Speculation: Roster Building Thread: Part LIV

[DutchShamrock]

While people are eager to move Smith, I think he has a decent chance of staying because he can fill a utility roll.

If ADA is moved, the Rangers would definitely consider shifting Smith to the right side for next season. And even if they were to get a guy like Dunn, there's a belief they might still hold onto him.

Finally, as you pointed out, Reunanen is a kid they consider to be a real, legit candidate to make the sqaud --- along with Barron.

I think with a chance of some bubble hockey next season, or at least more hurdles in adding replacements, the versatility of Smith could be valuable logistically.

 

[Anzi]

If DeAngelo gets moved, he better get a good return. I'd be pretty upset if we moved him just to resolve a logjam at RHD. That would make me regret the Trouba trade even more, we could have had Fox, DeAngelo, and Lundkvist eventually penciled in as our RHDs while also adding a quality center prospect like either Connor McMichael or Ryan Suzuki at 20.

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

I think Hanifin, if nothing else, could be a guy who at least gets us from point A to point B.

Because unless we move a ton of prospects, we're still going to have Miller, Robertson, Reunanen, Jones, etc. potentially knocking on the door.

So he doesn't necessarily have to be a "five year piece" for us.

I'm of the opinion that most of that group of LD will get shipped out eventually. There won't be room for all of them and I do believe that we're going to have to add someone to do the heavy lifting on the left side.We have guys who can grow into that role eventually, but it's going to take time.

With Hanifin, I just see that playing out similar to how Namesnikov played out here. Even though it wasn't 1 for 1 with JT Miller, it was viewed that way, the difference being that Tony didn't dog it here and had a really really productive season (playing with Staal no less.) Hanifin would be put in a no win position here IMO, and he leans more towards the offensive side of things which, if we're looking for a LD, is the opposite of what we should be adding.

I know you posted this as a strict hypothetical, I just really don't want Hanifin LOL.

 

[bl02]

If DeAngelo gets moved, he better get a good return. I'd be pretty upset if we moved him just to resolve a logjam at RHD. That would make me regret the Trouba trade even more, we could have had Fox, DeAngelo, and Lundkvist eventually penciled in as our RHDs while also adding a quality center prospect like either Connor McMichael or Ryan Suzuki at 20.

I have to agree with this entire post. Only thing i am holding out is that Trouba will bring something that the other three will not bring (obviously the size factor) come a grinding playoff time. He did play decent hockey against the Canes in the play in round. But right now if they don't get a really good return for ADA the Trouba deal looks pretty bad for the future.
Wanted McMichael for sure with the pick that went to Winnipeg.

 

[Oscar Lindberg]

Well at the very least within the next 30-40 days we’re going to have a better idea what this team will look like next year

 

[Edge]

I'm of the opinion that most of that group of LD will get shipped out eventually. There won't be room for all of them and I do believe that we're going to have to add someone to do the heavy lifting on the left side.We have guys who can grow into that role eventually, but it's going to take time.

With Hanifin, I just see that playing out similar to how Namesnikov played out here. Even though it wasn't 1 for 1 with JT Miller, it was viewed that way, the difference being that Tony didn't dog it here and had a really really productive season (playing with Staal no less.) Hanifin would be put in a no win position here IMO, and he leans more towards the offensive side of things which, if we're looking for a LD, is the opposite of what we should be adding.

I know you posted this as a strict hypothetical, I just really don't want Hanifin LOL.

I'd say for the sake of discussion, we could even streamline it.

I don't think this board would love ADA for Lindholm. But I think the Rangers would be at least receptive to it as a one-for-one swap.

Now on paper, you could have the same production I mentioned: 15g/65p for ADA, and 25, 65 for Lindholm.

In theory, your forward only scored as many points as the defenseman you traded for him. That level of a production from a defenseman is harder to come by.

But I don't know if the Rangers would view it that way --- especially with a profile like Lindholm's where he gives them options on both the right and down the middle, is defensively responsible, and because they have someone like Lundkvist coming on board in 2021.

So that's one of those deals where there could be a disconnect between how fans react and how management reacts.

I'm not saying it's a done deal, but it does represent a scenario (or a similar scenario) that is quite possible.

 

[Brooklyn Rangers Fan]

Trading DeAngelo, moving Smith to RD and Reunanen coming up would be a possibility. I know not everyone thinks Reunanen is ready but this front office might.

Reunanen-Trouba
Lindgren-Fox
Staal-Smith

And not to forget, they were blown away by Miller in COVID camp. Makes it easier to rely on a rookie taking one of the spots when you have more than one candidate who could potentially fill the role.

 

[Brooklyn Rangers Fan]

Possibly. If Reunanen makes the squad, and ADA isn't moved, that least forces him into a 7th defenseman role.

If ADA is moved, and Reunanen names the squad, it's probably a similar outcome.

If Reunanen doesn't make the squad, for whatever reason, he might be stuck looking at him more than we care to.

I find it interesting that post-bacchanalia you are mentioning Reunanen's name a lot more often...

 

[Leetch3]

I think there's something in here that you bring up that we really need to consider.

If we trade ADA, we might not get a point for point return on him, or necessarily get someone who "wows" as much as ADA sometimes can.

I know that's not a popular answer, but it is one we have to keep in mind.

I'll use Lindholm and Hanifin as examples, just because it's come up. For the hell of it, let's say ADA and Buch are traded as part of a deal that brings back Lindholm Hanifin. Neither Hanifin or Lindholm is likely to "wow" this board or many Rangers fans. There's no guarantee the duo outscores ADA and Buch in Calgary --- especially if Lindholm is utilized as a second line center and a not first line RW.

However, it's quite possible that duo would be a better fit for the Rangers as the team is constructed, and it's possible they bring other aspects that don't show up on a stat sheet.

I say that because ADA could score 15 goals and 65 points and Buch could score 20 goals and 50 points, while Lindholm and Hanifin "only" post 25/65 and 10/35 next season. On paper, we didn't get as much production on a player by player basis. But it could still be the right move to do from a roster construction standpoint.

I use that as an example only. We can plug in other names as well, but the point would more or less hold true.

in addition to the possible benefits of ending up with a more complete team. we also need to consider the other pieces that are already here. Fox had 42 points last year, between his growing as a player and getting more PP time he can easily put up 50+ on a regular basis. we know that trouba can score more given pp time and you hope that lundkvist chips in offensively. and up front you are gambling on kravtsov replacing most of buch's production...

none of the guys coming back touch ADA in terms of skill and being dynamic but it isn't as simple as comparing the guys directly involved in the trade.

 

[Oscar Lindberg]

If (big if) Tony and Buch get moved in some mega deal for like Lindholm and Hanifin, I wonder if they’d keep Strome for the year as well.

Not that I love that idea, but that would alleviate some of their worries about moving Buchnevich.

You could have Strome play wing and then ship him off at the deadline. Not sure it’d work cap wise though

 

[Leetch3]

If DeAngelo gets moved, he better get a good return. I'd be pretty upset if we moved him just to resolve a logjam at RHD. That would make me regret the Trouba trade even more, we could have had Fox, DeAngelo, and Lundkvist eventually penciled in as our RHDs while also adding a quality center prospect like either Connor McMichael or Ryan Suzuki at 20.

he will NOT be moved to resolve the logjam that doesn't even exist until Nils comes over. ZERO chance of that. if he gets moved it will be to use an area of strength to improve another area of the team.

 

[Krams]

If DeAngelo gets moved, he better get a good return. I'd be pretty upset if we moved him just to resolve a logjam at RHD. That would make me regret the Trouba trade even more, we could have had Fox, DeAngelo, and Lundkvist eventually penciled in as our RHDs while also adding a quality center prospect like either Connor McMichael or Ryan Suzuki at 20.

The Rangers are aware of what they have in DeAngelo. If they move him it's because they're dealing from a position of strength to in order to balance out the team, not simply to make room for Lundkvist. Trouba is locked in at #1 and while Fox may not be as dynamic as Tony, he's a more traditional and stable presence in the defensive and neutral zones. A player who can eventually be effective against the opposition's top 3. I have ADA's jersey, but as potent offensively and unique as he is, he's also an extreme luxury on the 3rd pairing if he's walking away with $5m+ this off-season. Rangers are playing with house money and split aces, and they know it.

 

[Brooklyn Rangers Fan]

Eh, I'll play along.

Andersson and a third for Virtanen.

ADA and Buchnevich for Lindholm and Hanifin.

Hedge our bets by moving Georgiev and 22 if someone we like is there. If not, sit tight and pick 22nd. Take the gamble and grab Lapierre if he is there.

Buy time for Lundkvist to come over. Plug him into the lineup for the 2021-22 season.

Okay, those are literally ALL my trade suggestions for this offseason.

(Even if others did make them as well.)

 

[Edge]

I find it interesting that post-bacchanalia you are mentioning Reunanen's name a lot more often...

I think he and Barron are kind of the forgotten rookies as we (understandably) focus on Lafreniere and Shesterkin and Miller, or next wave players like Kravtsov and Lundkvist, or sophomores such as Kakko, Georgiev and Fox, or even young roster players like ADA, Howden and Lemieux.

But I think they're legit prospects to keep an eye in the camp, and whose readiness could very well have a larger cascading effect than some realize.

There are five "black aces" of the prospect realm who I think are likely to be a little underrated and could surprise people: Wall, Barron, Reunanen, Robertson and Pajuniemi.

 

[Edge]

Okay, those are literally ALL my trade suggestions for this offseason.

(Even if others did make them as well.)

Hey if it's a damn good idea, who am I to argue?

 

[DanielBrassard]

Hanifin and Lindholm for Buch and ADA just doesn't do it for me even if it "fits the needs" better. Rather just ago after a LHD like Dunn than acquire Hanifin.

 

[Edge]

Hanifin and Lindholm for Buch and ADA just doesn't do it for me even if it "fits the needs" better. Rather just ago after a LHD like Dunn than acquire Hanifin.

And it's quite possible the Rangers attempt both. I don't think going for one automatically eliminates the other.

 

[GeorgeKaplan]

And it's quite possible the Rangers attempt both. I don't think going for one automatically eliminates the other.

 

[Brooklyn Rangers Fan]

I think Hanifin, if nothing else, could be a guy who at least gets us from point A to point B.

Because unless we move a ton of prospects, we're still going to have Miller, Robertson, Reunanen, Jones, etc. potentially knocking on the door.

So he doesn't necessarily have to be a "five year piece" for us.

He's also a potential "reclamation" play, if you want to call it that, to the same extent a guy like JT Miller was. There's a reason he was drafted where he was – and subsequently, was then signed to the contract that he was.

Obviously, something has gone wrong since, but if you're comfortable there are no underlying health or behavior issues, it might work in your favor.

 

[Raspewtin]

I don’t like Hanifin at all to be honest

if we got him i’d love to just flip him again

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

Hanifin and Lindholm for Buch and ADA just doesn't do it for me even if it "fits the needs" better. Rather just ago after a LHD like Dunn than acquire Hanifin.

If they added Lindholm and Dunn they'd jump into contender status provided that they improve the bottom 6/don't play Staal.

 

[Edge]

He's also a potential "reclamation" play, if you want to call it that, to the same extent a guy like JT Miller was. There's a reason he was drafted where he was – and subsequently, was then signed to the contract that he was.

Obviously, something has gone wrong since, but if you're comfortable there are no underlying health or behavior issues, it might work in your favor.

Or he could be left side version of Dougie Hamilton.

Good enough to bridge gaps, young enough to be intriguing, and possibly looking at his fourth NHL club at the age of 27.

 

[Brooklyn Rangers Fan]

Or he could be left side version of Dougie Hamilton.

Good enough to bridge gaps, young enough to be intriguing, and possibly looking at his fourth NHL club at the age of 27.

You pays your money and you takes your chances...

 

[DanielBrassard]

If they added Lindholm and Dunn they'd jump into contender status provided that they improve the bottom 6/don't play Staal.

Eh, I guess. IDK I just don't know that Lindholm is all that great. I'm sure he'd look good playing with Panarin but who wouldn't? Dunn would be a great pickup though. I wouldn't be surprised if they contended if they just kept Strome with Panarin but fixed the bottom-6 and replace Staal with anyone who wasn't a total schlub to play with DeAngelo.

 

[bobbop]

I would say right now there isn't a ton of interest in Staal, even at 50 percent. I think the Rangers are probably stuck with him.

Anyone know the status of his movement clause at this point?

Full NMC according to Brooks (I asked)