It seems like you're mixing in different definitions of what's being talked about. When you bring up The Athletic's futures ranking, you have to realize that a player like Zibanejad is not part of that article, as it only looks at the U25 core among players which Zibenjad is not part of. I was referencing The Ranger's young core when talking about a lack of centers to build around. Also, has there actually been any reporting or legit sources stating that his struggles this season are COVID-related or is that just what is being speculated?
If we're talking about how a rebuild is going or which team has the best future outlook, I don't think that ownership and market should have much bearing on the results as long as the ownership is willing to spend to the cap to support a team. Otherwise, it just speaks to the ability to attract UFA's which isn't something that is necessary to build a good team.
When you're comparing how far along each team is in the rebuild, what are you looking at? I'm thinking having the pieces in place to be competitive in the next 3-5 years.
The article also does mention DeAngelo, so I think he may have had a higher influence in the rankings than you think, especially since he was already established in the NHL - not sure national writers would know of some plan for him to be replaced by Nils Lundkvist: A rival executive was recently chatting about the Rangers and their collection of young talent, predicting stardom for Alexis Lafreniere, while admiring young defensemen like Adam Fox and Tony DeAngelo. There was certainly a hint of jealousy in his voice when he talked about how the Rangers are able to land players in free agency.
I think we are all blending these discussions. If your point is that the Rangers don't have U25 centers that project as a main piece on a cup contender, I agree. I do however think the Rangers have a quality U25 center in Chytil that projects as a 2C. On any team there are going to be some younger and older players who fill important roles. That our hypothetical 1C is a little older than U25 won't register on a U25 rankings, but I think in the bigger picture of the rebuilds, a player like Zibanejad fits into that as a main piece.
Ownership and markets absolutely impacts it because look at how the Rangers rebuild acquired some of its pieces. Fox, Trouba, Panarin. Not all are U25, but they are all players who are going to be a big part of the Rangers team going forward. Maybe it's lucky, maybe it's unfair, but if it yields results, it matters.
Can someone comment on what happened with Rykov? Was in Hartford last season but stayed in the KHL this year, will be 24 in a couple of months - does he still have a future with the Rangers or has he been surpassed by too many other defensive prospects?
Out of favor with management. I doubt he'll be back. There's room for him to play this season on the NHL team and there was last season, but he hasn't gotten a chance yet. The bottom of our defensive lineup is weak, but he got injured in the prospect tournament last season. Missed a few months, so he was behind the pecking order. He probably would've made the team, if he was healthy. But he fell behind Lindgren who established himself quickly. Hajek is a management favorite because Gorton bet big on him in acquiring him as the McDonagh replacement, so he's gotten a lot of opportunities others won't get.
Rykov did pretty well in the AHL last season, but was loaned out to the KHL this season where he plays for the best team in the league, CSKA. He's done okay there, but its a pretty stacked defense. He's not their best defensemen, but he plays a role. I think he'd do a better job on our defense than JJ, Hajek, Smith, Bitetto, but the team has invested more into those guys. It's the same problem for Tarmo Reunanen, another young defensemen whose been really good for our AHL team. He probably will never get a chance with the big club, even though the team absolutely does not have 6-7 good defensemen.