Sproul. A player that can move the puck and contribute to a speed game.

 

[haveandare]

What if we did absolutely nothing but retain our players and let Boyle walk, with Miller replacing Richards. How would you guys feel?

What if we let Boyle and Stralman go and replace them with Lindberg/Fast and Dan Boyle, with Miller replacing Richards. How would you guys feel about that?

I don't know what I prefer. I love Stralman and Boyle, but I think long term, we're better off letting them go.

That first situation is my preference by far assuming that Miller is nearly ready.

It's insane to suggest that we can't afford to let rookies play because it's a cup window. It wasn't even a window until they made it. Keep the course, add in the youth to free up money as they develop.

 

[SupersonicMonkey*]

Hagelin-Moore-Boyle? In that scenario, Miller would be in the AHL, Hagelin would be on the 2nd line and Dorsett would be on the 4th line.

That's a hyperbolic statement. How in that scenario is Miller in the AHL? The kid has the size, speed, and puck skills that we need to add to the lineup.

Hagelin has tremendous chemistry with both Boyle and Moore when they're on the PK together.

Dorsett is a fine player, but they could easily sacrifice his cap hit and allocate it towards the more important core players.

Carcillo could fill in as the 13th forward for a lesser price.

 

[stan the caddy]

They may require less but that's because they are worth less. Also less doesn't always mean the price isn't still high. You aren't required to bring one of them in to fill out your roster and stay competitive.

No, but we have to bring in somebody. And honestly, most of the people that crap on the idea of bringing Spezza or Thornton want some 22-26 year old borderline all star while keeping the team intact. They're out there chasing a unicorn, someone that doesn't exist. There's a list of available free agents and only a handful of realistic trade targets. Personally, I'd go after Bolland if the money is right, he's a solid two way player with some offensive skill.

 

[LaffyTaffyNYR]

I don't know or care where Thornton gets his non clutch reputation.. 100 points in 132 games in the playoffs speaks for itself.. Literally the ONLY thing I'm worried about with Thornton is his age (but look at MSL/Jagr/etc).. He has absolutely everything this team needs..

size in the middle? check
good defensively in his own zone? check
good at puck possession? check
face offs? check
play maker? check.
toughness? check.

again, literally the only thing I dont like is his age, other than that he's got everything this team needs.

 

[LaffyTaffyNYR]

If we can't upgrade at center.. I'd be inclined just to pretty much keep the team together (minus Boyle can't pay him 3M or give him "bigger responsibility) just to end up back on the 4th line anyway..

 

[mike14]

Nash has 4 years left, Thornton has 3 and you could probably sign MSL to a decent 2 year deal after his current one is up. Add in McD, G and at least 4 more great years from Hank and you have what I believe Slats would consider a championship core.

Whether we'll be able to keep all our RFAs is another question

 

[UAGoalieGuy]

Any trade for Thornton would require salary going back the other way. I could see a deal revolving around Brassard if a trade came to fruition.

Still don't see it happening regardless.

 

[Clown Fiesta]

No, but we have to bring in somebody. And honestly, most of the people that crap on the idea of bringing Spezza or Thornton want some 22-26 year old borderline all star while keeping the team intact. They're out there chasing a unicorn, someone that doesn't exist. There's a list of available free agents and only a handful of realistic trade targets. Personally, I'd go after Bolland if the money is right, he's a solid two way player with some offensive skill.

They're not obligated to bring anyone in. Stepan/Brassard/Miller/Moore is viable. Maybe not ideal, but neither is bringing in someone just to bring someone in. Especially an shading someone. I'd prefer a solid #2 that can fill in on the 1st or 3rd line. If push came to shove that is.

 

[Nash Money]

I don't know or care where Thornton gets his non clutch reputation.. 100 points in 132 games in the playoffs speaks for itself.. Literally the ONLY thing I'm worried about with Thornton is his age (but look at MSL/Jagr/etc).. He has absolutely everything this team needs..

size in the middle? check
good defensively in his own zone? check
good at puck possession? check
face offs? check
play maker? check.
toughness? check.

again, literally the only thing I dont like is his age, other than that he's got everything this team needs.

Nash has 4 years left, Thornton has 3 and you could probably sign MSL to a decent 2 year deal after his current one is up. Add in McD, G and at least 4 more great years from Hank and you have what I believe Slats would consider a championship core.

Whether we'll be able to keep all our RFAs is another question

Add me to the Jumbo Joe bandwagon. My hope is that Thornton and Nash connect so much that we get sick of hearing about Davos by game 5. That said, what do we trade? Callahan and 2 firsts?

 

[LaffyTaffyNYR]

speaking of Brassard, not saying I would.. but people talk about we'd have to trade him etc if we got Thornton/Spezz/ROR/etc.. With him being a RFA can't we just refuse to qualify him?

 

[stan the caddy]

They're not obligated to bring anyone in. Stepan/Brassard/Miller/Moore is viable. Maybe not ideal, but neither is bringing in someone just to bring someone in. Especially an shading someone. I'd prefer a solid #2 that can fill in on the 1st or 3rd line. If push came to shove that is.

I think they have to bring in a stopgap at the very least. I'd love to see Miller fulfill that role in the next year or two but I wouldn't feel comfortable starting the season with him as the third center. He needs to earn it.