Speculation: Free Agent Frenzy Part V: Gorton is on McLeod Nine.

[Mikos87]

I have a feeling Howden is also going to impress a lot of people in September. Maybe not quite enough to make the team, but I think he'll push.

He's up there imo, love the north south game he plays. He's got a grinder's mindset with size and wheels, very safe bet to make the NHL. If his defensive coverage is good, then I think he ends up being an Erikson-Ek type of player. Only thing he has against him is pro experience at this stage.

 

[LORDE]

Great points, but you have a goalie that can steal games for weeks at a time, that will keep you out of the bottom two. Some responses below:

- Hank can carry a team by himself at his age?
Yes. Not for months at a time like the good old days, but weeks, yes.

- Zbad... can he stay healthy?
If healthy can he be more consistent? Health aside, the latter... you know I was really impressed with the showing at WCH... he looked like a real deal no 1 center. I think he needs a RH winger that stays around the net and can cycle, whose a smarter thinker that do the same thing over and over again type of player that Kreider has been the last several years. Also think some leadership around him can hold him accountable. All the tools are there.

- Hayes... if on the team a legit #2?
I don't think so, he's a good player, one that you will really get a lot out of in the right matchup, but defensive stalwart & no 2 center are a square peg round hole type of situation for him that AV put him in due to a lack of depth. Not worth $5M+ but at a $4.35M deal... he's more than palatable.

- ADA / Pionk - skilled yes, anything more than bottom pairs?
I'm going to leave ADA outside looking in, since as far back as Dec 16 my thoughts were that NYC would be a good final kick at the can for a guy with decision making challenges and a middle of the road offensive game. His junior game does not translate to the pros for two reasons... 1- Not an elite skater to play that way and recover 2- Makes a lot of binary choices instead of having a bunch of options to run... can't QB. Onto Pionk- I think there is something there that is going to make him into a long term fixture... can he defend well enough to be top 4... yes imo... but not against size and speed. But Pionk is going to put up points and move the puck.... the skating... you know if he had that extra 1.5 steps... he would be a star in the making. Maybe Prentice and a skating coach are working their magic this summer.

- Kirk... #1 dman? middle pair? Healthy? Leader?
No. But MSG can brand him like one for the optics. '

- Nams worth anywhere near that contract without Stamkos and Kutcherov because we don't have anyone like them on this team?
Biggest wildcard on the roster imo... has a lot of utility, but I'm most interested in seeing how he's deployed. Names is a guy that... if he plays the middle... and if one of the kids makes a solid debut in the middle, and another on the wing... then you have a team that has 4 lines that are deep and hard to match-up against.

But to your points. Lots of Ifs.

Hank was left out to dry A LOT last year by the defense in front of him... I have a feeling that will happen again this year. I don't think he (or anyone honestly) could stop the shots we were allowing last year at times... rink wide one-timers, bang bang plays etc.

But otherwise I agree w your answers.

 

[Ghost of jas]

Just curious, why do you think that?

He has a game that will gain a coach’s trust a lot earlier than Chytil would. He can slide into a 3C role and also PK. Plus, I’m of a kind that Chytil is more likely to end up on the wing.

 

[Edge]

The next draft is center heavy up top. It would really help push our rebuild along to get one of them.

Some intriguing options at this point.

I'm curious as to how things shake out, if for no other reason that I particularly like the top of the 2019 draft. That's not to say there isn't very good talent beyond that, I'm just particularly drawn to about 6 players at this point:

Hughes
Kakko
Byram
Turcotte
Newhook
Krebs

 

[Mikos87]

Hank was left out to dry A LOT last year by the defense in front of him... I have a feeling that will happen again this year. I don't think he (or anyone honestly) could stop the shots we were allowing last year at times... rink wide one-timers, bang bang plays etc.

But otherwise I agree w your answers.

They'll change the d-zone coverage. I'm sure that they saw the flaws with AVs system... hell everyone did... which is a shame because he used to run a tight system before Gillies got to VAN. If they don't change the system, then you will have those issues again.

Looking at the new D that were incorporated... and I'll use Robo Gara as an example.... he lost his man in coverage a ton... but guess what.. he was usually in the right position under a zone scheme. It's not easy for defensemen to condition themselves out of it. So I think that the systems changes will help.

 

[Mikos87]

Some intriguing options at this point.

I'm curious as to how things shake out, if for no other reason that I particularly like the top of the 2019 draft. That's not to say there isn't very good talent beyond that, I'm just particularly drawn to about 6 players at this point:

Hughes
Kakko
Byram
Turcotte
Newhook
Krebs

He's a late birthday who might have been a late 2nd this year, but Rafael Lavoie might be a guy to keep an eye on. Not a top 10 guy, but size, speed, skill are all there. A bit on the soft side though.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

They drafted one few weeks ago and half of the people on here lost their minds.

But... But... Wahlstrom is better because the internet says so!

 

[Ghost of jas]

Some intriguing options at this point.

I'm curious as to how things shake out, if for no other reason that I particularly like the top of the 2019 draft. That's not to say there isn't very good talent beyond that, I'm just particularly drawn to about 6 players at this point:

Hughes
Kakko
Byram
Turcotte
Newhook
Krebs

I would be happy with either option. If Hughes is the consensus 1OA, coming away with either Turcotte or Newhook would be excellent consolation prizes and give the Rangers a true 1C prospect.

But, since I’m greedy, I need another first round like this past one. Another three 1sts added to to the five in the past two years plus adding Hajek, Howden, Lindgren and Rykov should form a very strong and deep base for this rebuild.

 

[darko]

Hank was left out to dry A LOT last year by the defense in front of him... I have a feeling that will happen again this year. I don't think he (or anyone honestly) could stop the shots we were allowing last year at times... rink wide one-timers, bang bang plays etc.

But otherwise I agree w your answers.

I think we'll be better defensively than last season. Then again it's hard not to be because we were downright putrid last season. AV's system just didn't work.

I think we'll rank middle of the road defensively. It's offensively I believe we'll struggle especially if the injuries pile up. Looking at Ziba and Kreider.

 

[GeorgeKaplan]

Because he is more NHL-ready. He's better defensively, stronger and with his vision and style he fits better in the NHL at the moment than Chytil. Having said that, I still think both will be in the AHL for the majority of the season. I really do not see either make the team straight out of camp, unless it's to get a few games in to start the season.

Just for reference: In the last 25 years, the Rangers have had 4 players who played 80 games, a full season, at age 20 (Lias will be 20 at the end of the 2019-20 season). It just isn't that common and to expect Chytil and Lias to just play with the Rangers all season is going to set people up for disappointment. The NHL isn't a league where teenagers play a significant role unless they are elite talents (McDavid, Crosby, Ekblad, Laine, Matthews, Eichel).

My prevailing opinion is that the Rangers are going to keep them together at whatever level they decide to have them at, and I think they’re pretty even in terms of NHL readiness but gun to my head I’d give Chytil the slight edge if only one was going to make it. And if either or both are on the NHL team the whole season, I don’t think they’ll be in significant roles, I think they’ll be pretty sheltered most of the season

 

[darko]

I would be happy with either option. If Hughes is the consensus 1OA, coming away with either Turcotte or Newhook would be excellent consolation prizes and give the Rangers a true 1C prospect.

But, since I’m greedy, I need another first round like this past one. Another three 1sts added to to the five in the past two years plus adding Hajek, Howden, Lindgren and Rykov should form a very strong and deep base for this rebuild.

No reason why Zucca can't fetch a late 1st come deadline. Tampa wins the Cup and there's your 3 1st rounders.

 

[silverfish]

Mods can delete since this post was moved here.

 

[GeorgeKaplan]

He has a game that will gain a coach’s trust a lot earlier than Chytil would. He can slide into a 3C role and also PK. Plus, I’m of a kind that Chytil is more likely to end up on the wing.

Fair enough, I’m definitely in the Chytil as a center camp, but I also think his defense is better than he gets credit for

 

[Edge]

He's up there imo, love the north south game he plays. He's got a grinder's mindset with size and wheels, very safe bet to make the NHL. If his defensive coverage is good, then I think he ends up being an Erikson-Ek type of player. Only thing he has against him is pro experience at this stage.

I'll say that I also believe Howden has the potential to be a guy who surprises people offensively.

Like Andersson, sometimes we get so caught up when discussing intelligence, awareness and other attributes, that we almost tend to forget that there's quite a bit of talent there. Howden has quite a bit of offensive talent and has shown it in some difficult situations where offense can be a little harder to come by.

Regardless of where people saw his offense when he was drafted in 2016, the kid's scored at a 101 and 110 point WHL pace in his D-1 and D-2 seasons. He's been a point per game player in two trips to the WJC, more than a point per game player in the 31 WHL playoff games, and nearly a point per game player in a limited viewing in both AHL's regular season and playoffs.

The kid shows up for big games. He and Andersson's offensive accomplishments are routinely undersold.

 

[Edge]

He's a late birthday who might have been a late 2nd this year, but Rafael Lavoie might be a guy to keep an eye on. Not a top 10 guy, but size, speed, skill are all there. A bit on the soft side though.

I'm kind of split on him to be honest.

Good overall skills, but he often leaves me wanting a bit more.

 

[darko]

Not fussed at what positions Lias and Chytil establish themselves. I just want them to tear the league apart. If they both end up on the wing then you build with Ziba/Hayes/Howden down the middle.

 

[Ghost of jas]

No reason why Zucca can't fetch a late 1st come deadline. Tampa wins the Cup and there's your 3 1st rounders.

I think gets you the other first. I’m not convinced the Rangers will commit to Hayes long term.

 

[JESSEWENEEDTOCOOK]

@RangerBoy touched on this, but honestly this team is nothing but question marks ATM:

- Quinn as an NHL Coach... new system, how long until the team grasps it and play it well?
- Hank can carry a team by himself at his age?
- Zbad... can he stay healthy? If healthy can he be more consistent?
- Kreider... same questions?
- Hayes... if on the team a legit #2?
- Staal an NHL D man after all of these miles and injuries?
- Smith in the NHL or Connecticut busses?
- ADA / Pionk - skilled yes, anything more than bottom pairs?
- Buch ready to take next step? Getting bigger/stronger?
- Kirk... #1 dman? middle pair? Healthy? Leader?
- Skjei... sophomore slump? Consistency? New system (maybe easier)... how will he react to it?
- Zucc/Spooner still a NYR?
- Nams worth anywhere near that contract without Stamkos and Kutcherov because we don't have anyone like them on this team?

I left the kids off (and Gorton/Clark drafting) but they're obviously a huge question mark.

Point being that if 25% of these answers are "NO" you have a bottom feeder and I'll wager that you have more of a 50/50 shot at these than just 25%

We'll be a lottery team in all probability... hopefully we get lucky and go top-2

The thing with question marks is we don’t know the answers.

I wouldn’t say this team is a shoe in to be a lottery team. I think there’s a decent chance, but frankly I think there’s just as good of a chance of us being “competitive” and grabbing a wild card spot.

Not that that’s what we’re building towards, just that it’s a realistic possibility.

 

[darko]

Even if Lias and Chytil end up in AHL I think there will be 1 or 2 prospects that make it. My guess would be Lindgren and Howden. Those 2 and then guys like ADA and Pionk and there's a lot to look forward to.

 

[Ghost of jas]

I'm kind of split on him to be honest.

Good overall skills, but he often leaves me wanting a bit more.

Any thoughts on potential mid and late first round options? Or, too early in your mind?

 

[darko]

The thing with question marks is we don’t know the answers.

I wouldn’t say this team is a shoe in to be a lottery team. I think there’s a decent chance, but frankly I think there’s just as good of a chance of us being “competitive” and grabbing a wild card spot.

Not that that’s what we’re building towards, just that it’s a realistic possibility.

Agree. I can see us being anywhere from bottom-3 to a lower seed playoff team. Too many questions and unknowns with this team.

 

[Ghost of jas]

The thing with question marks is we don’t know the answers.

I wouldn’t say this team is a shoe in to be a lottery team. I think there’s a decent chance, but frankly I think there’s just as good of a chance of us being “competitive” and grabbing a wild card spot.

Not that that’s what we’re building towards, just that it’s a realistic possibility.

I don’t see this team as a potential wildcard team at all. There are at least three non-playoff teams better than the Rangers -Carolina, Florida and Buffalo. And both the Islanders and Detroit made moves to be mediocre. Gorton has made no moves to actually wallpaper over the flaws. He’s expecting to be awful.

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

I can see this team finishing anywhere from bottom 5 (I think 3 is a bit extreme) to 12th or 13th.

Too many things have to go right for this to be a playoff team. I think that they sell at the deadline even if they're close and that would likely knock them back a peg.

I think it would behoove the team to move another forward out before the season starts. If you don't want to commit to Hayes, move him. There is nothing to be gained by having a team that is just good enough not to be really bad.

 

[Edge]

Any thoughts on potential mid and late first round options? Or, too early in your mind?

I really want to see what Matthew Boldy does this season. He's not a highlight reel prospect, but he's able to produce and can be an annoying player for other teams.

Drew Helleson is another kid who put himself on the map for me as a mobile, puck-moving defenseman.

The hard part is not knowing where the "consensus" will put some of these kids. There are several names I could mention, but it all depends on where they're placed to start the season. I could assume a kid is a top-10 talent, and he's listed at 17.

 

[Oscar Lindberg]

If we're following the Leafs rebuild timeline, we are due to get our version of Matthews this next draft

So Hughes come on down