Speculation: Roster Building Thread LXXII: “The Year of the Plague’s” last one...

[Edge]

I'm just not sure how PLD would fit in to the future of this team considering that he'll be up for a new deal and you have Zibanejad and all the other ELCs coming off the books. Sure, Laf will have another year, but if we are expecting him to do what we hope, that 2nd deal looks like a whopper in the making, even with a flat cap.

Unless they are walking away from Zibanejad at the end of his deal, where will the cap space be coming from? If this team was more complete and PLD gives them that dynamic center to pair with Zibanejad for the next couple years, you could take the swing, but are they going to max that out in a move here? Of course things can change quickly, but the current set up doesn't lend me to think they should be moving those assets for PLD unless they have already decided Zibanejad is not coming back after his deal is up, which would be a huge mistake at the current moment.

I think if they landed PLD, Zibanejad gets moved. In that scenario I think the Rangers attempt to find a similar deal for Zibanejad that they did when acquiring him in the first place.

So my guess is that they'd focus on getting a younger, cheaper center back --- maybe someone in the 50 point range who hasn't quite lived up to expectations, but still has growth potential. They wouldn't be getting back another 80+ point center for Zibanejad.

There's a very real possibility that landing PLD means we say goodbye to both Chytil and Zibanejad --- with the latter moved to bring back a second line center (with additional assets of course).

 

[Avery16]

PLD would be a great add, but there's no way it happens without clearing significant cap space. Columbus would have >$9 million in space if they moved PLD, it doesn't make sense that they wouldn't be expected to take some significant cap back in any deal with us.

 

[Avery16]

I think if they landed PLD, Zibanejad gets moved. In that scenario I think the Rangers attempt to find a similar deal for Zibanejad that they did when acquiring him in the first place.

So my guess is that they'd focus on getting a younger, cheaper center back --- maybe someone in the 50 point range who hasn't quite lived up to expectations, but still has growth potential. They wouldn't be getting back another 80+ point center for Zibanejad.

There's a very real possibility that landing PLD means we say goodbye to both Chytil and Zibanejad --- with the latter moved to bring back a second line center (with additional assets of course).

Acquiring PLD just to move Zib doesnt make any sense. The goal is to have two top-six C, not to switch one out for another.

 

[RangersFan1994]

Acquiring PLD just to move Zib doesnt make any sense. The goal is to have two top-six C, not to switch one out for another.

Rangers did this with Gaborik to Nash no reason to do that again. i get it though.

 

[Edge]

Acquiring PLD just to move Zib doesnt make any sense. The goal is to have two top-six C, not to switch one out for another.

Considering the age difference, the potential contract difference, and some lingering health concerns, I think it makes a lot more sense than some might realize.

The goal to find two top six centers doesn't change. But that ability also owes a lot to being able to afford those two centers --- especially with no less than four young talents on this roster likely to get HEFTY raises in a few years.

I think the possbility of switching out that top center is and will remain a very distinct option for the Rangers.

 

[Avery16]

Considering the age difference, the potential contract difference, and some lingering health concerns, I think it makes a lot more sense than some might realize.

The goal to find two top six centers doesn't change. But that ability also owes a lot to being able to afford those two centers --- especially with no less than four young talents on this roster likely to get HEFTY raises in a few years.

I think the possbility of switching out that top center is and will remain a very distinct option for the Rangers.

PLD is due another contract at the same time.

 

[Avery16]

Rangers did this with Gaborik to Nash no reason to do that again. i get it though.

I dont think the Rangers intended to move Gaborik. That was Torts's f***-up.

 

[Edge]

PLD is due another contract at the same time.

Yes, he is. And it will probably come in about $2 million less than Zibanejad's, and cover his 20s rather than his 30s.

Even taking the age difference off the table, that $2 million could be 40 percent of what the Rangers pay the guy they look to acquire for Zibanejad.

 

[HatTrick Swayze]

]You mentioned ADA, and I don't know one way or the other if there is interest in him. My gut says no, but let's assume there is. I think ADA and Chytil could certainly be on the table. I think you're potentially also looking at having a first in the mix and possibly a B prospect. In other words, I think you're looking at a four piece deal similar to Nash.

Personally I find that an acceptable price even if you "only" get an elite 1/2 C putting up ~65 points year.

To me, opportunity cost is also worth considering. If Eichel actually hits the market, for example, I'd rather allocate assets and cap to him every day. Of course, tough to hold back if PLD is the guy for the NYR on the hopes that an even better target comes along.

Players w PLD's pedigree, age, and track record don't become available every day, that's for sure.

 

[Edge]

I dont think the Rangers intended to move Gaborik. That was Torts's f***-up.

Reasons aside for a second, it does also provide a compelling argument about swapping players and then moving one guy to balance out the roster.

 

[duhmetreE]

I'd go for it. Give CLB the young assets to get PLD. Have Zibs, PLD for a 2 year window. Reassess in 2023, hopefully with a cup.

We're not that far off from winning in this climate IMO. ALL teams are struggling right now. ALL teams have weaknesses. A perfect team and/or a perfect scenario does not exist. Ride with this talent and hope Shesterkin stays healthy.

Since last year, my thought was 50/50 on Zibs. Gorton did not give MacT a long term deal, I do not see him giving Zibs, at 29, one as well, if he demands UFA type terms. There's many variables here. If he takes a Kreider-type deal, he'll be here. ( ie committed for 4 years / front loaded with 4 year NMC )

 

[Shesterkybomb]

Spending your last year in college essentially playing anything but center is not exactly silent.

Why? Maybe he prefers the wing?

 

[KirkAlbuquerque]

Zibanejad is also way better than PLD.

 

[Shesterkybomb]

Zibanejad is very underrated league wide.

 

[duhmetreE]

Did Howden put on any weight? Any video evidence?

 

[Edge]

Zibanejad is very underrated league wide.

By fans and a lot of pundits for sure.

But he is definitely on the minds of coaches, scouts and GMs.

Zibanejad is also way better than PLD.

He is. And how much the Rangers think that gap will close (if at all, and when) is going to be a factor as well.

 

[Edge]

Did Howden put on any weight? Any video evidence?

He stuffed Quinton under his jersey. He's now up to 180.

 

[duhmetreE]

I am starting to get a tingling feeling about McDavid. He requests to be moved in a couple years time IMO

 

[Rangers in 7]

I am starting to get a tingling feeling about McDavid. He requests to be moved in a couple years time IMO

that would be an interesting cap situation

 

[duhmetreE]

that would be an interesting cap situation

Next year... Zibs, ADA and Buch for McDavid? let me believe

Panarin McDavid Kakko
Lafreniere Chytil Kravtsov
Kreider Strome Gauthier
Lemieux Howden Barron

Miller Trouba
Lindgren Fox
Reunanen/Jones Lundkvist
Robertson/Hajek

 

[Larrys13]

Who are you adding on top of ADA, because I am sure it would be a LOT.

Chytil, Kravtsov and maybe a 2022 #1. Would ask for an LHD ( like Gavrikov) in addition to PLD.

 

[Bacon Artemi Bravo]

I certainly dont think ADA + Chytil would get a deal for PLD done. This trade is probably a nightmare scenario for CBJ leadership and I am sure they are going to want top value in return. Personally, I think a deal around Kakko + one of our stud RD's for PLD is probably what it would cost. Value wise, maybe CBJ is getting more, but we are dealing surplus for need. At some point you have to cash in your chips. If the NYR brass believe this kid is the future, go all in and cash in some of the tremendous value that's been accumulated over the last few years.

 

[duhmetreE]

I certainly dont think ADA + Chytil would get a deal for PLD done. This trade is probably a nightmare scenario for CBJ leadership and I am sure they are going to want top value in return. Personally, I think a deal around Kakko + one of our stud RD's for PLD is probably what it would cost. Value wise, maybe CBJ is getting more, but we are dealing surplus for need. At some point you have to cash in your chips. If the NYR brass believe this kid is the future, go all in and cash in some of the tremendous value that's been accumulated over the last few years.

That's a Chiarelli type trade

PLD has been a 40 pt Player without Panarin. Being over valued here... People hate on Strome but he's out produced PLD with Panarin. ( PLD did have a good postseason though ) I do not give up anything remotely close to Kakko for PLD.

 

[Bacon Artemi Bravo]

That's a Chiarelli type trade

Any potential deal where we land a 22 year old center with 1C potential, you are going to give up something that hits you right in the gut. It's going to hurt. If you look at a potential offer and it doesn't hurt, sorry, but it's not realistic. This is a kid with pretty tremendous value and it is not often that a potential 1C center with his skillset at 22 years old comes to the market.

 

[Trxjw]

That is my probably my biggest concer with any PLD chatter.

Maybe he's a on the cusp of becoming an 80 point center, and one who fits like a glove with the Rangers.

On the other hand, he could be a guy who more or less stays at the 60-65 point level for the next 8 years.

There's certainly nothing wrong with the latter. The challenge is how much of a premium you pay to find out. Because I don't think the price is going to be the typical 65 point, two-way center price. I have a feeling the price is going to be closer to what you'd pay for an 80 point center.

There are probably enough teams out there willing to gamble on the higher offensive production that it drives the market. Columbus certainly is going to try and take full advantage of that.

I really like Dubois. I know for a fact that the Rangers have always liked him, even before JD and company came back to New York. The question is whether PLD is the guy for whom the Rangers break open the cupboard.

Spitballing, with the ground rule that Lafreniere, Kakko, Fox and Shesterkin are off the table, you're looking at just about anyone else 25 and under being in play --- Chytil, Miller, Lundkvist, ADA, Kravtsov, Schneider, Barron, Reunanen, Robertson, Hajek, Cuylle, Howden, Lemieux, Gauthier, Lindgren, etc. would all be in play.

I suspect Chytil would be a given. From there you're probably looking at one of Miller/Lundkvist, and at least one other piece or a combination of a secondary piece and a pick.

Giving up 4 pieces for Eichel is one thing but risking 4 pieces on a bit of a question mark is tough to swallow. Guess it would come down to what that secondary piece is. Would have to assume the pick would be a 1st and lottery protection comes into play there.

I can certainly buy into the fit of PLD. On paper he's almost ideal. If he hits that next level you can move on from Zib and avoid the decision of committing to a guy heading into his 30's with a bit of an injury history. Could maybe find the next Zibanejad in that trade while Strome stays attached to Panarin's hip in the interim.

I'd be curious to know where the team had him in 2016 given that they had Keller at 4 and there was a pretty consensus top-3 most of the year.