Well looks like the windows open again. You know I was going to make a post around US Thanksgiving by saying that this is a team worth believing in. But then I thought I’d enjoy the ride as it seemed like we had a special group in place. I was immensely proud of what they did out there on the ice this season, and while I think that there were opportune moments where they could have been better, it was a great season to take in as a fan.
Top to bottom, the pieces are there for a championship run, starting with management, to the coaching, and down to the players. I feel that the group is a level of maturity away in the form of a killer instinct and a couple players away from being the type of contender you see in Tampa or Colorado. That is achievable during the upcoming season. My only real disappointment from this season was not seeing the level of urgency and desperation from the guys in the playoffs. That lead to longer series in the first two rounds, and the attrition took its toll.
You look at every team that’s won in the last 40 years or so, you see teams that have had short series on their run, and usually two. The fatigue they felt after the loss to Tampa should be enough for that to be engrained for next year. Below is a year in review for the team and the game from one fan’s perspective. May do this Mary Meeker style, may not. It’s been a while Rangerland - hope this finds you well. For the record, I haven't read a single post on here since my departure so this post may be non-contextualized in this thread. Hope the intended audience finds it... if not, hope you and the fam enjoy the summer break.
Management
Since not having posted here since the firings of JD and Gorts. Sad to see JD go, but glad to see he landed on his feet in CLB. At the end of the day, he really had one transactional period and I like the draft he was able to pull off. Wish Gorts well in MTL too, I think MTL will like what he’s doing over the next couple of years. He did an excellent job in the turnaround and got little lucky along the way. Good to see that luck carry itself forward. MTL’s got a great management team up there, I’ve been very impressed with Kent Hughes.
I think very highly of Dru- really like what he's done. He’s accelerated the rebuild strategy by being a lot more dynamic in his transactions. From the three-year bridge, the early extension, the trade and sign, those are moves that the previous administration didn't utilize as they were very regimented in how they managed. So, kudos on getting that out of the way and differentiating himself early.
Really value the culture shift as well. Going into the trade deadline, I thought that they were 3 forwards and 1 dman short, and they went out there and got exactly that. I think Dru’s got a great head for the game, where it is right now and where it’s going. I think that management and coaching on down sees and believes that the game needs to be played a certain way, and a standard of excellence that needs to be met. I genuinely am looking forward to the next few years with Dru, Turk and Co at the helm and expect a championship within that period. Winning & effort matter, and these guys value winning and ensuring that an elevated level of effort is there, and for that they have my respect.
Coaching
On the coaching, I respect Turk. Think it was the perfect hire. Don't really have a problem with what's been added to the staff, and I think as a group that these guys are pretty on the ball and adaptive to the bigger picture. There's still a lot of development that needs to take place, but I've got full confidence in this bunch to get the team there. Good practice habits, good effort on the ice, not afraid to shorten the bench, able to get guys to play roles and have them do what they're supposed to, good with match-up adjustments when needed, will get after the refs here and there... I mean this is what you call an upgrade. Higher compete levels, proven history. Don't think you could have gotten a better hire.
Throughout the season, I thought they coached the EA out of the kids where they were pulling moves that you see in the video game but fail in real life. I saw a team that actively worked on their shortcomings and improve throughout the season, a team that won games with depth players when injuries hit. All of that is the net effect of great coaching and good depth additions- in today’s game, that sometimes is the difference between making the playoffs vs not, and you saw the net effect of a team that got more than the sum of its parts for 3/4ths of the season, and that’s due to coaching Imo. Couldn’t have found a better fit and timing Imo. The only issue I had was Hunt getting top 6 minutes prior to the trade deadline acquisitions, but for a team that was 3 down up-front, and added injuries that bumped that number higher. I thought they found ways to win and that’s what counts. Also thought he did a great job of handling the media, handled the rhetoric very well. I think he and Brooksie handled their exchanges with a degree of respect and honesty while still defending his guys.
Thoughts on the players:
Blaiser, disappointed to see Sammy get hurt especially on a cheap shot, but I thought he showed some signs, but lacked consistency. Lots to like about his game, to me he's got Blake Coleman like upside and plays a similar heavy game but is on and off about it. I think with Sammy and his injury history, you have a guy who goes all out and then is dinged up and you get some softer games that follow. It’s also a way to get hurt when you play that way instead of being more consistent. I think he’s an excellent bottom 6 option, and one that I’d like to see on the PK. Would also like to see him try to change the momentum of the game when the team needs it. This is a guy who would have been a valuable piece in the playoffs, hopefully he’s there next year.
Reevo, they got the best in the business at what he does, in an area of need. Think he adds an element that was missing from the team, and they got crafty around the Seattle draft with the move making it into a two-parter, then using the early extension. Thought it was asset good management. You turned Brett Howden into a position of strength and moved down 20-30 spots in the middle of the draft. That's really good value Imo. I thought McDermott actually got the better of him, and he turned down Chara so you can’t call him the undisputed heavyweight, but he still has an impact. I don’t have him as an everyday player next year, but certainly a guy that I would want in the lineup depending on the game. I thought he added swagger and leadership to a group that got a little beat up in previous years. You really didn’t see that this year with Reevo in the line-up.
Jeep, look I've seen this guy live firsthand on the cup runs in Tampa, and Imo they did good in getting him. Another smart move by Dru in using the 7th to get the rights and not letting him hit the market. He's got a legitimately heavyweight fight card in the league. Tough, plays the right way, and plays hard. Jeep’s a mix of Prust and Callahan would be, except he can play center. He put up numbers as well, which I think is something the team needs moving forward. He's a guy you win with, proven that 2x over. I'm sure the vitriol about this signing was through the roof at the time last year, but I didn't have a problem with it. Really didn’t drop the mitts much, but that’s something I’d like to see more of, but you know what you are getting with him every night.
Nemo, look in my modeling, the last two years before the signing, he was a very competent player on some bad teams. Good on the PK, there were some situations where he's been put on lead protection duties and got beat, he's far more competent than bad. I'm not sure if he's hit full blow whipping boy status yet, winning usually keeps that away, but I would be disappointed in the fanbase if Nemeth didn't give any lashings during his tenure here. Somebody's got to keep the tradition alive. As far as the signing, right profile, right need, hell even the right cap hit, but wrong guy. IMO someone inside management went to bad for Nemeth, I think you have to replace his minutes with a guy who you believe can give you playoff minutes. I would have scratched him after game 2 in the playoffs, but they human victory cigared him in game 5, I really liked that move by the coaching staff. Nice guy and good pro, he can help a team, especially in the right system, but I think he’s a better fit elsewhere.
Hunt's a good depth addition. Worked hard, moves his feet, but I thought he played his best hockey as a 4th liner trying to play for his NHL career. I thought the team was better in the playoffs without him in the lineup. I think he’s neutral at worst as a 5th line player and isn’t a liability. In other words, a particularly good depth player. I do respect the fact that he changed his game to fill a job, and there’s value in that.
McKegg’s a good depth piece too, you know what you're getting from your call-ups. Didn’t really hurt the cause there by any means. Think he’s a great 5th line option. Good pro, works hard, not a bad option to have as a guy who comes up and down from the minors.
Brodzinski, only hyped him back in the day because I liked the rapper. Played well, guys a good pro and an extension of what Imo is a broader effect of great coaching and management. You won games while being injured and undermanned with him in the line-up. That’s the net effect of having 4A level depth with great coaching.
Tinordi, adds some assurances, but he's a number 9 or 10 Imo. Serves well as a whipping boy for the twitterati and if they want to increase their social media engagement, a call-up or two should trigger the fan base accordingly. Good to see him get the game winner in ANA.
Copper- Hell you all know NY needs more Copps, and Dru did his part in getting Andrew to the big apple. Thought he played very well here, with a couple of good showings and hope that they are able to re-sign him. Given what people have seen and experienced in NYC over the last couple of years, you know just how desperately NY needs more Copps. He’s one of those players that’s a great utilitarian options, and that gives your coaches a lot of flexibility within a game. If it’s between him and Strome, I’m keeping Copper, and I like Strome.
Frankie- Excellent value find by Dru for a 4th. Got buried in FLA’s forward depth, but thought he was solid. His backchecks were more intense after he missed a shot, would like to see that all the time, but think he’s a guy who could get a great deal and opportunity on a team like BUF in free agency with the dollars to boot. Frankie was a skillful player and one that gave a slight glimmer of hope before the season ended. This isn’t a free agent signing that a GM would be disappointed in, Vatrano’s a good pro.
Braun- Would have liked to seen a LHD added instead of RHD as I felt that both Schneids and Nils were more than capable, where as Nemeth was the shakiest of the bunch. Good pro and solid add, got hemmed in here and there, but was dependable. Didn’t really have any concerns about bad plays out there when he was on the ice, nor did I expect the other team to score off of a gaffe. Veteran guy knows how to defend and takes pride in it, there’s little doubt or confusion with him.
Motter, really liked Motter hope they find a way to re-sign him. His speed is an element that this team needs, and while you might find cheaper guys that can fill the role, I thought Motte’s the type of guy that can help you win. He just goes out there does his job with a full level of effort every shift and the forward corps on the Rangers need more guys like that. Analytically, his time in Vancouver was very interesting, I wouldn’t be opposed to bringing in Highmore or Lamikko, but the PK in VAN was dreadful to start the year, cost them the playoffs Imo.
Kreids - hey it only took having a league MVP caliber player, a 1st overall pick nipping at his ice-time, and a coaching change before you saw all of the tools come together. But in all seriousness, proud of what Chris did out there. Rooting for him to keep it up. This was the year that the head caught up to the rest of the body Imo. Still think that he’s got another level to get to in terms of having a killer instinct. I was in Carolina during game 7 when he scored that goal. He just shut an entire city up and for me to be among the crowd of disappointment and heartache was a joyous moment. That being said, Ray Ferraro astutely asked, “Where was that the first 6 games of the series?”… Chris is a gentleman, and a class act and someone who is respectful of his peers. I’d like to see him be the Rangers Jamie Benn when Benn was in his prime for the team to take another step, maybe ram guys into the boards, but box them out to create that separation off the walls. Keep crushing Chris.
Mika - happy that he was re-signed, and to what Imo was the actually the exact same contract I would structure as an armchair GM. $8.5M for this player, is below market value. I think he stepped up big time in the playoffs. If he didn’t sign the contract early, he would have 40 goals Imo. Think he’s got to shoot more 5v5, and he and Chris need to be a 40-40 pair in terms of goal scoring, and not a 50-20 duo. Think that will add more unpredictability 5v5 and crank up the shot volume. I’d take a page out of Marner and Mathews to set up rebounds for each other off the rush, and more soft area passes like FLA to create more speed coming out of the D-Zone where either guy can skate into it with speed. He’ll have to be the Ranger’s Kopitar to win the cup, albeit with a little more scoring. He’s one of the few players in the league that’s a one-shot scorer 5v5, and he’s proven that in previous seasons, but that was a little lacking this year. Much like some of the other guys with A’s on their chest, he needs to have that killer instinct in the playoffs.
Bread - he hasn't had to play at MVP levels for the team and the team won. He went through a bit of a funk early, but I think he needs a corner man with wheels and other that play a north south game for him to start taking games over during 5v5 again. Most of the winning team’s run a 3-2 in the offensive zone, so I don’t have a problem with him being in the perimeter funnel pucks in, but I thought he strayed a little too far in the perimeter in playoffs without following pucks in. You look at his buddy Kuch in Tampa, Kuch put up 90 something points on the way to 3 straight finals, and Bread wasn’t nearly as good as his pal. He’s going to need to be next year. This is a guy who put up 96 points, and was disappointing, so that’s a testament to how good he really is. He’s got it in him to a be 1.4 PPG guy, but I want to see him dominate 5v5. He can do it; you saw it in games where he was revved up ala the games against CHI and DAL. Tampa played him like he was a powerplay specialist, and I think you have to pair him with guys that can create space with speed and win board battles to maximize his unreal skill level. More offense of the rush, more off of the 5-man cycle, more off of the 3-2 in the o-zone. Too many times he’s maintained possession instead of getting pucks on net as well. This guy’s got a sniper’s accuracy, and you shouldn’t have to see that every 2-3 games. Breads in elite physical shape, I think if he’s skating more, and not trying to make the stop and pop pass from the blueline, you get 110 points with him.
Strome - great guy, good teammate and one that I think played well for a top PP. I thought teams adapted to him and Bread 5v5. They missed Fast as a good cornerman with speed that was able to buy room for them. He’ll get a great contract in free agency, wouldn’t mind having him back but I think with the cap the way it is, and with Strome in for a payday, he’s got more out there than he does in NY. Man’s got a young family and needs to maximize his value, so I wouldn’t blame him. I think he can help a rebuilding team like ANA in great ways. He’s a very mature solid pro, and a great guy who can bring younger players along.
Kap - he was better in year 2 than his rookie year. Way better, and in my modeling, he went from being a liability his rookie year, to a guy who belongs in the league. This year he was dependable defensively but lacked the offensive output. If you look at the shooting volumes of guys who put up offense vs bottom 6 guys, Kakko’s with the latter half. IMO that uptick in shot volume, getting one-timers off, shooting for rebounds, getting tips, cycling and winning battles and attacking the net are ways that he can improve his offense. Everything else I’m not too worried about. But he needs a higher sense of urgency to feel like he’s making an impact every shift. Look at Roope in DAL, that guy is a puck hound, and goes at max speed all the time. To me he’s got to attack his shifts like a hard set or rep in dryland training. Need to see him attack more and shoot one timers from Laffy if the kid line stays intact. I think he knows that not everything that worked offensively in Turku and on international play won’t work on NHL ice. I also think he can develop physically; you look at a guy like Rantanen, Kakko’s half a dad bod away from that in terms of the mass he can put on.
Chytil - another contract year for Filly. I thought he pulled off some moves you see in EA’s NHL series but without the finish. It’s a shame you don’t score in real life like that, those would have been some really nice highlights. There’s a reason why you have so many games in the year and only see a handful of those on a the top 10 reel at the end of the year. The offense clicked when he was using his speed to push teams in, forecheck, cycle, and create space and separation instead of the sweeping wide cuts from early in the season. Started using his linemates well. Whatever was causing the lack of chemistry with Laffy went away and the goals and points came. Thought he and Kap have a good friendship, but Filly’s going into a contract year and some of those empty shifts from Kap’s going to hurt Filly’s point total. Filly’s the 3rd most tenured guy, he can use his seniority push Kap if he’s on his line.
Laffy - well the real Alexis finally showed up in the first few games of the Pens series. That is the guy who was drafted number 1 overall. IMO if you want a kid to play a man’s game, then you give him the freedom that comes with it. Obviously, you get media trained, but I’m a big believer in letting your best talent be who they are. Like the hits in the playoffs, I think they went a long way in a series. The g-a ratio in the playoffs is a good sign that he’s using his teammates. He needs to work with them to get them to shoot one-timers instead of trying to pass it into the back of the net. Think he’s got a better handle on using his teammates’ strengths. Better along the wall, better zone entries. Much like Kakko, you look at the shooting volumes of the top scorers in the league, Laffy’s not in the top quartile when adjusted for ice time. If the kid line stays together, I think they need to work towards getting 12-15 shot attempts a game.
Gauthier - played more of a grinder’s game this year. IMO he’s not too far off from Toropchenko in STL. Gauthier legitimately changed how he played in juniors and in the minors to be more of a grinder, and he put in some solid work. Getting a change of scenery trade for him for another player in the same boat should be doable Imo. Maybe for a Connor Mackey out of CGY.
Rooney - does his job. Lealman coached player out of college who works hard and competes hard. I like him as a 4th line LW/C that can kill penalties and step into the middle if he has to. But I like him as a winger with that versatility more. Faceoff numbers could stand to improve, the Rangers PK slid mid-year without him. He’s a very good PKer, and a guy that could earn more via free agency. Wish him well if he gets more money elsewhere, the guys deserves it. No complaints from my end, played dinged up too.
Foxie - well thanks for proving me right homie. Very well played with the extension, kept it simple moved a decimal point over and threw up the double digit x, real elegant. Would be cool to see him go past PPG, I think he has it in him, especially if he’s setting up the kid line on top of the top 6 and PP. The goal scoring is a nice addition, would like to see some more shots where the goalie can't pick up the puck visually, and shots through moving screens, those goals get scored in the playoffs, especially in a tight game like we saw with Sergachev. Man can give a masterclass on positional defense, where you can see it on the puck carrier's face when he knows Fox takes away two passing lanes. On a very talent laden team, this is the guy that drives the bus. I thought he absolutely drove some wins in the playoffs. He’s going to have to be the Rangers Makar at even strength to take that next step. More controlled exits, and breakouts. I’d also like to see him take a leadership role by directing plays with the younger guys. He’s done a fantastic job with the offensive crew in the top 6 but would like to see that carry down the line-up. Should break 85-90 points if he can direct set plays for the kids as well.
Lindy - guys a warrior. I respect him as a man, and the fact that he’s born in 1998 gives me hope for the future of America. Nice timing and use of the three-year bridge, which was a great value signing. Adds another element of toughness to the team. Blocks shots, makes the right plays. I was concerned how far the team would go in the playoffs if he wasn’t out there, and it wasn’t very far Imo, and he kept coming back like the Terminator in T1. Only thing I’d say is around game 65 or so, I thought he was dinged up and played, and he’s too important of a player to go into the playoffs wounded. If the team has the luxury of piling up some points, getting some time to recover in the regular season will go a longer way.
Troubs - the Rangers don’t get past the first or second round without Trouba changing the momentum of a series the way he did. Much better this year than the first two. Has played more like his cap hit, stepped up big time this year, plays the game the way I believe it should be played. Not going to get the PP points like he did when Byfuglien was out in WPG, but I can’t say I had a problem with anything he did out there this year. Keep doing what he's doing.
Key - 6'5" 235 has a nice ring to it, not sure if he needs to get to that weight, but at his speed and more mass he's going to be a harder player to stop and being stopped by him with a hard play is going to leave a mark. Thought he was simply outstanding this year and got better. The play he made that lead to the GWing PP is not something you see across the league too often, and he’s had a couple of those earlier in the year. I thought he learned a lesson from Crosby, and did well to go back at him the following game. Still had guys like McGinn & Martinook who went at him a bit, that’s going to keep happening unless he starts creating some space for himself. Thought the chase down on PKane was a thing of beauty, got physical on some other chases as well where the puck carrier had a look of surprise on their faces. Flexed a bit against McDavid too. The skating ability is there to let him have the greenlight in open ice to start or join a rush. I think he’s a guy you win with, was outstanding in the playoffs, and really plays long stretches of hockey where you don’t see any mistakes. I’d like to see him be more physical and erase guys along the walls to create more time and space after a takeaway.
Schneids - well can’t say I wasn’t impressed, just improving a couple of very small things should lead him to being the player that he can be. Think he’s got to work on his decision making in a couple of situations and use his strengths a bit more. Even on shifts in playoffs where he was hemmed in, I wasn’t concerned about a gaffe leading to a goal or a penalty. Let’s start with that… that’s a very good trait Imo. Would say he had 3 bad nights overall, and outside of a couple of misreads, the guy was an absolute rock out there. From time to time he got caught chasing a zone entry. If the back pressures there, go for the physical play if not, mind the gap. Counted 5 looks in the playoffs where he shot it wide. Think he should focus on getting it on net or shooting for the rebound if the goalie’s got the angle. There’s playing to the role, there’s playing to one’s capabilities, and there’s playing to the situation. Couple of times when the team was down, I saw greater offensive urgency in the regular season. I saw a guy who did not want to lose and ratcheted up his intensity. That needs to be how he plays every night. I think he’s another guy you win with, you are one LD away from having 3 interchangeable pairs and rolling them through a PK without any concern. He’s going to get better. This is a young man who I have a lot of respect for as a person, and I expect more from him going forward.
Prospects
Lundqvist - so far so good, his advanced stats are good. If you trade him, Imo some team is getting a top 4 defenseman who can QB your PP if they get him. Yes, he did mope and dip a bit in the AHL, but his NHL numbers were particularly good. There’s a risky trade out there with more cap value out there if there is a team willing to trade prospect for prospect, a right shot d for a right shot forward, top 4 potential for a top 6 potential. DAL has 5 prospects like that, 3 better than the other 2, and they need a replacement for Klingberg. I’d love to get a Shane Pinto or Tomasino or Evangelista as well but am doubtful OTT or NSH bites on that. NSH needs an upgrade on the right side. With Schneids in the fold, you may want to try Nils on the offside, but as a trade piece he can help fill a need. If you’re filling that need of a top 6 center, he’s in the package Imo.
Kravstov - well if he earns his ice-time, then he is a good rookie for Bread to punk. Coaches don’t speak Russian, so the punking can take place in game and in practice and it will be viewed as mentorship. Look at his time in Russia - he applied himself with a high level of effort twice… once before the draft, and now right in time to get a contract. It’s funny when Kovalev mentioned that it would be a good idea for him to age more in Russia, he probably knew that Vitali lacked a level of professional maturity. There are more things in common with the Nikita Filatov experience then I think most Ranger fans would want to admit. IMO there’s a big difference between being self-serving versus giving yourself the greater opportunities by serving others. Lots of great playmakers have made their fortunes by playing in the NHL, but you must check to earn your cheques as well. If this is something he has trouble understanding, then I mean how sensitive is this kid really? Perhaps showing him highlights of the most indignant protest videos can serve as a lesson as to him understanding the type of generation changing opportunity, he has in front him to contrast what his maturity level is exhibiting. Kid needs to learn what it takes to be a real pro day in and day out.
Jonesie- there are things he does today that are at the NHL level. But as of today, I would dress 7 if he was in a line-up. IMO you look at Torey Krug, that’s his upside Imo. Jones isn’t physically mature as Krug yet, Imo that’s going to help with what is currently a defensive mismatch. Outside of being able to defend bigger stronger guys, everything else is at an NHL level Imo. Needs to work on his decision making a bit as to when to join the rush. He’s been here before, much like in college where he needed the extra year to grow, I think there is another level there within himself that he needs to get to.
Hajek- Would be cool to see him pull what a Swedes do with the hard and soft J, think of the memes you’d have if his name was pronounced Hijack. Jokes aside, he’s a good pro. I would try to make a lateral trade for another player like him maybe even one on a one-way deal.
Cools- Fun year in juniors. Liked what I saw in pre-season. Should push for some minutes on the 4th line if the team gets hit with the couple of injuries up front.
Othmann- really like the pick. Thought they would go with Bolduc last year given the Laffy connection, but Brennan is more than all right by me. Has a way to go to mature physically, so I expect another year in juniors. Versatile, and adaptable player too. He’s played a 3rd liner’s role on deeper teams, been a support top 6 guy when needed, and a top scorer when the opportunity is there. Really like that about him.
Korzack- my favorite pick from the 2021 draft. I was high on Stankhoven… my contacts out west had both Logan and Ryder as first round talents. Korzack was making the pretty play and trying to pass pucks into the net his draft year… think that helped cause the slide. Part of me thinks an overage year wouldn’t hurt, you saw it with Callahan back in the day. Maybe being a top offensive option in the ECHL to start is a good option if there’s a lot of depth ahead of him in the AHL and he’s not in a scoring role this upcoming year. Should try to be a shoot first player for a bit Imo to become more dynamic.
Grubbe- Like the profile, don’t know if there’s any offense there.
Boyko trade was good thing Imo.
Garand is a legitimate prospect has a way to go, but in terms of the goalie pipeline he’s probably the best one.
Brett Berard is a very viable NHL option Imo. He’s a Tyler Motte type potentially, not a guy that would be considered a high impact prospect, but this fanbase has favored guys like Brett who work tirelessly.
Robertson is a legitimate prospect as well, one that’s projectable. I really like Feherevary and Siegantheler, think Robertson is that type of prospect. Doesn’t mean I’d pencil him in for this year however.
Needs & Fixes
Well, I think Dru, management, and coaches see the same things that need to happen to get this team to another level. The best compliment I can give to the entire organization is that I looked forward to watching every game, and I expected a win every night. For that, you have my utmost respect from top to bottom. As fans, outside of a championship, that’s the most you can ask of and no one disappointed and certainly not for a lack of effort. I’m really f***ing proud of these guys.
I think we see the same things. Personally, I am of the inclination that a match-up center or a match-up altering center would be the over-the-top addition. There are some names out there with star power, some of whom I would not be opposed to. But I also think a Phillip Danault, Chandler Stephenson, Jack Roslovic, in addition to retaining Copp could also work. Between Scheifele, and Luc, I would prefer Luc, but I’d try to get him to tighten up defensively. Scheif’s a high event player and look in my modeling he’s a guy that will trade you chances. There’s a reason why he doesn’t like the advanced numbers… it makes him look bad in comparison with some of the other top line centers. On a Roslovic, he hasn’t proven that he can be good defensively and offensively at the same time. CLB lost games during his hot streak, and his ice time was down for most of the year to start. He would be a turnaround project, but one that I can see offering versatility and speed. Luc on the other hand is a guy that needs to be managed up if you want to win. Guy has a unique combination of grace and power with his talent but has more fun playing a run and gun brand of hockey. He’s really good at creating chances off of winning a board battle and has all the tools to be a shutdown guy in the mold of a Jordan Staal… but he doesn’t play that way. If you want to win with him, he must adapt. You also have the benefit of increased fan engagement with the Luuuuuuc chants. Chandler’s a north south skater with speed. Getting a center like that also works Imo.
I also think that the third paid D needs the right profile and the right player. Looking at guys like Soucy, Gavrikov, Edmunson (50%), McNabb as veteran options. Think of the Souuu chants, or memes about getting Sou’d out there. Would be a hit among the lawyers in the fanbase. If you’re going for a younger player or prospect, I like a couple out of WPG in Logan Stanley, or Dylan Samberg, same with Hague out of Vegas. WPG knows their guys well, I could be wrong about Samberg, and Stanley might not be a good enough skater with the likes of COL winning in their division. Really like Jacob Middleton, Karlsson’s best hockey in years was next to him in SJ for a brief period. Connor Mackey is what you may have in modern day Jack Johnson, but without the experience. Moverare is another guy who pops out in my numbers. I like that prospect out in Ohio as well. I look at that slot on the third pair, having a guy who can give you minutes in the top 4 in case of an injury, be a rock out there, and bring moar toughness is what I’d try to prioritize. Even an Alex Edler on a $800k contract isn’t a bad option. That slot in the line-up needs to be a player who is dependable. Nemeth did a solid job in the regular season but had lapses in play like he did with COL in playoffs.
I think the team needs a complimentary or high skill RWer as well. A good corner man with speed. I’d keep the kid line intact and have them push for top 6 minutes at 5v5 with their play. Perhaps Panarin is an option on the RW as well to give him some different looks. You don’t see many prospect for prospect deals anymore, but moving Lundkvist for a right shot forward prospect might be one move that really helps manage the cap while filling a need. Even a different prospect swap could work out. If you’re going for a veteran, you either go with a skilled forward or a player like Connor Brown, Josh Anderson, Jesper Fast, Viktor Arvidsson, Jack Roslovic. All right shot guys with speed with different elements to offer…
… Or you go for Kaner. I wouldn’t have a problem throwing a longer term on contract at him as a free agent, but I do hope that he pulls a St. Louis or Nash and only wants to come to the Rangers. It’s been done by fellow no 1 picks in Nash, and Lindros after he didn’t get his TOR deal, a fellow Art Ross winner did the same in St. Louis. There’s solid precedence here. Davidson is a good drafter Imo… I really liked his top 4 picks. There’s familiarity with Bread. Another O6 team. Bigger city. He’s going to be wanted and valued here more so than in CHI if they want to move him. Davidson drafts well… dude took 4 of the top 5 skaters in this year’s draft, those picks will turn into good pros.
That all being said, I think trying Laffy in the middle might be a look worth giving. First off- he was out of position switching wings so center might not come easy. But some of those positional misreads out there in the regular season makes me wonder if he’s spending hours on TikTok in his free time. Was a different player in the playoffs of course, but I’d suggest getting off Ticktok or have your handlers handle that app. Obviously don’t knock the app since they’re a league sponsor.
In all seriousness, I’m seeing this trend in the workplace as well with the Gen Z kids having shorter attention spans. I don’t think that they are “dumber”, but rather just conditioned to a different form of media consumption. You have to look at your media consumption like it’s your diet. You are what you consume… and if a kid is conditioned to 15 second dopamine hits… the attention span shortens. That’s fixable… if you’re an elite athlete, you watch what you put into your body, food or otherwise. Think that will go a long way in alleviating those attention-to-detail gaps. Look the flip phone worked for Bread, and I think the same principals apply to your developmental talent.
Adding brother Charlie and another league minimum guy or perhaps bringing back Kinks should address the backup goal. Comrie’s not a bad option either but he’s probably looking for a tandem opportunity.
2022 Draft
Like the Sykora pick. Really good value pick Imo, 17-year-old kid that’s already a 2nd year pro, plays a pesky game. Thought it was a good pick.
McConnel-Barker I had Ludwinski as the guy I wanted with the 63rd pick if he fell there. Bryce is a similar profile in that he played further down the line-up with a missed year. Talented kid, there’s room for upward growth with more opportunity.
There wasn’t a chance to draft some of the following, but these were non-first round talents that were on my draft list. Minton, Dylan James, Firkus, Ludwinski, Goyette, Davies.
This was an entertaining draft- Slavkovsky is a rarity pick, and one that will be a good to great player. If he plays like he did in the international tournaments, then you have a star. Left shot Laine with a motor. Nemec will be a top 2 guy Imo in a couple of years. Think Cooley and Nazar have the highest offensive upside this year. Jirichek can be plugged into a 3rd pair of a cup contender in about 6-12 months and be a contributor. Gauthier is taking the best development path ahead for himself Imo. Howard’s inner tech bro will propel him further than where he went in the draft. Ron Francis was strutting with joy at picking Shane Wright, I think Wright ends up being a good player, think that taking a year off hurt him. Lots of defensemen that can give you some solid minutes if you are patient in developing them. Pickering, Bischel, Rinzel, Warren. Korchinski has the highest upside Imo and is just a couple of years of physical maturity and experience away.
USNTDP forward crop was good this year. I look back at the 2019 group that was really hyped up… and I look at this group… and I think there are much better two-way forwards with this group than the 2019 group. I think the undersized defensemen trend is an interesting one with the program… and one that I think can help you in some set-ups but leaves some jumbos out there in the USHL and High School. There are a couple of those prospects where teams got themselves a more than solid pick going by what you’re seeing in college hockey.
I think there were a lot of nothing picks the last two years… and quite a number of them being regionally focused around the Nebraska area. Contrast that against TB, the picks they took after the Rangers were of kids that at least dominated their peer group, older or not… I think you have to take a step here to further the scouting staff and do so ahead of time. I like who the guys were in their time as Rangers but am getting very skeptical around the drafting and development of some of the later round picks. You had two top ten picks go full on protestor and bail on you… there’s a gap here beyond the kid’s entitlement. I can accept that the finger gets pointed to the previous regime for those picks, but I think the scouting department can be improved.
You need to see some form of career progression, or a path towards upward mobility with your picks, as well as guys who are playing above their peer group. I’ll gladly take some profile picks, but much like the guy who went probably went to bat for Nemeth, I think this is an area of improvement for the Rangers from what I can make of the last two drafts. If you profile what works in the league versus not for respective roles… and you have decent comps… and you have an athlete who’s willing to work and can skate well… you’re going to find solid pros to develop…. right now, I see 3 kids from the last two drafts that will push for a spot, and maybe 1 or 2 that will fill out your AHL team. This may be a step backwards from JD if it’s not corrected. Also think you need a scout who was a cerebral defenseman with a high knowledge of the game with Howell being gone. That guy knew how to spot defensemen who can think the game well. Look at Tampa or Detroit… they have players coming that no one ever mentioned. Tampa’s got a couple of Coles who can play. Detroit’s stacked on defense. Minnesota drafts very well out of the western league. Dallas is another. FLA gets their intel on Finns from Barkov… they train together in the off-season and can play the same brand of hockey. Look at LA… they’re quietly becoming a defense factory. CLB too, lots of homegrown players in a market that can’t retain or draw stars.
Around the League
COL - Congrats to the Avs on the win. Their players laid it all out there, and that team played like they were on a mission to win the cup and they did. Kudos.
Tampa, I’ve seen this team live a number of times. That’s an organization that does things well top to bottom. Think their coaching is excellent, their leaders are leaders, and they do all the things needed to win. They know the formula, have belief in themselves, hold each other accountable, and they execute, and they do it better than anyone else. Their bodies will give out at some point, but until that happens, the East runs through Tampa.
OTT - I thought Gallagher calling out Stutzle was a very respectable move. One guy plays the game with an elevated level of integrity, and the other dives like he’s playing association football out there. I mean I’ve seen that guy dive every chance he’s gotten… can’t say I watch every Sens game… but of the ones I’ve seen…. We’re talking early 2000s Brazilian national team level here. Then I thought… he must have had soccer training to dive like that. You look at the hurl, how he carries forward momentum, the airtime with the soft. That’s straight out of European soccer. Then I thought hmmm…. that is effective…. some of the better skaters out of Europe in recent draft years were soccer players as kids right? That’s a yes. Some teams are drafting on that trend. The footwork, small area acceleration… that’s cause of the soccer. Stutzle’s so good that he’s nailed the diving too. OTT don’t like to trade their homegrown players until the contract demands get too high, but they’ve got forwards, and they need defense. I do not think they will win with their defense, and that’s including Sanderson. GM might be on the hot seat this year, good time to make some hockey trades. You noticed the wave of cancel culture war drums go from one Canadian market to another right? OTT is in prime territory for that this upcoming season.
ARI - what they’re doing will speed up a rebuild Imo if they can attract some free agents. Players like living there, but I’m saddened to see how the 20 plus year saga with the muni over there is ending. I’m not advocating a move unless it’s financially crippling, but I do hope that they sort things out over there away from territorial challenges in that market.
SEA - Glad to see them in the league. I’d personally like to see 36 next. Not sure if the game can support that now, but with population growth, and growth in the game itself… why not have 36? There may not be 64 NHL level goalies in the league today, so for that to carry over through 4 more organizations is way too early, but at some point I think it will be there. Maybe in another generation or so. Salt Lake, Austin, Indy, & Quebec would get my early vote.
LA - Kudos to them as I expected them to fold after the Doughty injury. Doughty is one of the best defensive defensemen the game today, Imo, but their drafting and roster players really played well and played to their championship identity. Matt Roy is a guy who I would want on a cup on. Spence is the real deal Imo, same with Durzi, different player, but they were both good. Morevare is competent. Kaliev makes up for Turcotte, their kids are insulated by veterans as well. They’ll be back. Fiala is a great add for them.
EDM - McDavid and Draisaitl were downright super-human in the playoffs. If those two can help break in 3-4 young forwards to suit their game, then I think they take another step. Defense did well with Kulak. Keith was good for them. Goaltending. They need to address that this year. Holland I think has done a good job outside of the goaltending, although the local media over there have been going at him for a couple of years. Think the cancel culture lust is most intense in OTT and EDM next season. EKane should stay over there Imo. He’s a great fit over there, sometimes it’s best to stay where you are needed and wanted versus chasing something else.
BUF - hey… so how’s life without Eich? Better no? The saga took a while, but I think it benefits BUF more in the long run. You finally have a team there now… albeit with some holes… but a team that plays with pride and a purpose.
DET - Got to say I’ve got a ton of respect for Stevie Y. The man really manages himself with grace and humility. They’ve got a bunch of good players on their farm, especially on defense and goaltending. If they can keep Larkin, they’re not too long away from opening a competitive window.
Goalies- I’d start bringing some more European pros over here… there were a number of teams that got hit with injuries and had to dress their 3rd as their starter and you don’t have a ton of depth in the position… not unless you are willing to give the undersized guys longer looks.
STL - thought they were outstanding this year. Deepest team in the league, and they are balanced and well built, well coached. They’ll contend again next year.
MTL - think I had them as contenders before the run to the finals the year before last. Not one that the numbers bore out, but they had the key ingredients. They made it in with the thinnest of margins… once Tatar and Jo were out of the line-up, they started on a run. Wasn’t sustainable going forward, but I thought they looked like a team that can win in playoffs, and they won three rounds.
MIN - I like what Billy’s done up there. I was really hoping to get Middleton as a third pair option, but Minny got him. Ryan Hartman is another guy that would be a good addition on the Rangers. Don’t think Billy’s trading them away. MIN drafts well… they’ve got a really strong farm of guys who may not be stars but can play Imo. Rhino Rourke, Hunt, Lambos, Boldy, Rossi, Wallstedt. Great coaching too. I really like their coach, that’s a guy who knows how to get wins out there.
PHI - Happy to see Torts back in the game. If there is one city that believes the game should be played a certain way, and there is one coach who believes the same thing, it’s Torts and Philly. Got his boy DeAngelo too. Not surprised, I heard that’s a player he really wanted to get his hands on back when he was in CLB. Torts’ going to have a field day in Philly. Does draft kings let you make bets on injured reserved lists?
FLA - You know I did not have them as a true contender. That goal differential is driven by games where they didn’t let up in a blowout. You look at the team, minus their blowout wins, and minus 3on3 and shoot out wins…. they were a middle of the pack. When the game is decided in 5v5 60 minutes… they were middle of the pack. It’s easy to misread the numbers or contextualize the wrong data points without their true relative values. They didn’t defend well at times and couldn’t score on the PP late season. Didn’t have all of the elements you need to win in playoff hockey. I get that it may be a new way of trying to win… but I had similar thoughts around the Avs last year… but driven by different metrics (well ratios really, teams knew that they would settle for more perimeter shots for their volume, which changed this year). FLA could take a step forward if they change how they try to win games. I thought they were outstanding in creating chances off the rush using area passes and creating winnable races for each other, something the Rangers could stand to add a bit more of in their game.
VAN - Due for a bounce back if they don’t listen to their media’s wants. Best 5v5 team in the league last year after the coaching change. Goes to show you just how bad their special teams were to start the season. If they fired their old coach & GM 6-7 games earlier, this is a playoff team making a run Imo. Demko’s weak spots are on set plays off of the PP too. That’s fixable.
NSH - Like what Jeannot did out there. He’s somewhere between a Nick Foligno and Brady Tkachuck. Josi was spectacular. Still a team that’s in the dreaded middle Imo until some of their younger players breakthrough. They’ll like McDonagh.
CGY - So a motivated Johnny is that good huh? Wow… he would’ve been my Hart vote. Most dominant player 5v5 in a long time. Sutter’s an amazing coach too, great to see him in the league imparting his wisdom.
CAR - Think they do a phenomenal job with their fans and organization. Having spent time in Raleigh, I came away impressed with the arena and atmosphere they’ve created. Brindamour is a heck of a leader and gets more out of his team than they’re talent Imo. That Kotkaniemi deal was very short sighted. People love a revenge story, but to sink $40M on a guy who is not as good as a Filip Chytil, while you don’t pay the guys who produce for your organization is going to backfire Imo. Jarvy’s a warrior, they’ve got their best forward in him. Kid should have put a cage on… he’s going to tear it up sooner rather than later. My contacts in Portland think he’s the most talented player to come through there over the last decade plus.
Vegas - Well they finally ran out of the currency from their expansion draft. Will be interesting to see how they manage things going forward… you aren’t going to win with unreliable goaltending, and it’s hard to have really good depth without a couple of ELCs and sub $1M contracts in your line-up.
PIT - You know you don’t fully appreciate how great of a player Crosby is until you see him as the type of leader you want to have. The guy goes out there and is just a force of will. Dude carries the play with the highest standard of excellence every shift he’s out there. He works hard every single shift, and his teammates follow. Because if they don’t, they’re going to hear about it. My respect for him as grown over the years as he’s been doing this for 16-17 years now. The man’s a standard bearer for excellence in one’s craft and makes others better around him, that’s what a leader is. There are no handouts with Sid.
DAL - That 17 draft is what fanbases dream of. Franchise defenseman, goalie, and a star forward on your first 3 picks. They’ve got others coming as this team drafts well. They’re good at making profile picks too.
NJD - IMO they did good drafting some really good players that can help other teams. There are some good role players here that can slot in on contenders and be a positive addition. Sum of the parts is greater than the results as their talented players haven’t really put it together all at once yet. I think Luke Hughes cost UofM the national championship… really needs work on his decision making. If he’s more patient and better with his reads, you have a Miro Heiskanen. If not, you have a guy rushing up out of position several times a game. Jack’s the real deal and is going to put up more points as he gets stronger and bounces off checks.
NYI - Well maybe the guys got tired of playing that tight checking game and gave up on Trotz. But this is one of the better coaches in the league. Look at VAN and how much of a difference coaching makes, same with NYR. If Trotz decides to coach again, some team is getting a guy who can help them over the hump.
Hockey Media
Lastly I thought the league did great with the ESPN and TNT broadcasts. Think the game’s presentation and in-between periods have been excellent. Great to see Mess, Chelly, Gretz, Biz and company. Really enjoyed hearing their takes in-game, and they’re having organic and topical conversations in their segments and it sounds like they have a genuinely healthy relationship with one another. Think having more women on the broadcasts help. Might be subconscious but I’ve had my lady friends actually sit and watch a game when AJ Molesko was calling it… and showed an interest… that usually never happens. The fellas over at TSNs have been great as usual.
MSG has been great too, really enjoy hearing Sam and Joe on the broadcasts as they remind me of home and having Hank on there has been great. Hank’s suit game is downright inspirational even if a bit traditional at times would be cool to see him mix it up a bit more. Great insights from both Hank and Valley. JG, Dave and company are class acts as always. Good to see Dave drop a few, he’s looking good out there. Hope he didn’t need a lap band for that transformation.
More importantly I think the independent media has really grown and offered more to fans of the game than the traditional outlets have. Chiclets have really led the way here alongside THG. Those audiences have grown and offered great content. The Hockey Guy is a savant Imo. If you are a gambler in hockey… watch his videos and analyses… they are deep and detailed, and if you understand numbers, it will help you make winning bets. That guy is special and very knowledgeable. Got a gambling problem? Not if you’re winning you don’t.
Closing thoughts
Nearly 10,000 words and 50 IMOs later, this post is coming to a close. I want to acknowledge the shoutouts I received from some of you, especially from someone who I look up to. Your thoughts are and were appreciated, albeit a little creepy given the medium but it’s also why I’m sharing my thoughts. BTW the assumptions of your colleagues were…. let’s say bucketed in the wrong place and a reflection of their own pre-conditioning. A member of House Proletariat I am not. Some of you thought I was… that was hilarious. Is it a communication gap or one’s freedom of speech? You got your freebies worth here.
This this the only post I ever put through an editor for the first time in over 20 years on HF. We are in an era where pandering to the triggered indignities of others is considered being a role model. An era where aspiring to be a proletariat is lauded as being a good person. A time where how you look is repeatedly bashed as the reason for one’s successes and failures instead of one’s will, skill, character and effort. An era where histrionics on mainline media is not perceived as a mental health issue. A time where people introduce themselves through self-identifying virtue signals… an era where repeating the talking points of the media one consumes is considered the only normative form of socialization… a time where repeating unitarian virtue signals about needing to come together is viewed as strong leadership. Ask yourselves this… how did you end up here? If you turn to others to think on your behalf, you will sink deeper.
If you turn to yourself and ask, what can I do to better myself, you’ve taken a step ahead. If you then extend a hand to another to pull them forward, you’ve furthered your fellow man/woman.
If you blame others, shriek when they don’t conform to your groupthink, air out your insecurities, have borderline psychotic episodes, and aim to destroy who are different then you (and not just in the looks department) … you best learn how to apply for welfare cause only a select few of you will prosper… and only prosper for the entertainment of others. Pop a benzie while you’re at it... maybe get a VR headset too… engross yourself in the reality that you can withstand without your spirit being broken… your reality is out there... Zuckerberg’s working on it. Ever see Wall-E? This is where a good part of the world is headed. This is what you get. This is what you get for all those participation trophies…
Be well y’all… and if you can’t… you know what to do.
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