Speculation: Roster Building Thread - Part XIII (Nanaki edition)

[B17 Apricots]

I was playing around a little with PuckPedia's manager feature, I'm a bit conflicted...

Tuba's money has to come off in its entirety. Considering the reports in the beginning of the year that more than half the league was interested this Summer, I think theres a good chance that happens. I've been saying it since the off-season. I'd look to deal with Dallas. Their left side is stacked. Their RHD has been a major hole. They had very little there last year, no different this year. Plenty of cap space. Big Lian Bichsel (LHD) started again in the AHL. They speak highly of him, I don't think they'd want to move him but it'll be tricky for him to break into that group. I think William Wallinder (LHD) in Detroit is a realistic target. Ryker Evans is emerging in Seattle, their left side with him and Vince Dunn looks solid. If Tuba would waive to go there Caden Price (LHD) is a real wild card. That's another solid target... anyway... Tuba's 8 million has to come off the books. You also have to assume Smith's money will be replaced by one of Othmann, Berard or Gabe.

Ultimately if you cave to Igor's Bolshevik contract demands and after the deals for Kakko, Cuylle, Miller, Edström, Rempe, Jones, a spare D and a back up goalie, you're left with about ~4 million for a middle pairing D. So Drury will have to get creative. He can do what he did in the Smith trade and have a team eat salary. He can try to target defenders that can play to that level and also fall in that salary range, options are very limited. He can go the riskier route and trade for an unproven D prospect. Maybe they just go internally and elevate Jones or Mancini's minutes? I think the least popular, but something that could be on the table, he could use Kakko or Cuylle as trade bait. Give their role to another one of the Othmann/Berard/Gabe group and use the saved money to target a better defender. Marcus Pettersson I think would fit here like a glove if he hits free agency... we just won't have the money for him unless they move someone out.

It would be a major help if Drury can shave some money off Igor's demands, it could be the difference between a real top 4 defender, keeping the forward group together or having to bargain bin certain areas.

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

The Rangers defense was a bit of a problem even before #55 came back but they were still heavily in the green in terms of chances generated.

The issue is that it has been even WORSE since putting him back in into the top 4 and their chances for have dropped off pretty significantly.

I don't think being able to WEEEEEEEE your way through everyone is a winning formula in the playoffs (though maybe with Igor, perhaps it is) but what ever they've been doing since Lindgren came back 100% isn't going to work.

I don't think its scapegoating Lindgren, it's being pissed that they broke apart combos that were working to appease a horrible player who has been even WORSE this year who they rushed back into the lineup for no reason.

 

[80shockeywasbuns]

Trouba-miller pretty much summed up in one clip. Isles change all 3 forwards, Trouba somehow still almost finds the first NYI skater that enters his area code with a pass

 

[Gluten Free Breadman]

I thought last game was Mika's best game this season.

 

[will1066]

Are you getting kickbacks for promoting this stuff?

It's @EdJovanovski . I get free Pizza Hut.

 

[GAGLine]

If and when Buffalo struggles, Bowen Byram would be an intriguing pick up to me

Byron is a pending RFA with arbitration rights. He'll be looking for raise. His cap hit is 3.85, but his current salary, and qualifying offer, is 4.62 mil. He may end up costing more than we can afford.

There's also the question of why Buffalo would move him. He's 2nd in ice time for Buffalo dmen and used in all situations and Buffalo desperately wants to win. Unless they are getting back someone better, I don't see why they would move him.

 

[will1066]

Trouba-miller pretty much summed up in one clip. Isles change all 3 forwards, Trouba somehow still almost finds the first NYI skater that enters his area code with a pass

You're focusing on Trouba? It's Miller that has rocks for a brain. 3 guys changing and he curls back and then gives Trouba a pass that forces him to backhand instead of receiving on the forehand. Miller should've went north in the first place.

 

[NYR Viper]

I was playing around a little with PuckPedia's manager feature, I'm a bit conflicted...

Tuba's money has to come off in its entirety. Considering the reports in the beginning of the year that more than half the league was interested this Summer, I think theres a good chance that happens. I've been saying it since the off-season. I'd look to deal with Dallas. Their left side is stacked. Their RHD has been a major hole. They had very little there last year, no different this year. Plenty of cap space. Big Lian Bichsel (LHD) started again in the AHL. They speak highly of him, I don't think they'd want to move him but it'll be tricky for him to break into that group. I think William Wallinder (LHD) in Detroit is a realistic target. Ryker Evans is emerging in Seattle, their left side with him and Vince Dunn looks solid. If Tuba would waive to go there Caden Price (LHD) is a real wild card. That's another solid target... anyway... Tuba's 8 million has to come off the books. You also have to assume Smith's money will be replaced by one of Othmann, Berard or Gabe.

Ultimately if you cave to Igor's Bolshevik contract demands and after the deals for Kakko, Cuylle, Miller, Edström, Rempe, Jones, a spare D and a back up goalie, you're left with about ~4 million for a middle pairing D. So Drury will have to get creative. He can do what he did in the Smith trade and have a team eat salary. He can try to target defenders that can play to that level and also fall in that salary range, options are very limited. He can go the riskier route and trade for an unproven D prospect. Maybe they just go internally and elevate Jones or Mancini's minutes? I think the least popular, but something that could be on the table, he could use Kakko or Cuylle as trade bait. Give their role to another one of the Othmann/Berard/Gabe group and use the saved money to target a better defender. Marcus Pettersson I think would fit here like a glove if he hits free agency... we just won't have the money for him unless they move someone out.

It would be a major help if Drury can shave some money off Igor's demands, it could be the difference between a real top 4 defender, keeping the forward group together or having to bargain bin certain areas.

The experiment of Schneider on LD is actually a bigger deal than people are making it out to be. If he can take that and run with it, that gives Drury flexibility on where he can find a d-man. LD, RD, it doesn't matter. Mancini needs to continue to improve as well but those (2) guys developing this year makes things a lot easier for Drury.

 

[80shockeywasbuns]

You're focusing on Trouba? It's Miller that has rocks for a brain. 3 guys changing and he curls back and then gives Trouba a pass that forces him to backhand instead of receiving on the forehand. Miller should've went north in the first place.

This is easier to defuse than a sandwich if Trouba can just get his head up and slightly manipulate the forechecker or just read what he’s doing. He gets baited into this shit all the time and so does Miller.

 

[B17 Apricots]

The experiment of Schneider on LD is actually a bigger deal than people are making it out to be. If he can take that and run with it, that gives Drury flexibility on where he can find a d-man. LD, RD, it doesn't matter. Mancini needs to continue to improve as well but those (2) guys developing this year makes things a lot easier for Drury.

I dont have an issue with Schneider at LD, but who's playing RD then? Trouba will be gone, Mancini I like but we'll have to see how the season plays out. Maybe Drury will have the nuts to go into that season with Mancini on the 2nd pair with Schneider or K'Andre

 

[TGWL]

Trouba-miller pretty much summed up in one clip. Isles change all 3 forwards, Trouba somehow still almost finds the first NYI skater that enters his area code with a pass

Trouba is watching the puck and doesn't offer much help to Miller there. He goes behind the net but has to then turn to receive a pass thrown slowly along the boards. It was a slow play Miller and I'm sure there was 0 communication to let Miller know he has time to grab the puck and turn around to make a breakout play instead of playing take the puck back. But it's still a half ass play by Miller.

 

[JohnC]

The evolution of Ryan Lindgren discourse has been pretty fascinating to watch. I’d say we’re <12 months removed from people actively being convinced he wouldn’t be another Dan Girardi because he’s 6 years younger than when G broke down. Now he’s missing more games than G typically missed and he’s likely so much worse of a player than G was at the same age.

 

[80shockeywasbuns]

Trouba is watching the puck and doesn't offer much help to Miller there. He goes behind the net but has to then turn to receive a pass thrown slowly along the boards. It was a slow play Miller and I'm sure there was 0 communication to let Miller know he has time to grab the puck and turn around to make a breakout play instead of playing take the puck back. But it's still a half ass play by Miller.

No clue why Miller needs to rim that under zero pressure making Trouba dig it out. But Trouba has the entire play in front of him and still almost turns it into a disastrous pizza. They’re both just an epic clusterf***

 

[Clark Kellogg]

i know this is meant as an insult but i don't personally keep track of what different rangers online communities are reputed to believe. is it a prospect hugging accusation? you'll have to spell it out.

or, you could take note of the fact that other posters seem to agree with what i'm saying here, and engage with the debate.

i'll reiterate: why would you hold cuylle or edstrom, solid burgeoning NHL depth, as untouchable, but not perreault, whose production relative to his peers has been record breaking? what is your criteria for establishing untouchable status?

For better or worse the team is constructed to win now. It doesn’t matter if you agree or disagree with that statement but that is the fact
Just see how few draft picks are available in the next two years.
Hartford has no can’t miss defenseman prospects on their current roster.
Trouba leaves great! Mancini in.
The left side as it stands now for the playoffs is Miller, Lindgren and Jones. Two of those are under 6’ and are unable to move opposing forwards. Miller choses not.
The reality is not in a vacuum.
Do some due diligence. Where is the TDL LD(s) going to come from. Don’t foresee teams in competition moving strong d-men.
Look at the UFA 2025/26 defensemen list from the beginning of this season.
Many of those that would be worth going for have already signed extensions.
Perreault went 23rd. Listed at 5’11”, 165.
Questions about his skating. Does his NCAA translate to a pro game.
I can’t tell you, but neither can you or any other poster on this board.

Let’s break it down to this :
How do we fix 2/3 of the left side of the defense before the playoffs?
Who do we bring ?
How is the organization going to pay for it? You have to trade something of value to get value in return.
Otherwise you’re just whistling past the graveyard.

 

[CLW]

The only 8-2-1 team that makes me want to drink 15-year-old single-malt kerosene.

I'm debating if this is a better option than to die from snickers poisoning.

 

[JohnC]

The evolution of Ryan Lindgren discourse has been pretty fascinating to watch. I’d say we’re <12 months removed from people actively being convinced he wouldn’t be another Dan Girardi because he’s 6 years younger than when G broke down. Now he’s missing more games than G typically missed and he’s likely so much worse of a player than G was at the same age.

In fact, many here were vocally not concerned about signing Lindgren to a long term extension since he was 5 years younger than when Girardi signed his albatross contract here (age 30). I cannot reiterate enough how bad it would be to have Lindgren under contract for another 4 years at an AAV that starts with a 5.

 

[GAGLine]

For better or worse the team is constructed to win now. It doesn’t matter if you agree or disagree with that statement but that is the fact
Just see how few draft picks are available in the next two years.
Hartford has no can’t miss defenseman prospects on their current roster.
Trouba leaves great! Mancini in.
The left side as it stands now for the playoffs is Miller, Lindgren and Jones. Two of those are under 6’ and are unable to move opposing forwards. Miller choses not.
The reality is not in a vacuum.
Do some due diligence. Where is the TDL LD(s) going to come from. Don’t foresee teams in competition moving strong d-men.
Look at the UFA 2025/26 defensemen list from the beginning of this season.
Many of those that would be worth going for have already signed extensions.
Perreault went 23rd. Listed at 5’11”, 165.
Questions about his skating. Does his NCAA translate to a pro game.
I can’t tell you, but neither can you or any other poster on this board.

Let’s break it down to this :
How do we fix 2/3 of the left side of the defense before the playoffs?
Who do we bring ?
How is the organization going to pay for it? You have to trade something of value to get value in return.
Otherwise you’re just whistling past the graveyard.

Yes, we are in win-now mode. That doesn't mean we trade our best prospect.

Which cost-effective LD is available and worth trading Perreault for?

There will be at least one opening on the wing this summer. Two if we move one of Kreider or Kakko. Panarin has 1 year left after this and may not be back. We are going to need wingers to fill those spots. We can find a way to solve the LD issue without giving up Perreault.

 

[Synergy27]

Byron is a pending RFA with arbitration rights. He'll be looking for raise. His cap hit is 3.85, but his current salary, and qualifying offer, is 4.62 mil. He may end up costing more than we can afford.

There's also the question of why Buffalo would move him. He's 2nd in ice time for Buffalo dmen and used in all situations and Buffalo desperately wants to win. Unless they are getting back someone better, I don't see why they would move him.

They are also LD heavy with Dahlin and Power. Is Byram playing his offside? I don’t know.

It would have to be a hockey trade with them.

The evolution of Ryan Lindgren discourse has been pretty fascinating to watch. I’d say we’re <12 months removed from people actively being convinced he wouldn’t be another Dan Girardi because he’s 6 years younger than when G broke down. Now he’s missing more games than G typically missed and he’s likely so much worse of a player than G was at the same age.

It’s hard not to love a guy that literally bleeds for the team and that was essentially home grown. Those things buy you a lot of leeway with a fan base.

It takes epic levels of suckage to get those people to notice and unfortunately that’s exactly what we’re getting from the Bubble Warrior.

I love the guy too but I can’t pretend he doesn’t suck anymore.

 

[NYR Viper]

There are some decent veteran d-men who could be bottom-pairing options next year:
Burns
Ruuta
Dumoulin

Again, bottom pairing

 

[Clark Kellogg]

Yes, we are in win-now mode. That doesn't mean we trade our best prospect.

Which cost-effective LD is available and worth trading Perreault for?

There will be at least one opening on the wing this summer. Two if we move one of Kreider or Kakko. Panarin has 1 year left after this and may not be back. We are going to need wingers to fill those spots. We can find a way to solve the LD issue without giving up Perreault.

That I cannot answer.
What I will say is that Perreault, though be our best non-professional prospect is not a can’t miss prospect.
If we look internally I can cite Anderson and Kravtsov who were much higher touted prospects at the time of their draft.
Externally I will list Nolan Patrick.
Those are just off the top of my head.
I wanted to stay within the last decade to be fair but if I were to go back the list is extremely vast.
My point is I can’t answer for 32 G.M.s
I know Vlasic is most probably untouchable but there are 31 GM that might have a surplus of LDs and need forwards.
Buffalo comes to mind and if they are not desperate, they should be.
Not saying it would be Perreault but what I would say is that he is not untouchable.

 

[GAGLine]

What about Connor Murphy? Good size. 1 year left at 4.4 mil. Shouldn't cost too much to acquire.

It seems like he's been around forever, but he's only 31.

 

[jerseyjinx94]

Perreault should absolutely be untouchable and penciled into a top 9 RW slot next year with the way the cap is looking. Mancini looks like he'll be needed to replace Trouba. Garand may be needed to replace Quick. Edstrom, Rempe, Berard, Othmann - probably 3 of these guys will be on the roster next year. You can move one, but if you start moving more than one you'll be in the bargain bin for guys making sub $1M.

Othmann, Jones, pretty much any other prospect can be moved in the right deal. But there needs to be a plan to get through next year as well

 

[will1066]

This is easier to defuse than a sandwich if Trouba can just get his head up and slightly manipulate the forechecker or just read what he’s doing. He gets baited into this shit all the time and so does Miller.

He's on his backhand, feels the forechecker coming and does a quick reverse back to Miller. Forechecker went to Miller, so yeah, maybe it was a bait. It's still Miller who makes Trouba recoil with him to go behind the net.

 

[Oscar Lindberg]

I agree the discourse on Lindgren is funny because people were saying “well he’s younger” and yet he f***ing stinks at this age too

The upside is I firmly believe Drury won’t sign him long term so I’m not worried he’ll be here past this season

 

[kovazub94]

I mean yeah agree with all this. It's stupid, they don't need him out there, there's no reason to rush him back like they did and there's certainly no reason to put him back with Fox

As for the teams poor defense...again, it's barely 10 games in, I believe they'll find a way to tighten things up and get better, but they need to not be lackadaisical about it. IMO their biggest issue in giving up high percentage scoring chances is just miscommunication and players not reading/reacting well or covering the front of the net. That's stuff that can usually get sorted out with more time but you have to actually do it and not just talk about it.

The team would've had to go through these pains of bringing Lindgren back anyway - I don't think he was rushed per se (his fishbowl is probably staying for awhile). He wasn't put with Fox right away either - this was a result of the whole D playing poorly and Laviolette is going through options. He also have to manage an undersized guy on 3rd pair and a rookie with 6 (?) NHL games under his belt who never played 1/2 of the NHL long season.
And you can't tell me that the Rangers being one of the league worse teams in SOGA for the whole season to date should be pinned on one guy who was out of the lineup for 2/3 of it. This last one is not pointed at you but the whole sentiment that the whole thing is Lindgren's fault.