Speculation: Roster Building Thread: Part LVIII

[Cag29]

Had this scenario play out in my head lying awake last night (as I do so often with the world burning down around us these days):

Dorion calls Gorton:
D: So, about that interest I expressed in Strome...
G: Yes?
D: What if we combine that idea with my earlier offer for the 1OA?
G: You’re willing to up your offer of the 3OA plus Tkachuk if I include Strome?
D: Exactly.
G: Honestly, Pierre, the only way I move the 1OA is if that add is Chabot.
D: Thought you might say that. But listen, even with Strome added, that’s too much. I’d be giving you you’re first pair left D at 23 years old and locked up long term. I can do it, but I’ll need another piece — one of your left D prospects.
G: Okay, I hear you. Depending on whom you want, we might be able to work something out. Miller and Robertson are off the table, but I’m willing to discuss anyone else.
D: How about the kid from UMass, Jones?
G: I’m reluctant, Pierre. The kid had a first year in the NCAAs that was reminiscent of Fox. But... if you took Smith as well, then I might be open to it.
D: You just paid Stevie a 2nd to take Staal!
G: Yes, but Smith is younger, cheaper, and more versatile. You’ll get more for him at the deadline.
D: Tell ya what, Jeff, remember that deal we discussed a while back for Georgiev where we got hung up because you wanted a second second round pick and I wasn’t willing to go higher than one?
G: Yeah?
D: You add Georgiev and I’ll give you my best second rounder next year.
G: Hmm... let me talk it over with my people. [Pause.] Okay, Pierre, you have a deal.

To NYR:
3OA
Tkachuk
Chabot
OTT’s highest 2nd rd pick in 2021.

To OTT:
1OA
Strome
Georgiev
Jones
Smith

Sign ADA to one of the variants on a 2- or 4-year deal we’ve been discussing, sign Lemieux to something close to his QO, Hank retries or is bought out, sign Talbot (or someone similar) to a 2-year, sub-$2MM AAV deal, sign a vet insurance left D for something similar.

Tkachuk-Zibanejad-Buchnevich
Panarin-Byfield/Stutzle-Kakko
Kreider-Chytil-Kravtsov
Lemieux/Barron-Howden-Gauthier

Chabot-Trouba
Lindgren-Fox
Miller/Robertson/Reunanen/vet-ADA

Shesterkin
Talbot (or other vet)

Too big a deal to happen in the current environment, I’m sure, and there’s always the “you don’t want to be the guy who traded away the superstar” factor, which would probably doom it anyway, but these are the sorts of things that go through my mind when I can’t sleep.

Substitute the #5 in 2020 for the 2021 2nd and I’d think about it.
Lafreniere is French/English speaking face of their franchise from day 1. You pay a stiff price for that. IMHO.

 

[Doriva]

Might Carolina be a target for a LHD ? They seem pretty locked into Slavin, Skjei, Gardiner on the left side.

I know he mainly plays right side for them but Fleury is an RFA, Jake Bean is another lefty who looks ready to move up to the NHL, plus with expansion coming up you'd figure they might want to move one of those guys for some assets before potentially losing one. Teams have trading history, maybe a spot for Georgiev ?

 

[Mikos87]

The why is of course that having a top center historically has been a lot more valuable than having a top winger. Its much easier to focus on and shut down a winger than a center.

Of course I agree with @Mikos87 that it would have to be done gradually and over time -- if it should be done at all.

I am not convinced either way and probably leaning towards not trying to move him to center. But I am not convinced on that it shouldn't be done either.

Yes and I think it's more for face-offs and checking if you were to move Lafreniere to the middle, and that's not his game. We are still getting a tier 1 playmaker, and as far as the game is concerned from the offensive blueline in, he'll do what that playmaking center would do. Meaning create chances for others, so I am not concerned about the position.

You also don't want him in the middle because Lafreniere is, and I say this with great joy, quite undisciplined. You can get away with elbows and maybe a coincidental headshot or two along the boards before getting a suspension. But in the open ice, it's an automatic 2-5 games depending on the severity and intent. Given the competitive animal the Alexis is... he'll end up missing less games if he's able to conceal the jabs here and there along the walls.

He will have to cut down on the swinging motion, it's too intentional, and learn to avenge at a later time instead of the next shift. That will come with experience and guidance. Much like how he can score on opportunistic windows, he needs to approach his physical game with a little more forethought. The intent and intensity will still be there, but the timing... that's how to keep him out of both the penalty and press box. Even if it means waiting until the next game or the next year.

 

[Mikos87]

Might Carolina be a target for a LHD ? They seem pretty locked into Slavin, Skjei, Gardiner on the left side.

I know he mainly plays right side for them but Fleury is an RFA, Jake Bean is another lefty who looks ready to move up to the NHL, plus with expansion coming up you'd figure they might want to move one of those guys for some assets before potentially losing one. Teams have trading history, maybe a spot for Georgiev ?

Rangers will be competing with Carolina for playoff positioning, so you definitely don't trade them a goalie. Geo to DET and OTT is perfectly fine since their windows are further away than the Rangers imo.

 

[Ghost of jas]

Had this scenario play out in my head lying awake last night (as I do so often with the world burning down around us these days):

Dorion calls Gorton:
D: So, about that interest I expressed in Strome...
G: Yes?
D: What if we combine that idea with my earlier offer for the 1OA?
G: You’re willing to up your offer of the 3OA plus Tkachuk if I include Strome?
D: Exactly.
G: Honestly, Pierre, the only way I move the 1OA is if that add is Chabot.
D: Thought you might say that. But listen, even with Strome added, that’s too much. I’d be giving you you’re first pair left D at 23 years old and locked up long term. I can do it, but I’ll need another piece — one of your left D prospects.
G: Okay, I hear you. Depending on whom you want, we might be able to work something out. Miller and Robertson are off the table, but I’m willing to discuss anyone else.
D: How about the kid from UMass, Jones?
G: I’m reluctant, Pierre. The kid had a first year in the NCAAs that was reminiscent of Fox. But... if you took Smith as well, then I might be open to it.
D: You just paid Stevie a 2nd to take Staal!
G: Yes, but Smith is younger, cheaper, and more versatile. You’ll get more for him at the deadline.
D: Tell ya what, Jeff, remember that deal we discussed a while back for Georgiev where we got hung up because you wanted a second second round pick and I wasn’t willing to go higher than one?
G: Yeah?
D: You add Georgiev and I’ll give you my best second rounder next year.
G: Hmm... let me talk it over with my people. [Pause.] Okay, Pierre, you have a deal.

To NYR:
3OA
Tkachuk
Chabot
OTT’s highest 2nd rd pick in 2021.

To OTT:
1OA
Strome
Georgiev
Jones
Smith

Sign ADA to one of the variants on a 2- or 4-year deal we’ve been discussing, sign Lemieux to something close to his QO, Hank retries or is bought out, sign Talbot (or someone similar) to a 2-year, sub-$2MM AAV deal, sign a vet insurance left D for something similar.

Tkachuk-Zibanejad-Buchnevich
Panarin-Byfield/Stutzle-Kakko
Kreider-Chytil-Kravtsov
Lemieux/Barron-Howden-Gauthier

Chabot-Trouba
Lindgren-Fox
Miller/Robertson/Reunanen/vet-ADA

Shesterkin
Talbot (or other vet)

Too big a deal to happen in the current environment, I’m sure, and there’s always the “you don’t want to be the guy who traded away the superstar” factor, which would probably doom it anyway, but these are the sorts of things that go through my mind when I can’t sleep.

I’ll just take Lafreniere and then send Strome to Ottawa for two 2nds instead.

 

[LORDE]

This has been discussed before but with the Rangers depth on defense they don't NEED a 25 minute #1LD. They need complimentary pairs. Guys who support eachother. Lindgren-Fox. They need a guy to play with Trouba but that guy doesn't need to be a 25 minute per night LD. It's possible a kid like Reunanen or Miller play well there at ES and don't take the heavy PK time. It's possible they sign a veteran LD like Dillon who compliments Trouba as well and they become the teams shut down pairing.

Completely agree and add to it that we have a dearth of centers on the team (I’m a Chytil fan BTW) or in the system.

 

[Savant]

This has been discussed before but with the Rangers depth on defense they don't NEED a 25 minute #1LD. They need complimentary pairs. Guys who support eachother. Lindgren-Fox. They need a guy to play with Trouba but that guy doesn't need to be a 25 minute per night LD. It's possible a kid like Reunanen or Miller play well there at ES and don't take the heavy PK time. It's possible they sign a veteran LD like Dillon who compliments Trouba as well and they become the teams shut down pairing.

I don’t agree with any of this. The Rangers HAVE “complimentary guys” they don’t have some that can play those minutes with Trouba. That is what they need. They tried the “complimentary guy” thing with Trouba last season. It didn’t work.

 

[Anthony5967]

Gorton stunned everybody. The best is the people I watched complain about 18 all year and are now mad that JG moved a second to do it. What? The NYR haven't had enough picks since 2017? LOL. Can't wait to see what happens next.

 

[Savant]

Completely agree and add to it that we have a dearth of centers on the team (I’m a Chytil fan BTW) or in the system.

Center is the position that can wait until next offseason. That is probably going to be a bigger capital investment, and the team needs to see where they stand after the dead weight being off the books, Mika’s extension, RFA extensions/bridges, expansion draft impact, etc. Zibanejad and Panarin are two line drivers. LHD needs the more immediate help.

 

[Ghost of jas]

As long as I provided some entertainment in these turbulent times.

Entertainment is not the word I would use.

 

[usekakkorightquinn]

Biggest roster building will come from the fact that Kravtsov, Andersson and Henriksson are all playing well now in leagues full of men. That will help this team down the line a ton. I laughed when I read THN report that Lafreniere won't be a superstar but he will be star. Wrong. He will be a superstar. He's the first player to come in the league that is a Messier type of forward but he's wing. He has the all round elite game with a mean streak. I would not be surprised to see him push 90 points this season. He's that good.

 

[Boom Boom Apathy]

Might Carolina be a target for a LHD ? They seem pretty locked into Slavin, Skjei, Gardiner on the left side.

I know he mainly plays right side for them but Fleury is an RFA, Jake Bean is another lefty who looks ready to move up to the NHL, plus with expansion coming up you'd figure they might want to move one of those guys for some assets before potentially losing one. Teams have trading history, maybe a spot for Georgiev ?

Just fyi...Fleury doesn't mainly play the right side. He got stuck doing that this past season because of injuries and acquisitions, (and he was better on the RHD side than Gardiner or Edmundson), but he's spent most of his time in Carolina at LHD.

18/19 he spent most of his time at LHD opposite of TVR (RHD). 2nd and 3rd most common partners were Pesce and Hamilton.
17/18 he spent most of his time at LHD with Faulk (RHD) on the 2nd pairing. His 2nd most common partner was TVR (RHD)

In the AHL, he predominately played LHD with Roland McKeown at RHD.

He's better at LHD and probably has spent 75-80% of his time in Carolina at LHD.

 

[Trxjw]

I don’t agree with any of this. The Rangers HAVE “complimentary guys” they don’t have some that can play those minutes with Trouba. That is what they need. They tried the “complimentary guy” thing with Trouba last season. It didn’t work.

Who do they have that's actually a compliment to Trouba? Staal? The guy they just paid to get rid of? Smith? The guy who played forward most of the year because he was so bad on D? Hajek? The guy who couldn't even stay in the lineup?

I think you're confusing "complimentary" with "crappy."

 

[LiveLongandProspal]

 

[Ghost of jas]

Who do they have that's actually a compliment to Trouba? Staal? The guy they just paid to get rid of? Smith? The guy who played forward most of the year because he was so bad on D? Hajek? The guy who couldn't even stay in the lineup?

I think you're confusing "complimentary" with "crappy."

Actually, I would venture that all of Trouba’s partners were ‘complimentary’ to him. What they weren’t was ‘complementary ‘.

 

[Thirty One]

Just fyi...Fleury doesn't mainly play the right side. He got stuck doing that this past season because of injuries and acquisitions, (and he was better on the RHD side than Gardiner or Edmundson), but he's spent most of his time in Carolina at LHD.

18/19 he spent most of his time at LHD opposite of TVR (RHD). 2nd and 3rd most common partners were Pesce and Hamilton.
17/18 he spent most of his time at LHD with Faulk (RHD) on the 2nd pairing. His 2nd most common partner was TVR (RHD)

In the AHL, he predominately played LHD with Roland McKeown at RHD.

He's better at LHD and probably has spent 75-80% of his time in Carolina at LHD.

Not to pick on you, but people who use LD/RD and LHD/RHD interchangeably should be put down. Again, not to pick on you.

 

[UAGoalieGuy]

Who is that guy?

 

[EpicDing]

Who is that guy?

He does the Blueshirts Breakaway podcast, idk if he has sources.

 

[TheBloodyNine]

Might Carolina be a target for a LHD ? They seem pretty locked into Slavin, Skjei, Gardiner on the left side.

I know he mainly plays right side for them but Fleury is an RFA, Jake Bean is another lefty who looks ready to move up to the NHL, plus with expansion coming up you'd figure they might want to move one of those guys for some assets before potentially losing one. Teams have trading history, maybe a spot for Georgiev ?

You're 100% right. We should trade for Skjei.

 

[TheBloodyNine]

Who is that guy?

No one.

 

[Boom Boom Apathy]

Not to pick on you, but people who use LD/RD and LHD/RHD interchangeably should be put down. Again, not to pick on you.

I get it, but it's probably #101 on my list of top 100 pet peeves on HF. To each their own though, so not a big deal.

Sematics aside, my point is that Fleury, who is a LHD, played the left D position during the vast majority of his time in Carolina (both AHL and NHL).

 

[TheBloodyNine]

Gorton stunned everybody. The best is the people I watched complain about 18 all year and are now mad that JG moved a second to do it. What? The NYR haven't had enough picks since 2017? LOL. Can't wait to see what happens next.

Are these IRL people because everyone here has been ecstatic about it, myself included.

 

[Trxjw]

Actually, I would venture that all of Trouba’s partners were ‘complimentary’ to him. What they weren’t was ‘complementary ‘.

Well I'll be damned. Had no idea.

This is why I write code for a living.

 

[Oscar Lindberg]

Laine is going to get traded before the draft and I'm fascinated to see what he brings back

 

[Trxjw]

Jake Gardiner circa 2017 would actually be a pretty damn good partner for Trouba in theory.