Speculation: Roster Building Thread II (2022-23): The Puck is Prepared to be Mounted

[RangerBoy]

Patrick Kane’s injury​

Kane missed some time recently and two league sources confirmed reports already out there that the Hawks winger is dealing with a lingering issue that will require surgery. If Kane decides to shut it down now and have the surgery he’s off the trade board and likely heads to free agency in the offseason. If he plays through the pain, he could potentially be moved at the deadline and have surgery when his season’s done, pushing back his start time for 2023-24, which could complicate his free-agency choices.

Not ideal for Kane or the Hawks. For the Rangers it’s probably not a huge blow — they were likely to be in on Kane, especially if the player requested to only be moved to the Rangers, which would have kept the trade price low. Now it’s hard to see Drury having a keen interest in a player everyone knows is fighting through something and may not be helpful down the stretch or into the playoffs.

Kane’s decision should come soon. If he opts for surgery now, that tightens the higher end of the trade market a bit. But it could save the Rangers from having to make an unpleasant decision.

Kane looked bad against Buffalo. I only saw the 3rd period but looked like he skating in a pick up hockey game.

There have been preliminary talks between the Rangers and J.P. Barry, Chytil’s agent, on a new deal, according to two league sources. The talks haven’t progressed very far likely due to the uncertainty of the Rangers’ cap situation next season, those extensions due Miller/Lafrenière/Kravtsov, and Chytil’s strong season so far — his number could be going up as he continues to put strong games together.

Chytil has arbitration rights this summer and is two years from unrestricted free agency. At a $2.3-million cap hit and $2.6-million salary for this season, his arbitration number would almost certainly be around $4 million for next season. To get anything done with Chytil for multiple years, it’s likely a deal north of $4 million per. This isn’t a wild cap hit for the Rangers to absorb — they’re still going to be in cap jail next season if they want to sign all four of those key RFAs — but Chytil may not want to lock in long term given his prospects for more ice time with the Rangers are limited.

Mika Zibanejad just started an eight-year deal. Vincent Trocheck has six more years after this one. So that leaves Chytil as the No. 3 center for the foreseeable future.

The hard part for Drury is how key Chytil is to the team’s success. Only Seattle’s Daniel Sprong has more goals with less ice time this season than Chytil, who has more even-strength goals than Zibanejad or Trocheck. So trading Chytil before March 3, while it could bring back someone quite good, would likely diminish the team overall.

If there are any further contract talks and they go nowhere, Chytil’s trade possibility might increase. It’s a hard one to justify, though.

Chytil will get $4M-$5M at his points pace this season.

The hot one this week seems to be Sharks wing Timo Meier. The Daily Faceoff reported that the Rangers have taken a long look at Meier, a pending RFA who is due a $10-million qualifying offer and seems almost certain to be moved before the deadline.

The Sharks want a young center as part of the package in return, so that’s Chytil, clearly. Any fit between the two clubs would likely also include one of the two 2023 first-round draft picks the Rangers hold. Meier would certainly improve the Rangers’ top six, but there’s a couple of caveats to any trade match.

There is still that pesky salary cap for next season and beyond — even if you subtract Chytil, Meier is surely getting at least $8.5-million per on any new deal and the team that acquires him isn’t likely to give up major assets for a rental. The Rangers have holes to fill and very little cap space to do so — Cap Friendly has them now with just 14 roster players signed for next season and just $16 million in cap space on a projected $83.5-million salary cap. Using up half of that on Meier means several regulars have to go before next season.

A league source said the Rangers have asked on Blue Jackets defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov, who will be a coveted rental addition for a number of teams. The price is reported to be a first-rounder plus a mid-round pick. Believe that Drury is doing his homework here, checking in on as many of the potential trade fits as possible before he gathers his pro scouts for their midseason evaluations.

One name to keep an eye on is Coyotes wing Nick Ritchie. He brings the sort of “heavy skill” that teams usually want for the stretch drive and playoffs; it’s believed that the Rangers would be in the market for that kind of player, especially given Ryan Reaves’ departure and the lack of a physical, aggravating forward in the top nine. A league source said the Rangers inquired with Arizona on Ritchie before last year’s deadline but the winger having a year left on his deal then, plus he’s a pure left wing, scuttled those ideas.

Ritchie is now a pending UFA with a manageable $2.5-million cap hit. Acquiring him would likely mean Lafrenière moves to the right side or Ritchie goes straight to the fourth line in Sammy Blais’ spot, but he could be a player to file away for the coming weeks.

What we’re hearing about the Rangers — Patrick Kane, Filip Chytil’s contract and more

Plus some potential additions the Rangers could make before the deadline.

theathletic.com

The Rangers were interested in Ritchie in the summer of 2021.

Meier is too expensive. Gavrikov is too expensive. The Rangers don't have the space to keep either player here long-term.

 

[NYR Viper]

labanc would be fantastic but I don't see where San Jose will retain. They are already retaining on Burns for 2 more years after this one and will probably have to retain on Karlsson to move him leaving only 1 more retaining slot. Would they be willing to use that last one on Labanc?

In terms of a guy who would fit in with what the team actually needs, he's ideal.

 

[McRanger92]

What we’re hearing about the Rangers — Patrick Kane, Filip Chytil’s contract and more

Plus some potential additions the Rangers could make before the deadline.

theathletic.com

The Rangers were interested in Ritchie in the summer of 2021.

Meier is too expensive. Gavrikov is too expensive. The Rangers don't have the space to keep either player here long-term.

Staple implying that Chytil could go for Meier (and to fit him long term) makes him a non-starter for me. Chytil will probably look like Meier in 3 years.

Ritchie is kind of a bum but he has size and can score in front of the net. He was also a willing fighter when he was with Boston & Toronto. I think we need to bulk up in the bottom 6. It's cliche but its what you need in the playoffs. He's a much better player than Blais thats for certain

 

[NYR Viper]

Kane looked bad against Buffalo. I only saw the 3rd period but looked like he skating in a pick up hockey game.


Chytil will get $4M-$5M at his points pace this season.

What we’re hearing about the Rangers — Patrick Kane, Filip Chytil’s contract and more

Plus some potential additions the Rangers could make before the deadline.

theathletic.com

The Rangers were interested in Ritchie in the summer of 2021.

Meier is too expensive. Gavrikov is too expensive. The Rangers don't have the space to keep either player here long-term.

Ritchie makes almost too much sense. Especially considering the PP2 net front presence has been, we'll just say, not great and Ritchie excels there.

Staple implying that Chytil could go for Meier (and to fit him long term) makes him a non-starter for me. Chytil will probably look like Meier in 3 years.

Ritchie is kind of a bum but he has size and can score in front of the net. He was also a willing fighter when he was with Boston & Toronto. I think we need to bulk up in the bottom 6. It's cliche but its what you need in the playoffs. He's a much better player than Blais thats for certain

There little reason why Ritchie couldn't be a team's Pat Maroon...

 

[PANARIN BREAD FAN]

We beat a better Carolina team last year and would only need to play one of Boston or Tampa (who are not even close to the same team). Colorado is also not currently in a playoff spot, has major injury issues and Georgiev in goal.

I hate to keep harping on it but Panarin not being a Kucherov/Pastrnak/etc. type player despite being paid like one is the issue. You need depth, but when the chips are down, you go as far as your stars take you in the playoffs. Fox, Mika, Igor, even Kreider were all excellent last spring and came through when we needed them to. Panarin scored the Game 7OT goal, which was basically him doing none of the work in the group project, but writing his name the biggest when it was handed in. If we can get what we're paying for from him from April-June, we can absolutely beat any team and win 4 rounds. If we dont, changes are most likely coming.

the only teams i'm most worried about come post season time are the bruins and the capitals. if drury nails down the right acquisitions like he did last season then we'll be in a nice position to strike. if the squad is not gassed out like last season or 2013-15 our chances are real good.

 

[irishlaxburger2]

The NHL is not a developmental league.

This is the stance that has caused this franchise to win 1 Stanley Cup in 80+ years.

If that's the stance we're going to take, we might as well trade the majority of our 1st round picks (which, not surprisingly, we've done in the past). Also not surprisingly, we haven't developed many great homegrown scorers and haven't had a ton of Stanley Cup success. Because we've been about taking developed assets from other organizations whose best days are likely behind them, paying them tons of money they quickly won't deserve based on downward production trends, and tried to fit that in the most restrictive salary cap in sports. And surprisingly, it hasn't worked.

Maybe we should stop having this sentiment and actually believe in development. Especially forward/scoring development. Because having offensive production from "kids" on discounted ELC or RFA contracts is actually the best way to handle such a restrictive cap structure.

 

[cheech70]

If we trade Filip it would surpass the Doug Weight trade as 1 of the worst trades in NYR history

 

[Circus86]

If we trade Filip it would surpass the Doug Weight trade as 1 of the worst trades in NYR history

Honestly trading Chytil + 1st for Meier would be such a classic Rangers trade. Fil finally breaking out and trending for 50 points with hardly any PP time. He would do a Buch and put up 80 points for the sharks. I hope Drury does not make that trade.

 

[RGY]

Labanc would be a great ideal add. A guy who can move up and down the lineup.

Could they come away with Labanc, RoR, and a Veteran 6th Defenseman.

Could they come away with Labanc, RoR, and Chychrun with 25% retention. Would cost some assets but that could set you up for this run and next year with Labanc/Chychrun sticking around.

Could Meier be inserted there replacing Labanc?

The Rangers have the assets to add those pieces. I think they could add those pieces while keeping at least one of their 2023 1sts. The 2024 1st & 2nd at minimum are on the table imo. Jones is on the table especially if you can bring a Chychrun back. They have a number of other forwards beyond Othmann that are appealing.

 

[NYR Viper]

Labanc would be a great ideal add. A guy who can move up and down the lineup.

Could they come away with Labanc, RoR, and a Veteran 6th Defenseman.

Could they come away with Labanc, RoR, and Chychrun with 25% retention. Would cost some assets but that could set you up for this run and next year with Labanc/Chychrun sticking around.

Could Meier be inserted there replacing Labanc?

The Rangers have the assets to add those pieces. I think they could add those pieces while keeping at least one of their 2023 1sts. The 2024 1st & 2nd at minimum are on the table imo. Jones is on the table especially if you can bring a Chychrun back. They have a number of other forwards beyond Othmann that are appealing.

I could get behind:

Labanc, Ritchie and Holden at the deadline

Gauthier + 2nd for Labanc with 33% retained

Blais + 5th for Ritchie

Henriksson for Holden

 

[McRanger92]

the only teams i'm most worried about come post season time are the bruins and the capitals. if drury nails down the right acquisitions like he did last season then we'll be in a nice position to strike. if the squad is not gassed out like last season or 2013-15 our chances are real good.

I agree on the Caps actually. I think they'd beat Carolina in a first round matchup. Kuemper is an experienced if unspectacular goalie and if they can get their whole squad healthy they can win a round and take a pound of flesh from whoever beats them.

 

[HockeyBasedNYC]

labanc would be fantastic but I don't see where San Jose will retain. They are already retaining on Burns for 2 more years after this one and will probably have to retain on Karlsson to move him leaving only 1 more retaining slot. Would they be willing to use that last one on Labanc?

In terms of a guy who would fit in with what the team actually needs, he's ideal.

Been tooting Lebanc's horn for the past 2 seasons.

 

[cheech70]

I agree on the Caps actually. I think they'd beat Carolina in a first round matchup. Kuemper is an experienced if unspectacular goalie and if they can get their whole squad healthy they can win a round and take a pound of flesh from whoever beats them.

Do not forget John Cooper and his team

 

[Pawnee Rangers]

Then you and I (and I’m sure others), are watching 2 different teams.


Because as constructed, this team will not beat Boston, Tampa, Carolina, or a healthy Colorado in a 7 game series. I would include Toronto as well, but they need to prove they can make it out of round 1 first.

So you think Hughes would look exactly like Laff does now if he were on the Rangers and got the same usage down to the second?

 

[Rangers in 7]

So you think Hughes would look exactly like Laff does now if he were on the Rangers and got the same exact of usage down to the second?

if hughes had zero PP time the numbers suggest he would

also could you imagine him his rookie season being -29 on a playoff bound team? the kid would be stapled to the bench and see ZERO ice time in third periods

 

[RangerBoy]

Vince was talking about the Rangers cap situation for next season. He brought up the Rangers contracts and mentioned Goodrow has NMC. Goodrow has a limited NTC to 15 teams. He is having a really good season. There could be teams interested in adding his leadership and experience. Ottawa would be a good fit. Ottawa is looking to finish out the season on a strong note. They want to be competitive and not just lose games. They want to change the losing environment. The Melnyk family is talking to buyers about selling their team. Ottawa has to re-sign DeBrincat. That's another big commitment for them. The QO is $9M. They need to add a veteran D. Chychrun? They have some cap issues to work through but Goodrow would be a good fit on that team.

Larry Brooks was talking about Miller's contract on the podcast with Mollie. How many D hit it big on their 2nd contracts? These are some examples. Didn't include Dahlin, Heiskanen and Hughes.

How did the Islanders get Dobson at $4M?

Drury gave Lindgren 3 years. McAvoy, Werenski and Sergachev signed three year contracts and they signed the long-term deal as their 3rd contract. $4.8M-$5M.

Shea Theodore 2018	7 years/$36.4M/$5.2M
Seth Jones 2016	6 years/$32.4M/$5.4M
Noah Dobson 2022	3 years/$12M/$4M
Samuel Girard. 2020	7 years/$35M/$5M
Charlie McAvoy 2019	3 years/$14.7M/$4.9M
Ivan Provorov 2019	6 years/$40.5M/$6.75M
Brady Skjei. 2018	6 years/$31.5M/$5.25M
Zach Werenski. 2019	3 years/$15M/$5M
Morgan Reilly. 2016	6 years/$30M/$5M
Mikhail Sergachev. 2020	3 years/$14.4M/$4.8M
Jakob Chychrun. 2019	6 years/$27.6M/$4.6M
Jacob Slavin. 2018	7 years/$37.1M/$5.3M
Colton Parayko 2017	5 years/$27.5M/$5.5M
Jonas Brodin 2016	6 years/$25M/$4,166,667

They also discussed Lafreniere's next contract. He has been better than Kakko in his first three years.

Kakko got $2.1M. A little more for Lafreniere.

 

[Rangers in 7]

Kakko got $2.1M. A little more for Lafreniere.

dont say this on here, could get you in trouble

 

[McRanger92]

Do not forget John Cooper and his team

Kinda hoping their depth slowly chipping away and the wear and tear on them after all these Cup runs takes its toll. They will always have a chance with Vasilevsky, but i think they are ripe to be beaten by Toronto this time around, setting up a Bruins-Leafs matchup in the Atlantic Finals. Appointment TV

 

[PANARIN BREAD FAN]

we gotta get ritchie. if goodrow is still here wouldn't be a bad thing to have 2 guys to keep an eye out for wilson, frederic, etc. also ritchie can move up the lines and provide some scoring.

 

[HatTrick Swayze]

Meier is really good, don't get me wrong.

But moving Chytil to acquire Meier is the definition of robbing Peter to pay Paul.

 

[Circus86]

Larry Brooks was talking about Miller's contract on the podcast with Mollie. How many D hit it big on their 2nd contracts? These are some examples. Didn't include Dahlin, Heiskanen and Hughes.

How did the Islanders get Dobson at $4M?

Drury gave Lindgren 3 years. McAvoy, Werenski and Sergachev signed three year contracts and they signed the long-term deal as their 3rd contract. $4.8M-$5M.



[TABLE=collapse]
[TR]
[TD][/TD]

[TD][/TD]

[TD][/TD]

[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Shea Theodore 2018[/TD]
[TD]7 years/$36.4M/$5.2M[/TD]
[TD][/TD]

[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Seth Jones 2016[/TD]
[TD]6 years/$32.4M/$5.4M[/TD]
[TD][/TD]

[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Noah Dobson 2022[/TD]
[TD]3 years/$12M/$4M[/TD]
[TD][/TD]

[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Samuel Girard. 2020[/TD]
[TD]7 years/$35M/$5M[/TD]
[TD][/TD]

[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Charlie McAvoy 2019[/TD]
[TD]3 years/$14.7M/$4.9M[/TD]
[TD][/TD]

[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Ivan Provorov 2019[/TD]
[TD]6 years/$40.5M/$6.75M[/TD]
[TD][/TD]

[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Brady Skjei. 2018[/TD]
[TD]6 years/$31.5M/$5.25M[/TD]
[TD][/TD]

[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Zach Werenski. 2019[/TD]
[TD]3 years/$15M/$5M[/TD]
[TD][/TD]

[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Morgan Reilly. 2016[/TD]
[TD]6 years/$30M/$5M[/TD]
[TD][/TD]

[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Mikhail Sergachev. 2020[/TD]
[TD]3 years/$14.4M/$4.8M[/TD]
[TD][/TD]

[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Jakob Chychrun. 2019[/TD]
[TD]6 years/$27.6M/$4.6M[/TD]
[TD][/TD]

[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Jacob Slavin. 2018[/TD]
[TD]7 years/$37.1M/$5.3M[/TD]
[TD][/TD]

[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Colton Parayko 2017[/TD]
[TD]5 years/$27.5M/$5.5M[/TD]
[TD][/TD]

[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Jonas Brodin 2016[/TD]
[TD]6 years/$25M/$4,166,667[/TD]
[TD][/TD]

[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

Interesting to see what Miller gets. If he signs a 3 year deal. Dobson signed cheap. I think Miller might be closer to the Sergachev deal.

 

[UnSandvich]

We beat a better Carolina team last year and would only need to play one of Boston or Tampa (who are not even close to the same team). Colorado is also not currently in a playoff spot, has major injury issues and Georgiev in goal.

I hate to keep harping on it but Panarin not being a Kucherov/Pastrnak/etc. type player despite being paid like one is the issue. You need depth, but when the chips are down, you go as far as your stars take you in the playoffs. Fox, Mika, Igor, even Kreider were all excellent last spring and came through when we needed them to. Panarin scored the Game 7OT goal, which was basically him doing none of the work in the group project, but writing his name the biggest when it was handed in. If we can get what we're paying for from him from April-June, we can absolutely beat any team and win 4 rounds. If we dont, changes are most likely coming.

Carolina is much more solid in net and on D than last year, an Pacioretty is a potentially big piece at F for them. and Colorado is getting healthy and imo about to go on a run.

 

[duhmetreE]

I still cant believe Blais concussed Gauthier

 

[McRanger92]

I still cant believe Blais concussed Gauthier

He honestly bought himself and extra 2 weeks on an NHL roster by doing that. Now that Leschysyn is here, Sammy's days are numbered. Presumably once Gaut is healthy.

Ive liked a lot of what Drury has done but keeping Reaves & Blais over Motte & Hunt was idiotic.

 

[UnSandvich]

Do you think Jack Hughes would currently be struggling if teams and roles were reversed with Laff? Zegras? Stutzle? Because I don't.

Yes, I do. The only real difference would be that they skate faster. In fact l wouldn’t be surprised if all 3 rode the bench more, given they turn the puck over at a much higher rate