Speculation: Roster Building Thread - Off-season Part I

[NYR94]

Interesting tidbit…heard that the Seattle locker room wasn’t a very happy place last year and Hakstol may not have a long rope next year. Ownership very concerned. Roster changes coming this summer.

That is interesting. Did the players expect the team to not suck or something? Maybe they saw Vegas and had high expectations.

Fans were skeptical about the makeup of that team from day one right after the expansion draft ended.

 

[Avery16]

What is the play with PLD? He’s reportedly commented that he’s headed to Montreal. So is our bet that we buy low since public opinion is that we can’t keep him? Or are we overpaying and hope to change his mind? Either seems risky. What is the pay, Kakko? Chytil?

 

[17futurecap]

I like Chytil, had a really good playoff. 9 points in 20 games at 22 years old is good. A 21 year old PLD put up 10 points in 10 playoff games in the 19-20 season, only 1 power play point too.

PLD is 14 months older than Chytil, he's basically the perfect fit if you can get him signed to a long term deal, I wouldn't do a deal for him if you are just getting the two years, and he bounces.

 

[Kendo]

Would you go into a training camp next year with the following D?

Lindgren - Fox
Miller - Trouba
Robertson - Schneider
Jones - Lundkvist
Decent "7th D" with a good attitude for $1m x 1 (ie, Strudwick)
Scanlin - Skinner

Get a Braun type next deadline for fairly cheap, and I think that's a pretty damn healthy D roster for both the NHL and AHL teams.

 

[JimmyG89]

Everyone keeps saying we will be able to trade for the next Zibanejad. We already have him. It's Chytil. He may never be the playmaker Mika is, but he can score like him. He can even skate like him.

We just shouldn't give up on it yet. Worst case, he's a 3rd line center that has elevated his play to 2nd line level the only time he was in the playoffs. You'll need to trade for a middle 6 center at the deadline to make a run. Likely traded next summer.

Best case is that he runs with the 2C role, gets extended for ~4.5/5M AAV, and helps build a strong 2nd line for 3-4 years. Allows you to spend in spots coming up for new deals (Miller, Lafreniere) and maybe allows you to hold onto Lindgren beyond his current deal.

 

[PuckLuck3043]

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.

I think what I wrote was very relevant. You don't think that 5 years in the league with no more than 23 points has any validity? Chytil has looked lost at times as recently as this season and does not strike me as a very good puck distributor. Yes he has been saddled with some plugs like Gauthier but his overall game is still a concern. Chytil also tends to get injured quite a bit. How many times was he injured this year? 3? 4? He may take the next step but then again he may not. Does a good 15-20 playoff games prove that he is turning a corner? We just don't know. I'm not sure the Rangers know either.

 

[Oscar Lindberg]

We’ll have an idea of what they think of Chytil by the end of the summer. If Copp or another 2C is signed/brought in, it’s obvious the front office doesn’t think Chytil can be that guy.

You’re not paying Copp or someone like him 5-6 million a year over 5/6 years to be on the 3rd line

 

[CLW]

I think what I wrote was very relevant. You don't think that 5 years in the league with no more than 23 points has any validity? Chytil has looked lost at times as recently as this season and does not strike me as a very good puck distributor. Yes he has been saddled with some plugs like Gauthier but his overall game is still a concern. Chytil also tends to get injured quite a bit. How many times was he injured this year? 3? 4? He may take the next step but then again he may not. Does a good 15-20 playoff games prove that he is turning a corner? We just don't know. I'm not sure the Rangers know either.

Points is only one stat. I recall that Chytil had very good advanced stat going into this season for his time played and usage. And again very good stats in the playoffs. PLD might get injured badly too. Chytil may or may not get injured again, PLD may or may not turn sour again. We cannot know.

I don't think Chytil has to be a good puck distributor. He's more like Zib a big horse that goes up the ice. If he can become a consistent finisher with the help of good wing men all is good.

 

[PuckLuck3043]

Points is only one stat. I recall that Chytil had very good advanced stat going into this season for his time played and usage. And again very good stats in the playoffs. PLD might get injured badly too. Chytil may or may not get injured again, PLD may or may not turn sour again. We cannot know.

I don't think Chytil has to be a good puck distributor. He's more like Zib a big horse that goes up the ice. If he can become a consistent finisher with the help of good wing men all is good.

All good points and yes we don't know what the future may bring but the only barometer we do have is what has happened in the past with both players and it's not a small sample size either. Best case scenario is they don't make the trade and Chytil is able to step into the 2C role. We shall see.

 

[mas0764]

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’s why we should sacrifice a little now and get some favorable long term deals locked up.

 

[mas0764]

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.

Agree that I’m interested in PLD; also agree not for any core young pieces. I’m trying to add to my young core not weaken it. Winnipeg can have a first and some prospects. Or find a deal elsewhere.

 

[Rangers in 7]

PLD is overrated

Stay away from him

 

[Synergy27]

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

I don’t want to actively seek a trade of Kakko. Just want to establish that upfront.

That said, what do you see in his game that leads you to believe a breakout is coming soon?

His shot is below average.

He’s not fast.

He lacks the confidence to take the puck to the net.

How does he get over the hump at this level?

 

[Chaels Arms]

Chytil doesn't even have to be that good to be the 2C on this team. Strome was our 2C last season and scored 54 empty calorie points. I say empty calorie points because when you factor in the nightly boneheaded offensive zone penalties and complete lack of physical play those 54 points are not worth as much as other players' 54 points. He did this while getting endless amounts of PP time on one of the best PP units in the league and while stapled to the hip of one of the best playmaking wings in the league who finished with 96 points. Do people honestly think Chytil, if healthy, can't score 50 points over the course of a full season playing 20+ minutes a night with Panarin and on the first PP unit?

Rangers fans: Woe is me, our forward draft picks almost never develop into top six players.
Also Rangers fans: Hey Chris, can you sign a big name free agent or trade for someone else's established forwards so none of our young players have to play in the top six ever? K thx bye.

 

[CLW]

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

It depends. I'm afraid of the coaching. If they play the kids as a unit they will all break out. If they get square pegged it will be wonky for them as per usual.

 

[AirGut]

c'mon bros don't we want some DUUUUUUUUUUB chants? Not gonna bring you back to the Dubinsky days?

 

[maris]

Chytil doesn't even have to be that good to be the 2C on this team. Strome was our 2C last season and scored 54 empty calorie points. I say empty calorie points because when you factor in the nightly boneheaded offensive zone penalties and complete lack of physical play those 54 points are not worth as much as other players' 54 points. He did this while getting endless amounts of PP time on one of the best PP units in the league and while stapled to the hip of one of the best playmaking wings in the league who finished with 96 points. Do people honestly think Chytil, if healthy, can't score 50 points over the course of a full season playing 20+ minutes a night with Panarin and on the first PP unit?

Rangers fans: Woe is me, our forward draft picks almost never develop into top six players.
Also Rangers fans: Hey Chris, can you sign a big name free agent or trade for someone else's established forwards so none of our young players have to play in the top six ever? K thx bye.

Chytil doesn't seem like a good passing center. Nice shot though and fast skater. Lets not talk about faceoffs. I love him but maybe he is a winger?

 

[Chalfdiggity3]

The problem is it's a cycle. "They can't draft centers so they won't draft centers. They shouldn't draft centers because they haven't been good at it historically. Strome is terrible but there's a cap..etc"

The easiest answer is to be self sufficient and have options to replace guys like Strome without breaking the bank.

well if we are talking about drafting, yes ive been wanting them to draft centers as well. I cant hate on the cuylle berard and othmann picks but there were plenty of oppotunities on other picks dto grab centers that we all like during those drafts.

 

[Clark Kellogg]

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.

Mollie Motte? Sounds like something you use to get engine grease off your hands.
One of them is going to have to get their name changed for this to work.

 

[QJL]

I don’t want to actively seek a trade of Kakko. Just want to establish that upfront.

That said, what do you see in his game that leads you to believe a breakout is coming soon?

His shot is below average.

He’s not fast.

He lacks the confidence to take the puck to the net.

How does he get over the hump at this level?

If I was the the NYR coaching staff, this is what I would tell Kakko:

“We want you to lead the league in turnovers for the first 20 games of the season. Make as many mistakes as you want. We want you using your legs, taking the puck to the net every shift, and firing away. Learn your limits. You will not be condemned. Become a monster.”

 

[Ola]

The big cap rise isn't coming.Covid is just the latest excuse.

From 2005-06 through 11-12, the cap rose 64% in 7 seasons.

Since then, it's gone up 28% in 11 seasons, counting next year.

What happened in 2013? A new CBA where the players got absolutely crucified. If they didn't, another season was lost. That was the CBA the revenue split was introduced and there was a non-by-law real cap on wages.

This isn't because of a virus, it's by design.

The cap will continue to crawl for the duration of this CBA, which is at least through 2025-26. And there's no reason to believe revenue split will change in the next one if we ever want to watch the NHL again.

This is the pace the cap is rising at for...ever? I know there's a new TV deal but they had a new TV deal in 2012. The cap still hit a wall right around the time that deal was signed. This is just the pace it rises at in a revenue-split league.

The Cap would be 93.5m today if it weren’t for the MOU signed during the pandemic.

HRR is reported to pass 5.2bn this season.

Upper level:
(5,200,000,000 x 50% / 32) x 115% = 93.5m

 

[Circus86]

The NHL's hard cap is complete f***ing tits. We just came out of a rebuild and we're already in a position where improving is like navigating landmines.

That's why despite the NHL's "parity" meme, it's always the same teams. If you're not already there, you can't get there.

I'm not against having a salary cap, but the salary cap should be there to prevent teams from buying all-star rosters. The NHL's cap is more like "you have more than two good players??? You f***ing idiot!!"

We can thank Gorton and his team for this. If you overpay some winger dude in UFA and give him almost 12 mil and a 2nd pair Dman for 8 million that'll do it. If we would actually be handing out fair contracts or team Friendly contracts then those two contracts would save us easily 4-5 million a year compared to now.

 

[Gordon Bombay]

We would be trading a 3c for a 2c. How does that hurt our center depth?

Well the thinking all along has been either resign Copp or Strome, or another avenue at 2C. You trade your 3C for a 2C you no longer have a 3C.

Sure 1C and 2C look great on paper but there's nothing behind it in case of injuries.

Goodrow is a more than suitable 3C if it came down to it.

But like many contending teams, they are an attraction, and those teams always seem to find the inexpensive veteran depth for the bottom 6 to fill out the roster.

Not if he's centering Laf and/or Kakko

 

[Vitto79]

Rangers are in a tough spot cause they need a 2C but they don’t want to commit too high on the AVV cause they have to sigh Miller and Laf next year

Stupid cap !

 

[zukeisgone]

We have Wings up the Wazoo….Kaapo is center piece add Lund and it’s a deal…72 stays otherwise what’s the point?