If they play Philly in Round 1, they will most likely need both.
Klein has been the worst Dman on the team by a wide margin.
I know people here want to like him because they moved MDZ for him, but he's a massive disappointment.
Yep. Klein has been very, very good for us. Surprisingly steady on the back-end. He's really replaced Sauer. Sauer used to be that steady, 3rd pairing rock. Funnily enough, Klein could have really steadied MDZ's game I'd bet. Just like Sauer.
Short term, go with the hot hand...
long term, trade Stepan + Girardi + possibly Talbot (who we will eventually lose to UFA cause we can't offer him starter status) for a big, difference maker upgrade.
As that relates here, means we keep everybody, possible heavy juggling if nec. (McD to RD w/Staal at first pair, though I don't believe it comes to that). Same guys, maybe add Connor allen ---- + that difference maker.
Short term, go with the hot hand...
long term, trade Stepan + Girardi + possibly Talbot (who we will eventually lose to UFA cause we can't offer him starter status) for a big, difference maker upgrade.
As that relates here, means we keep everybody, possible heavy juggling if nec. (McD to RD w/Staal at first pair, though I don't believe it comes to that). Same guys, maybe add Connor allen ---- + that difference maker.
I think Stepan and Girardi are two guys we really need to hold on to. We just signed Girardi to a nice deal and I think that means we're keeping him around for a while.
Steps had some rough patches this season, but he's a 60+ point center in the very near future IMO. I absolutely think if we traded him for an upgrade, the player we got in return would see a drop in production and we would crave Stepan back in a big way. He's a super solid top 6 center who we drafted. If anything, players like that are who we need to hold on to.
Absolutely insane. Been nothing but solid since he's arrived.I still can't believe someone actually thinks Klein has been anything but good (let alone that he's been terrible).
Klein has played 24 games for us. 0 penalty minutes. Positionally sound. Strong on his skates--not someone that you can run over easily. Does not panic or run around. He's still a stiff (to use Tortorella's phrase) player to play against. He pins a guy--the guy stays pinned. He doesn't force plays--he makes safe plays coming out of his end.
I know some people loved Del Zotto but the guy gave me the willies a lot in his own defensive end. I was watching him the other night--Buffalo against Nashville and he looks still the same. DZ paired with Moore was just a disaster waiting to happen on any given shift. Moore paired with Klein looks a whole hell of a lot different to me--like he actually now has a clue. Maybe DZ would benefited the same but he was the price that had to be paid and DZ was heading towards a $3 + mil arbitration eligible contract negotiation--something which he's not proved to be worth. Diaz and Klein look very good together as well.
Klein's been the best addition the Rangers have made this year. Solidified the entire defense corps. His contract and term are both very good. Personally I think we ripped Nashville off.
Moore + Diaz. Klein can go sit in the box
Klein has been the worst Dman on the team by a wide margin.
I know people here want to like him because they moved MDZ for him, but he's a massive disappointment.
Any consideration into playing Moore at LW? Has he ever played forward at all? Given we're currently short one due to Kreider and have Carcillo in the top 9 (at least last game) it seems like he might have a shot there with his combination of size and speed - rather similar to Kreider actually. And it would let us keep Diaz in who's been very effective.
Ah yes, the old Stu Bickel treatment.
And no, they shouldn't do that
I doubt Nashville would have gone for this, but I really wish we could have trade Moore instead of Del Zotto for Klein. Del Zotto-Klein would have been a nice third pairing.
Yeah, who cares if he's in his own zone for the majority of his ice time despite getting extremely sheltered minutes?