eco's bones
Registered User
I'd rather see the Rangers go with the three RD they used last year again next year, it works to the point two of them put up outstanding offensive stats.
Instead of trading for a long term center now, let them see what Chytil does at center for another year. If that means signing Strome to a one year deal for support, or getting some stopgap one year center somehow else, I'd prefer that.
All the same I think you are correct the Rangers here will rush to get a long term center, that ends up blocking Chytil or anyone else from taking that spot. The D offensively take a hit and then they end up wondering why they are scoring less as a team while only playing slightly better defensively.
I think they are a year ahead of themselves where they are envisioning Kakko, Lafreniere, possibly Miller too as being able to play a competent NHL two way game.
They might do that. I could see exactly this kind of conversation going on though if they are talking with Calgary. Currently I think the Rangers and Tony are heading towards arbitration. Tony took a hit for them last year but I really don't think it would be wise for the Rangers to give him more than a two year term. Nils Lundkvist is the real deal and Trouba and Fox aren't going anywhere and the Rangers reluctant to moving a right shot D to the left side.
Jacques Martin is coming in to work at improving their D. That's his specialty. That said with Staal gone--his most logical replacement is K'Andre Miller--so it's still going to be a young and somewhat raw defense.
There's a lot of floating parts and floating ideas at the moment and yesterday's move has all the gears turning. We could hash out an endless amount of scenarios.