Speculation: Roster Building Thread: Part XIV (To trade or not to trade is the question)

[Machinehead]

A sentence I never thought I’d hear in the English language but unfortunately makes sense.

As we keep hearing reports that the players are unhappy, I'm just like no shit? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

All the more reason for the core group of players to go. The bridge is burned.

And no, I'm absolutely not firing Drury to make them "happy" again, so they can play better. They suck.

 

[Shesterkybomb]

As we keep hearing reports that the players are unhappy, I'm just like no shit? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

All the more reason for the core group of players to go. The bridge is burned.

And no, I'm absolutely not firing Drury to make them "happy" again, so they can play better. They suck.

Both things can be true, Drury is fostering a toxic environment and the vets have to go.

 

[TGWL]

Any player upset about the Goodrow situation is out of line and overreacting. Goodrow did not have waiver protection in his contract, and was waived. Extremely black and white situation.

Whatever happened to “it’s a business” or does that only apply when you are wildly underperforming your cap hit and still getting paid?

I understand there is a human element and players are allowed to be upset I guess, but the risk of having to move / change situations due to actions of management is the bedrock of pro sports contracts.

Goodrow was waived to be claimed by a team for the GM to get out of the M-NTC. You can call it black and white, but it was a shitty move, and one that took place without even communicating with Goodrow.

I'd be all for just kicking Drury to the curb if I thought this team could get it done with the core, but I really don't think they can, even if some turn around happens. So it's probably better to just get rid of them.

 

[IDvsEGO]

As we keep hearing reports that the players are unhappy, I'm just like no shit? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

All the more reason for the core group of players to go. The bridge is burned.

And no, I'm absolutely not firing Drury to make them "happy" again, so they can play better. They suck.

100%
the reported meeting between the core and Drury was likely a “if you want to stay, play better” and the response was to get worse.
moving off Drury now is essentially rewarding guys for zero effort.
Players do not pick a gm.

 

[B17 Apricots]

The players feel like it was handled the wrong way because unusual tactics were used.

Waiving Goodrow to get around his NTC and threatening to do the same with Trouba was hardly business as usual.

I could give Drury a pass with Trouba, because he didn't sign the contract, and was forced to do whatever necessary to get out of it. He did sign Goodrow's contract and then basically turned around and fired him, after a very good postseason, let's not forget. I would be upset too. Everyone in that room has to feel pretty unsafe.

Now I know people will look at some of the guys they want to get rid of and say "based," but they're real people and this is their real job. There's a difference between accountability and mismanagement. There's a difference between scratching a guy, and going around a clause that he negotiated.

That's not to absolve this group of anything they've done. The team sucks and plays a grabass brand of hockey. That being said, I don't think there's any group of players that would be happy with this.

Again, I think Goodrow is the smoking gun. If it were a bunch of guys where Drury said "oh well, this isn't my team," he probably gets a pass for that. He went out and signed Goodrow himself.

Like I said, hate this group all you want, but not one group of players under the sun would be happy with that move.

I'm not buying it. They've shown themselves to be a bunch of entitled jerk offs. These sorts of things happen. I'm sure any team wouldn't love it, but they are being uniquely irrational about it. Tampa Bay did the exact same thing with Ryan McDonagh, who's 10x the player Goodrow or Tuba will ever be. They told him, we need cap space and unfortunately we need you to waive your NTC or you're being put on waivers. It's not personal. They loved McDonagh, they just traded to bring him back. Its all about the cap. Goodrow was a good soldier for us. It's business. We couldn't afford him. Did Tampa Bay throw a tamper tantrum and cry to the world when McDonagh had to go?

... it's just our pathetic country club atmosphere.

 

[IDvsEGO]

Both things can be true, Drury is fostering a toxic environment and the vets have to go.

The players are complaining because Drury moved two underperforming players.

If they’re scared for their job security, maybe they could’ve tried not being bad.

This is the nhl. Did the vets think they were immune from being moved?
My guess. They wanted Laf and Kakko moved so that there was no “competition “ for coveted ice time.

 

[KirkAlbuquerque]

Omg DO SOMETHING ALREADY.

 

[LOFIN]

100%
the reported meeting between the core and Drury was likely a “if you want to stay, play better” and the response was to get worse.
moving off Drury now is essentially rewarding guys for zero effort.
Players do not pick a gm.

I really don't understand what the players are hoping to achieve here, if it is true they are basically mailing it in because of Drury and having a players only meeting about him. Let's say for the sake of argument that Drury is getting canned tomorrow. What do you think the next GM is thinking about these players who have essentially quit because they don't like the GM? What does this change for the fans? Nothing.

 

[McRanger92]

Drury doesn't seem to have a clue how to run a hockey team in the 2020's, it goes back to Hartford when he was fighting with young kids in a new country instead of trying to help them get better and I've said before he's not totally responsible for Andersson and Kravtsov's failings but he certainly derailed them before they got going and that didn't help. Kakko, has had his feet kicked out multiple times by this organization, his recent scratch and his scratches in playoffs for AHL players, Drury has had a hand in 3 highly thought of players becoming a side show. It's time for him to go before he wastes whatever remaining picks and prospects we have on this guy.

We're still blaming Drury for Kravstov and Lias eh? 2 entitled players who didnt work hard enough to amount to anything elsewhere. Drury was "mean" but he was right. You're completely projecting his involvement with Kakko's poor development. Drury resisted trading kakko for guys who wouldve obviously helped us like Guentzel.

And the bolded statement here kills me. Drury doesnt know how to run a team in the 2020s? Why? Because the players bristle when faced with accountability? Id argue the players are the one's out of touch with how the world works. This organization has had 0 accountability for their constant playoff failures. The Gm can't offload players even if its contractually league, but the players can block trades through threats when they dont like it. Unprofessionalism is rampant in the Rangers locker room. I dont even think Drury is some great GM but he's not the guy you should have the gun pointed at.

 

[Savant]

As we keep hearing reports that the players are unhappy, I'm just like no shit? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

All the more reason for the core group of players to go. The bridge is burned.

And no, I'm absolutely not firing Drury to make them "happy" again, so they can play better. They suck.

I would not fire Drury to keep the players happy either, but Rangers are in a bit of a chicken/egg situation. If Drury is a lame duck GM and has to sell all these players, he is basically picking the players for the next GM’s rebuild so it gets a bit tricky.

But yes there is no way the players aren’t trying to get him fired right now so I have no idea why people are skeptical about that being the case

 

[haohmaru]

And no, I'm absolutely not firing Drury to make them "happy" again, so they can play better. They suck.

Bunch of crybabies. Was Trouba “ruthless” because he did what was best for himself and not the team? Goodrow? Drury might’ve been cold blooded but, if the Goodrow situation outlined anything, it’s that he had to be.

This isn’t Drury’s team. He’s been hamstrung with this pack of fools since the Gorton days who left him with very little flexibility to do much of anything. What’s the number now? 17/21 players are players Gorton had a hand in being here? Same bunch of Prima Donna’s that have already quit on multiple Coaches and management? Drury is right to collapse this house of cards.

Screw this group. Instead of saying “eff you, Chris, we’ll show everyone how good we are” they come to collect a paycheck in silent protest with no effort

Screw this team. Blow it up, Chris.

 

[Machinehead]

I'm not buying it. They've shown themselves to be a bunch of entitled jerk offs. These sorts of things happen. I'm sure any team wouldn't love it, but they are being uniquely irrational about it. Tampa Bay did the exact same thing with Ryan McDonagh, who's 10x the player Goodrow or Tuba will ever be. They told him, we need cap space and unfortunately we need you to waive your NTC or you're being put on waivers. It's not personal. They loved McDonagh, they just traded to bring him back. Its all about the cap. Goodrow was a good soldier for us. It's business. We couldn't afford him. Did Tampa Bay throw a tamper tantrum and cry to the world when McDonagh had to go?

... it's just our pathetic country club atmosphere.

Winning two Cups with the guy and then moving on because the team got more expensive is very different from signing a guy, and then two years later saying "I need to get rid of you because I f***ed up."

The Rangers didn't do anything with that space nor did Goodrow have a particularly high cap hit. That entire episode is not a good look for Drury.

 

[TheGortonConspiracy]

Players are sad because they don’t like Drury… okay, but that’s what the money is for. Figure it out.

Everyone thinks Lavi scratched Kaapo. Let’s be honest Kaapo probably asked for a trade again and Drury is sitting him.

 

[Machinehead]

Bunch of crybabies. Was Trouba “ruthless” because he did what was best for himself and not the team? Goodrow? Drury might’ve been cold blooded but, if the Goodrow situation outlined anything, it’s that he had to be.

This isn’t Drury’s team. He’s been hamstrung with this pack of fools since the Gorton days who left him with very little flexibility to do much of anything. What’s the number now? 17/21 players are players Gorton had a hand in being here? Same bunch of Prima Donna’s that have already quit on multiple Coaches and management? Drury is right to collapse this house of cards.

Screw this group. Instead of saying “eff you, Chris, we’ll show everyone how good we are” they come to collect a paycheck in silent protest with no effort

Screw this team. Blow it up, Chris.

Drury signed Goodrow.

 

[cheech70]

Any roster adjustments done by the letter of the law is above board and perfectly justified. That is why we have attorneys look at all types of agreements we make in life...ex..home purchase..employment contracts..business purchases etc. If there is something you want to avoid happening you need to get it in the agreement otherwise all bets are off. If Drury gets fired we as Ranger fans are screwed because the inmates are running the asylum. This tension is affecting the youth..13-4-72 etc..the surgery to remove the tumors needs to happen asap.

 

[Kupo]

Both things can be true, Drury is fostering a toxic environment and the vets have to go.

What exactly is a toxic environment? The team has first class amenities. Countless players over the decades I've been watching this team have repeatedly praised the organization for being first class with everything.

Is Drury in that locker room beating the players with a stick? Has he substituted premium meals with Taco Bell? First class flights have been downgraded to commercial, with no peanuts? Maybe there's a giant poster in the locker room with the asshole of the week.

I don't like Drury, but I don't believe in him creating a toxic environment.

 

[Lion Hound]

I got a problem with the way the players are thinking this out. Of course, providing that the report from that Podcost is accurate. Its very unprofessional for a Hockey Club to stop playing if their feelings are hurt that a GM made moves. Moves that in all likely hood needed to be made to pay the crew for the next season and give the existing core another shot. Its irrelevant how the deals actually went down. Its a business and these players are all making adequate money for their profession.

The real issue i see is how shortsighted and spiteful it is to just not give a rats ass and tank on a season because of their feelings toward the GM. These players are thinking about themselves, and not about the fans that support this team. Forbes still ranks them as the #2 most profitable Organization in the NHL. The fanbase doesn't quit on the Rangers so why are the Rangers players quitting on the ice? Sets a terrible tone for the average Joe that takes his family into Manhattan to see a game.

Just took a look at tickets for the game vs the Canes on the 22nd. Lets say a Father, or a Mom wants to take two kids into the game. 3 tickets total. Cheapest i saw was $273 for Obstructed view seating in Sec 215. So thats $819 for 3 seats. Lets say the parent want to enjoy a beer. Thats $15. Lets say each kid wants a Soda. that's $7 each. Lets say they all have a hot dog. thats another $8 each. Plus transportation. Lets say they all take the train. $25 Each person round trip.

That's a blatant slap in the face to every single paying customer that walks into Madison Square Garden.

$819 Tickets
$15 1 Beer
$24 - $8 x 3 Food
$14- $7 x2 Sodas
$75- $25 x3 Train Tickets
____________________________
$947 TOTAL

 

[Machinehead]

I got a problem with the way the players are thinking this out. Of course, providing that the report from that Podcost is accurate. Its very unprofessional for a Hockey Club to stop playing if their feelings are hurt that a GM made moves. Moves that in all likely hood needed to be made to pay the crew for the next season and give the existing core another shot. Its irrelevant how the deals actually went down. Its a business and these players are all making adequate money for their profession.

The real issue i see is how shortsighted and spiteful it is to just not give a rats ass and tank on a season because of their feelings toward the GM. These players are thinking about themselves, and not about the fans that support this team. Forbes still ranks them as the #2 most profitable Organization in the NHL. The fanbase doesn't quit on the Rangers so why are the Rangers players quitting on the ice? Sets a terrible tone for the average Joe that takes his family into Manhattan to see a game.

Just took a look at tickets for the game vs the Canes on the 22nd. Lets say a Father, or a Mom wants to take two kids into the game. 3 tickets total. Cheapest i saw was $273 for Obstructed view seating in Sec 215. So thats $819 for 3 seats. Lets say the parent want to enjoy a beer. Thats $15. Lets say each kid wants a Soda. that's $7 each. Lets say they all have a hot dog. thats another $8 each. Plus transportation. Lets say they all take the train. $25 Each person round trip.

That's a blatant slap in the face to every single paying customer that walks into Madison Square Garden.

$819 Tickets
$15 1 Beer
$24 - $8 x 3 Food
$14- $7 x2 Sodas
$75- $25 x3 Train Tickets
____________________________
$947 TOTAL


View attachment 946607

This isn't accurate.

Nobody "enjoys" beer.

 

[McRanger92]

I got a problem with the way the players are thinking this out. Of course, providing that the report from that Podcost is accurate. Its very unprofessional for a Hockey Club to stop playing if their feelings are hurt that a GM made moves. Moves that in all likely hood needed to be made to pay the crew for the next season and give the existing core another shot. Its irrelevant how the deals actually went down. Its a business and these players are all making adequate money for their profession.

The real issue i see is how shortsighted and spiteful it is to just not give a rats ass and tank on a season because of their feelings toward the GM. These players are thinking about themselves, and not about the fans that support this team. Forbes still ranks them as the #2 most profitable Organization in the NHL. The fanbase doesn't quit on the Rangers so why are the Rangers players quitting on the ice? Sets a terrible tone for the average Joe that takes his family into Manhattan to see a game.

Just took a look at tickets for the game vs the Canes on the 22nd. Lets say a Father, or a Mom wants to take two kids into the game. 3 tickets total. Cheapest i saw was $273 for Obstructed view seating in Sec 215. So thats $819 for 3 seats. Lets say the parent want to enjoy a beer. Thats $15. Lets say each kid wants a Soda. that's $7 each. Lets say they all have a hot dog. thats another $8 each. Plus transportation. Lets say they all take the train. $25 Each person round trip.

That's a blatant slap in the face to every single paying customer that walks into Madison Square Garden.

$819 Tickets
$15 1 Beer
$24 - $8 x 3 Food
$14- $7 x2 Sodas
$75- $25 x3 Train Tickets
____________________________
$947 TOTAL


View attachment 946607

My coworker has been a season ticket holder since the 70s and after watching this cluster f*** already told his sales rep he's cancelling next year and joining a country club.

 

[TGWL]

I really don't understand what the players are hoping to achieve here, if it is true they are basically mailing it in because of Drury and having a players only meeting about him. Let's say for the sake of argument that Drury is getting canned tomorrow. What do you think the next GM is thinking about these players who have essentially quit because they don't like the GM? What does this change for the fans? Nothing.

They can be mad and still suck. Sometimes you just need an excuse to use.

 

[haohmaru]

Drury signed Goodrow.

Go through the rest of the roster. You’re missing the point. GM’s jettison players they’ve signed all the time.

 

[TGWL]

This isn't accurate.

Nobody "enjoys" beer.

I think you might be drinking the wrong beer.

 

[Machinehead]

I would not fire Drury to keep the players happy either, but Rangers are in a bit of a chicken/egg situation. If Drury is a lame duck GM and has to sell all these players, he is basically picking the players for the next GM’s rebuild so it gets a bit tricky.

But yes there is no way the players aren’t trying to get him fired right now so I have no idea why people are skeptical about that being the case

People are still treating the Goodrow situation as "just a move." It was clearly a work-around, let's be honest. And it was a corner that Drury himself painted himself into. You could have just not brought the guy in.

We're kind of stuck with him now for better or worse, because at least this untenable situation will force change if Drury gets his way.

I've always said the same thing about Drury and nothing has changed. Gorton did most of the damage but Drury has done nothing to inspire confidence.

 

[Machinehead]

I think you might be drinking the wrong beer.

There are some that are better than others, but I exclusively drink beer when other people are drinking beer.

I would absolutely never seek it out on my own.

 

[IDvsEGO]

Winning two Cups with the guy and then moving on because the team got more expensive is very different from signing a guy, and then two years later saying "I need to get rid of you because I f***ed up."

The Rangers didn't do anything with that space nor did Goodrow have a particularly high cap hit. That entire episode is not a good look for Drury.

Goodrow is on year 4 of a 6 year deal.
The deal was heavily front loaded and was designed to be moved.
players and agents are 100% aware of how structuring a deal makes it easier or harder to move.
They’re also aware of the difference between no trade and no move.

and before anyone forgets Goodrow agent leaked that teams were offering very specific numbers after the rangers made that trade for his rights.
Goodrow got his, and now wants to whine?

Goodrow was brought in to teach the kids how to win. Job concluded. What was he left to do on the roster? He wasn’t positively contributing on the ice.