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Confirmed with Link: July 1st - Free Agent Extravaganza Part II

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Rust Heisenberg said:
Whether some of you like it or not, there is a youth movement going on with this team.

I don't think you can expect more than 2, maybe 3 rookies, tops in your line up... but that would make 5-6 "rookies" in 2 years coming in as regulars. That's 20-25% of a team. Let's say that trend continues for the year after this too... 7-9 rookies on a group of 20... nearly half.

Kreider, Zucarello, and Talbot played their first "full" nhl seasons last year.
Miller was up and down. Consider him a regular for next year.

We have 3 holes: 3c, 3LW, 4RW. Miller is on the 3rd line, likely at the center position.

Doesn't look like we can sign anyone else of substance to fill those spots in. Those 3 spots are going to rookies.

Miller, Lindberg, Fast, Haggerty, that kid Mueller, the Bourque brothers, Kristo, Duclair... they're all going to have a fair shake at spots.

Not to mention if we go down with an injury or two on the blue line... who else are we going to turn to? Of course, more rookies - like Allen and McIlrath. Next year? We likely see a Skjei sighting.. Duclair, Tambellini, Buchnevich (who everyone hails is the best of that bunch) could all get shots. A year later? That Iverson kid, maybe other prospects who we've acquired.

And before that? These last 2-4 years has seen us promote McD, Stepan, and Hagelin. All young guys.

Whether we want it, or not, this team's future is in its youth. Not all (or even many) of the kids we gush about will make the team, but there will invariably be many spots and opportunities for these kids to come in and become regulars.


But in regards to the next 2 years specifically, look for 5-6 prospects to come up and be relied on as regulars. The trick will be for Vigneault to put them in positions to succeed, like he did with Kreider and Zucarello this year.
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While technically accurate, neither Kreider or Zucc was a typical rookie.
 
Additionally, I fully expect this team to be one of the best in the East & the League for the next 5 years.

1) AV has proven over the last 6-7 years that he's one hell of a coach. His teams are constantly in positions of prominence, and it can be argued that he doesn't have a cup yet because of Luongo. Maybe there may be a year of upheaval and transition in roster from veterans to youth... but the guy will coach our team to consistent greatness.
2) Our youth is actually pretty damn good. Kreider, Zucc, Hagelin, Stepan, McD, Brassard, Miller - for now.
3) We will have roster flexibility. There will be a deadline move or two if we are underperforming. This team will not be allowed to revert back to a consistent 2nd round exit.
4) Underperformers will be traded for cap space and young assets. And yes, I'm thinking particularly about Nash and perhaps eventually Girardi and Staal if they regress.

This team isn't in a bad position. We might not have made the flashiest moves this offseason. And i'm OK with that. LA didn't make flashy moves last year either. Neither did Chicago. Boston traded their best winger.

The cup isn't won in the offseason, and those clammoring for more moves to be made... rest assured you'll get them - they may just have to wait until the deadline... and you should all be OK with that.
 
chosen said:
While technically accurate, neither Kreider or Zucc was a typical rookie.
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Their considered rookies by the league. Safe to say I'll take the league's definition of a player and what he is.
 
I didn't even know Downie was available. He's the kinda guy I'd like to have but I don't know if he'd fit. He's a little loopy.
 
Fitzy said:
The defense seems well set to me:

The problem is that our entire bottom 6 is a mess, including the third line.
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The Bottom 6 is a returning Hagelin , Moore and maybe Carcillo. Miller and/or Fast have played also. So new is Glass and likely a Pouliott replacement

So 2 of the 6 are new. Lets not jump off the ledge this happens all the time.
 
Rust Heisenberg said:
Whether some of you like it or not, there is a youth movement going on with this team..
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Thats funny because I dont think the Rangers like it that much. They just have no choice.

I also doubt, come October, theres this many sports available for kids with little to no NHL experience. You know why? Because that'd be incredibly stupid.
 
Im actually really glad the Rangers mostly stood pat during free agency. The prices on the market for some of these guys was outrageous.
 
Trainmman said:
Listening to Eklund's podcast, rumor saying the Rangers may be looking at Steve Ott..
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If they are, hopefully it's not more than 1 year and not more than $1 million. Also I hope it's not to center one of the top 3 lines, but for the 4th line LW spot and can take the faceoff if Moore gets tossed.
 
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