Roster Building thread - Part IX - (2024 edition)

[GoAwayPanarin]

Well get ready to be upset then because I think it's happening. I'm not sure there are many available players with term and cap numbers we can handle that makes sense in the areas of need. It's always easy for the armchair GM's like myself to say no but It's a tough decision for a real GM when your team is near the top of the league and there is no clear cup favorite. Vancouver traded a haul for rental Lindholm and Winnipeg a 1st+ for rental Monahan. There will be more as the deadline approaches.

I don’t think it’s happening for a rental.

Also they need to let Vatrano go. He isn’t the answer

 

[redwhiteandblue]

Kane on fire lmao. Carrying that Detroit team. I know the haters wont eat their crow.

I will because I was openly against it. I haven't caught as much hockey the last few weeks (I usually watch more NHL games esp if I'm betting) but he has certainly been better than I expected. He wasn't great at first when back, I watched a few games. It's hard to deny though he's been producing and very good there, and he'd be getting the ice time here just as well.

I do feel like he wasn't a great fit here because they'd try and force him and Art, reasonably that means he'd play with Mika and CK but I don't love that line. I guess it's just your 2nd line which is a pure scoring line so it could be ok.

Either way, I was anti-Kane. He looks better than I expected but I still prefer the route of infusing kids from the farm and I was vocal about that aspect too as much as I was not wanting Kane. He's been pretty great though.

 

[kovazub94]

Well get ready to be upset then because I think it's happening. I'm not sure there are many available players with term and cap numbers we can handle that makes sense in the areas of need. It's always easy for the armchair GM's like myself to say no but It's a tough decision for a real GM when your team is near the top of the league and there is no clear cup favorite. Vancouver traded a haul for rental Lindholm and Winnipeg a 1st+ for rental Monahan. There will be more as the deadline approaches.

Why can’t Drury just stay away then and go for lesser trades that don’t require movement of 1st altogether or until he find the right situation?

 

[PuckLuck3043]

Would hate, hate, hate to deal Berard or Sykora, but not all of them can make the team with only 12 spots IF Edstrom and Rempe continue on this path. Small sample size but I have Edstrom in that bottom 6 next year. You already have Cuylle on a wing. Vesey will be back and could continue to be a cheap depth forward as I believe they will extend him again. So you are running out of spots. If Chytil comes back then he is on a wing spot too with Gourde there. There just is no room for Berard/Sykora. Maybe one pushes Rempe to a 13th forward role, but you dont want to hold onto those guys too long otherwise their value will start to go the other way. Their stock is high right now. I prefer Berard to Sykora personally, although I like both. Even Brodzinski is a threat to them. Might as well deal one while their NHL capabilities are still unknown and bring in Gourde/Eberle.

Kreider-Zib-Eberle
Panarin-Troch-Laf
Cuylle-Gourde-Kakko
Edstrom-Goodrow-Vesey

Rempe, Brodzinski

I think Gourde is a perfect fit between Cuylle and Kakko.

Edit: If Chytil is back there isn’t even a path where Berard/Sykora make Rempe the 13th. Rempe becomes the 14th and they are the “13th” but in reality they are in Hartford.

I would also hate to see Sykora or Berard traded but I do think at least one of them will be either at the deadline or this summer. We already have Edstrom and Rempe playing and Othmann, Perrault, Berard, Sykora in the pipeline. Something has got to give. Gourde/Eberle would be a dream package but would cost a ton especially with retention needed.

 

[GAGLine]

Chytil could theoretically slide to the wing. Do not have confidence he can stay healthy though.

It becomes a cap management issue. There are two possible scenarios:

1) We sign a player like Mittlestadt for significant money to replace Chytil and we use LTIR to make it work.
2) We sign a player like Mittlestadt for significant money to replace Chytil but don't use LTIR to make it work.

In the 1st scenario, we have a problem if Chytil comes back. We'd be forced to move a significant cap hit to activate Chytil.

In the 2nd scenario, we are basically leaving 4.5 mil unused in case Chytil comes back. That's not the worst thing in the world, as we could then use that space at the deadline if he doesn't come back, but it might be difficult to make that work on day 1 of the season. A lot will depend on what happens with Kakko, Lindgren, Schneider and Gustafsson.

The safer option is to fill that spot cheaply. Brodzinski or someone else making similar money. That will allow us to fill out the rest of the roster and still stay under the cap. If Chytil comes back, then there's no issue with activating him. If he doesn't, then we have all that LTIR space to make moves.

If we knew for sure that Chytil would never play again, then we could be more aggressive in replacing him.

 

[GlasgowNewYorkRanger]

Guys, CBA and all that, can Tara now be aquired with retention, a whole calender year after the previous retention?

 

[PuckLuck3043]

Why can’t Drury just stay away then and go for lesser trades that don’t require movement of 1st altogether or until he find the right situation?

This team desperately needs a 1RW and a top 4 LD plus a 3/4 type center. The first 2 will cost a 1st+ and there have been reports that the Rangers 1st is in play if the deal makes sense. It's going to happen but it's going to go down to the wire at the deadline.

 

[B17 Apricots]

I like Gourde I just don't see any reason to make that move. Yanni plays over 17 minutes a game. He's on track for 30 points this season. Brodzinski plays less than 12 minutes a game and is on track for 30 points as well. Gourde has 55 games played, Brodz is already at ~40. It's a decent enough sample size. At this point in Gourde's career I don't think it's enough of an upgrade to justify a trade unless it's for pennies

 

[McRanger92]

I like Gourde I just don't see any reason to make that move. Yanni plays over 17 minutes a game. He's on track for 30 points this season. Brodzinski plays less than 12 minutes a game and is on track for 30 points as well. Gourde has 55 games played, Brodz is already at ~40. It's a decent enough sample size. At this point in Gourde's career I don't think it's enough of an upgrade to justify a trade unless it's for pennies

Brodz plays for a much better team for one. I’d also say I don’t think it’s an either or situation. We need NHL center depth this year and next with the questions around Chytil. Having enough guys to push Jonny B & Rempe to the 13/14 forwards come playoff time is a coach’s dream. Gourde will have much more favorably matchups on our 3rd line than he does on Seattle’s top line

 

[kovazub94]

This team desperately needs a 1RW and a top 4 LD plus a 3/4 type center. The first 2 will cost a 1st+ and there have been reports that the Rangers 1st is in play if the deal makes sense. It's going to happen but it's going to go down to the wire at the deadline.

The Rangers don’t need a bona fide top line RW. All positions that might improve can be done on the margin with lesser status players that fit. I think the Rangers do need long-term help at D that would obviously help this playoff run and it’s where I wouldn’t mind spending a 1st then. But pure rentals? No thank you and IMO no need for Drury to go there.

 

[PuckLuck3043]

The Rangers don’t need a bona fide top line RW. All positions that might improve can be done on the margin with lesser status players that fit. I think the Rangers do need long-term help at D that would obviously help this playoff run and where then I wouldn’t mind spending a 1st. But pure rentals? No thank you and IMO no need for Drury to go there.

I think they do though and it's been a need for years. It would make the forwards a very deep unit and slot Vesey down to where he should be.

 

[redwhiteandblue]

The Rangers had two scouts at the Buffalo-Columbus game on Friday night



Casey Mittelstadt? Would trading a first round pick "be worth It" as Emily noted for Casey?

Is Chytil coming back? He suffered two concussions this season and is up to 4 or 5 or 6 documented concussions in his career.

Drury will probably acquire one guy no one here has mentioned. That's kind of been his MO the last few years.

Boone Jenner coming in hot.

 

[DanielBrassard]

I like the idea of Mittelstadt. He’s turned into a good player, and though he’s got a reputation for being weak and soft he’s not.

 

[kovazub94]

I would also hate to see Sykora or Berard traded but I do think at least one of them will be either at the deadline or this summer. We already have Edstrom and Rempe playing and Othmann, Perrault, Berard, Sykora in the pipeline. Something has got to give. Gourde/Eberle would be a dream package but would cost a ton especially with retention needed.

Let’s take 3-year period starting with the current 2023-2024. It’s I better than fine to introduce 2 rookies in the line up for per year so 6 players. So over that span only at forward it would be Cuylle, Edstrom, Rempe, Othmann, Perrault and one of Sykora / Berard? That’s 7 right there and before we mention the next wave in Chmelar, BMB, Laba etc. or lesser prospects. From the Rangers perspective I really think that one of S / B could be available because of similarities in what they’re expected to bring to the NHL.

 

[RGY]

Just just a piggyback on this point, I don’t think for one second, and I’m sure I could speak for others, that if Kane was crashing and burning, we wouldn’t be hearing shit from all the rest of you guys that are anti-Kane every minute of every day. Once again, our front office made a terrible asset decision.

It goes beyond my personal fandom of Kane. Its a poor risk/reward evaluation while taking into account the cascade effects on both sides. The cascade effect being we are going to spend more in assets. It would have been great to only be going for a 3C right now. And if there someone you really wanted, you would have more assets to work with to outbid someone else.

I will because I was openly against it. I haven't caught as much hockey the last few weeks (I usually watch more NHL games esp if I'm betting) but he has certainly been better than I expected. He wasn't great at first when back, I watched a few games. It's hard to deny though he's been producing and very good there, and he'd be getting the ice time here just as well.

I do feel like he wasn't a great fit here because they'd try and force him and Art, reasonably that means he'd play with Mika and CK but I don't love that line. I guess it's just your 2nd line which is a pure scoring line so it could be ok.

Either way, I was anti-Kane. He looks better than I expected but I still prefer the route of infusing kids from the farm and I was vocal about that aspect too as much as I was not wanting Kane. He's been pretty great though.

I respect this post a ton.

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

I like Gourde I just don't see any reason to make that move. Yanni plays over 17 minutes a game. He's on track for 30 points this season. Brodzinski plays less than 12 minutes a game and is on track for 30 points as well. Gourde has 55 games played, Brodz is already at ~40. It's a decent enough sample size. At this point in Gourde's career I don't think it's enough of an upgrade to justify a trade unless it's for pennies

It’s about more than points.

Gourde has been pretty unlucky this year, both as a shooter and in having his passes converted.

He forechecks like a f***ing demon and that’s something that would fit that third line like a glove.

 

[RGY]

It becomes a cap management issue. There are two possible scenarios:

1) We sign a player like Mittlestadt for significant money to replace Chytil and we use LTIR to make it work.
2) We sign a player like Mittlestadt for significant money to replace Chytil but don't use LTIR to make it work.

In the 1st scenario, we have a problem if Chytil comes back. We'd be forced to move a significant cap hit to activate Chytil.

In the 2nd scenario, we are basically leaving 4.5 mil unused in case Chytil comes back. That's not the worst thing in the world, as we could then use that space at the deadline if he doesn't come back, but it might be difficult to make that work on day 1 of the season. A lot will depend on what happens with Kakko, Lindgren, Schneider and Gustafsson.

The safer option is to fill that spot cheaply. Brodzinski or someone else making similar money. That will allow us to fill out the rest of the roster and still stay under the cap. If Chytil comes back, then there's no issue with activating him. If he doesn't, then we have all that LTIR space to make moves.

If we knew for sure that Chytil would never play again, then we could be more aggressive in replacing him.

These are fair points too.

All things being equal, I prefer Gourde to Middelstadt. And with that said the potential cap issues still exist. Depends on what happens over the summer. And then as a step further, given the state of this team, the window, etc, I see Gourde as a better fit in the 3C hole than Chytil to help this team win.

It’s about more than points.

Gourde has been pretty unlucky this year, both as a shooter and in having his passes converted.

He forechecks like a f***ing demon and that’s something that would fit that third line like a glove.

Excellent points. I have watched him a bit this year seeing as he is a potential target. The unlucky part is definitely true. Watching him the other night (forget who they were playing) he makes a great smart play to intercept a play and then has a prime scoring chance. He didn’t convert but that seems to be his luck this year. He has a decent shot. But the key is he is still a forechecking monster and a complete asshole to play against. He may end up in the box from time to time but he is taking guys with him. He gets under the opposition’s skin.

 

[McRanger92]

Boone Jenner coming in hot.

We’ll get a good look at him the next 2 games.

 

[KirkAlbuquerque]

Are we sure Gourde isn’t washed at this point? Small guy who plays a banging style , wrong side of 30…

 

[effen]

I like the idea of Mittelstadt. He’s turned into a good player, and though he’s got a reputation for being weak and soft he’s not.

Considering every team tries to extend their guys and Buffalo is apparently willing to move on from their 25 y/o leading scorer while extending lots of other guys, I'd use the context and stay far away.

Are we sure Gourde isn’t washed at this point? Small guy who plays a banging style , wrong side of 30…

This is also a screaming red flag. That team wants to make the playoffs. They're trying to extend Eberle!

I don't think he's available fwiw. But if he were that's a bad sign.

 

[Boris Zubov]

Considering every team tries to extend their guys and Buffalo is apparently willing to move on from their 25 y/o leading scorer while extending lots of other guys, I'd use the context and stay far away.

To be fair, we also thought that about Eichel.

 

[effen]

To be fair, we also thought that about Eichel.

Eichel was publicly fed up with losing and their best player by a lot and they were already bad with him.

If you listed Buffo's assets Mittlestadt might be #7. Dahlin power tuch cozens tage quinn Benson. #8???

 

[kovazub94]

I think they do though and it's been a need for years. It would make the forwards a very deep unit and slot Vesey down to where he should be.

I disagree with you here. Ever improving Lafreiniere is already a bona fide 1RW and will only continue to get better so this position is covered. Kakko has been playing better recently and he still has to reach levels he showed last year for pretty long stretches. Vesey, let’s admit that having him on the 4th line is more of a (affordable) luxury: a line of Goodrow - Brodzinski - Edstrom (Rempe 13th) is perfectly fine. So there’re pretty reasonable options for 2C/3C already here too - the expectations should be to get better performances out of Kreider and Zibanejad. The playoff success is more dependent on this than any move Drury would make at TDL to address needs at the forward group.

 

[DanielBrassard]

Considering every team tries to extend their guys and Buffalo is apparently willing to move on from their 25 y/o leading scorer while extending lots of other guys, I'd use the context and stay far away.


This is also a screaming red flag. That team wants to make the playoffs. They're trying to extend Eberle!

I don't think he's available fwiw. But if he were that's a bad sign.

They already have thompson and cozens ahead of him, they have a plethora of young forwards coming through the pipeline, Mittelstadt is going to need a raise. Front offices aren't infallible and sometimes make the wrong decisions. All reasons why he might be available. He's a good player, the Rangers could use him.

 

[Shesterkybomb]

There's some good teams that could still miss the playoffs, id say they'll wait to see who all the sellers are.