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

[Amazing Kreiderman]

Thank you Mats

I hate it when players join HFNYR and then refer to themselves in the third person

 

[Edge]

And I am not disagreeing that is what the Rangers would lean towards, I am disagreeing that the prospect, who ever he may be as an already drafted player who is developing will have the same ceiling as what they could possibly draft.

Teams are not likely to give away post draft prospects who have a ceiling of top line, top pair players. They may still turn into that but the team trading them away likely does not feel their ceiling is that high. or else they would just keep them.

Where as with picks it could be anything from a top pair/top line ceiling to a bust, so there is certainly more risk there but also the possibility of a higher reward and with that risk likely comes a lesser price tag being attached.

I guess it depends on the prospect, the pick and the draft.

In some cases the pick might be the better way to go. In other cases it might be the prospect.

In 2018, I’d probably take the late first. If it’s 2015 or 2016, probably lean toward the prospect.

 

[Off Sides]

Zucc is a pending UFA
Name, Fast have one year remaining after this season
Kreider has two

Spooner, Hayes, etc we don't know yet

I would assume the first group and anyone who is added to it, has less than three years remaining, will be up for being sold at some point before they reach UFA possibly as soon as this deadline.

Those who end up with clauses that kick in may also be up for being moved prior to those clauses kicking in. (Zbad currently) (Which brings up whether or not Hayes, Skjei should really want one of those clauses should they want to remain for longer)

However that is more what I would do over the next couple seasons, along with exploring any trades for Shattenkirk, the Rangers may have very different plans, as I see this rebuild turning out more lengthy whether they like it or not, where as I am guessing they see it as more of a 3 year plan.

 

[Off Sides]

I guess it depends on the prospect, the pick and the draft.

In some cases the pick might be the better way to go. In other cases it might be the prospect.

In 2018, I’d probably take the late first. If it’s 2015 or 2016, probably lean toward the prospect.

Agreed, it depends on the individual case, but overall right now the Rangers have

Chytil, Andersson, Howden, Hajek, Lindgren, Day, Ronning, Gettinger have their entry level contracts end 2021/2022. Not saying all of them will make it. Let's say 4 or 5 of them do hypothetically, how many other entry level contracts that end that same year do the Rangers feasibly want?

Year prior in the 2020/21 season they only have a few ending, mostly to players who are not really projected to make big buck anyway, but should they add to the prospects who have their ELC end that year as they are likely to be prospects who have not only the rights end earlier but also will be waiver eligible sooner? How many of that group do they want for that year?

So to me, and yes this is all very premature (I know no one likes that), but they should probably be looking towards prospects who will have the entry level contracts end 2022/23 or after (some they probably drafted this past draft and maybe even some that have not been drafted yet (picks)

 

[True Blue]

I would probably expect Howden and Hajek to see some time this season. Maybe not as regulars, but potentially getting their feet wet. Based on interviews, I suspect that is the Rangers' thinking as well.

I agree with this and will also throw in Lindgren as well. I think that it is much like last year, in which the younger players will also get a chance when someone like a Zucc or Shattenkirk is traded. The former, I believe will be moved by deadline. The latter not sure of. If he demonstrated that he is healthy and can play well, he may be moved. If Staal can somehow revive his career under Quinn, he maybe be moved as well. More than likely with some salary retention.

And I continue to stick to my view that there is a good chance that both Balesky & Smith can be in the opening night lineup. Both will be given a clean slate

 

[I Eat Crow]

The only remaining business this summer is extending the RFA's.

Hayes is one year from group III status. Extend him long term or trade him. Bridging him with a 2 year deal to buy out only one UFA year is stupid, as is signing him to his arbitration award.

Vesey is two years (I think?) from group III status, as is Namestnikov after his 2 year extension. Spooner is one year from group III. Zuccarello is UFA after this season. Skjei I think has three more years before being eligible for group III status.

Can Vesey be a 20 goal, 35 point winger that can play up and down the lineup and score dirty goals? The Rangers are in a no win situation with him. Give him a bridge deal and if he lives up to his potential he prices himself out. Or sign him long term and watch him be no more than a bottom six forward that scores 10-15 goals a year.

Hayes is probably at his peak trade value. He's turned into a valuable matchup center that can score 20 goals/40 points in a year without much power play time. I'd extend him if he signs for a reasonable amount (less than 5.5 million over at least 4-5 years), but I'd look to deal him if not. Centers will get good value in a trade. He wants to play here reading between the lines. Sign the contract Kevin. Or you'll be dealt. The Rangers are going to be bad next year with or without Hayes.

Skjei is the only left handed top 4 defenseman on this team right now. Pay the man. He's the only player on this team I'd probably be comfortable giving a contract more than 5 years in length. Give him 6 years, $30 million and call it a day. Anything less is a bargain.

Spooner is probably the most valuable on a one year deal and being dealt at the deadline. Suppose he nets 10 goals, 25 assists by the deadline to be on a 45-50 point pace for the season. He may be able to get the Rangers another 2nd rounder and decent prospect. Don't think he gets a 1st even if that's what I was hoping for at the draft this year.

I'd look to "Keith Tkachuk" Zuccarello. Trade him as a rental at the deadline and sign him back next summer provided he continues to produce at a 50-60 point pace.

With this, the Rangers are looking at at least one 1st and possibly three 2nd rounder's next draft. Two 1st's and two 2nd's if Tampa wins the Cup. Keep the rebuild moving but add elite talent along the way if it becomes available.

Keep an eye on Toronto. They're going to have to do some salary cap gymnastics next summer to keep Matthews, Nylander, and Marner with Tavares now taking up $11 million on their cap. Dubas is a young, new school GM that is going to be stingy in his asking prices, but I think he can still be taken if he's backed up against the wall. Use some of the rebuild capital to steal Nylander or Marner. Not everyone on the Rangers can be 19-22 years old and be the same age.

If the Rangers add a Karlsson and/or a Panarin next summer along with one of Turcotte, Kappo, Cozens, Krebs, Newhook, or Byram, the Rangers will be right back in it in the next 2-3 years.

 

[haohmaru]

Did you read the sentence above it where I said I purposely left them off the squad because I think they'll spend more time in Hartford next season than the NHL?

Yeah, uh, no. Missed that.

Yes, I agree that there are a lot of variables overall, but I still see a team with very poor depth and a bad defense. I don't think our top guys have enough firepower to overcompensate for those issues. That poor depth is exactly why I want to make sure we sign Hayes since I believe the Rangers will want to try to integrate Chytil and Lias in waves this season. Having him continue in that matchup role allows either of them to get softer usage while they continue to develop.

I don't know. Maybe I don't think the depth is as bad as you think it is. If Skjei takes a step forward (back to where he was his rookie season) or two steps forward, Smith returns to being a serviceable D, Staal plays at the same level as last year, Pionk plays at the same level as last year, Shattenkirk is Shattenkirk, & ADA or whoever, can stick in the NHL then I don't think we're lottery team terrible on the back end.

As far as Andersson and Chytil go, I don't think the Rangers plan wants them to spend more time in Hartford next season - I believe that would be a huge disappointment to Rangers brass/coaching staff.

Hey, I'm not saying they're Cup contenders or anything but if the cards come out right I can see them being in the thick of things at the deadline.

I guess we'll have a better idea in, <sob>, 3 months.

 

[Zibanejbread]

 

[mike14]

Cap hit of $2.75m seems a bit high for what Vesey has shown so far

 

[UAGoalieGuy]

Cap hit of $2.75m seems a bit high for what Vesey has shown so far

It's not 2.75AAV its 2.275AAV.

 

[mike14]

It's not 2.75AAV its 2.275AAV.

That's what i get for trying to decipher Twitter at 6am...

Even that seems too high for what he's delivered thus far, and what it looks like he can deliver. And I dont actually mind Vesey in the lineup

 

[wafflepadsave]

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

Wonder what Gordie ‘s looks like?

 

[Mac n Gs]

Yeah, uh, no. Missed that.



I don't know. Maybe I don't think the depth is as bad as you think it is. If Skjei takes a step forward (back to where he was his rookie season) or two steps forward, Smith returns to being a serviceable D, Staal plays at the same level as last year, Pionk plays at the same level as last year, Shattenkirk is Shattenkirk, & ADA or whoever, can stick in the NHL then I don't think we're lottery team terrible on the back end.

As far as Andersson and Chytil go, I don't think the Rangers plan wants them to spend more time in Hartford next season - I believe that would be a huge disappointment to Rangers brass/coaching staff.

Hey, I'm not saying they're Cup contenders or anything but if the cards come out right I can see them being in the thick of things at the deadline.

I guess we'll have a better idea in, <sob>, 3 months.

I mean, hey, it’s not impossible for these things to happen, but I’m trying to be realistic in my projections for next season. The other issue with our depth is how it’s weaker relative to those in our conference. I’m comfortable saying that everyone in our division is better than us except for the Islanders. The Flyers might be a dark horse playoff candidate with the addition of JVR, more development from Patrick/Provorov, and influx of their young defensemen. Those motherf***ers also stole the two picks I really wanted in the draft this year

Ultimately, I think their main goal will be to try to create a strong environment to develop these young prospects so they can have sustained success for the future. Success in the points column seems like a secondary priority at the moment, but I think they’ll be glad if it happens.

 

[TheGuarantee]

That's what i get for trying to decipher Twitter at 6am...

Even that seems too high for what he's delivered thus far, and what it looks like he can deliver. And I dont actually mind Vesey in the lineup

2.275 is peanuts in today’s game. Doesn’t Leo Komarov make more?

 

[Walter t]

That's what i get for trying to decipher Twitter at 6am...

Even that seems too high for what he's delivered thus far, and what it looks like he can deliver. And I dont actually mind Vesey in the lineup

I didn't expect them to get away with anything under $2MM per year so I've no problem with this.
I also have some hope for a breakout season from Vesey, based entirely upon wishful thinking.

 

[mike14]

2.275 is peanuts in today’s game. Doesn’t Leo Komarov make more?

According to Capfriendly, unrestricted free agent signing Leo Komarov does make more than Vesey. If it helps, I think his cap-hit is pretty bad too, and I'd prefer Vesey to him.
But none of that takes away from the fact that I believe that cap-hit is too high for a player like Vesey, even if it most likely won't have any lasting impact on the Rangers

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

2.275 is peanuts in today’s game. Doesn’t Leo Komarov make more?

Well, Leo Komarov was UFA. Different situation

 

[NYR Viper]

It's possible Vesey was looking for a longer term deal or a 1 year and the Rangers wanted to give him the two so they had to slightly overpay. This brings him right to UFA

 

[wafflepadsave]

It's possible Vesey was looking for a longer term deal or a 1 year and the Rangers wanted to give him the two so they had to slightly overpay. This brings him right to UFA

No way they do a sign and trade do they?

 

[NYR Viper]

No way they do a sign and trade do they?

Anything is possible. They couldn't trade him until they signed him anyways

 

[wafflepadsave]

Anything is possible. They couldn't trade him until they signed him anyways

Question is would they combine him with Hayes for a big return or build up value this season or just keep him?

 

[TheGuarantee]

Well, Leo Komarov was UFA. Different situation

Not my point. I’m just saying if a team is willing to pay 3M per for 4 seasons of Leo Komarov, I’m not going to complain about Vesey’s bridge deal being two and a quarter.

Also, you do realize this is a pay reduction for Vesey as well?

 

[TheGuarantee]

According to Capfriendly, unrestricted free agent signing Leo Komarov does make more than Vesey. If it helps, I think his cap-hit is pretty bad too, and I'd prefer Vesey to him.
But none of that takes away from the fact that I believe that cap-hit is too high for a player like Vesey, even if it most likely won't have any lasting impact on the Rangers

And restricted free agent Jimmy Vesey made $3.775 avv. the last two seasons

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

No way they do a sign and trade do they?

Not with him.

Maybe with Hayes.

 

[wafflepadsave]

Not with him.

Maybe with Hayes.

Yeah just throwing things against the wall. It’s summertime.