GDT: Free Agent Frenzy Part III - Looking for Mr. Centerman

[LORDE]

I'm now to the point where I give up just about anything to get a 1C

I don't know where GG stands, or if he has anything left under those massive sleeves of his...

But literally any combination of futures, prospects, wingers and D men not named Skjei...

 

[DanielBrassard]

I don't think replacing Lindberg's regular season would be that tough. He wasn't good at all for a large portion of the season coming off the hip problems.

 

[jniklast]

I'm pretty sure we will sign 1-2 veteran centers for the 3rd/4th line. Even if the kids make it, we need insurance.

 

[Fansince1992]

I know this isn't baseball and I am not trying to be Billy Beane here but...

Stepan: 55 points
Zibanejad: 37 points
Hayes: 49 points
Lindberg: 20 points

We are going with Zibanejad, Hayes, Andersson and Nieves down the middle, that's a lot to ask for, to replace 75 points we are losing with Stepan and Lindberg. Zibanejad was out with an injury and might hit 50 if he stays healthy, and assuming Hayes gets 50 as well, that leaves 60-ish points we need to somehow address. Can Andersson and Nieves put up the production to compensate for that?

Impossible which is why I'm glad we're fixing our defense.

 

[Vinny DeAngelo]

Could Boo, Tambo, or Anderson step into 3C within the next two seasons

Boo will never be more than a 4C, Tambo is most likely not a NHL player, Andersson could maybe play in the NHL but forcing him into it can ruin his development

 

[Fansince1992]

I'm pretty sure we will sign 1-2 veteran centers for the 3rd/4th line. Even if the kids make it, we need insurance.

Which UFA's Centermen are still available?

 

[Dr. Ogrodnick]

Best case is for Zbad and Hayes to take the next step and become #1 and #2 centers, then Andersonn stepping right in for the 3C spot, and Nieves taking the 4C job.

Sure. I suspect that is certainly an option, or adding a bottom 6 pivot in september. I also suspect Gorton is patiently lying in the weeds waiting for Sakic's overplaying of his hand to blow up in his face, so he can swoop in with a fair and palatable offer for Duchesne. If that doesn't materialize I suspect he's ok with starting the season with Zib and Hayes as the top 6 centers and see where that takes us.

 

[offdacrossbar]

Andersson may be able to.

Nieves probably steps in as a 4C but IDK if the offense will be there for a 3C.

I don't think Tambellini becomes an NHL player.

yup. same.

boo could play the 4C now. his skating and size would be a perfect fit. he's never going to score alot at the next level but he's got a nice future as a 3/4C pivot ahead of him. i see nieves as a longer, faster dom moore. similar type player.

the 3C is the wild card. while i prefer jtmiller at wing, he may get a long look at center in camp. i think they wait until camp to see if that works out or if lias andersson can show he's ready to earn a roster spot.

counter to the opinions here, i think they are content with letting kevin hayes try to make the next step from the 3 to the 2. i think they believe he's got that kind of game to allow him to play the 2C. also believe that jtmiller could play the 2 or the 3. either way, both those guys could start the season in the middle.

the way i see it, i think they prefer to fill that need from within. between hayes, miller, andersson and boo, they need to fill 3 spots. the only given right now is mika at the 1C.

if it doesnt work out, then i see them looking for a centerman. when you are talking a 3C, theres always opportunities there.

 

[duhmetreE]

I'd honestly love Matt Cullen for 4th line/PK duties

 

[kovazub94]

BRF, I hear where you're coming from but the only option I'd consider moving Skjei is for McKinnon level of 1C, as opposed to top6C as you put originally. And there are barely a handful to consider, Draisaitl is another, who else that could be potentially available?

With a big improvement on D, I'd be with with a slight to no improvement at F compared to last year. Even a slight step back that could be offset by a natural growth via improved play especially from Buch, Vesey but also from Ziba, Miller, Kreider and Hayes.

 

[Fitzy]

The points equivalency thing isn't the best metric to look at our center ice position. Even considering Zibanejad will hopefully be healthy this season.

18 of Stepan's 55 points last season were on the powerplay, far and away most on our team. Whoever replaces Stepan's time on the first powerplay unit will collect a number of those, be they a center or winger or defenseman.

Concerned they won't do as good a job? Most of those points were as a passenger. Stepan spent more time on the ice a man up than any other NYR forward save Zuccarello, and yet was 7th on the list for shots taken (only 25)

My concern is that guys like Hayes and Miller suck on the powerplay.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

If Zibanejad stays healthy he will top Stepan's production for sure. I know we all have PTSD, but if the Rangers PP isn't leaps and bounds better this year, there is something seriously, seriously wrong. Zibanejad stands to be one of the biggest beneficiaries of an improved PP an area where Stepan always struggled.

My concern is the trickle down effect on the lineup. I'm not convinced Hayes repeats his production playing harder minutes. It would be a miracle if Andersson stepped in and played to Lindberg's level right away.

This team 100% still needs a proven center even if everyone stays healthy, which we know they won't. Who's it gonna be?

I wouldn't put money on Zib outscoring Stepan. His 55 points last season are more than Zibanejad's career high. Sure, it's possible, but it's all but certain it happens

 

[Brooklyn Rangers Fan]

BRF, I hear where you're coming from but the only option I'd consider moving Skjei is for McKinnon level of 1C, as opposed to top6C as you put originally. And there are barely a handful to consider, Draisaitl is another, who else that could be potentially available?

With a big improvement on D, I'd be with with a slight to no improvement at F compared to last year. Even a slight step back that could be offset by a natural growth via improved play especially from Buch, Vesey but also from Ziba, Miller, Kreider and Hayes.

Fair point. I should have been clearer in that first paragraph. Fixed.

 

[GregSirico]

The points equivalency thing isn't the best metric to look at our center ice position. Even considering Zibanejad will hopefully be healthy this season.

18 of Stepan's 55 points last season were on the powerplay, far and away most on our team. Whoever replaces Stepan's time on the first powerplay unit will collect a number of those, be they a center or winger or defenseman.

Concerned they won't do as good a job? Most of those points were as a passenger. Stepan spent more time on the ice a man up than any other NYR forward save Zuccarello, and yet was 7th on the list for shots taken (only 25)

My concern is that guys like Hayes and Miller suck on the powerplay.

My concern is that Hayes and Miller might not hit the ceiling we pegged them at.

 

[silverfish]

We might have good enough winger depth to carry Andersson as 3C and Nieves as 4C. Bigger issue is Hayes reversing his career trajectory though and taking the next step.

20-93-89
61-13-36
10-Andersson-26
40-Boo-19

27-22 (Shattenkirk, not Holden )
76-42
18-Whoever
Holden

 

[Fitzy]

My concern is that Hayes and Miller might not hit the ceiling we pegged them at.

Did anyone have Miller as a 55 point guy? I sure didn't. He was drafted as a low risk 3rd line grinder. I think he has already surpassed expectations.

With Hayes, sure, I agree.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

Why is the word "s h a t" even censored?

 

[GregSirico]

Did anyone have Miller as a 55 point guy? I sure didn't. He was drafted as a low risk 3rd line grinder. I think he has already surpassed expectations.

With Hayes, sure, I agree.

I thought Hayes would be A LOT better than what he's been so far.

 

[Synergy27]

I wouldn't put money on Zib outscoring Stepan. His 55 points last season are more than Zibanejad's career high. Sure, it's possible, but it's all but certain it happens

I am not a gambling man, but I actually would put money on that. Health dependent of course, but playing first line minutes, and as the centerpiece of the PP, Zibanejad better at least match that production. If he doesn't, our problems at center are even worse than we think they are.

 

[duhmetreE]

The problem with Hayes and Miller is they're both compliments to skilled linemates. It can get stale when they play together.

Hayes' lack of speed is the main reason packaging him for a 2C makes sense. It aligns with the team's identity and would help Miller.

As it stands, Staal and Hayes are the two weakest skaters on the team. Hopefully both can be upgraded upon

 

[offdacrossbar]

The points equivalency thing isn't the best metric to look at our center ice position. Even considering Zibanejad will hopefully be healthy this season.

18 of Stepan's 55 points last season were on the powerplay, far and away most on our team. Whoever replaces Stepan's time on the first powerplay unit will collect a number of those, be they a center or winger or defenseman.

Concerned they won't do as good a job? Most of those points were as a passenger. Stepan spent more time on the ice a man up than any other NYR forward save Zuccarello, and yet was 7th on the list for shots taken (only 25)

My concern is that guys like Hayes and Miller suck on the powerplay.

not concerned.

when i look at the pp, i dont see either playing a huge role this season anyway.

mika is primary pp pivot.

when lias andersson makes the team out of camp, thats your pp guy after mika.

 

[duhmetreE]

I thought Hayes would be A LOT better than what he's been so far.

He had an amazing November ( first few months were good ) then just faded away

 

[nyr2k2]

Why is the word "s h a t" even censored?

People use it as the past tense for ****.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

People use it as the past tense for ****.

I understand what it means. I just think it's inconvenient since in this case it's also the most popular way to shorten Shattenkirk's name haha. And then his Twitter handle is ShatDeuces... That's hilarious

 

[kovazub94]

I thought Hayes would be A LOT better than what he's been so far.

At what point? When he was signed he generally was considered a 3rd line winger for career. Not only he's been consistently playing 3C, he even was used as 2C when either Stepan or Ziba were injured. He definitely came in with less expectations than Vesey.