Speculation: Roster Building Thread: Part LXX

[Thirty One]

Brett Howden and one of or 4th rounders to Beantown for Trent Fredric and a 3rd rounder + a 7th rounder in 2021 - would we make this trade? Would Boston?

We - this board - yes
We - the Rangers - no
Boston - I don't know

 

[BBKers]

We - this board - yes
We - the Rangers - no
Boston - I don't know

Astute observations, alas...

 

[RGY]

Astute observations, alas...

I would absolutely make this trade. Think the Rangers would too. In fact I think we would have to give up more. Dont think Boston would.

 

[Richard Banger]

The teams true Captain was bought out and he now plays in DC.

We have a lockerroom of hungry Vets, prospects, and Average Joes trying to make a name for themselves.

If and when this team gets a real Captain, keep rolling with a bunch of Alternates. The next real leader will step up on and off the ice.

For a captain he sure loves yelling at his teammates way too much.

 

[Richard Banger]

Anyone saying the C ruined McDonagh has no clue what they’re talking about. The injuries piling up, mileage and being stuck next to one of the worst defenseman of the decade were bigger reasons for his downfall than the C. He was a fine captain.

He was a dog shit captain but ok.

 

[Edge]

Brett Howden and one of or 4th rounders to Beantown for Trent Fredric and a 3rd rounder + a 7th rounder in 2021 - would we make this trade? Would Boston?

Board - Yes

Rangers - No

Boston - Yes

 

[FIRE DRURY]

For a captain he sure loves yelling at his teammates way too much.

You would too after dealing with their bullshit for so many years!

 

[Thirty One]

You would too after dealing with their bullshit for so many years!

Oh he started hot right out of the gates.

 

[wafflepadsave]

It's gonna be Lafreniere. This was pretty much decided the second the ping pong ball popped for the Rangers.

Says the one who is procrastinating on a new username.

 

[wafflepadsave]

Only if there’s video.

 

[wafflepadsave]

Ditto

 

[egelband]

I'd give it to Mika. He's earned it, complete player, shows up and crushes it. Has improved every year. This isn't a McDonagh situation where there were more seasoned veterans in the locker room, and maybe you had a couple of guys that didn't really want the C or the timing fit. That was a tough spot for a captaincy.

With Mika, he is coming up and leading a new core. None of the veteran guys are here anymore, including Hank and Staal. Chris is a lifer now and you don't need the C to be a leader. It's a lot of interviews when you're the captain. Sometimes teams let the guys vote on it, but Mika was the all-situations player and an absolute predator at that. Plus it'd be hilarious if he gave cliched responses. You can basically do the same interview on Regional, US National, and Canadian National with a few twists here and there and obviously get your plugs out.

I agree. He has grown his game by leaps and bounds with the Rangers. That’s not necessarily an easy thing to do. He’s doing something right. He has a bit of a Keith Hernandez vibe but younger. He seems to get it. And I think that wasn’t always the case. That’s good perspective to have.
Maybe he doesn’t want the C or maybe the Rangers aren’t comfortable giving the C to a guy who might not be on the team in a couple seasons. But personally, he’s my choice, too.

 

[NYRangers16]

That’s all? Damn.

 

[aufheben]

That’s all? Damn.

Its Tampa. This is what they do.

 

[aufheben]

Lafreniere is going to have some really special couple of seasons to get the C so soon.

Then again the Avs named Landeskog captain when he was like 12 years old.

 

[SA16]

That’s all? Damn.

That’s all? It’s like the exact same contract Werenski and McAvoy got last year. This is what should have been reasonably expected for a non-offer sheet deal.

 

[Kords]

Lafreniere is going to have some really special couple of seasons to get the C so soon.

Then again the Avs named Landeskog captain when he was like 12 years old.

While I agree, the only people left who might feel slighted are Kreider and Mika and maybe Buch. Kakko might be like "wtf grots?" Not sure that's enough for the FO to give a damn. Realistically speaking, Lafreniere is gonna bring us a cup(s) and become the next NY superstar. That's a huge deal considering the current state of Manhattan. I can practically hear the marketing team salivating from my apartment.

But yeah, if he has back to back <40 point seasons it might be an impossible sell.

 

[bobbop]

One of the most important jobs of the Captain is being the go to guy for interviews and quotes. When Callahan was traded, Richards stepped up and was the de facto captain for this very reason. McDonagh really struggled with handling media. Panarin can’t handle the language. Being glib isn’t Trouba’s game. That leaves Kreider and Mika and nothing against Zibanajad but in my mind Kreider is the clear choice not only for this but for many other reasons.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

One of the most important jobs of the Captain is being the go to guy for interviews and quotes. When Callahan was traded, Richards stepped up and was the de facto captain for this very reason. McDonagh really struggled with handling media. Panarin can’t handle the language. Being glib isn’t Trouba’s game. That leaves Kreider and Mika and nothing against Zibanajad but in my mind Kreider is the clear choice not only for this but for many other reasons.

Yeah, I feel the same way. It's not that Mika is doing something wrong, but Kreider just seems like a better fit when you look at seniority, his place on the team, attitude, willingness to mentor the younger players.

If I had to put money on it, I'd pick Kreider. But ultimately I don't think it affects the team much whether or not Kreider wears a C on his jersey

 

[Shesterkybomb]

Since non of us are in the dressingroom day to day we have no idea who is the better fit for captain. Honestly i don't think its a 2 horse race between just Kreider and Zibanejad, I'd throw Trouba in there, and possibly Fox or Lafreniere down the road. Man i can't wait to get this season going.

 

[HFsNumber1Heel]

The Captain needs to be a steady presence. Kreider is much too inconsistent to wear it. A great chance Kreider hits 30 goals than wears the C.

 

[Leetch3]

That’s all? Damn.

that's a fair deal...he was never worth close to the insane offer sheet proposals being thrown around cause you have to severally overpay on an offer sheet so the team doesn't match

 

[EdJovanovski]

While I agree, the only people left who might feel slighted are Kreider and Mika and maybe Buch. Kakko might be like "wtf grots?" Not sure that's enough for the FO to give a damn. Realistically speaking, Lafreniere is gonna bring us a cup(s) and become the next NY superstar. That's a huge deal considering the current state of Manhattan. I can practically hear the marketing team salivating from my apartment.

But yeah, if he has back to back <40 point seasons it might be an impossible sell.

Buch?

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

Buch?

In order of likelihood:

1. Kreider
2. Zibanejad
3. Trouba
4. Fox
5. Lafreniere

I don't see Buchevich being ahead of these 5 for the captaincy.

 

[Ratelleitlikeitis]

In order of likelihood:

1. Kreider
2. Zibanejad
3. Trouba
4. Fox
5. Lafreniere

I don't see Buchevich being ahead of these 5 for the captaincy.

You could add five more names and he'd still be 11.
Interesting that going way back, in a different time to be sure, Bob Nevin was the captain for many years, but when we reached serious early 70s Cup contention era it was Vic Hadfield as the captain, not Gilbert or Ratelle. Similar to Kreider potentially, in that it wouldn't be Panarin or Zibs. Let them keep their focus.
Later it was Parky who traded the C to Espo, who I'm guessing inherited it because of our youth and his reputation and personality even though he was brand new to the org. Although Tkaczuk really could/should have had it after Park.