Speculation: Roster Building Thread - Off-season Part I

[HFsNumber1Heel]

Kreider Zib Laf
Panarin PLD ____
Othamnn Chytil Blais
Motte Goodrow Reaves/Hunt

I suppose Kravstov could be on line 2.

That third line is an IR stint waiting to happen so a big no from me. Chytil and Blais literally collided twice last season and Chytil missed time over it.

Brooks loves faceoffs.

It was kind of a huge problem in the playoffs.

 

[HFsNumber1Heel]

I have a feeling Dubois' motivation concerns completely fly out the window the second he lands on a big-market contender. It honestly feels like he just has no desire to be playing in a small market. Proximity to Montreal/Quebec also likely good for him as well.

He has some Francophones on this team in Laf/Blais and maybe Gauthier (plus Garand is in the system) if that's a big deal for him.

My biggest issue is again, the Rangers are poaching from Winnipeg who peaked with that run in 2018 to the WCF against Gallant's VGK, and PLD wasn't there yet.

He's not from winning programs. I'd rather poach a Gourde or Bonino and pay less.

What's going to Winnipeg? Kakko, Robertson, 1st?

Probably replace Robertson with Nils as he seems like a Peg kind of player.

 

[NYR Viper]

Motte and Copp are the easy, smart decisions to re-sign. They both added much needed elements to the forward group. The team that finished the season with those two and development from Lafreniere, Chytil, Kaako, Miller, Schneider and the addition of Kravtsov and Blais makes the team next year extremely formidable. This assumes Drury doesn’t find a buyout guy to add to that group to augment them like a Zucker or Kaddish or maybe even Hornqvist.

They get to keep their future pieces and develop their guys. Perhaps Lundkvist is traded for a similar prospect.

 

[Chaels Arms]

Motte and Copp are the easy, smart decisions to re-sign. They both added much needed elements to the forward group. The team that finished the season with those two and development from Lafreniere, Chytil, Kaako, Miller, Schneider and the addition of Kravtsov and Blais makes the team next year extremely formidable. This assumes Drury doesn’t find a buyout guy to add to that group to augment them like a Zucker or Kaddish or maybe even Hornqvist.

They get to keep their future pieces and develop their guys. Perhaps Lundkvist is traded for a similar prospect.

Agreed. This entire offseason becomes much simpler for Drury if he can re-sign Copp at a reasonable number.

 

[PuckLuck3043]

I agree with the overall concept and point being made with regard to Dubois, and having to deal Chytil for that guy who really has been all smoke but no fire.

I am not opposed to trading Chytil in a deal for a more further along Center who can be the 2C for the next 4-5 years, but I am uncomfortable with making a move for Dubois who is 2 years from free agency. Assets wasted if we dont win a cup within two years. Dubois has looked pretty uninspired in CBJ and WPG. The proponents of Dubois argue his lackluster play is likely due to location ; what if that is just who he is? What then? I watched quite a few WPG games last year because I had a feeling we would be in on Copp, Dubois always left me wanting more shift by shift. And what if Chytil is on the cusp of breaking out? That would suck considering he is a much cheaper piece over the next 2 years and likely would still be cheaper when both he and Dubois sign new deals in 2024. Dubois just does not have good vibes as a deal that would pay immense dividends. 2 years ago I was all about him. But we were in a much different situation then and Dubois has not proven to be an easy player to have in your organization since then — he forced his way out of one location and now is blatantly saying he will not entertain an extension in the new one.

I have said it before, and I absolutely hate this man, but I would rather look at Malkin over the next 2-3 years with the hope he would take a fair market deal or even slightly less to play next to Panarin, especially if it is still true that he has a desire to play for the NYR or MTL. Costs us no young assets to sign Malkin. Trade Nemeth and Georgiev. Sign Motte. Continue to draft centers.

Kreider-Zib-Kakko
Panarin-Malkin-Kravtsov
Lafreniere-Chytil-Blais
Motte-Goodrow-Ty Johnson

I would only trade for PLD if they could sign him longer term and not have him walk in 2 years. I just don't think it would be as stupid an idea as Brooks suggests. Where is the guarantee Larry that Chytil is going to all of a sudden break out next year after 5 years in the league? He has never put up more than 23 points. What if he doesn't break out? Then what? PLD has shown to be a far better player than Chytil. He had some really good years in Columbus and 60 points last year. I liked what I have seen of him although it's a small sample size. I'm also ok with the team not trading for PLD though if they feel the cost is too high. They really just need an answer at 2c. It's their biggest issue right now. I despise Malkin but if he can still play and it works numbers wise than I'm ok with it short term.

 

[CLW]

You are right plus as we see on defense we only have so many spots. We are going to keep everyone and add Krav, Oth and others? Quality beats quantity in the NHL. If we have a chance to get any great players we should be willing to make a package deal.

Except the cap. Can't keep everyone and certainly can't sign PLD to 8M+ without chopping other parts of the roster. Even if you trade a huge pack of up and coming kids the other way it won't matter cap wise. Add Motte at 2m+ and money gets impossible very quickly. That's why you need to add ELC kids working their way up, or cheap vets for the bottom lines (Motte and Goodrow are expensive for their jobs).

 

[NYR Viper]

Agreed. This entire offseason becomes much simpler for Drury if he can re-sign Copp at a reasonable number.

Copp and Motte can pretty easily fit this season. It’s fitting everyone next season that starts to get complicated. But that’s solved if other moves are made. If we just look at the team on paper, they SHOULD be much better overall by just retaining those two guys and getting an improvement on the 4th line and the 3rd pairing.

 

[irishlaxburger2]

Hypothetical for the group - what happens if Kakko signs for 2 years/$2.5M (or whatever the dollar figure is) and does develop into a 60 point winger? Can we even afford to re-sign him once that deal is done?

Granted, Trouba's NMC would cease to exist that offseason, I believe. So I imagine moving that contract is part of the plan. But you're then in a scenario where Igor has one year left and facing a massive raise that following year. You're going to want to be in a position to potentially take that on (or I think that's how the Rangers brass will feel).

Long story short, it feels easy to simply kick the can and deal with it when you get there. But there seems to be an inevitable day of reckoning that's going to come where we may need to flat out pass on re-signing one of our breakout young players. Sure, having them cost-controlled for the next couple seasons is an absolute major benefit to keep things in-line in the immediate term, but you also don't want to run into another Buchnevich situation. I feel like moving one of Laf/Miller/Kakko/Schneider is an inevitability in the next few seasons, with KK being the one most likely IMO. Just need to figure out the best possible time to maximize his trade value.

Having all this young talent is a major embarrassment of riches, but does present its own difficulties somewhere down the line.

 

[NickyFotiu]

Except the cap. Can't keep everyone and certainly can't sign PLD to 8M+ without chopping other parts of the roster. Even if you trade a huge pack of up and coming kids the other way it won't matter cap wise. Add Motte at 2m+ and money gets impossible very quickly. That's why you need to add ELC kids working their way up, or cheap vets for the bottom lines (Motte and Goodrow are expensive for their jobs).

Whether its PLD or someone else we need to improve our top 2 lines. I really think people overrate Motte like they overrated Fast. We need guys that are difference makers up front. Im not worried about our 4th line.

 

[NYR Viper]

Hypothetical for the group - what happens if Kakko signs for 2 years/$2.5M (or whatever the dollar figure is) and does develop into a 60 point winger? Can we even afford to re-sign him once that deal is done?

Granted, Trouba's NMC would cease to exist that offseason, I believe. So I imagine moving that contract is part of the plan. But you're then in a scenario where Igor has one year left and facing a massive raise that following year. You're going to want to be in a position to potentially take that on (or I think that's how the Rangers brass will feel).

Long story short, it feels easy to simply kick the can and deal with it when you get there. But there seems to be an inevitable day of reckoning that's going to come where we may need to flat out pass on re-signing one of our breakout young players. Sure, having them cost-controlled for the next couple seasons is an absolute major benefit to keep things in-line in the immediate term, but you also don't want to run into another Buchnevich situation. I feel like moving one of Laf/Miller/Kakko/Schneider is an inevitability in the next few seasons, with KK being the one most likely IMO. Just need to figure out the best possible time to maximize his trade value.

Having all this young talent is a major embarrassment of riches, but does present its own difficulties somewhere down the line.

I think it’s a given that Kreider and Trouba are unlikely to finish their contracts in NY. At the very least one of them won’t be. I’d say the same thing for Copp if he re-signs and even a guy like Goodrow. These deals aren’t immovable. It’s why the structure of any deal is paramount for this teams future flexibility.

 

[Chalfdiggity3]

PLD will be RFA, not UFA. He's a unicorn, no matter what relatively proven C of his age rarely become available. The Jets will have several windows to move him if they are not happy with the deals they are offered this summer. For the Rangers this summer is the time to make the deal. The timing cuts both ways.

Sorry an RFA. The jets are not competing for a playoff spot and have to decide if they want to blow it up or not. Dubious has already clearly stated that he has no intent of resigning with the Jets, which as you know lowers the trade value. Yes he can wait, but the offers will most likely also go further down as time goes on. Maybe at the deadline the get better offers.Wwe would go back to the JT Miller situation . They would have gotten more for him at this past years deadline then they ever will for him now as he is a true rental for the season.

Also while he is a unicorn, i do bring up again from a previous post. This is now the 2nd team he doesnt want any part of in how many years for a 24yo? Is it attitude problems? He obviously has certain destinations in mind with where he will accept a long term deal.. All factor into the equation.

We are not bent over a barrel here. There will be different situation that are going to come up this offseason for us to improve our team. I like drury and what he has done so far. Lets see what happens

 

[irishlaxburger2]

I think it’s a given that Kreider and Trouba are unlikely to finish their contracts in NY. At the very least one of them won’t be. I’d say the same thing for Copp if he re-signs and even a guy like Goodrow. These deals aren’t immovable. It’s why the structure of any deal is paramount for this teams future flexibility.

Perhaps I just don't love the idea of signing a contract like Copp's with the plans of moving it before term. Without a NMC, the dollar amount is due to get higher. And I'm not sure what type of value you need to eat to be able to potentially move it down the line when you clearly have no leverage.

 

[HatTrick Swayze]

Rangers should steer clear of Pierre-Luc Dubois trade that costs them Filip Chytil

Pretty strong take from LB

 

[GENESISPuck94]

It's not going to be real exciting for the Rangers, most likely. Only 4 picks and only 1 in the first 3 rounds.

I meant because all the GMs and organizations are packed into the same building and hotels so trades can happen. The Rangers don't have many picks in the early rounds but they can still be proactive.

 

[NickyFotiu]

Pretty strong take from LB

As I mentioned earlier Brooks also said we shouldn't trade Jamie Ludmark to get Jagr years ago.

 

[RangersFan1994]

Motte Girl Summer: Tyler Motte expected to re-sign with Rangers

Motte Girl Summer starts early for the Rangers, as Mollie Walker is reporting that the Rangers and Tyler Motte are expected to reach a contract agreement.

blueseatblogs.com

Motte expected to resign with Rangers.

 

[Oscar Lindberg]

It’s tough to take Larry seriously when he didn’t/doesn’t think Chytil is a center lol

He’s only been saying he’s a wing for 2 years. But all the sudden now Chytil is a center lol

Would be willing to bet in a PLD package Lundkvist is one of the major pieces. He’s going to be good just needs time and opportunity. Chytil + Lundkvist +Nemeth and pick for Dubois wouldn’t be awful.

Still leaves the 3C as a gap

 

[HatTrick Swayze]

I personally would move Chytil in a package for Dubois (as long as they can make the $ work). It's not like Chytil has some long-term sweetheart deal. Starting next year he will easily, even if he stays in his current role, be a $4M+ player. Dubois is a much better distributor of the puck.

I find it interesting that many would rather move Kakko than Chytil in a deal, I do not agree. But it feels like I'm one of the last believers in Kakko being a really good hockey player already with upside for more...so I'm not that surprised.

 

[HatTrick Swayze]

Hypothetical for the group - what happens if Kakko signs for 2 years/$2.5M (or whatever the dollar figure is) and does develop into a 60 point winger? Can we even afford to re-sign him once that deal is done?

Granted, Trouba's NMC would cease to exist that offseason, I believe. So I imagine moving that contract is part of the plan. But you're then in a scenario where Igor has one year left and facing a massive raise that following year. You're going to want to be in a position to potentially take that on (or I think that's how the Rangers brass will feel).

Long story short, it feels easy to simply kick the can and deal with it when you get there. But there seems to be an inevitable day of reckoning that's going to come where we may need to flat out pass on re-signing one of our breakout young players. Sure, having them cost-controlled for the next couple seasons is an absolute major benefit to keep things in-line in the immediate term, but you also don't want to run into another Buchnevich situation. I feel like moving one of Laf/Miller/Kakko/Schneider is an inevitability in the next few seasons, with KK being the one most likely IMO. Just need to figure out the best possible time to maximize his trade value.

Having all this young talent is a major embarrassment of riches, but does present its own difficulties somewhere down the line.

It especially presents difficulties when all of your cap space is tied up forever on veterans before the youth the NYR supposedly "rebuilt around" have even had the chance to step into prime roles. I mean this wasn't some inevitable outcome, it is a direct result of NYR strategy of "winning while rebuilding".

 

[irishlaxburger2]

I personally would move Chytil in a package for Dubois (as long as they can make the $ work). It's not like Chytil has some long-term sweetheart deal. Starting next year he will easily, even if he stays in his current role, be a $4M+ player. Dubois is a much better distributor of the puck.

I find it interesting that many would rather move Kakko than Chytil in a deal, I do not agree. But it feels like I'm one of the last believers in Kakko being a really good hockey player already with upside for more...so I'm not that surprised.

As someone who is pushing for Kakko to be traded instead of Chytil, my opinion has very little to do with who I think will end up being the better player. It is entirely due to how each has been treated by our organization and where things are potentially headed in the future. I just have way less confidence our management will handle the Kakko situation well after these playoffs, and I'd want to cut bait before things potentially get worse.

I would've thought you were nuts to consider moving Kakko going into these past playoffs. But those Gallant decisions changed things considerably IMO. I hope I'm wrong though.

That and the (small) potential for a Kakko offer sheet completely messing things up.

 

[IDvsEGO]

It’s tough to take Larry seriously when he didn’t/doesn’t think Chytil is a center lol

He’s only been saying he’s a wing for 2 years. But all the sudden now Chytil is a center lol

Would be willing to bet in a PLD package Lundkvist is one of the major pieces. He’s going to be good just needs time and opportunity. Chytil + Lundkvist +Nemeth and pick for Dubois wouldn’t be awful.

Still leaves the 3C as a gap

Brooks is a moron. Quoting him even to disagree is giving him what he wants.

 

[GENESISPuck94]

Did Brooks miss the two 60 point seasons PLD had before he turned 24?

Zibanejd didn't reach 60 points in a season until he was 25 (74 points).

PLD could very well be the next Zibanejad type pickup.

That said, I'm not interested in trading any of our core young players.

 

[CLW]

I would only trade for PLD if they could sign him longer team and not have him walk in 2 years. I just don't think it would be as stupid an idea as Brooks suggests. Where is the guarantee Larry that Chytil is going to all of a sudden break out next year after 5 years in the league? He has never put up more than 23 points. What if he doesn't break out? Then what? PLD has shown to be a far better player than Chytil. He had some really good years in Columbus and 60 points last year. I liked what I have seen of him although it's a small sample size. I'm also ok with the team not trading for PLD though if they feel the cost is too high. They really just need an answer at 2c. It's their biggest issue right now. I despise Malkin but if he can still play and it works numbers wise than I'm ok with it short term.

I don't find the "5 years in the league" argument very relevant, or comparisons with PLD who has been playing under very different circumstances. Chytil looked good playing with Laf and Kakko who complements his game. Not so much when he was playing with Gauthier on his wing. Chytil is finally growing up and is ready to take the next step. All the vets and coaches keep talking about "man strength" for a reason and he's finally getting there.

If Chytil has a great season next year and comes in as a poor man's Roope Hintz with a ~4m contract next summer that's pretty ideal for the Rangers window and fantastic value since he's homegrown. Roope Hintz was similar, he started to break through at the NHL level at 22/23 years of age and look at him now. I was also impressed with Chytil's natural stamina, he kept going in the playoffs when most other players were drooping.

 

[GENESISPuck94]

I personally would move Chytil in a package for Dubois (as long as they can make the $ work). It's not like Chytil has some long-term sweetheart deal. Starting next year he will easily, even if he stays in his current role, be a $4M+ player. Dubois is a much better distributor of the puck.

I find it interesting that many would rather move Kakko than Chytil in a deal, I do not agree. But it feels like I'm one of the last believers in Kakko being a really good hockey player already with upside for more...so I'm not that surprised.

Agree. Especially on Kakko. I believe he's going to break out and people will be wondering why they questioned him.

 

[bigdog16]

Copp and Motte can pretty easily fit this season. It’s fitting everyone next season that starts to get complicated. But that’s solved if other moves are made. If we just look at the team on paper, they SHOULD be much better overall by just retaining those two guys and getting an improvement on the 4th line and the 3rd pairing.

Thats also assuming all else remains the same. Kreider aint putting up 50 bingos again I can all but guarantee that