Speculation: Offseason Thread Part IV - Let's Make A Deal

[Kershaw]

He's a better skater and puck-handler already.

Skater probably, disagree about puckhandler 100%. MDZ has skills the other dmen on the team can only dream about.

Wait, Skinner with 2 concussions isn't damaged goods but Staal is? Makes no sense considering they had the same amount of concussions, that's even if Staal had one from the most recent one. I would assume he did. Skinner has come back early and is more prone to them. He further endangers himself, just like Lindros did.

I swear you're not really a Rangers fan.

look at Staal's time missed due to significant injuries and compare them with Skinner's. Enough said.

Of course I'm a Rangers fan lol, why does this keep getting brought up?

 

[One Winged Angel]

Skater probably, disagree about puckhandler 100%. MDZ has skills the other dmen on the team can only dream about.

What in the blue hell are you talking about with "skills the other dmen on the team could only dream about"?!?!? Moore and McDonagh are both better puck handlers and skaters are arguably better passers. Moore also has a better shot.

look at Staal's time missed due to significant injuries and compare them with Skinner's. Enough said.

Staal has had 2 DIFFERENT injuries, 1 of them being a FREAK ACCIDENT. Skinner has had 2 concussions an injury which has proven to be chronic in 99.9% of players who have had more than 1.

Of course I'm a Rangers fan lol, why does this keep getting brought up?

Your negativity regarding out players is matched only by Machinehead, but his negativity is a different kind and he at least knows what he's talking about. A lot of things you say are so outlandish and off the wall that others question your fandom and knowledge of this team and rightfully so.

 

[Boruto]

is everyone okay? because a bomb was just dropped.

Sometimes I think Kershaw says some things to play the contrary game. I know nothing myself so i go around posting this and that but sometimes, Kersh's posts are too perfectly the opposite of the consensus.

 

[Boruto]

MDZ does have a higher potential to act as an offensive presence in the offensive zone than McDonagh or Moore. What I mean by that is, he can take on the role of being the 4th forward on the ice and abandon his defensive responsibility in favor of a chance to carry the puck down low and try and make a play whereas Moore and McD will always favor making 80-90 percent of their plays around the point give or take a few feet.

Skills wise, MDZ will do certain things that McD probably won't do (not because he can't but because it's not something McD cares to do), but in terms of skating, puck handling, and yes, passing, McD has the distinct advantage on MDZ.

 

[One Winged Angel]

MDZ does have a higher potential to act as an offensive presence in the offensive zone than McDonagh or Moore. What I mean by that is, he can take on the role of being the 4th forward on the ice and abandon his defensive responsibility in favor of a chance to carry the puck down low and try and make a play whereas Moore and McD will always favor making 80-90 percent of their plays around the point give or take a few feet.

Skills wise, MDZ will do certain things that McD probably won't do (not because he can't but because it's not something McD cares to do), but in terms of skating, puck handling, and yes, passing, McD has the distinct advantage on MDZ.

That's because MDZ has the mentality of a 4th forward at times. That's not necessarily a "skill".

McDonagh is a far better skater and puck-handler, but the fact that he's so responsible defensively will never allow him to be the 4th forward that MDZ can be at times.

Shea Weber is one of the best offensive defensemen in the game and you never see him that far down low. You can be more than effective from the point. In 2012, McDonagh was 6th in ES points among defenders in only his 1st full season and yet finished less than 10 points behind Del Zotto who was in his 3rd full season. This is by NO MEANS a comparison between McDonagh and Weber, just something proving that if given MDZ's power play time, McDonagh can put up those numbers, if not better.

 

[Boruto]

That's because MDZ has the mentality of a 4th forward at times. That's not necessarily a "skill".

McDonagh is a far better skater and puck-handler, but the fact that he's so responsible defensively will never allow him to be the 4th forward that MDZ can be at times.

Shea Weber is one of the best offensive defensemen in the game and you never see him that far down low. You can be more than effective from the point. In 2012, McDonagh was 6th in ES points among defenders in only his 1st full season and yet finished less than 10 points behind Del Zotto who was in his 3rd full season. This is by NO MEANS a comparison between McDonagh and Weber, just something proving that if given MDZ's power play time, McDonagh can put up those numbers, if not better.

All valid things said, there is a distinction between the offensive skillset of McD vs. MDZ. No doubt Torts did not benefit MDZ's offense and skill set and even set it back a touch with the lack of offensive zone time, transitions and passing. As much as projections of McD offense turning up are valid, there's no doubt in my mind MDZ has a higher offensive ceiling and this season could really push MDZ along.

 

[Fitzy]

Del Zotto does not have a single offensive ability that is not matched or bettered by McDonagh. The only difference is mentality.

 

[silverfish]

Del Zotto does not have a single offensive ability that is not matched or bettered by McDonagh. The only difference is mentality.

I disagree very hard with this statement. Very hard.

 

[Crease]

MDZ's ability to shoot high and wide is unparalleled around the league.

 

[Faxius]

MDZ's ability to shoot high and wide is unparalleled around the league.

Made me laugh, very hard

 

[iamitter]

MDZ's ability to shoot high and wide is unparalleled around the league.

That's cause he tries to pick corners every shot. If he shot a la Boyle style, he'd be a logo sniper with a low sh% and probably score the same amount of goals. In 11-12, he actually had one of the highest sh % of dmen in the league (due to his picking corners style which if it misses the corner, often goes wide).

 

[AlternateSideParking]

MDZ is the Rangers best offensive defenseman. If McDonagh has more skill and better offensive instincts, he needs to prove it on a nightly basis, which he rarely did.

Torts held them all back. Let's give all of them a clean slate with a new coach.

 

[Crease]

That's cause he tries to pick corners every shot. If he shot a la Boyle style, he'd be a logo sniper with a low sh% and probably score the same amount of goals. In 11-12, he actually had one of the highest sh % of dmen in the league (due to his picking corners style which if it misses the corner, often goes wide).

There's gotta be a happy medium somewhere, right? You can't generate rebounds by missing the net the way he does. If there is nothing to shoot at, put the puck on net low and hard. Trying to go bar-down all the time is a detriment. How many times did he single handedly clear the zone last year on the PP with an errant shot?

 

[JohnC]

If McDonagh has more skill and better offensive instincts, he needs to prove it on a nightly basis, which he rarely did.

He was too busy bein a badass mother ****er in his own zone

 

[Inferno]

I disagree very hard with this statement. Very hard.

as do I, MDZ sees things on the ice that none of our dmen do, some of his passing plays on the rush or when he joins the play are really pretty.

 

[RGY]

How about we don't trade any of our defensemen and lets see how they play under AV. I think we have a great mix if stay at home defensemen and more active mobile defensemen.

 

[Inferno]

There's gotta be a happy medium somewhere, right? You can't generate rebounds by missing the net the way he does. If there is nothing to shoot at, put the puck on net low and hard. Trying to go bar-down all the time is a detriment. How many times did he single handedly clear the zone last year on the PP with an errant shot?

do you know how many shots on goal MDZ missed all of last year?

41.

That's less than Rick Nash, Brad Richards, Dan Girardi and Ryan Callahan, and it's only 7 more than Ryan McDonagh.

 

[Ail]

as do I, MDZ sees things on the ice that none of our dmen do, some of his passing plays on the rush or when he joins the play are really pretty.

Which happens only on new moons during a solstice blessed by wiccan high priestesses every other leap year.

 

[HatTrick Swayze]

That's cause he tries to pick corners every shot. If he shot a la Boyle style, he'd be a logo sniper with a low sh% and probably score the same amount of goals. In 11-12, he actually had one of the highest sh % of dmen in the league (due to his picking corners style which if it misses the corner, often goes wide).

The difference is that defensemen should not be trying to pick corners every time they get an open lane. Which is just one of many boneheaded moves Del Zotto makes on a nightly basis.

Also, really can't wait to watch the team this year. AV will add an additional 10 points onto the totals of each Dman. Can't wait.

 

[iamitter]

There's gotta be a happy medium somewhere, right? You can't generate rebounds by missing the net the way he does. If there is nothing to shoot at, put the puck on net low and hard. Trying to go bar-down all the time is a detriment. How many times did he single handedly clear the zone last year on the PP with an errant shot?

Of course. His wrister is one of his greatest assets, though. Like all of our players bar Richards, he has no slap shot. Generating rebounds isn't one of his specialties.

 

[iamitter]

The difference is that defensemen should not be trying to pick corners every time they get an open lane. Which is just one of many boneheaded moves Del Zotto makes on a nightly basis.

Also, really can't wait to watch the team this year. AV will add an additional 10 points onto the totals of each Dman. Can't wait.

If Del Zotto becomes a 50 point defenseman, I hope we move him instantly and accept the king's ransom in return

 

[Trxjw]

A key problem with Del Zotto is that the team has repeatedly asked him to be a shooter on the PP since Richards arrived. Like I've said before, it's no coincidence that our best PP in quite some time was run by Del Zotto in his rookie year. He has great vision and very solid mobility. He's an open-lane shooter, though. Not one of those guys who is going to thread a low boomer through traffic and on net.

I think (hope) we'll see some combination of Del Zotto and Moore/McDonagh on the PP this year. Del Zotto can put some passes right into the wheel house for both of those guys, and they both have the ability to rip one-timers on net, and the skating ability to put themselves in better shooting positions.

My main concern is where MDZ is going to play at ES. He's unable to play the right-side, and unless Staal is out to start the year, that means he's likely going to be playing on the 3rd pairing.

 

[Crease]

do you know how many shots on goal MDZ missed all of last year?

41.

That's less than Rick Nash, Brad Richards, Dan Girardi and Ryan Callahan, and it's only 7 more than Ryan McDonagh.

Why are you counting in absolute numbers, unless the point you're trying to make is that MDZ doesn't take a lot of attempts but when he does he misses the net.

[table="head;title=list"]Player | Shots Missed | Shots On Goal | Attempts | Attempts on Net | Goals | Attempts in Net
Derick Brassard | 7 | 25 | 32 | 78 % | 5 | 16 %
Derek Stepan | 42 | 108 | 150 | 72 % | 18 | 12 %
Arron Asham | 3 | 14 | 17 | 82 % | 2 | 12 %
Rick Nash | 43 | 176 | 219 | 80 % | 21 | 10 %
Ryane Clowe | 7 | 22 | 29 | 76 % | 3 | 10 %
Ryan Callahan | 57 | 144 | 201 | 72 % | 16 | 8 %
Taylor Pyatt | 24 | 56 | 80 | 70 % | 6 | 8 %
Mats Zuccarello | 11 | 27 | 38 | 71 % | 3 | 8 %
Marian Gaborik | 24 | 113 | 137 | 82 % | 9 | 7 %
Brad Richards | 44 | 110 | 154 | 71 % | 11 | 7 %
Chris Kreider | 9 | 19 | 28 | 68 % | 2 | 7 %
Carl Hagelin | 33 | 132 | 165 | 80 % | 10 | 6 %
Marc Staal | 20 | 20 | 40 | 50 % | 2 | 5 %
John Moore | 5 | 15 | 20 | 75 % | 1 | 5 %
Anton Stralman | 24 | 66 | 90 | 73 % | 4 | 4 %
Ryan McDonagh | 34 | 83 | 117 | 71 % | 4 | 3 %
J.T. Miller | 20 | 43 | 63 | 68 % | 2 | 3 %
Michael Del Zotto | 41 | 81 | 122 | 66 % | 3 | 2 %
Dan Girardi | 46 | 81 | 127 | 64 % | 2 | 2 %
Brian Boyle | 29 | 56 | 85 | 66 % | 2 | 2 %
Steve Eminger | 7 | 22 | 29 | 76 % | 0 | 0 %
Darroll Powe | 14 | 18 | 32 | 56 % | 0 | 0 %
Matt Gilroy | 4 | 14 | 18 | 78 % | 0 | 0 %
Jeff Halpern | 6 | 13 | 19 | 68 % | 0 | 0 %
Roman Hamrlik | 3 | 5 | 8 | 63 % | 0 | 0 %
Benn Ferriero | 4 | 4 | 8 | 50 % | 0 | 0 %
Kris Newbury | 2 | 4 | 6 | 67 % | 0 | 0 %
Micheal Haley | 0 | 4 | 4 | 100 % | 0 | 0 %
Mike Rupp | 2 | 2 | 4 | 50 % | 0 | 0 %
Brandon Mashinter | 0 | 2 | 2 | 100 % | 0 | 0 %
[/TABLE]

 

[Kris Chreider]

do you know how many shots on goal MDZ missed all of last year?

41.

That's less than Rick Nash, Brad Richards, Dan Girardi and Ryan Callahan, and it's only 7 more than Ryan McDonagh.

There's some big flaws in your reasoning. Three of your players are forwards, who are expected to shoot much much more than a defenseman. McDonagh and Girardi also tend to shoot more than Del Zotto does. Girardi can't move the puck to save his life.

 

[Kris Chreider]

Why are you counting in absolute numbers, unless the point you're trying to make is that MDZ doesn't take a lot of attempts but when he does he misses the net.

[table="head;title=list"]Player | Shots Missed | Shots On Goal | Attempts | Attempts on Net | Goals | Attempts in Net
Derick Brassard | 7 | 25 | 32 | 78 % | 5 | 16 %
Derek Stepan | 42 | 108 | 150 | 72 % | 18 | 12 %
Arron Asham | 3 | 14 | 17 | 82 % | 2 | 12 %
Rick Nash | 43 | 176 | 219 | 80 % | 21 | 10 %
Ryane Clowe | 7 | 22 | 29 | 76 % | 3 | 10 %
Ryan Callahan | 57 | 144 | 201 | 72 % | 16 | 8 %
Taylor Pyatt | 24 | 56 | 80 | 70 % | 6 | 8 %
Mats Zuccarello | 11 | 27 | 38 | 71 % | 3 | 8 %
Marian Gaborik | 24 | 113 | 137 | 82 % | 9 | 7 %
Brad Richards | 44 | 110 | 154 | 71 % | 11 | 7 %
Chris Kreider | 9 | 19 | 28 | 68 % | 2 | 7 %
Carl Hagelin | 33 | 132 | 165 | 80 % | 10 | 6 %
Marc Staal | 20 | 20 | 40 | 50 % | 2 | 5 %
John Moore | 5 | 15 | 20 | 75 % | 1 | 5 %
Anton Stralman | 24 | 66 | 90 | 73 % | 4 | 4 %
Ryan McDonagh | 34 | 83 | 117 | 71 % | 4 | 3 %
J.T. Miller | 20 | 43 | 63 | 68 % | 2 | 3 %
Michael Del Zotto | 41 | 81 | 122 | 66 % | 3 | 2 %
Dan Girardi | 46 | 81 | 127 | 64 % | 2 | 2 %
Brian Boyle | 29 | 56 | 85 | 66 % | 2 | 2 %
Steve Eminger | 7 | 22 | 29 | 76 % | 0 | 0 %
Darroll Powe | 14 | 18 | 32 | 56 % | 0 | 0 %
Matt Gilroy | 4 | 14 | 18 | 78 % | 0 | 0 %
Jeff Halpern | 6 | 13 | 19 | 68 % | 0 | 0 %
Roman Hamrlik | 3 | 5 | 8 | 63 % | 0 | 0 %
Benn Ferriero | 4 | 4 | 8 | 50 % | 0 | 0 %
Kris Newbury | 2 | 4 | 6 | 67 % | 0 | 0 %
Micheal Haley | 0 | 4 | 4 | 100 % | 0 | 0 %
Mike Rupp | 2 | 2 | 4 | 50 % | 0 | 0 %
Brandon Mashinter | 0 | 2 | 2 | 100 % | 0 | 0 %
[/TABLE]

Micheal Haley has a more accurate shot than Del Zotto.