Prospect Info: Rangers Prospects Thread (Player Stats/Info in Post #1; Updated 6.27.19)

[eco's bones]

Staal, despite his contract doesn't have a choice where he plays because if he refuses, I would send him to the minors. I'm quite sure he won't want that. I would make a strong effort to bring back McQuaid for 2 years and trade Pionk to try and move up in the draft in a package deal. D next year should look like this. I would love to have McQuaid work with Hajek like he did Skjei. I'm guessing the organization is going to put Lundkvist on the fast track as a righty defenseman. Only think that worries me is all these righty D guys while being talented are not physically big. I know many in the fan base are fascinated with Trouba. I'm not. He's greedy and his contract demands will be outrageous. In a few years down the line with the depth in this system I see Gorton pulling off a huge deal for a young stud on another team using multiple prospects.

Skjei-Fox
Rykov/Lindgren-DeAngelo
Hajek-McQuaid

Last I knew Marc Staal had an NMC attached to his contract--meaning he absolutely does have a choice where he plays and he can't be sent to the minors unless he signs off on that clause--and if he doesn't then what? Then--pretty much probably nothing. The only way out for the Rangers in a standoff between them and Staal then would be for the Rangers to buy his contract out.....and the Rangers probably don't want to do that.

It's pretty much unheard of for an NHL team to start a season with three rookie D. It sometimes happens that a team gets hit by a lot of injuries to their D and it ends up that they're playing a bunch of rookies but that's about the only scenario.

 

[eco's bones]

McQuaid was a huge reason Skjei found his game again and the Rangers didn't get during the season. When he was dealt, they started getting cheapshots against them. Bringing McQuaid back and dumping or buying out Smith, Staal and Shattenkirk should be a priority. I am hoping Gorton trades Staal at half retained for a 3rd or 4th. Makes a huge effort to trade up to 4 with the Av's. Then need lots of role players. That cost them the series against San Jose. Also more D. I would think a package of Vesey, Fast, Chytil and the 20th would have them thinking. I have no problem moving Chytil to get Cozens or Dach.

No problem bringing back McQuaid. I'd probably hang on to Staal for now--try to trade Shattenkirk and buy out Smith. Let Rykov, Hajek and Lindgren battle it out for one LD roster spot and figure Fox is going to take another on the right side. I'd try to trade Pionk probably too but that might be somewhat dependent on whether we have a taker for Shattenkirk.

 

[cwede]

Off topic for this thread, but re Staal, my almost reasonable wishing is Pens retool, move out Kessel, Schultz, rejoin Staal w Sullie

 

[GeorgeKaplan]

What do you guys think; will Libor Hajek join the NHL next season or will he be sent down to the farmteam?

I wouldn’t say it’s a lock, but he’s probably got an inside track on a spot if there ends up being one on the left side

 

[egelband]

I’m actually fine w Shatty this year but the issue is they need a defensive RD to go w Fox and DeAngelo

I can’t see Gorton not adding one for Quinn

Which is why I think they are going to make a trade we don’t see coming

Good point. I think they made a point of going out and getting McQuaid last summer. I don't see why they would change their MO now. (unless they just got McQ to be a tough guy-leader in which case that could be a forward too).

 

[Tawnos]

This season and next, the Big Club D situation needs to be seen as an extension of development. The question isn't what will the D look like next season, but how will it look in 2 seasons?

CURRENT DEPTH CHART
RD Depth chart: D'Angelo, Fox, Pionk, Shattenkirk, Lundkvist
LD Depth chart: Skjei, Staal, Smith, Hajek, Rykov, Lindgren, Miller, Day, Gross, Ragnarsson.

DEPTH CHART 2021 (w/ no moves)
RD: D'Angelo, Fox, Pionk, Lundkvist
LD: Skjei, Hajek, Rykov, Lindgren, Miller (Day, Gross, Ragnarsson)

THINGS WE NEED TO SORT OUT:
Acquiring/Drafting 1 or more Big Shut Down RDs
Identifying or Acquiring a surefire #1D
System Depth at RD

If I were Gorts, Quinn, JD -- here's what I would do.
- Draft 3 RDs in next two drafts.
- Investigate what it would cost to acquire a pick that lands a potential #1D in the next two drafts. IF cost is prohibitive (aka Byram?), then consider trades or FA. Ideally, you want a #1D that's 25 or younger. Otherwise, it's just a stopgap and drafting/identifying own #1D remains a priority.
- Use this season to see what we have with Fox, D'Angelo, Hajek and Rykov.
- Remind agents for Shatty, Staal and Smith that we are focused on 2 years from now. You're here to shelter the youth. But be prepped for a reduced role if they prove they're ready for more responsibility. If that doesn't suit you, work with us to move you between now and next off-season or unfortunately, deal with the hand you're dealt. But I don't think there's some huge rush to move anyone even with Rykov, Hajek and Lindgren banging on the door.

What you want by 2022:
RD: 2 of Fox/D'Angelo/Lundkvist, BIG SHUTDOWN GUY (maybe a true #1)
LD: Miller, Skjei, Hajek, Rykov
Lindgren?

The good news is, we could have decent depth and size on left side. But on RD, we're not exactly built for the playoffs. I'd like to see more size over there and D awareness. I don't think you can win with 3 slightly undersized RD who are merely decent/good offensively. If 1 or more turns into an elite guy that's a diff story.

You’re missing Keane on the right and Reunanen on the left. Only bringing them up because you included guys like Ragnarsson and Gross.

Keane, by the way, is not slide eligible. He’ll be in Hartford next year.

 

[Vitto79]

You’re missing Keane on the right and Reunanen on the left. Only bringing them up because you included guys like Ragnarsson and Gross.

Keane, by the way, is not slide eligible. He’ll be in Hartford next year.

Reunanen is not signed yet Right ? It’s likeky happening but no Miller , Lundqvist as AHL/call up options yet either

No Gross or Ragnarsson as well

 

[HFsNumber1Heel]

I honestly don't get why they wouldn't offer Virta a contract at this point. He did fine and at least from a development point of view, get him in here and see what he can do.

 

[Beacon]

I honestly don't get why they wouldn't offer Virta a contract at this point. He did fine and at least from a development point of view, get him in here and see what he can do.

Because they can see what he can do by judging his play overseas. Seeing what one can do only matters on the margins when one is very close to the borderline. Most of the time, you can guess with very high certainty by watching kids elsewhere instead of the NHL.

When people say 'bring him up to see,' they mean, 'bring him up so I can see because I dont watch that league.' Teams dont operate that way.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

Because they can see what he can do by judging his play overseas. Seeing what one can do only matters on the margins when one is very close to the borderline. Most of the time, you can guess with very high certainty by watching kids elsewhere instead of the NHL.

When people say 'bring him up to see,' they mean, 'bring him up so I can see because I dont watch that league.' Teams dont operate that way.

FWIW: Virta did not sign a new contract with Orebro and said in an interview he was moving to North America this summer to play professional hockey there.

 

[McRanger]

I’m pretty sure I read Reunanen resigned for 2 more years with Lukko. If that’s correct he’ll be 23 when the contract ends and we should have a good idea of what we have with him and a bunch of other left side D.

 

[nyr2k2]

I’m pretty sure I read Reunanen resigned for 2 more years with Lukko. If that’s correct he’ll be 23 when the contract ends and we should have a good idea of what we have with him and a bunch of other left side D.

This is true, however, since there's a transfer agreement in place with Finland, we could sign him while he is still under contract to his team and bring him over, say, for the 20-21 season.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

This is true, however, since there's a transfer agreement in place with Finland, we could sign him while he is still under contract to his team and bring him over, say, for the 20-21 season.

And his NHL rights expire next summer

 

[Ola]

FWIW: Virta did not sign a new contract with Orebro and said in an interview he was moving to North America this summer to play professional hockey there.

I am fairly certain that we are signing him, could just be a logistic thing. Need to meet up and ink the papers. It’s busy days for Gorts and co. Can’t be much negotiations involved anyway.

Virta is just so solid that we are bound to have interest in him, and he wants to come over. Isn’t in set place in Europe etc. It would just surprise me a lot if he didn’t sign.

I think he will compete hard for a roster spot in the NHL. He has speed, can play a 2-way game. Smart. Offensive instincts.

 

[Mikos87]

This season and next, the Big Club D situation needs to be seen as an extension of development. The question isn't what will the D look like next season, but how will it look in 2 seasons?

CURRENT DEPTH CHART
RD Depth chart: D'Angelo, Fox, Pionk, Shattenkirk, Lundkvist
LD Depth chart: Skjei, Staal, Smith, Hajek, Rykov, Lindgren, Miller, Day, Gross, Ragnarsson.

DEPTH CHART 2021 (w/ no moves)
RD: D'Angelo, Fox, Pionk, Lundkvist
LD: Skjei, Hajek, Rykov, Lindgren, Miller (Day, Gross, Ragnarsson)

THINGS WE NEED TO SORT OUT:
Acquiring/Drafting 1 or more Big Shut Down RDs
Identifying or Acquiring a surefire #1D
System Depth at RD

If I were Gorts, Quinn, JD -- here's what I would do.
- Draft 3 RDs in next two drafts.
- Investigate what it would cost to acquire a pick that lands a potential #1D in the next two drafts. IF cost is prohibitive (aka Byram?), then consider trades or FA. Ideally, you want a #1D that's 25 or younger. Otherwise, it's just a stopgap and drafting/identifying own #1D remains a priority.
- Use this season to see what we have with Fox, D'Angelo, Hajek and Rykov.
- Remind agents for Shatty, Staal and Smith that we are focused on 2 years from now. You're here to shelter the youth. But be prepped for a reduced role if they prove they're ready for more responsibility. If that doesn't suit you, work with us to move you between now and next off-season or unfortunately, deal with the hand you're dealt. But I don't think there's some huge rush to move anyone even with Rykov, Hajek and Lindgren banging on the door.

What you want by 2022:
RD: 2 of Fox/D'Angelo/Lundkvist, BIG SHUTDOWN GUY (maybe a true #1)
LD: Miller, Skjei, Hajek, Rykov
Lindgren?

The good news is, we could have decent depth and size on left side. But on RD, we're not exactly built for the playoffs. I'd like to see more size over there and D awareness. I don't think you can win with 3 slightly undersized RD who are merely decent/good offensively. If 1 or more turns into an elite guy that's a diff story.

Good post. Realistically you can expect two of Hajek, Rykov, Fox and Lindgren to take away some ice time.

I'm leaning towards Fox and Hajek.

I see Smith on the fringes, and one of Ada/Pionk/Shatts on the 3rd pair.

If the Rangers get another RHD, that will change things significantly.

As of now, I see the following by game 42

Sjkei-Fox
Staal-ADA
Hajek-Pionk/Shattenkirk

Gut tells me that they are going after a top 4 D in free agency to down shift the right side.

 

[broadwayblue]

Good post. Realistically you can expect two of Hajek, Rykov, Fox and Lindgren to take away some ice time.

I'm leaning towards Fox and Hajek.

I see Smith on the fringes, and one of Ada/Pionk/Shatts on the 3rd pair.

If the Rangers get another RHD, that will change things significantly.

As of now, I see the following by game 42

Sjkei-Fox
Staal-ADA
Hajek-Pionk/Shattenkirk

Gut tells me that they are going after a top 4 D in free agency to down shift the right side.

They could use an upgrade on the left side too. Easier said than done obviously.

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

They could use an upgrade on the left side too. Easier said than done obviously.

In the immediate future, yeah.

They have so much depth there organizationally that I'm confident they'll be able to squeeze out at least 2 quality top 4 D on the left side.

 

[True Blue]

They could use an upgrade on the left side too. Easier said than done obviously.

They could use an upgrade in many places. But they also need to see what they have in Lindgren, Hajek, Rykov. Fox on the right. If Rykov can play on the right. See how Miller continues to develop. Then they can come to an educated decision about what they need.

 

[True Blue]

In the immediate future, yeah.

They have so much depth there organizationally that I'm confident they'll be able to squeeze out at least 2 quality top 4 D on the left side.

I could be making this up, but I thought I read somewhere that Rykov can play the right side? If he could, that would be a very big plus.

Not that I believe for a second that the entire defense will be homegrown, but they need to evaluate what they have in Miller, Keane, Rykov, Hajek, Lindgren. That may be the decision maker as to what they do with Skej for the future. I would expect DeAngelo to be resigned. If they do add to the defense, I would expect it to be for size.

 

[Beacon]

In the immediate future, yeah.

They have so much depth there organizationally that I'm confident they'll be able to squeeze out at least 2 quality top 4 D on the left side.

Cup winners don't have a pair of top-4 LDs. At a minimum, you need an above average 1LD and a 2LD, but more than likely at least 1 star D (L or R), another above average first pair D, another below average first pair D, a very good top 4 D, at least 1 guy who can step into the top-4 for a few weeks or even months without a problem.

The Rangers are very far from this point. I suspect that after taking a BPA F to start the draft, they once again draft many more D than F this year, just like last.

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

Cup winners don't have a pair of top-4 LDs. At a minimum, you need an above average 1LD and a 2LD, but more than likely at least 1 star D (L or R), another above average first pair D, another below average first pair D, a very good top 4 D, at least 1 guy who can step into the top-4 for a few weeks or even months without a problem.

The Rangers are very far from this point. I suspect that after taking a BPA F to start the draft, they once again draft many more D than F this year, just like last.

Wat.

Also look at Pittsburgh's D when they won. Ditto Washington.

 

[kovazub94]

I could be making this up, but I thought I read somewhere that Rykov can play the right side? If he could, that would be a very big plus.

Not that I believe for a second that the entire defense will be homegrown, but they need to evaluate what they have in Miller, Keane, Rykov, Hajek, Lindgren. That may be the decision maker as to what they do with Skej for the future. I would expect DeAngelo to be resigned. If they do add to the defense, I would expect it to be for size.

Rykov likes to roam and doesn't hesitate to cross over to the right side but I don't recall him playing at RD when I watched Sochi this last season. On top of that it's quite a difference in terms of how difficult it is to play on the offside due to limited time and space between NHL and KHL and, lastly, it's generally not a good idea to have defensemen play on offside.

 

[kovazub94]

They could use an upgrade in many places. But they also need to see what they have in Lindgren, Hajek, Rykov. Fox on the right. If Rykov can play on the right. See how Miller continues to develop. Then they can come to an educated decision about what they need.

If you look at the Rangers prospects pool and the young core that is on the team right, the strength (or depth) is on the wings and LD while C and RD are the areas that they should be putting more emphasis in addressing, especially RD.

 

[fr9dd9]

Incase someone missed this, great look at the projekted 2019 nhl draft pick Kaapo Kakko.

 

[kovazub94]

Cup winners don't have a pair of top-4 LDs. At a minimum, you need an above average 1LD and a 2LD, but more than likely at least 1 star D (L or R), another above average first pair D, another below average first pair D, a very good top 4 D, at least 1 guy who can step into the top-4 for a few weeks or even months without a problem.

The Rangers are very far from this point. I suspect that after taking a BPA F to start the draft, they once again draft many more D than F this year, just like last.

And they also need to have a star 1C, another C who could be considered 1C on a lesser team to be 2C, and 3C who could step into top-6 long term in case of injuries. And everyone should be between 22 - 25 and on ELC.