Speculation: Roster Building Thread: Part LXIX

[LokiDog]

With this Galchenyuk signing, OTT looks like they've hedged their bet on exiting this rebuild on signing a bunch of middling players to medium terms.

I actually think what they did was smart. They’ve insulated all of their youth with guys who have been around for a while, some who have at least some leadership ability like Gudbranson. Dadanov is a good signing, Galchenyuk is just a little cheap depth for one year in case someone like Fomenton isn’t ready. Watson is a very solid bottom six guy on a decent contract. Gudbranson provides a year of leadership and veteran presence with guys like Chabot, Brannstrom, Sanderson, etc. and Murray is a decent goalie, though overpaid now, with Hogberg coming soon.

 

[kovazub94]

I actually think what they did was smart. They’ve insulated all of their youth with guys who have been around for a while, some who have at least some leadership ability like Gudbranson. Dadanov is a good signing, Galchenyuk is just a little cheap depth for one year in case someone like Fomenton isn’t ready. Watson is a very solid bottom six guy on a decent contract. Gudbranson provides a year of leadership and veteran presence with guys like Chabot, Brannstrom, Sanderson, etc. and Murray is a decent goalie, though overpaid now, with Hogberg coming soon.

Plus more draft picks at TDL if one of these players will have a good season.

 

[McRanger]

Nothing too terribly surprising there.

The Rangers would love for Chytil to take the ball and absolutely run with it this season.

Walking away would certainly be an interesting choice, but I would be at least a little surprised if the Rangers didn’t just bite the bullet on a higher price tag for one season as an insurance policy.

I wonder how much the Rangers even care if Chytil plays 2nd or 3rd line minutes at even strength/5v5. They are going to get comparable ice time and no matter what they will have a talented left wing.

The first PP unit? Sure, I could potentially see Chytil stealing some Panarin time from Strome. But at ES? I'm not sure I see a non-injury scenario that makes much sense. If Chytil is having such a great season (with, I can only assume, Kreider or Lafreniere) that he would be "pushing" Strome, do you break up a successful line just to try and jump start a line that will probably get going on its own anyway?

 

[Leetch3]

Nothing too terribly surprising there.

The Rangers would love for Chytil to take the ball and absolutely run with it this season.

Walking away would certainly be an interesting choice, but I would be at least a little surprised if the Rangers didn’t just bite the bullet on a higher price tag for one season as an insurance policy.

it feels like a very rangers thing for chytil to become the 2c this year and have a monster breakout year in the final year of his ELC forcing us to give him a huge raise

 

[Thirty One]

I wonder how much the Rangers even care if Chytil plays 2nd or 3rd line minutes at even strength/5v5. They are going to get comparable ice time and no matter what they will have a talented left wing.

The first PP unit? Sure, I could potentially see Chytil stealing some Panarin time from Strome. But at ES? I'm not sure I see a non-injury scenario that makes much sense. If Chytil is having such a great season (with, I can only assume, Kreider or Lafreniere) that he would be "pushing" Strome, do you break up a successful line just to try and jump start a line that will probably get going on its own anyway?

I don't see Chytil making a serious threat for consistent PP1 time. He was eighth among forwards in PP time last season. Kakko or Lafreniere, sure. Not sure his game is built for PP success, similar to Nash.

 

[Hockey Gamer]

based on our current roster and prospect pool, we're still a couple of years away from seriously contending assuming everything goes as planned. I'm curious to know who are the other teams in the league that are on a similar trajectory with us in terms of their window starting to develop?

The Senators? Hurricanes? Devils? Canucks?

 

[LokiDog]

based on our current roster and prospect pool, we're still a couple of years away from seriously contending assuming everything goes as planned. I'm curious to know who are the other teams in the league that are on a similar trajectory with us in terms of their window starting to develop?

The Senators? Hurricanes? Devils? Canucks?

Sens and Devils seem a step behind us (maybe LA and Buffalo if they get it together). Hurricanes a step or two ahead. Canucks may be competitive but struck me as a fluke year; they still have a lot of garbage on their roster but the young talent is coming too. Colorado will likely be a contender all throughout our window if they can keep most of their core intact (which I believe they will).

 

[NYRFANMANI]

based on our current roster and prospect pool, we're still a couple of years away from seriously contending assuming everything goes as planned. I'm curious to know who are the other teams in the league that are on a similar trajectory with us in terms of their window starting to develop?

The Senators? Hurricanes? Devils? Canucks?

I'd say clearly the Canucks and the Canes. They are both are rather set with the core and even ahead of us, maybe one year.
Nucks "weakness" will be D, Canes is still shacky on G and we're a "?" at D. So we're pretty close I'd say.

Devils and Ottawa will take longer than us.
We already have producing star players (Zibs and Breaddude) neither Ottawa or the Devs can present one.

 

[Edge]

it feels like a very rangers thing for chytil to become the 2c this year and have a monster breakout year in the final year of his ELC forcing us to give him a huge raise

Truth be told, if it means re-purposing Strome's salary in 2021-22, I am okay with it. We're going to be shedding salary the next few years so I think we could have some room to work with.

Personally, I'd take that outcome over a lingering question mark hovering over the second line center spot, or having to keep negotiating with teams about a trade and waiting for them to make up their minds.

 

[True Blue]

Sens and Devils seem a step behind us (maybe LA and Buffalo if they get it together). Hurricanes a step or two ahead. Canucks may be competitive but struck me as a fluke year; they still have a lot of garbage on their roster but the young talent is coming too. Colorado will likely be a contender all throughout our window if they can keep most of their core intact (which I believe they will).

Colorado looks to be a power for a long, long time. Carolina also looks to be building an excellent team. Ottawa may be behind, but not for very long. As I look at the landscape, those are the teams that (if all goes right), the Rangers will be contending with for quite a while. At some point, it will have been long enough and the league will start to award 1OA to the 'Pens again.

 

[Levitate]

I'm always skeptical that Ottawa will have the desire to spend what it takes to build and keep a contender together. I feel like as soon as their young star players start wanting the pay increases they want, Ottawa will start selling pieces and end up always a bit short

 

[Edge]

I wonder how much the Rangers even care if Chytil plays 2nd or 3rd line minutes at even strength/5v5. They are going to get comparable ice time and no matter what they will have a talented left wing.

The first PP unit? Sure, I could potentially see Chytil stealing some Panarin time from Strome. But at ES? I'm not sure I see a non-injury scenario that makes much sense. If Chytil is having such a great season (with, I can only assume, Kreider or Lafreniere) that he would be "pushing" Strome, do you break up a successful line just to try and jump start a line that will probably get going on its own anyway?

I don't think the Rangers will be focusing as much as line assignments this season, so much as chemistry, consistency, and progress.

For example, you could have a scenario where Chytil is playing with Kreider and Buch on a "third" line. If Chytil is producing, let's say he is knocking on the door for 20 goals and 50 points, I think the Rangers would view that as a huge win --- bececause it demonstrates that Chytil can produce at a second line pace, even if he isn't technically on a second line.

You could even have a scenario where the Rangers hang onto Strome through the playoffs as their own rental. So I don't think it's necessarily a matter of having Chytil explode and pushing Strome out at the deadline, so much as it is seeing progress and a transition.

 

[Alluckks]

Truth be told, if it means re-purposing Strome's salary in 2021-22, I am okay with it. We're going to be shedding salary the next few years so I think we could have some room to work with.

Personally, I'd take that outcome over a lingering question mark hovering over the second line center spot, or having to keep negotiating with teams about a trade and waiting for them to make up their minds.

coughcalgarycough

 

[kovazub94]

I don't think the Rangers will be focusing as much as line assignments this season, so much as chemistry, consistency, and progress.

For example, you could have a scenario where Chytil is playing with Kreider and Buch on a "third" line. If Chytil is producing, let's say he is knocking on the door for 20 goals and 50 points, I think the Rangers would view that as a huge win --- bececause it demonstrates that Chytil can produce at a second line pace, even if he isn't technically on a second line.

You could even have a scenario where the Rangers hang onto Strome through the playoffs as their own rental. So I don't think it's necessarily a matter of having Chytil explode and pushing Strome out at the deadline, so much as it is seeing progress and a transition.

Was going to post something similar. Even with Strome coming back for the upcoming season, one way or another Chytil will always have at least one of Panarin, Kreider, Lafreniere, Kakko or Buch as his linemates for whom Quinn will need to find adequate 5x5 time and, as you said, it will be more about finding right combinations and match-up rather than simply build your forwards lines based on 1-2-3-4... rankings.

 

[Edge]

Was going to post something similar. Even with Strome coming back for the upcoming season, one way or another Chytil will always have at least one of Panarin, Kreider, Lafreniere, Kakko or Buch as his linemates for whom Quinn will need to find adequate 5x5 time and, as you said, it will be more about finding right combinations and match-up rather than simply build your forwards lines based on 1-2-3-4... rankings.

And there's going to be some fluidity there depending a number of variables. There could be a very big swing based on Lafreneire's performance, Kakko's performance, Gauthier's performance, and Chytil's performance.

If all four of them take big steps, that changes the roster dynamic significantly. Suddenly you have three lines to roll, and the right side has a few less question marks. The left defense will still be further out, but you'd have a roster with a blend of experienced and fresh talent coming of age, to go along with goaltending.

Chytil and Kakko's development will be key components of a playoff push next season.

 

[HockeyBasedNYC]

based on our current roster and prospect pool, we're still a couple of years away from seriously contending assuming everything goes as planned. I'm curious to know who are the other teams in the league that are on a similar trajectory with us in terms of their window starting to develop?

The Senators? Hurricanes? Devils? Canucks?

The Hurricanes for sure. I think they are set up and will be a nemesis in the division and they already have our number in the postseason. The Devils will be a while but I'm not sold on their defense. Stealing Schneider from them was huge. But they improved and they have additional cap room which we be valuable in the coming years if they make the right decisions. I like the Canucks but feel like they will jump the gun and prematurely move into a "win now" mode, if they havent already. The Sens have some really nice pieces to build around. Theyll be in the mix. But if I had to pick one that scares me the most right now its the Canes. Dont forget about the Kings either. They are stacked

 

[Fitzy]

It's going to be tough to find a spot on either PP unit for Chytil this year unless we suffer a major injury or Strome departs.

7 slots for forwards. Panarin, Zib, Kreider, Buch, Lafreniere, Kakko are all givens. Strome, Chytil, Gautheir fight over final spot. PP is actually one of the stronger elements of Brendan Lemieux's game but he wont see time there any more.

Edit- I'm also surprised I don't see people claiming we should sign Brassard to take Strome's spot if we walk away from the reward. Would be cheap and no tragedy if he was usurped by Chytil.

 

[SA16]

It's going to be tough to find a spot on either PP unit for Chytil this year unless we suffer a major injury or Strome departs.

7 slots for forwards. Panarin, Zib, Kreider, Buch, Lafreniere, Kakko are all givens. Strome, Chytil, Gautheir fight over final spot. PP is actually one of the stronger elements of Brendan Lemieux's game but he wont see time there any more.

Edit- I'm also surprised I don't see people claiming we should sign Brassard to take Strome's spot if we walk away from the reward. Would be cheap and no tragedy if he was usurped by Chytil.

You just play 8 forwards on the PP. DeAngelo PP1. Fox PP2. Trouba not on the PP. Outside of 18-19 Trouba has always been below average on the PP. I see no reason to give him a spot there automatically.

Something like
Kreider
Panarin Mika Laf
DeAngelo

and

Gauthier/Chytil
Buch Strome Kakko
Fox

 

[The Crypto Guy]

I don't think the Rangers will be focusing as much as line assignments this season, so much as chemistry, consistency, and progress.

For example, you could have a scenario where Chytil is playing with Kreider and Buch on a "third" line. If Chytil is producing, let's say he is knocking on the door for 20 goals and 50 points, I think the Rangers would view that as a huge win --- bececause it demonstrates that Chytil can produce at a second line pace, even if he isn't technically on a second line.

You could even have a scenario where the Rangers hang onto Strome through the playoffs as their own rental. So I don't think it's necessarily a matter of having Chytil explode and pushing Strome out at the deadline, so much as it is seeing progress and a transition.

If Chytil is knocking at 50 point pace then he is in 1st line territory, not second.

 

[Edge]

If Chytil is knocking at 50 point pace then he is in 1st line territory, not second.

Well, that would certainly be on the low-end for a first line center.

But depending on injuries, usage, combinations, etc., it could be a higher-end range for him.

 

[Fitzy]

You just play 8 forwards on the PP. DeAngelo PP1. Fox PP2. Trouba not on the PP. Outside of 18-19 Trouba has always been below average on the PP. I see no reason to give him a spot there automatically.

Something like
Kreider
Panarin Mika Laf
DeAngelo

and

Gauthier/Chytil
Buch Strome Kakko
Fox

I don't know many teams that use 4+1 for BOTH pp units.

Even if Trouba isn't the choice we have potential guys like Reaunanen who will be wasted if not used on the man advantage.

The advantage is NYR have enough firepower now to pick both units based on chemistry- not a single top PP and 'everyone else offensive minded' on the 2nd. We can design two solid units.

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

based on our current roster and prospect pool, we're still a couple of years away from seriously contending assuming everything goes as planned. I'm curious to know who are the other teams in the league that are on a similar trajectory with us in terms of their window starting to develop?

The Senators? Hurricanes? Devils? Canucks?

Canucks and Hurricanes are a bit ahead of us in the process.

Ottawa has the pieces, but I'd probably but them a touch behind since our now talent>>>Theirs.

NJD is on the Buffalo train to LOL.

 

[East Coast Bias]

Canucks and Hurricanes are a bit ahead of us in the process.

Ottawa has the pieces, but I'd probably but them a touch behind since our now talent>>>Theirs.

NJD is on the Buffalo train to LOL.

philly maybe. They got a lot of young talent coming through. young goalie.

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

philly maybe. They got a lot of young talent coming through. young goalie.

Maybe, what sets them back a bit in my eyes is that their now talent beginning to slow down.

Their coach is also a buffoon, but I suppose that if their young guys end up doing what their supposed to do then they'll be right there for who ever coaches them next.

 

[SA16]

I don't know many teams that use 4+1 for BOTH pp units.

Even if Trouba isn't the choice we have potential guys like Reaunanen who will be wasted if not used on the man advantage.

The advantage is NYR have enough firepower now to pick both units based on chemistry- not a single top PP and 'everyone else offensive minded' on the 2nd. We can design two solid units.

Many teams do. 15 teams had only 1 or 2 defenseman even average 1 minute per game at 5v4 this year. 12 teams had 3+ guys average 1 minute per game at 5v4. Some of those are just because of injury or trade and weren't actually having 2D on the PP2. Guys like Reunanen are not as good on the PP as the forwards. We don't need two solid units. We can use have one elite unit and play them almost the entire time. That is what Edmonton does.