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

[McRanger92]

Drury isnt dragging his feet. He is very methodical.

But his end result usually isnt good when it comes to selling assets.

I dont like the terms 'selling and buying" for the Rangers purposes. it's too binary. I see it more as moving out the problems and changing things up throughout the roster. They need a couple defenseman with size and a couple forwards with size and/or speed. Undervalued guys elsewhere. This is where Drury needs to make his bones. Kreider, Lingren, Smith and Kakko i think are the main guys who are not contributing to winning hockey in their roles. Mika is the existential threat but trading him in season is not something Im banking on. You need to add players around that can hide his deficiencies. At the same time, they need to add guys who can elevate Laf and Fox (and Igor's) strengths. they dont need superstars. they need role players.

 

[Machinehead]

I respected Kakko's words yesterday but how could anyone actually watch him play yesterday against 4 AHL defenseman and think "this guy has 30/30 potential!"

The only 30/30 Kakko will ever do is passing to the other team 30 times in 30 shifts.

 

[Clark Kellogg]

When the team returns from this road trip maybe James Dolan address the players.
Just him and the players in a room where Dolan reads them the riot act and reminds the team of their responsibilities and of their privileges and benefits of being a New York Ranger.
Then James Dolan advises the players not to answer now, but talk to to their families and agents and if they don’t wish to be here to let Chris Drury know and they will be accommodated at the team’s earliest convenience.

 

[RangersFan1994]

I’m going to assume Panarin is done after his current contract if not sooner.

The next time they sign a UFA to that fat a contract, they better make sure that the money is going to a guy who is going to be capable of pushing the team through the playoffs.

The Igor contract is ass, but at least we know he can do that.




You’ve been begging for them to sell low on this player for months.

You can’t complain when you get what you ask for.

I rather sell low on Miller. He is just getting expensive. Kakko isn't that bad. If they can get another Will Cuylle type for Kakko or a young LD they need to do it.

 

[McRanger92]

When the team returns from this road trip maybe James Dolan address the players.
Just him and the players in a room where Dolan reads them the riot act and reminds the team of their responsibilities and of their privileges and benefits of being a New York Ranger.
Then James Dolan advises the players not to answer now, but talk to to their families and agents and if they don’t wish to be here to let Chris Drury know and they will be accommodated at the team’s earliest convenience.

This team really has lost sight of what it means to play for the Rangers. The entitlement is so disappointing. It feels like the high priced vets like Trouba, Panarin, Kreider & Mika felt like because they suffered through the rebuild, they were completely safe from criticism or playing time demotions. It's a privilege, not a right. I genuinely think Kreider needs to go for some younger and hungrier players. You see Cuylle and Laf last night trying to start something. Where are the vets? Its time to turn the page.

 

[Pawnee Rangers]

I dont really get why people want Drury fired when we have a bunch of guys with trade protection, and Drury has shown he will go nose to nose with players and be hard with them when trying to make moves. Mika doesnt want the smoke. I can tell you right now, he personally will be thrilled if Drury gets canned.



Trade Panarin in the summer with a year left. Backfill his top 6 spot with Gabe. Sign Mikko Rantanen.

I want Drury fired because he nuked his team and tanked the season. He's an impatient, spoiled twat and a fake tough guy. He completely botched the Trouba situation and threw multiple grenades into the room for no reason. I get it, the team has holes. But they aren't this bad. There's no way they're 3-12 or whatever they are if that substack thing doesn't happen. He's just as guilty as the rest of them. And I'm willing to bet there's even more going on behind the scenes than we're aware of. Teams go through funks, guys struggle, cool. But for so many guys to be going through it at the same time, something's not right.

 

[McRanger92]

I want Drury fired because he nuked his team and tanked the season. He's an impatient, spoiled twat and a fake tough guy. He completely botched the Trouba situation and threw multiple grenades into the room for no reason. I get it, the team has holes. But they aren't this bad. There's no way they're 3-12 or whatever they are if that substack thing doesn't happen. He's just as guilty as the rest of the them. And I'm willing to bet there's even more going on behind the scenes than we're aware of. Teams go through funks, guys struggle, cool. But for so many guys to be going through it at the same time, something's not right.

The season was tanked when Trouba refused to be moved this summer. As a fan, did you come into this season thinking the end result would be different? Its a fair play to get on Drury for not ripping the bandaid off in July instead of letting it fester. But the players also let it fester.

Teams also go into funks every single year around the league. Pretty sure the Bruins did something like it this year and they are now comfortably in playoff position. If you want drury fired because he f***ed up the locker room, that's incredibly naive and a bad reason. The locker room has been weak for years and we've known that since Trouba threw his helmet. You want to fire Drury for never finding a suitable partner for Fox? That I will listen to

 

[RangerBoy]

I think Drury is fine for the “get rid of guys portion.” But as you mentioned, most of his trades have been pretty bad. I worry he’ll create a reactionary, very one dimensional “grind it out” team that’s lacking skill, because he’s upset with the pond hockey tendencies of this team. The good teams can play both ways. Maybe Perreault, if he’s the real deal, will save him from himself. I’m also not convinced he can identify good defensemen.

I want them to build a big and heavy team. A physical team if that's possible in the current NHL. The Panthers are a a great team. They have players tough to play against. TB had that.

 

[McRanger92]

I want them to build a big and heavy team. A physical team if that's possible in the current NHL. The Panthers are a a great team. They have players tough to play against. TB had that.

Totally agree. The nerds wont like it but the reason the Rangers are never in position is because physically they can't stand up to the bigger nastier teams right now. Luke Schenn looked like a gamebreaker against us last night. 7 SOG, 3 hits, 4 blocks. Im not saying he's a guy to trade for but if you think he wouldnt massively help this team youve lost the plot.

 

[IDvsEGO]

I want them to build a big and heavy team. A physical team if that's possible in the current NHL. The Panthers are a a great team. They have players tough to play against. TB had that.

Big and heavy is not fast. And is in fact the opposite of what’s successful in the modern nhl.
The panthers aren’t really that big.
They’re fast and physical.


Big heavy and fast (with skill) is a first overall player.
It’s the old construction adage.
Cheap fast good - pick 2.

NHL players who are
big and fast usually lack skill.
Big and skilled usually slow
Fast and skilled - small

All 3? First overall.

Totally agree. The nerds wont like it but the reason the Rangers are never in position is because physically they can't stand up to the bigger nastier teams right now. Luke Schenn looked like a gamebreaker against us last night. 7 SOG, 3 hits, 4 blocks. Im not saying he's a guy to trade for but if you think he wouldnt massively help this team youve lost the plot.

great. Lets actually get slower… that seems like a net positive.

 

[Pawnee Rangers]

The season was tanked when Trouba refused to be moved this summer. As a fan, did you come into this season thinking the end result would be different? Its a fair play to get on Drury for not ripping the bandaid off in July instead of letting it fester. But the players also let it fester.

Teams also go into funks every single year around the league. Pretty sure the Bruins did something like it this year and they are now comfortably in playoff position. If you want drury fired because he f***ed up the locker room, that's incredibly naive and a bad reason. The locker room has been weak for years and we've known that since Trouba threw his helmet. You want to fire Drury for never finding a suitable partner for Fox? That I will listen to

f***ed up the locker room, signed Igor to that stupid contract, brought Lindgren back this year instead of signing 30 other better options, hamstrung his captain to start the year instead of quietly resolving the situation. Ask him for his goddam list and then go make the deal. Like a normal person.

They went to the ECF last year, had tons of come from behind wins, were absolute gamers all season long despite their flaws. The locker room was fine. This country club bullshit comes from idiot fans and has no basis in reality.

 

[McRanger92]

Big and heavy is not fast. And is in fact the opposite of what’s successful in the modern nhl.
The panthers aren’t really that big.
They’re fast and physical.


Big heavy and fast (with skill) is a first overall player.
It’s the old construction adage.
Cheap fast good - pick 2.

NHL players who are
big and fast usually lack skill.
Big and skilled usually slow
Fast and skilled - small

All 3? First overall.


great. Lets actually get slower… that seems like a net positive.

Who said slower? its possible to be big and skate. Edstrom is one of the biggest and fastes guys in the league for example. If you dont have big physical defenseman who can skate in this league, you have no chance. Luke Schenn has 2 stanley cup rings.

 

[HockeyBasedNYC]

This team really has lost sight of what it means to play for the Rangers. The entitlement is so disappointing. It feels like the high priced vets like Trouba, Panarin, Kreider & Mika felt like because they suffered through the rebuild, they were completely safe from criticism or playing time demotions. It's a privilege, not a right. I genuinely think Kreider needs to go for some younger and hungrier players. You see Cuylle and Laf last night trying to start something. Where are the vets? Its time to turn the page.

If the core vets are too sensitive to internalize the business end of the league then you might as well tear it all down starting with as many of those guys as you can.

And listen - I get it. You build a close bond with teammates and Goody and Troubs were good guys, but it shouldn't affect you to the point where the focus changes on the ice - I mean you've been in the league for YEARS. Did you honestly think something like this would never happen to you and your team too? Somehow the Rangers are impervious to hard decisions?

I still think they value being a Ranger, but the focus should be about maximizing effort to prove so. Their best buds may have been shipped off, but the same fans have been there for decades. There is responsibility to them and the jersey as well.

They are so butt hurt about what's gone on with their former captain and a role player, maybe look in the mirror and understand that you are part of the reason why it happened and why its happening. This isn't a hangout.

Sure, you want to build camaraderie and you are basically family traveling all over North America together, but you get paid tons of money to play a game and you literally have everything you need at your fingertips. Top notch training facilities and trainers, private charters, the best food, casino nights and golf outings, etc. etc. etc.

Boo hoo we dont like how the GM handled things when we started playing like SHIT. And dont give me this Drury sent out the memo after only two loses garbage. We all saw the flaws early on that were present last year as well. There is a lot of blame to go around, but I'm not loving the cores attitude. Im fine with moving Kreider for the right return. Better sooner than later. Maybe Mika will want to follow.

 

[Machinehead]

If Kakko plateaus as a 2nd or 3rd line 2-way forward who scores 40 points, mainly at 5v5, he's going to have a LONG career. I hope that if he is dealt the team recoups something solid back and he isn't the last one out the door.

He needs to be more steady to settle into that role.

You can't have a Ray Bourque turnover every shift if you're not an offensive star.

That's why he gets scratched. Turnovers drive coaches crazy.

 

[UnparalledPark]

Being serious here...

Can someone honestly explain what has happened to this team in just about 6 months?

This team was a couple of goals away from being in the Cup finals, and now they're an absolute mess that feels like it's miles away from Cup contention.

I understand that Shesterkin was out of his mind in the 2024 playoffs, but that doesn't explain the rest of the team and how insanely poorly they are playing in front of him vs last year. Was losing Goodrow that much of a killer to chemistry?

And what was it so necessary to trade Trouba? I understand he's a shell defensively to what he was a few seasons ago, but he's still your captain and pretty much the only player with grit in the lineup. Did you really need the cap space that badly midseason?

I just don't get the moves nor how there could be such a huge dropoff in play from essentially the same team in only a few months.

Is there an insightful/objective explanation to all the reasons for this other than the simpleton "Drury sucks" kind of

They are? I see Kreider and Mika still on the roster. That’s why we are still in this mess.

They are? I see Kreider and Mika still on the roster. That’s why we are still in this mess.

You’ve been going on and on and on and on that they are not leaders. Which is it?

 

[Pawnee Rangers]

Kakko sucks. Missed another wide open net last night when it was 0-1. He kills so many plays in the O zone it's astonishing. The only thing he's good at is keeping pucks alive on the walls. Big freaking deal.

 

[McRanger92]

If the core vets are too sensitive to internalize the business end of the league then you might as well tear it all down starting with as many of those guys as you can.

And listen - I get it. You build a close bonds with teammates and Goody and Troubs were good guys, but it shouldn't affect you to the point where the focus changes on the ice - I mean you've been in the league for YEARS. Did you honestly think something like this would never happen to you and your team too? Somehow the Rangers are impervious to hard decisions?

I still think they value being a Ranger, but the focus should be about maximizing effort to prove so. Their best buds may have been shipped off, but the same fans have been there for decades. There is responsibility to them and the jersey as well.

They are so butt hurt about what's gone on with their former captain and a role player, maybe look in the mirror and understand that you are part of the reason why it happened and why its happening. This isn't a hangout.

Sure, you want to build camaraderie and you are basically family traveling all over North America together, but you get paid tons of money to play a game and you literally everything you need at your fingertips. Top notch training facilities and trainers, private charters, the best food, casino nights and golf outings, etc. etc. etc.

Boo hoo we dont like how the GM handled things when we started playing like shit

They need a leader. None of the guys who have A’s just for showing up with a big contract these last few years have stepped up. Honestly wtf is Kreider’s deal? He should know better but he seems like another quitter.

 

[TheDirtyH]

I truly have no idea why they haven't traded Kakko yet. What're they waiting for? What's their demand in return?

The coach doesn't want to play him, he doesn't want to play for the coach, your team is in free-fall, you're flush with wingers.

 

[IDvsEGO]

Kakko sucks. Missed another wide open net last night when it was 0-1. He kills so many plays in the O zone it's astonishing. The only thing he's good at is keeping pucks alive on the walls. Big freaking deal.

He didn’t miss a wide open net. The shot was blocked by a guy standing in the net. Not really sure how that’s his fault?

Who said slower? its possible to be big and skate. Edstrom is one of the biggest and fastes guys in the league for example. If you dont have big physical defenseman who can skate in this league, you have no chance. Luke Schenn has 2 stanley cup rings.

Edstrom is also a bottom 6 guy without much offensive skill. As I said
Big /fast/skilled - pick two.
I’d rather fast and skilled. Because that’s how you win games.

 

[bernmeister]

I want them to build a big and heavy team. A physical team if that's possible in the current NHL. The Panthers are a a great team. They have players tough to play against. TB had that.

this ^ w/adequate or better speed

this ^ is why it is stupid to sell short on KK, esp when eye test proves he works good 5x5 w/Cuyle/Chytil/Brodz

 

[Pawnee Rangers]

He didn’t miss a wide open net. The shot was blocked by a guy standing in the net. Not really sure how that’s his fault?


Edstrom is also a bottom 6 guy without much offensive skill. As I said
Big /fast/skilled - pick two.
I’d rather fast and skilled. Because that’s how you win games.

Shoot the goddam puck quicker than. The entire side of the net was open.

 

[Fitzy]

If Kakko plateaus as a 2nd or 3rd line 2-way forward who scores 40 points, mainly at 5v5, he's going to have a LONG career. I hope that if he is dealt the team recoups something solid back and he isn't the last one out the door.

Which is true, but how many 40 point middle 6 players spend their whole career on a single team

 

[Takeahnase]

When the team returns from this road trip maybe James Dolan address the players.
Just him and the players in a room where Dolan reads them the riot act and reminds the team of their responsibilities and of their privileges and benefits of being a New York Ranger.
Then James Dolan advises the players not to answer now, but talk to to their families and agents and if they don’t wish to be here to let Chris Drury know and they will be accommodated at the team’s earliest convenience.

What did Pegula say? “The solution is in this room.” Why are these owners acting like a manager of a strip mall escape room.

“Vinny! Read the clue louder so everyone can hear it. Kreids, be ready to dial the number Kaapo is deciphering over there on that rotary phone.”

 

[Machinehead]

Luke Schenn...well, sucks. But that's now. In his prime? He was a piece.

Nobody dislikes physicality. The trouble starts when you overlook terrible players because they're physical.

Like when people wanted Scott Laughton last year. Might as well send me out there. I'm pretty ferocious.

 

[NYR Viper]

Which is true, but how many 40 point middle 6 players spend their whole career on a single team

No argument here at all. Just that he is going to be a useful player. If a team out there thinks he's going to be more and is willing to offer good value for that upside, then make a deal