Proposal: Roster Building Thread Part IV: High Hopes

[NYR]

I'm older than dirt. Nylander was a 1C here. I think you have a point about Nedved (the Czech line would have been a very good 2nd line on a contender), but Straka/Nylander/Jagr was all about chemistry, not about one guy lifting up the other two. We saw proof of that when Gomez looked like crap centering Jagr and Dubinsky had to step in.

I feel your oldness. Trust me

Yes. They most certainly were #1 centers for the NYR but if you compare them to the rest of the #1 centers throughout the league at the time, they weren't winning anything.

Zib and Hayes are NOT #1 and #2 centers in this league!

 

[NYR]

Especially true in the 90's... you were either a star or not... for what it's worth, I got used to reading the "1A/1B" crap, and it's stuck with me... I always snicker when people talk about the "best fourth line center" and stuff. But I too have done it. It almost makes sense...

I'm waiting for the Rangers to bring in there first natural 36DD...

Who is she?

 

[NYR]

At least I got this thread going again. You guys have made for some really boring reading this past week

 

[smoneil]

I feel your oldness. Trust me

Yes. They most certainly were #1 centers for the NYR but if you compare them to the rest of the #1 centers throughout the league at the time, they weren't winning anything.

Zib and Hayes are NOT #1 and #2 centers in this league!

I agree with the latter, and it really concerns me. I think Miller/Hayes CEILING is #2 center, so this is a huge gamble on Gorton's part that Zib can fill Stepan's gap and Hayes/Miller can fill Zib's gap. If Anderssen or the new D kid turn out to be big gets, then it's a trade that was worth it. I don't hate the move. I just think it's riskier than I would prefer. Time will tell if it was good or bad, and evaluating it in EITHER direction right now is a bit premature in my view.

As far as Nylander, I respectfully disagree. Straka/Nylander/Jagr was one of THE best lines in the league (as in top 3 or 4 lines league wide). It was a group dynamic. That line doesn't work without Nylander and that line was dominant, ergo Nylander WAS a #1 center for us as far as I'm concerned. And I should know. I watched them play uphill, both ways in the snow, haha.

 

[NYR]

I agree with the latter, and it really concerns me. I think Miller/Hayes CEILING is #2 center, so this is a huge gamble on Gorton's part that Zib can fill Stepan's gap and Hayes/Miller can fill Zib's gap. If Anderssen or the new D kid turn out to be big gets, then it's a trade that was worth it. I don't hate the move. I just think it's riskier than I would prefer. Time will tell if it was good or bad, and evaluating it in EITHER direction right now is a bit premature in my view.

Out of the 3?
I'm most confident in Miller.
He just seems to have that drive and I think he'll end up outplaying Hayes.

As far as Nylander, I respectfully disagree. Straka/Nylander/Jagr was one of THE best lines in the league (as in top 3 or 4 lines league wide). It was a group dynamic. That line doesn't work without Nylander and that line was dominant, ergo Nylander WAS a #1 center for us as far as I'm concerned. And I should know. I watched them play uphill, both ways in the snow, haha.

Lol..They were very dynamic. Absolutely, but didn't they get bounced in the first round the last year they were together?

 

[smoneil]

Out of the 3?
I'm most confident in Miller.
He just seems to have that drive and I think he'll end up outplaying Hayes.



Lol..They were very dynamic. Absolutely, but didn't they get bounced in the first round the last year they were together?

On Miller, my bigger concern is whether he can BE a center at the NHL level. He's been a winger for an awful long time now.

On Nylander, you are slightly off. They got bounced in the first round in 05-06, and that had a LOT to do with Henrik Lundqvist (that was the year he had migraines or vertigo or something, and put up just awful numbers). The last year that line was together was the following year, when they took a very good Buffalo team to game six in the second round. And Nylander led the team in playoff scoring that year, with 13 points in 10 games (including 2 goals in the elimination game).

 

[NYR]

On Miller, my bigger concern is whether he can BE a center at the NHL level. He's been a winger for an awful long time now.

Having played C before and with his competitive edge, I think he'll be alright.
We're certainly going to find out.

On Nylander, you are slightly off. They got bounced in the first round in 05-06, and that had a LOT to do with Henrik Lundqvist (that was the year he had migraines or vertigo or something, and put up just awful numbers). The last year that line was together was the following year, when they took a very good Buffalo team to game six in the second round. And Nylander led the team in playoff scoring that year, with 13 points in 10 games (including 2 goals in the elimination game).

I stand corrected

 

[Machinehead]

Dude..Since you probably weren't old enough to actually see any of these guys play how about we just address what I posted?

I vividly remember Nedved. Hell, I vividly remember Messier.

I hear this ****ing crap all the time - this is going to be my seventh season just on HF; how ****ing young do you guys think I am?

Are you comfortable with Zib and Hayes as our #1 and #2 centers?

No concern with the depth? Injuries?

Not particularly, and of course I have concerns.

But winning starts at the blueline. We've addressed that. We have a fantastic top 4 all in their primes and we have time to address center going forward if we need to.

Gun to my head, I'd rather have poor center depth and great defense than good center depth and garbage defense like we've had for the past few years.

 

[BBKers]

I vividly remember Nedved. Hell, I vividly remember Messier.

I hear this ****ing crap all the time - this is going to be my seventh season just on HF; how ****ing young do you guys think I am?



Not particularly, and of course I have concerns.

But winning starts at the blueline. We've addressed that. We have a fantastic top 4 all in their primes and we have time to address center going forward if we need to.

Gun to my head, I'd rather have poor center depth and great defense than good center depth and garbage defense like we've had for the past few years.

An interesting anology
Let's see if this is so in a year
Still think we are bringing in one more piece

 

[Machinehead]

[/B]

An interesting anology
Let's see if this is so in a year
Still think we are bringing in one more piece

Hopefully Jagr.

Although apparently I'm too young to remember Jagr.

 

[Ori]

Gorton wants Miller to play center. AV doesn't sound like he is on board. Gorton hasn't traded for a center which is easier said than done. No trades are made anymore. Brooks wrote there is no trade coming for a center. I know Brooks wrote there was no traction on a Stepan trade for a right handed shooting D and a few hours later Stepan and Raanta were drafted for a first round pick and ADA. Gorton has two of the biggest trades in the last two summers. He has tried to make more. AV will have no choice but to play Miller.



https://www.sny.tv/rangers/news/what-jeff-gorton-said-on-his-conference-call/239892550

Gorton made those comments on July 1.



http://nypost.com/2017/07/11/if-j-t-miller-isnt-instantly-rangers-next-stepan-who-is/

Last week was the first week of August.

Who is playing center?

It doesn't seem like Andersson will be part of the solution for this season.



https://www.sny.tv/rangers/news/what-jeff-gorton-said-about-the-stepan-trade-and-deangelo/238312160

Gorton made those comments before the selection of Andersson. The Rangers shouldn't rush him because they need a center. Andersson will play in Traverse City and be invited to training camp. Maybe the Rangers give him a 9 game trail to look at Andersson and for him to get a feel of the NHL game. Andersson is better off playing major minutes for Frolunda. Both Andersson and Chytil had good summers. Andersson player well in the WJC showcase. Chytil played well in the games against Finland. He will also be in TC and at Rangers camp. Both of them should return to the respective teams in Europe. Play in the WJC. Have strong seasons. Compete for roster spots on the Rangers in 2018-19.

Gorton traded his top center for a player they don't project to help them this coming season. I know they like ADA and what he can add to the team. The Rangers have been after that type of player for a while. They tried to acquire Barrie in 13-14 before he established himself. Del Zotto trade. They tried to acquire Honka for Talbot. A young right handed shooting D.

Move Miller to C. Kreider,Vesey,Zibanejad,Miller,Hayes,Zuccarello,Buchnevich and Nash. Those are your top 8 forwards. Buchnevich and Vesey take that next step. Buchnevich looked like he was going to have really good rookie season but he missed two months with his back injury. The Rangers trade Nash at the trading deadline for the Martin Hanzal package. The Rangers retain some money in the trade. The Rangers will have two #1 picks in 2018. Four first round picks in two years. The rental trades are popular at the trading deadline. It seems those are the only trades made during the season. 186 day season. 40 days left at the deadline. Nash will have $1,677,419 remaining on his cap hit.

Thanks for posting this @Rangerboy very informative and much appreciated!
I agree with Gorton, I felt that Miller was missing something in the wing position especially in the playoffs! I know this thread is not about JT. Miller, but I really enjoy to see him in a new role and in a center position for us next season.

 

[Savant]

Still think we are bringing in one more piece

How?

 

[ManUtdTobbe]

I think signing Smith and getting Girardi off the team is enough to offset losing Stepan, adding Shattenkirk on top is just gravy which makes us a better team then last year.

 

[Ola]

How?

Maybe you guys are discussing a little more heavy alternatives, but I would be surprised if we didn't make more depth signings.

Or we like the kids we signed this summer a lot?

 

[ManUtdTobbe]

I think we'll see atleast a couple depth signings, atleast some PTOs. I'd be very happy if we added Winnik and Chiasson.

 

[BBKers]

PLAYERS UNDER CONTRACT WITH NEW YORK RANGERS ORGANISATION 2017-2018 (48)
NEW YORK RANGERS SQUAD (23)
[table="head;width=4200]Nr|Pos |Player| Caphit |Contract Status|Team 2016 |Drafted/Acquired |Age 2017
1| F | J.T. Miller |$2.750.000 |RFA 2018 |New York Rangers/NHL |R1 #15 NYR (2011) |24
2| F | Kevin Hayes |$2,600,000 |RFA 2018 |New York Rangers/NHL |R1 #24 Chicago (2010)- signed w/NYR as UFA |25
3| D | Brady Skjei (ELC) |$925,000* |RFA 2018 |New York Rangers/NHL |R1 #28 NYR (2012) |23
4| F | Jimmy Vesey (ELC) |$925,000* |RFA 2018 |New York Rangers/NHL |R3 #66 Nashville (2012)- signed w/NYR as UFA |24
5| F | Matt Puempel |$725.000 |RFA 2018 |New York Rangers/NHL |R1 #24 Ottawa (2011) - waiver claim 2016 |24
6| F | Rick Nash (NMC) |$7,800,000 |UFA 2018 |New York Rangers/NHL |R1 #1 overall Columbus Blue Jackets (2002) - acquired through trade|33
7| D | Nick Holden |$1,650,000 |UFA 2018 |New York Rangers/NHL |Undrafted - acquired through trade |30
8| F | Michael Grabner |$1,600,000 |UFA 2018 |New York Rangers/NHL |R1 #14 Vancover Canucks (2006) - signed w/NYR as UFA |30
9| G | Ondrej Pavelec |$1,300,000 |UFA 2018 |Winnipeg Jets/NHL |R2 #41 Atlanta Flames (2009) - signed w/NYR as UFA |29
10| F | David Desharnais |$1,000,000 |UFA 2018 |Edmonton Oilers/NHL |Undrafted - signed w/NYR as UFA |31
11| D | Ryan McDonagh |$4,700,000 |UFA 2019 |New York Rangers/NHL |R1 #12 Montreal (2007) - acquired unsigned through trade|28
12| F | Mats Zuccarello (NTC) |$4,500,000 |UFA 2019 |New York Rangers/NHL |Undrafted (started w NYR) |30
13| D | Alexei Bereglazov (ELC)|$925,000* |RFA 2019 |Metallurg Magnitogorsk/KHL|Undrafted (started w NYR) |23
14| F | Pavel Buchnevich (ELC)|$925,000* |RFA 2019 |New York Rangers/NHL |R3 #75 NYR (2013) |22
15| D | Anthony DeAngelo (ELC)|$863,333* |RFA 2019 |Arizona Coyotes/NHL |R1 #19 Tampa Bay (2014) |22
16| F | Chris Kreider |$4,625,000 |UFA 2020 |New York Rangers/NHL |R1 #19 NYR (2009) |26
17| F | Jesper Fast(h) LTIR |$1,850.000 |UFA 2020 |New York Rangers/NHL |R6 #157 NYR (2010) |26
18| F | Lias Andersson (ELC-S?)|$925,000* |UFA 2020 |HV71/SHL |R1 #7 NYR (2017) |19
19| G | Henrik Lundqvist (NMC)|$8,500,000 |UFA 2021 |New York Rangers/NHL |R7 #208 NYR (2000) |35
20| D | Kevin Shattenkirk (NTC)|$6,650,000 |UFA 2021 |Washington Capitals/NHL|R1 #14 Colorado Avalanche (2007) - signed w/NYR as UFA |28
21| D | Marc Staal (NMC => NTC)|$5,750,000 |UFA 2021 |New York Rangers/NHL |R1 #12 NYR (2005) |30
22| D | Brendan Smith (NTC) |$4,350,000 |UFA 2021 |New York Rangers/NHL |R1 #27 Detroit Red Wings (2007) - acquired through trade|28
23| F | Mika Zibanejad |$5,350,000 |RFA 2022 |New York Rangers/NHL |R1 #6 Ottawa Senators (2011) - acquired through trade |24[/table]

TOTALS
SALARY CAP: $75,000,000
BUYOUTS (Dan Girardi): $2,611,111
SALARY HIT: $71,188,333
SALARY HIT WITH BUYOUT:$73,799,444
CAP SPACE: $1,200,556
LTIR: Jesper Fast (until November/December)
13 FWD - 8 D - 2 G (Likely 1 more fwd incoming + 1 D going out)
AVERAGE AGE ~ 27.0 years

CONTRACTED 2017/2018 BUT LIKELY ASSIGNED TO AHL/ECHL/ELSEWHERE (25)
[table="head;width=4200]Nr |Pos |Player| Caphit |Contract Status |Team 2016 |Drafted |Age 2017
24|F |Paul Carey |$650,000 |UFA 2018 |Hershey Bears/AHL |R5 #135 Colorado (2007) - signed w/NYR as UFA |29
25|F |Adam Tambellini (ELC) |$803.333* |RFA 2018 |Hartford Wolfpack/AHL |R3 #65 NYR (2013) |23
26|F |Adam Chapie (ELC) |$800.000* |RFA 2018 |Greenville Swamp Rabbits/ECHL |Undrafted (started w NYR) |26
27|F |Cristoval Nieves(ELC) |$755.000* |RFA 2018 |Hartford Wolfpack/AHL |R2 #59 NYR (2012) |23
28|F |Steven Fogarty (ELC) |$750.000* |RFA 2018 |Hartford Wolfpack/AHL |R3 #72 NYR (2011) |24
29|F |Malte Strömwall (ELC) |$742.500* |RFA 2018 |Hartford Wolfpack/AHL |R7 #198 Calgary (started w NYR) |24
30|D |Ryan Graves (ELC) |$656,667* |RFA 2018 |Hartford Wolfpack/AHL |R4 #110 NYR (2013) |22
31|F |Daniel Catenacci |$650,000 |RFA 2018 |Hartford Wolfpack/AHL |R3 #77 Buffalo (2011)- acquired through trade |23
32|D |John Gilmour (ELC) |$633.333* |RFA 2018 |Hartford Wolfpack/AHL |R7 #198 Calgary (2012) - signed w/NYR as UFA|24
33|F |Cole Schneider |$650,000 |UFA 2019 |Rochester Americans/AHL |Undrafted - signed w/NYR as UFA |27
34|D |Steve Kampfer |$650,000 |UFA 2019 |Hartford Wolfpack/AHL |R4 #93 (2007) Anaheim - acquired through trade |29
35|F |Vinni Lettieri (ELC) |$925,000* |RFA 2019 |Univ. of Minnesota/NCAA |Undrafted (started w NYR) |22
36|D |Neil Pionk (ELC) |$925,000* |RFA 2019 |Univ. of Minnesota-Duluth/NCAA |Undrafted (started w NYR) |22
37|G |Chris Nell (ELC) |$925,000* |RFA 2019 |Bowling Green/NCAA |Undrafted (started w NYR) |23
38|F |Robin Kovacs (ELC) |$803.333* |RFA 2019 |Hartford Wolfpack/AHL |R3 #62 NYR (2015) |21
39|G |Brandon Halverson (ELC)|$803.333* |RFA 2019 |Hartford Wolfpack/AHL |R2 #59 NYR (2014) |21
40|D |Vince Pedrie (ELC) |$767,500* |RFA 2019 |Penn State Univ./NCAA |Undrafted (started w NYR) |22
41|F |Ryan Gropp (ELC) |$839.166* |RFA 2020 |Seattle Thunderbirds/WHL |R2 #41 NYR (2015) |21
42|G |Alexander Georgiev(ELC)|$792,500* |RFA 2020 |TPS/Liiga Finland |Undrafted (started w NYR) |21
43|D |Sean Day (ELC-S?)|$775,833* |RFA 2020 |Windsor Spitfires/OHL |R3 #81 NYR (2016) |19
44|F |Dawson Leedahl (ELC)|$749,167* |RFA 2020 |Regina Pats/WHL |Undrafted (started w NYR) |21
45|F |Timothy Gettinger (ELC-S?)|$736,667* |RFA 2020 |Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds/OHL|R5 #141 NYR (2016) |19
46|F |Gabriel Fontaine (ELC)|$736,667* |RFA 2020 |Rouyn-Noranda Huskies/QMJHL |R6 #171 NYR (2016) |20
47|D |Sergey Zborovskiy (ELC)|$734,166* |RFA 2020 |Regina Pats/WHL |R3 #79 NYR (2015) |20
48|F |Filip Chytil (ELC-S) |$925,000* |RFA 2020 |PSG Zlín/Czech Extraliga |R1 #21 NYR (2017) |18
(49)|F |Dan DeSalvo |AHL contract |UFA 2018 |Manitoba Moose/AHL |Undrafted - signed w/Hartford as UFA |25
(50)|D |Brendan Kotyk |AHL contract |UFA 2018 |Univ. of Minnesota-Duluth/NCAA |Undrafted - signed w/Hartford as UFA |26
(51)|F |Eric Selleck |AHL contract |UFA 2018 |Tucson Roadrunners/AHL |Undrafted - signed w/Hartford as UFA |30[/table]

* - has additional bonus money in contract
ELC - denotes player on Entry Level Contract
NTC - denotes No Trade Clause in Contract
NMC - denotes No Movement Clause in Contract
@ - signed to an AHL deal with Hartford Wolfpack

PLAYERS STILL UNSIGNED BUT WITH RIGHTS RETAINED BY NYR (12)
[table="head;width=3800]Nr|Position |Player| Team 2016| Height |Weight| Nationality |Shoots|DOB|Drafted
1|G |Igor Shestyorkin |St. Petersburg SKA (KHL) |6' 1"| 187 | Russia |L|December 30, 1995 |R4 #118 NYR (2014)
2|F |Patrik Virta |TPS/Liiga Finland |5' 10" | 181 | Finland |R|March 6, 1996 |R7 #207 NYR (2017)
3|D |Tyler Nanne |Minnesota Golden Gophers/NCAA |5' 10" | 183 | USA |R|March 17, 1996 |R5 #142 NYR (2014)
4|F |Daniel Bernhardt |VIK Västerås HK/Allsvenskan |6' 3" | 191 | Sweden |L|April 11, 1996 |R4 #119 NYR (2015)
5|D |Brandon Crawley |London Knights/OHL |6' 2" | 203 | USA |L|February 2, 1997 |R4 #123 NYR (2017)
6|F |Dominik Lakatos |Bili Tygri Liberec/Czech Extraliga|5' 11"| 179 |Czech Republic |L|April 8, 1997 |R6 #157 NYR (2017)
7|G |Adam Huska |UConn Huskies/NCAA |6' 3" | 191 | Slovakia |L|May 12, 1997 |R7 #184 NYR (2015)
8|F |Ty Ronning |Vancouver Giants/WHL |5' 9" | 165 | Canada |R|October 20, 1997 |R7 #201 NYR (2016)
9|G |Tyler Wall |UMass Lowell River Hawks/NCAA |6' 2" | 190 | Canada |R|January 14, 1998 |R6 #174 NYR (2016)
10|D |Tarmo Reunanen |TUTO Hockey/Mestis |6' 0" | 180 | Finland |L|March 1, 1998 |R4 #98 NYR (2016)
11|F |Morgan Barron |St. Andrew's College/CAHS |6' 2" | 201 | Canada |R|December 02, 1998 |R6 #174 NYR (2017)
12|D |Calle Själin |Östersunds IK/Div.1 Sweden |6' 1" | 176 | Sweden |L|September 2, 1999 |R5 #145 NYR (2017)
(13)|F |Carl Klingberg |EV Zug/NLA - rights retained |6' 3" | 212 | Sweden |R|January 28, 1991 |R2 #34 Atlanta (2009)
(14)|F |Niklas Jensen |Jokerit/KHL - rights retained |6' 3" | 216 | Denmark |R|March 6, 1993 |R1 #29 Vancouver (2011)[/table]

2018 DRAFT PICKS (6)

• 1st round NYR
• 2nd round NYR
• 3rd round NYR
• 4th round NYR
• 5th round NYR
• 6th round NYR

• We gained a 2nd round pick from Ottawa when we traded Derrick Brassard
• We then lost Ottawas 2nd round pick to Detroit in the trade for Brendan Smith
• We then also lost our 7th round pick to Ottawa in the trade for Mika Zibanejad

2019 DRAFT PICKS (7)

• 1st round NYR
• 2nd round NYR
• 3rd round NYR
• 4th round NYR
• 5th round NYR
• 6th round NYR
• 7th round NYR

2020 DRAFT PICKS (7)

• 1st round NYR
• 2nd round NYR
• 3rd round NYR
• 4th round NYR
• 5th round NYR
• 6th round NYR
• 7th round NYR

One possible scenario
Holden plus a 2nd and a small add is dealt for Tyler Bozak (TML retain ~$1,2M)
Fast starts on LTIR
We then carry an additional cap hit of $1,4M here - meaning we are $200k above the cap ceiling but with a 23 man roster and with $1,85M in cap relief with LTIR money until Fast returns.
One of Puempel (waivers) or Andersson (demotion or loan to Frölunda) would leave the team when Fast returns - thereby barely clearing up ample cap space to operate the team.
We could even, at least in theory, also then sign the big defenseman Gelinas to add into the mix of competition in camp. If the youngsters excel he could possibly provide good leadership and added depth in Hartford if he clears waivers. He would likely cost a couple hundred thousand less in cap space than either ADA or Bear Gloves, who instead could see 1st pairing time for a shorter period in Hartford if the cap crunch warrants this
Add a couple of August 16 NCAA signings plus the camp tryout to Tkachev and there you have it.

Kreider - Zib - Buch/Zucc
Vesey - Bozak - Nash
Miller - Hayes - Zucc/Buch
Grabner - Andersson/Desharnais - ? (short term solution)
Puempel

Fast starts on LTIR

McD - Shatty
Skjei - Smith
Staal - ADA/Beargloves/Pionk/Gelinas?

 

[Synergy27]

I agree with the latter, and it really concerns me. I think Miller/Hayes CEILING is #2 center, so this is a huge gamble on Gorton's part that Zib can fill Stepan's gap and Hayes/Miller can fill Zib's gap. If Anderssen or the new D kid turn out to be big gets, then it's a trade that was worth it. I don't hate the move. I just think it's riskier than I would prefer. Time will tell if it was good or bad, and evaluating it in EITHER direction right now is a bit premature in my view.

As far as Nylander, I respectfully disagree. Straka/Nylander/Jagr was one of THE best lines in the league (as in top 3 or 4 lines league wide). It was a group dynamic. That line doesn't work without Nylander and that line was dominant, ergo Nylander WAS a #1 center for us as far as I'm concerned. And I should know. I watched them play uphill, both ways in the snow, haha.

Nylander was 30th overall in scoring in 2006 and 15th among centers. If Stepan was a #1, Nylander certainly was as well.

That line was a case study in chemistry. I'm a little concerned that the Rangers will take a step back this year if only due to the significant roster turnover. This is something I don't see being discussed here too much.

Roster turnover was a trademark of those dark ages Rangers teams. It makes sense to want to make big changes to underperforming rosters, but there is something to be said about year to year consistency and cohesiveness.

It's much easier to integrate just a couple of new parts, or to shift the roles of a couple of guys slightly than it is to make wholesale changes. The Rangers have a lot of players that are either completely new or will be expected to fill completely new roles and I expect the transition will not be as smooth as we all hope.

 

[offdacrossbar]

removing girardi and holden hopefully and a reduced role for marc staal makes us better right there.

adding 22 and potentially 77 makes the defense much more dynamic and able to create from the back end. weve added better skaters and certainly more talent to the blue line. resigning 42 helps alot as well.

another year of development for 76- who's been terrific, and you've got a defense that will be much better than the dumpster fire that had girardi staal and holden getting major minutes nightly.

i dont see a step back at all. if the pp is better- and it has to be, then this team is more dangerous. top 5 pp makes us a legit contender easy.

and its so early right now, plenty of time to take a look at what we have and add a vet pivot or winger.

add jagr to this group and play 10 in the middle if need be.

im pretty excited for the upcoming season tbh.

 

[Ndurpressure]

removing girardi and holden hopefully and a reduced role for marc staal makes us better right there.

adding 22 and potentially 77 makes the defense much more dynamic and able to create from the back end. weve added better skaters and certainly more talent to the blue line. resigning 42 helps alot as well.

another year of development for 76- who's been terrific, and you've got a defense that will be much better than the dumpster fire that had girardi staal and holden getting major minutes nightly.

i dont see a step back at all. if the pp is better- and it has to be, then this team is more dangerous. top 5 pp makes us a legit contender easy.

and its so early right now, plenty of time to take a look at what we have and add a vet pivot or winger.

add jagr to this group and play 10 in the middle if need be.

im pretty excited for the upcoming season tbh.

To echo all that, i'm excited to see what some of our less "toolsy," more physicality reliant skaters (kreider for one) benefit from consistently strong outlet passes. If we can reduce kreider's time spent playing the "plotting a next move" game, and increase his time beating defenders caught in the mud, everything else will change too.

 

[Mac n Gs]

The team was 11th overall on the PP% but was 24th in penalties drawn. The powerplay is fine, the issue is having the puck enough to draw more penalties.

 

[UAGoalieGuy]

I think the value of being able to effectively move the puck out of your own zone is being severly underrated.

Also if Miller is moved to center, the depth there is not bad. You have 3 guys that are 2/3 centers. They are lacking that clear cut #1. DD will be fine on the fourth line.

What's funny is that some of the posters saying that the Rangers do not have a #1 center after trading Stepan were some of the same people that were saying that Stepan was not a #1 center during the season. Go figure.

 

[Fugazy]

I think the value of being able to effectively move the puck out of your own zone is being severly underrated.

Also if Miller is moved to center, the depth there is not bad. You have 3 guys that are 2/3 centers. They are lacking that clear cut #1. DD will be fine on the fourth line.

What's funny is that some of the posters saying that the Rangers do not have a #1 center after trading Stepan were some of the same people that were saying that Stepan was not a #1 center during the season. Go figure.

You have to think that will significantly improve this season with Shattenkirk in and Girardi out.

 

[offdacrossbar]

The team was 11th overall on the PP% but was 24th in penalties drawn. The powerplay is fine, the issue is having the puck enough to draw more penalties.

depends on your perspective. after a strong start the trend was negative from 1/1/17 on.

the pp isnt fine. the numbers tell a different story.

the pp was performing at a rate of @ 8.1% in 2017. a dismal 5.9% at home and 15.2% clip on the road. brutal.

and in the playoffs, it continued with a woeful 7.7% and while the pk was 89.5%

27 continued to be force fed pp minutes and he continued his clown show on the point. he was in a word, bad. he's a force defensively and with the right partner, he could again be great. a pp point man he is not.

adding 22 and 77 will allow for a true offensive dman to get those pp point minutes. adding those 2 and removing 27 make the pp better immediately. giving 27 a blow on the man up will allow for fresher legs for the pk and matchup 5v5 minutes as well. thats a positive again.

the pp trend was bad from jan and continued into the playoffs. the pp at home was abysmal.

improving on the pp makes this team a force. adding the right guys and removing the wrong one goes along way to making that happen.

 

[Gardner McKay]

I vividly remember Nedved. Hell, I vividly remember Messier.

I hear this ****ing crap all the time - this is going to be my seventh season just on HF; how ****ing young do you guys think I am?



Not particularly, and of course I have concerns.

But winning starts at the blueline. We've addressed that. We have a fantastic top 4 all in their primes and we have time to address center going forward if we need to.

Gun to my head, I'd rather have poor center depth and great defense than good center depth and garbage defense like we've had for the past few years.

I can confidently say you are somewhere between 18-65.

I am excited to see what this defense can do. I have high hopes.

 

[alkurtz]

I have no problem starting the season with Hayes as our #2 center. He functioned well in that role when Zib got hurt last season.

However, not having a legit #3 center locks Hayes into the position even if he stumbles. Without depth at the position, he has to be our #2 no matter what.

And what if Zib gets hurt? Hayes becomes our default #1 center. Those who don't think that center depth is a major red-flag for this team are fooling themselves. No matter how much we have improved our D, both in quality and quantity, center is our weakest spot. Miller is the wildcard here.