If the Rangers do indeed get eliminated in the first round. I think if the Rangers make any move, it’s to capitalize on Chris Kreider’s trade value. Putting Alexis Lafreniere on the first line is crucial since his game is seriously taking the next step.
Not that he won’t score 50+ again, but 3/4 seasons he would’ve score 30-40 and missed games due to Covid shortened seasons.
Plus the Rangers will have to shred salary very soon.
Would it be wise for the Rangers to let go, and if so, what would his value he?
I disagree w/most of this.
CK has earned all of his 6+m incl in this p'o. Even if this is a career year, he ages well and stll brings a beast factor others don't.
As to immediate concerns, Zib + bread delivered in the season, but not now.
Trouba is overpaid by 1.5-2m, these are the 3 we are married to that are gonna suck the roster flexibility life out of the team, not CK.
There is the hope we can bribe Trouba to waive sooner than his 2 seasons hence end of nmc, Panarin we got the best of, should deal if/when he is open to that. (He's special, but irregular cap situation this yr w/Zib + fox new deals not kicking in til next season spoiled us. We can't afford splurge of him + Zib who is not waiving anytime soon.)
Longer term, we need to not only keep what we have but add 1. Vatrano and 2. if possible Copp.
It is given that moving on from Strome, Nemeth, Hajek + Geo + recovery of Hank 1.5 = 11ish m needed to offset Zib + Fox increases.
Lindy for picks = a cap casualty; recovering his 3m + 1m increase in cap = 4m which = Vatrano $.
Blais will have to stay on IR for the moment.
Reaves will have to retire for a year-ish, take a FO job, then unretire as Trouba exits.
Those getting rfa deals will have to take tiny short term bridges, but they do, seeing light at the end of the tunnel.
We will briefly go w/min depth and skin every nickel.
LaF I can see to Montreal.
It won't be for 1OA, but they will have to seriously consider adding him to Wright.
There is reasonable hope, no guarantee, that LaF turns into the hyped 'best 1OA not a generational player since Nate MacKinnon'. The first key is less where he plays/what line, who with, but rather his skating, which has been NHL subpar, but to which there is visible marked improvement = increased production even this season. We estimate he will be skating sufficiently as of mid next season.
So w/need for cap, there is added impetus to consider moving LaF, but that is not a sacrifice situation where we have to give him away.
The middle ground here is a acceptable down payment of picks + considerations, plus CONDITIONAL picks that do not kick in unless/if LaF stars.
This would be like:
a core of
Mon 2022 2nd + 2023 1st [top 3 protected] + Barron .925 elc + NYR 2022 4th
for
LaF .925 elc + Nemeth (2.5 x 2) + Geo rfa rights
in addition is the part 2 supplemental
if LaF scores min 30 goals in 2023, then NYR 2023 3rd for MON 2024 1st
if LaF scores min 35 goals in 2024, then NYR 2024 3rd for MON 2025 1st
if LaF scores min 40 goals in 2025, then NYR 2025 3rd for MON 2026 1st
none of these ^ apply unless LaF hits those targets.
That's a lot, but for a 1OA with huge upside emerging, it is not unreasonable.
NY can short term play Fox at LD, also Nils L.
Deal Jones. Add Robertson to LD
so short term RD = Trouba, Schneider, Barron; when Trouba goes Fox can slide back or Nils L to 3RD, his natural side.
LD now = Fox, KAM, Robertson/Nils L. Scanlin is the big add in the pipeline.
ny recovers Nemeth cap, Geo a freebie not gonna be here.
Rangers get actual/potential value in picks [again, helps w/cap] commensurate to LaF actual production.
Fair + win win all around
That is more likely, not CK outta here.