Roster Building Thread - Part XI (Off-season edition)

[bleedblue94]

Let’s put Mika aside - he’s not going anywhere for multiple reasons.

On D Drury has let’s say over $12m in cap space that’s largely movable. There will be takers interested in either Lindgren or Trouba (later at $6.5m with $1.5m manageable retantion). Are you telling me Drury won’t be able to find a partner for Fox and a vet 2/3 pair RD in this situation and additional sweeteners to play with in Kakko, Goodrow and a couple of close to the NHL prospects? I have no idea what specific moves Drury will pull but I’m sure he’ll have options to do his job - this is not an impossible situation by any means.

What team in the NHL is trading a top pair d man that isn't about to hit ufa and won't resign?

There are teams that have been looking for those kind of d for nearly a decade and you think NYR is just going to find one?

People don't understand how lucky this org is that fox forced his way here. Effective 1st pair d men are near impossible to find

 

[bleedblue94]

How many years until they’re doing that with Schneider?

They already tried at the start of the season. Then by playoffs people suddenly realized that a young rhd that can skate, is physical, and has some offense are actually super valuable. The hate for Schneider was beyond idiotic. The kid stepped on and has been a fixture at a young age like miller. People lose perspective of how rare this is

 

[bleedblue94]

People just don't like Mika personally.

That's why they wanna replace him with a worse version that has swag and sick lettuce.

I honestly wonder if Mika just did a YouTube video of him eating an actual cheeseburger how much that would change the aura around him and fan negativity.

 

[Machinehead]

I honestly wonder if Mika just did a YouTube video of him eating an actual cheeseburger how much that would change the aura around him and fan negativity.

You might have a point but then again, this board made up him being vegan, so I think it's more pathological than that.

 

[bleedblue94]

Theodore, whether or not he shakes loose there I have no idea. Vegas is elite at cap shenanigans but if they want to keep JAM someone has to leave. I wouldn't want Hague anyway, hes not good.

Martinez is a UFA btw so he can be had as he won't be returning to Vegas. Not advocating this btw, he is not and has never been top pair quality.

I get the reservations with Chychrun but I'd rather have 60 games of him than 82 games of Lindgren, who isn't exactly the pillar of durability either.

Theodore isn't the type of guy you put with another offense d that wants the puck on his stick. They are the same type of player.

I maintain that the perfect player for fox was hanafin and we didn't pursue him.

 

[Machinehead]

Theodore isn't the type of guy you put with another offense d that wants the puck on his stick. They are the same type of player.

I maintain that the perfect player for fox was hanafin and we didn't pursue him.

See, I disagree. I think a PMD is a perfect fit for Fox.

Fox isn't a true PMD and doesn't transfer the puck that much.

He's all-world in both zones. His transition is average.

 

[bleedblue94]

See, I disagree. I think a PMD is a perfect fit for Fox.

Fox isn't a true PMD and doesn't transfer the puck that much.

He's all-world in both zones. His transition is average.

So how does that play out? You get. Pmd with him and that player needs the puck to initiate the breakout. So fox has the puck less. There aren't a lot of pmd who are bomb techs with the puck on the o zone. The pmd will want it there as well.

In that situation you render fox useless. The problem is that fox is elite with the puck but his breakouts are not good unless a team bites on his head fakes, his skating just isn't good enough to open those breakouts, BUT he is elite on the O side of the red line bc of his brain. Small area danger spaces he is wonderful because of his deception but it doesnt work when forecheckers are just coming at you to disrupt your breakouts.

Fox needs a good skating partner that will do dirty work and can break the puck up with quick/accurate outlet passes. All of that is hanafin. If Fox played with a Theodore then it would be like watching the failed karlson burns mess in San Jose.

If Fox doesn't have the puck he becomes useless.

 

[Good Intentions]

Lindgren $5X3 or Big Zad 7X$5

Neither

 

[Machinehead]

So how does that play out? You get. Pmd with him and that player needs the puck to initiate the breakout. So fox has the puck less. There aren't a lot of pmd who are bomb techs with the puck on the o zone. The pmd will want it there as well.

In that situation you render fox useless. The problem is that fox is elite with the puck but his breakouts are not good unless a team bites on his head fakes, his skating just isn't good enough to open those breakouts, BUT he is elite on the O side of the red line bc of his brain. Small area he is wonderful.

Fox needs a good skating partner that will do dirty work and can break the puck up with quick/accurate outlet passes. All of that is hanafin. If Fox played with a Theodore then it would be like watching the failed karlson burns mess in San Jose.

If Fox doesn't have the puck he becomes useless.

Theodore can do that too. I think you're overthinking it because you've labeled Theodore an offensive player and decided two of those won't work, even though he and Fox aren't similar at all.

This is the easiest thing in the world. It's Adam Fox. Get him a partner that just doesn't f***ing blow like Lindgren does and he'll make it work. Fox can adapt to the strengths of his partner. We just need to rectify that his partner currently has none.

 

[Machinehead]

Even Miller-Fox would be a great pair and I'm ready to throw Miller in the river.

We need a halfway competent NHL player that isn't an active hindrance.

And even then, I'm intrigued by Theodore for the second pair. We desperately need another guy who can move the puck.

And play Jones.

 

[bleedblue94]

Theodore can do that too. I think you're overthinking it because you've labeled Theodore an offensive player and decided two of those won't work, even though he and Fox aren't similar at all.

This is the easiest thing in the world. It's Adam Fox. Get him a partner that just doesn't f***ing blow like Lindgren does and he'll make it work. Fox can adapt to the strengths of his partner. We just need to rectify that his partner currently has none.

The simple issue is they both need the puck on their stick to be their most effective. I think that pair you're talking about is a leetch/driver esque pairing. I know it's a dated reference but rarely do two offensive guys paired together work. Theodore is an offensive d, so is fox.

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

I don’t see how lessening Fox’s touches in the DZ is a bad thing if the other guy is also good with the puck on his stick. This would free him up to join the rush and make plays in movement which is one of his many strengths.

He’ll get more OZ touches with someone who can take on some of the burden in getting the puck out of the DZ. This is what you want. Lindgren hinders his offense at ES because he has to carry almost all of that load in pushing the puck up ice and when Lindgren has the puck on his stick in the OZ it results in a dead play almost every single time.

Plenty of teams pair “ofd” together. If your preference is to pair Fox with a defensive ace that’s fine as well as long as they don’t nuke transition and can actually defend.

 

[Machinehead]

I don’t see how lessening Fox’s touches in the DZ is a bad thing if the other guy is also good with the puck on his stick. This would free him up to join the rush and make plays in movement which is one of his many strengths.

He’ll get more OZ touches with someone who can take on some of the burden in getting the puck out of the DZ. This is what you want. Lindgren hinders his offense at ES because he has to carry almost all of that load in pushing the puck up ice and when Lindgren has the puck on his stick in the OZ it results in a dead play almost every single time.

Plenty of teams pair “ofd” together. If your preference is to pair Fox with a defensive ace that’s fine as well as long as they don’t nuke transition and can actually defend.

I also don't care if Fox gets less points (I see the opposite but let's just say) if the team is better.

It's a lot more fluid than basketball where one guy runs the offense.

 

[Flan the incredible]

Conversation with fellow Ranger fan " If Trouba can be moved to Utah for picks give me 3 moves (Trades or signings) that will field the best chance of winning the cup next year" No ridiculous McDavid trades and trade value or salary has to be close.

My 3:

1. Call Boston as the are hurting for Centers and the Rangers could trade them two guys who can play C if they package Chytil and Goody for Frédéric and Carlo. Chytil, Coyle, Zach and Goody is much better than what they have now. They also are deep on RD with them acquiring Peeke last year. Carlo isn't going to light up the scoreboard but he probably is a good fit with Miller who takes too many chances. He can also clear the crease and be a nice stay at home option. Goody can be that playoff plug and play up and down the lineup. He also seems like a typical Boston pest. Chytil is never going to get a shot as a top 2C in NY which he could in Boston.

Drury can then call Vegas who is in cap hell and I am sure looking for ways to shed salary. If they want to sign March they need to shed salary and as they are deep at C I can see Roy moved. Add Roy to Theo and offer up Lindgren as a cheaper option to Theo who they can sign for a bunch of years at a much cheaper cap hit. The picks from the Trouba trade can be used as Vegas has nothing after the 1st until the 6th round this year and no 1sts for the next 2 years. They will not want players as they want to shed salary so picks and prospects is the obvious choice. They can trade them at the deadline when Stone fakes his yearly injury.

Last phone call Drury should make is at the draft and offer this years first and next year's 1st plus Kappo to Ottawa for Tkachuk. Imagine Rangers walking away with Tkachuk at the sphere? Dolan would be the star of the draft and nonstop media coverage.

Lines could be:
Panarin Tro Laf
Tkachuk Roy Frédéric
Kreider Zibs Berard/Ott/Sykora
Cuylle Edstrom Vesey/Rempe

Theo Fox
Miller Carlo
Jones Schneider
Vet min player

Rangers still have roughly 1 million in cap space after Schneider signs a modest bridge deal. Rangers roll 3 lines that all can do damage. No conventional 1st, 2nd and 3rd line. Just 3 lines that can all score and fill in sparingly the 4 line. Two solid PPs as PP2 could be Theo, Laf,Tkachuk, Roy and Frédéric.

Tkachuk and Frédéric are also great friends so I think they will like to play on the same line. Zibs can also slot down on that line. In fact it creates a lot of opportunity to juggle lines and adds a ton of grit.

The only issue is next offseason may be the end of Miller or Kreider in a Ranger uniform as they would have Shesty, Theo, Laf, Miller and Frédéric to sign.

I am sure none of this will happen but it is a nice game and great conversation.

For the record my friend went FA signings with Guhle trade.

 

[bobbop]

I’d be perfectly fine with Shea Theodore on the Rangers next year. Of course, he’s missed big chunks of the last two seasons with injuries, has a modified no trade that has to be navigated and will be eligible for a contract extension. A lot to work around here.

 

[OriginalLimbo]

You got two more years of using this Drury to win one.

LOL. Like clockwork, as soon as NYR gets even a perceived benefit, the rules are changed.

Don’t stop being petty and moronic: all other GMs and owners. Clown league.

 

[JimmyG89]

I also don't care if Fox gets less points (I see the opposite but let's just say) if the team is better.

It's a lot more fluid than basketball where one guy runs the offense.

If Adam Fox played 82 games with Miller, he'd threaten 100 points on defense. He'd also win the Norris.

He's over a point per game with an anchor attached. If he was with an average top 4 D, he's without a doubt the #1D in the league.

 

[McRanger92]

Zadorov is gonna get overpaid and then regress what he always was a 3rd pair d.

He’s significantly better than all our defenseman not named Fox

 

[kovazub94]

What team in the NHL is trading a top pair d man that isn't about to hit ufa and won't resign?

There are teams that have been looking for those kind of d for nearly a decade and you think NYR is just going to find one?

People don't understand how lucky this org is that fox forced his way here. Effective 1st pair d men are near impossible to find

Where did I say that the Rangers need a Fox level defenseman? I specifically call it a “partner for Fox” which I thought pretty clearly implies a good fit rather than another top shelf $9m player.

Should of agreed to 90

Probably didn’t want a higher escrow

 

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

I honestly wonder if Mika just did a YouTube video of him eating an actual cheeseburger how much that would change the aura around him and fan negativity.

I'll wait until he chows down on a pork chop.

 

[Vitto79]

He’s significantly better than all our defenseman not named Fox

Zadorov is overhyped . He gets traded for a 3rd

Lindgren , Miller , Schneider have more value

 

[haohmaru]

He’s significantly better than all our defenseman not named Fox

And he’s going to get 7M/per.

 

[RangerBoy]

The NHL salary cap projections were $87.675M in 24-25 and $92,058,750 in 25-26. The NHL had a good year and the cap increased to $88M for 24-25. The 25-26 number should be higher. Utah is entering the league. Arizona was the money pit. Utah will actually sell tickets.

“I predict it will continue to go up,” Bettman said Saturday before Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. “Obviously, the number of years we had with flat and modest increases was necessary to recapture how much was overpaid and how much the escrow built up during COVID.

“I believe we’re going to continue to see robust growth in the cap.”

The $88 million figure was actually a hair more than originally expected. The 2020 memorandum of understanding between the NHL and NHL Players’ Association called for an increase of 5 percent in this situation, which would have resulted in an $87.7 million ceiling. But the sides decided they’d be able to set it a little higher because of where revenues landed.

That was welcome news on both sides.

“Every bit above what this cap was proposed to do is a good raise for the players,” NHLPA executive director Marty Walsh told The Athletic. “It’s been a good year for hockey.”

“It’s great to see,” Bettman said. “I know the general managers and the teams are excited to have more flexibility, and it means that the revenues are as robust as we’ve been telling you all along.”

If the NHL continues with 5 percent raises the next two seasons, the salary cap could hit $97 million before the current collective bargaining agreement is set to expire in September 2026.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5551179/2024/06/08/gary-bettman-salary-cap-ltir-expansion/

Any increase for 25-26 will help the Rangers. Igor's extension. Lafreniere's extension. If he has a bigger year next year and/with Laviolette giving him first unit PP minutes, the Rangers are looking $8.5M per. I have seen people on here and on X say the Rangers should offer him $5M-$6M. Why would Lafreniere take that?

$97M in 26-27 before the CBA expires. Bettman and Walsh seem to have a good relationship. They will get a new CBA done before it expires. Panarin's money will be off the books. Let him play out his contract.

 

[Daves a mess]

Agreed. Every recent ranger coach has overplayed crappy players.

Every coach of every NHL team has overplayed "crappy" players.
And if you ask them, they'd probably tell you why they don't think that player is as crappy as you do.

There was a guy that played for the Rangers named Jody Hull in the early 90s. Some of you may remember him.
I had partial seasons back then. Not a Ranger fan in my section could figure out why Roger threw this guy out there 10 mins a game.

He became a decent player once he got out of the Ranger uniform, and played pretty well for Florida.

But as a Ranger, nobody saw it. Fans that is.

 

[GAGLine]

And he’s going to get 7M/per.

Not a chance. He doesn't score enough to command that type of money.