Speculation: Roster Building Thread: Part XL

[bobbop]

The league thinks they can somehow gain popularity or have a ratings hit by having the draft now, while everyone is missing sports and has nothing to watch. They’re naive.

Very few people outside of this sort of community can name the top 5 prospects in the NHL draft. Especially without trades, the interest and excitement won’t be there; I wouldn’t be surprised if this draft drew less of an audience than the annual normal draft. In fact, I’d actually bet on it.

There is no benefit to having the draft before the end of the season and no harm in having it after the season. They’re just trying to be clever and the only people they’re going to outsmart are themselves.

I usually know the top 10-15 players in the NFL draft well enough to have an opinion. This year, with all the time available for pre draft publicity, I knew a lot more. Hopefully hockey would use the opportunity to introduce young players before the draft and educate fans about how player development works.

 

[Thirty One]

What I meant by second guessing was second guessing how they originally envisioned it being. If they want to do the draft in June they need to determine what’s happening with the rest of the season first. Pick what teams are going to make the playoffs or aren’t and then determine draft order from there.

Agree. I'm sure they considered that before the original memo.

 

[DutchShamrock]

I think another small factor is fitting the draft into a tight off season if they wait. The NHL is adamant on playing 82 this season and next. That is the major mistake.

They will have to have a short off season. Fitting a draft, free agency, further moves for cap compliance, arbitration, then camp is too much in maybe a 2 month window.

This is NHL creativity. No shortened season, unless it's for a lockout. Play roughly 5 games each to balance everyones games played, then start the playoffs. Do a draft tournament for earning draft placement. I don't care if players don't feel invested. Because they are, the gate will defray that escrow.

 

[RGY]

We weren't going to win the lottery two years straight anyways.

Not with that attitude we weren’t

 

[Shesterkybomb]

I'd love to see some hockey but I'd actually rather if they focused on getting next season going instead forcing this season in and wedging 100 plus games in 10 months or so, there are gonna be a lot of injuries, especially with 2 full playoffs in that short time. I mean what happens if they rush this and a bunch of nhl players get covid? Will that jeopardize part or all of next season? I realize it's all money related but this seems short sighted to me.

 

[True Blue]

Edit: and honestly Strome grew on me over the past season, he’s clearly well liked, he fits our group well, if can step up to be that center than great, I’d be all for it. Production not withstanding, right NOW, I don’t think he’s a good enough center to go to war for a Cup with. I think if he and Panarin continue to click he’s a fantastic solution as a top six winger. If he can become a more complete center, I’ll be all aboard. I just want us to be the best we can possibly be when the time comes to compete. I want to win a Cup (or two...) and if that means getting creative (Strome/Panarin line 1, Kreider/Kakko line 2... maybe we can package Buch and Kravstov, Hajek, etc. for a top six C and a good checking winger?) to make sure we have the depth at center most contending teams have... I’m just saying, right now I don’t see Strome as a good enough center, but I don’t have an issue with him as a player. And I could be wrong, maybe Strome stays at C and a Kakko or Gauthier or whomever just totally completes that line, becomes a real puck hound, makes that line a staple. Great. I’d love it.

Fair enough

 

[East Coast Bias]

I think another small factor is fitting the draft into a tight off season if they wait. The NHL is adamant on playing 82 this season and next. That is the major mistake.

They will have to have a short off season. Fitting a draft, free agency, further moves for cap compliance, arbitration, then camp is too much in maybe a 2 month window.

This is NHL creativity. No shortened season, unless it's for a lockout. Play roughly 5 games each to balance everyones games played, then start the playoffs. Do a draft tournament for earning draft placement. I don't care if players don't feel invested. Because they are, the gate will defray that escrow.

They're far from the only league, but it's incredibly naive. I've come to a point where I"m completely tuning this shit out because it's clear none of them know what to do, and are just throwing shit at the wall.

 

[Mikos87]

Regarding Strome: a 4 year deal at $5.3M-$5.4M is a very good one for what he's produced this past year. As many of you said, he gives the Rangers a legitimately dangerous top 6. Even if it's with Fast on the RW, you have a team that can score consistently with two forward lines. That makes the rest of the line-up much easier to build and insulate.

I have zero qualms with re-signing him. If Chytil becomes a better playmaker, and improves his vision to be in the top six, you get Strome on a third line as an offensive threat. What I don't like about Strome are his stick infractions. He gets caught tugging a bit when he's out of position. But to me, a lot of that is because they are having Strome and Zib play checking roles since the 4th line can't insulate those minutes.

As odd as it may sound maximizing Strome depends on the continued development of three forwards or finding upgrades. After all hockey is a game that is played by the sum of a team's parts, and not relegated to a singular box.

• Howden- Does he become a reliable checking center that plays on the 4th line and goes up against top 6 competition? In other words, can he become a Colton Scissons?
• Lemeuix- Does he become a tough reliable 4th line checker that is smart defensively, and makes winning plays and kill penalties? Or does Digi take that role away from him?
• Gauthier- Does he become a guy that can be a Kreider-lite on the RW opposite Bread and allow the team to put Fast on the 4th line or live without re-signing Fast?

If all three happen above, or the Rangers trade into filling those roles, you are a big step closer to re-opening the window:

Kreids-Zibs-Buch
Bread-Strome-Goat
VK-Chytil-Kakko
Digi/Lems-Howden-Fast

McKegg isn't a 4th liner that can be out there during the last minute of a game. The Rangers rely on Zibanejad for that, and I think they need to find another guy. You don't want or need Zibs getting injured blocking a shot. He's too valuable on the other end of the game for those situations. Same with the PK.

Kakko can replace Buch or Goat as he progresses. Buch has a lot of value despite not being media friendly with his disposition. But he's inconsistent. I know a couple of guys that think he's a 30 goal man if he drives the net off of rushes to shoot more, and gets in the slot more often to get some dirty chances. You have a slot open for a player like VK on a kid line that can get some sheltered minutes. So I'm excited about where the team is headed. But you need the younger kids to be able to play effective roles and embrace that.

 

[McSauer]

I'd love to see some hockey but I'd actually rather if they focused on getting next season going instead forcing this season in and wedging 100 plus games in 10 months or so, there are gonna be a lot of injuries, especially with 2 full playoffs in that short time. I mean what happens if they rush this and a bunch of nhl players get covid? Will that jeopardize part or all of next season? I realize it's all money related but this seems short sighted to me.

Agreed. I can't even fathom how anyone believes we can return this summer. The latest projections (again, only models, but still) show 135k dead in the US alone by August 4. And people/the league wants to rush to complete the season in some weird new format? Those that actually see this as a possibility really need to get their heads out of the sand...

I want hockey back just as much as anyone else. But let's be realistic: focus on next season and starting on time (and it will certainly be w/o crowds, which is fine IMHO; just want to see some hockey, on time and uninterrupted.)

 

[True Blue]

If the team can get into the top 10 that would be great. We used up all our luck last year winning 2OV

I do find it mildly amusing the league is terrified that a team like the Rangers would win the lottery, and if the season resumes could win the cup

I have a better shot of walking out of my apartment right now and getting hit with a car than that actually happening

So you're saying there's a chance......?

 

[True Blue]

• Howden- Does he become a reliable checking center that plays on the 4th line and goes up against top 6 competition? In other words, can he become a Colton Scissons?
• Lemeuix- Does he become a tough reliable 4th line checker that is smart defensively, and makes winning plays and kill penalties? Or does Digi take that role away from him?
• Gauthier- Does he become a guy that can be a Kreider-lite on the RW opposite Bread and allow the team to put Fast on the 4th line or live without re-signing Fast?

If all three happen above, or the Rangers trade into filling those roles, you are a big step closer to re-opening the window:

Kreids-Zibs-Buch
Bread-Strome-Goat
VK-Chytil-Kakko
Digi/Lems-Howden-Fast

McKegg isn't a 4th liner that can be out there during the last minute of a game. The Rangers rely on Zibanejad for that, and I think they need to find another guy. You don't want or need Zibs getting injured blocking a shot. He's too valuable on the other end of the game for those situations. Same with the PK.

Howden can do it but he needs to take meaningful steps forward virtually immediately. I think that Lemieux can be a good third pairing guy. There's enough offensive upside there.

Gautchier? I would put as a third pair today with definite upside to become a Kreider-lite player.

I like the line up, but 1) I think that it needs further diversification as far as needing a certain type of player that will compliment the skill that they have and 2) I cannot see a lineup that has a resigned Strome, a resigned Buch and a resigned DeAngelo. I order to accomplish 2 and retain a very good top 6, retain DeAngelo and find that diversity, I think that Buchnevich is moved at some point.

Also, I get your point on Zibanejad, but he has become one of the better two way players in the league and generally goes against the opposition's top players. Those are the players that are usually out on the ice in the last minutes of games.

 

[UnSandvich]

Regarding Strome: a 4 year deal at $5.3M-$5.4M is a very good one for what he's produced this past year. As many of you said, he gives the Rangers a legitimately dangerous top 6. Even if it's with Fast on the RW, you have a team that can score consistently with two forward lines. That makes the rest of the line-up much easier to build and insulate.

I have zero qualms with re-signing him. If Chytil becomes a better playmaker, and improves his vision to be in the top six, you get Strome on a third line as an offensive threat. What I don't like about Strome are his stick infractions. He gets caught tugging a bit when he's out of position. But to me, a lot of that is because they are having Strome and Zib play checking roles since the 4th line can't insulate those minutes.

As odd as it may sound maximizing Strome depends on the continued development of three forwards or finding upgrades. After all hockey is a game that is played by the sum of a team's parts, and not relegated to a singular box.

• Howden- Does he become a reliable checking center that plays on the 4th line and goes up against top 6 competition? In other words, can he become a Colton Scissons?
• Lemeuix- Does he become a tough reliable 4th line checker that is smart defensively, and makes winning plays and kill penalties? Or does Digi take that role away from him?
• Gauthier- Does he become a guy that can be a Kreider-lite on the RW opposite Bread and allow the team to put Fast on the 4th line or live without re-signing Fast?

If all three happen above, or the Rangers trade into filling those roles, you are a big step closer to re-opening the window:

Kreids-Zibs-Buch
Bread-Strome-Goat
VK-Chytil-Kakko
Digi/Lems-Howden-Fast

McKegg isn't a 4th liner that can be out there during the last minute of a game. The Rangers rely on Zibanejad for that, and I think they need to find another guy. You don't want or need Zibs getting injured blocking a shot. He's too valuable on the other end of the game for those situations. Same with the PK.

Kakko can replace Buch or Goat as he progresses. Buch has a lot of value despite not being media friendly with his disposition. But he's inconsistent. I know a couple of guys that think he's a 30 goal man if he drives the net off of rushes to shoot more, and gets in the slot more often to get some dirty chances. You have a slot open for a player like VK on a kid line that can get some sheltered minutes. So I'm excited about where the team is headed. But you need the younger kids to be able to play effective roles and embrace that.

For Howden to be reliably anything other than terrible, he first has to reach reliably mediocre. And thus far he hasn't come close.

 

[Vitto79]

For Howden to be reliably anything other than terrible, he first has to reach reliably mediocre. And thus far he hasn't come close.

Howden needs to be way better next year or he has to go to minors ... I doubt the expansion team would even take a flier at this point

I’m just hoping he can be a reliable pker

 

[Graves94]

Howden needs to be way better next year or he has to go to minors ... I doubt the expansion team would even take a flier at this point

I’m just hoping he can be a reliable pker

I'd be extremely happy and it would be a wildly successful career for him, if he became what Fast has been so far as a Ranger

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

Howden needs to be way better next year or he has to go to minors ... I doubt the expansion team would even take a flier at this point

I’m just hoping he can be a reliable pker

There's no way Quinn's favourite pet spends even a minute in the AHL. We went over this with Vesey under AV

 

[bigdog16]

There's no way Quinn's favourite pet spends even a minute in the AHL. We went over this with Vesey under AV

We get it, you hate Howden and Lias should be a top 6 center on the Rangers. Broken record

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

We get it, you hate Howden and Lias should be a top 6 center on the Rangers. Broken record

Not remotely the point here. It's common knowledge that Quinn gives Howden a longer leash (Quinn's own words). Howden isn't sent down to Hartford.

 

[bigdog16]

Not remotely the point here. It's common knowledge that Quinn gives Howden a longer leash (Quinn's own words). Howden isn't sent down to Hartford.

Sort of is because you hate Howden due to your weird obsession with Lias. You would love to see Howden fail

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

Sort of is because you hate Howden due to your weird obsession with Lias. You would love to see Howden fail

LOL. I have nothing against Howden. Just the way Quinn treats him (which he literally admitted to by the way). But hey, whatever you say.

 

[Mikos87]

Howden can do it but he needs to take meaningful steps forward virtually immediately. I think that Lemieux can be a good third pairing guy. There's enough offensive upside there.

Gautchier? I would put as a third pair today with definite upside to become a Kreider-lite player.

I like the line up, but 1) I think that it needs further diversification as far as needing a certain type of player that will compliment the skill that they have and 2) I cannot see a lineup that has a resigned Strome, a resigned Buch and a resigned DeAngelo. I order to accomplish 2 and retain a very good top 6, retain DeAngelo and find that diversity, I think that Buchnevich is moved at some point.

Also, I get your point on Zibanejad, but he has become one of the better two way players in the league and generally goes against the opposition's top players. Those are the players that are usually out on the ice in the last minutes of games.

True enough, and I do think the Buch is replaceable once Kakko finds his footing as a consistent threat. A Kreider-Zib-Kakko line would be very difficult to stop. But that's a a ways away for the next 6-12 months. On Howden, like I said, if it's not the kid, it's a trade.

I for one can see Lemeuix moving for a young reliable checker. It's really about the roles you can play to help a team win. This team needs a 4th line center that can play against the other team's top 6. You get that player, and supporting wingers, you get a mismatch every 4th shift at even strength. That will help the team take that next step.

DeAngelo is a keeper. The Skjei trade facilitates that move. I see more value in Strome than others pehaps, but one the those three needing to be moved isn't a necessity until Buch's next contract.

For Howden to be reliably anything other than terrible, he first has to reach reliably mediocre. And thus far he hasn't come close.

I think he's got more value than others, the narrative about him is a little overblown towards the extreme. I'm not saying he's played well, but I don't side with the other end either. He's been largely ineffective.

To me he's a player who doesn't become effective as a checker until he muscles up and hustles hard. He hasn't put on that mass... and guess what... if he doesn't then you consider moving him, because he needs to be stronger to play the type of game you want to see out of a winning player. But he has shown flashes of hustle and hard work... again if he's not doing that night in and night out, you move him.... but when he has... he was a good player. The game against COL a few months back, he was a very good player that night.

There have been too few of those. But the player that played that night was a good piece of the formula. He just has to take his intentions down to the gym and apply them there, and come up with some further intentions that get him to move his feet and max out his shifts like he would max out a rep. Have him hang with Kreider, Goat and Prentice.

 

[D713B]

LOL. I have nothing against Howden. Just the way Quinn treats him (which he literally admitted to by the way). But hey, whatever you say.

We can't confirm this until we see you in a Howden jersey on Brett's Instagram page.

 

[UnSandvich]

True enough, and I do think the Buch is replaceable once Kakko finds his footing as a consistent threat. A Kreider-Zib-Kakko line would be very difficult to stop. But that's a a ways away for the next 6-12 months. On Howden, like I said, if it's not the kid, it's a trade.

I for one can see Lemeuix moving for a young reliable checker. It's really about the roles you can play to help a team win. This team needs a 4th line center that can play against the other team's top 6. You get that player, and supporting wingers, you get a mismatch every 4th shift at even strength. That will help the team take that next step.

DeAngelo is a keeper. The Skjei trade facilitates that move. I see more value in Strome than others pehaps, but one the those three needing to be moved isn't a necessity until Buch's next contract.



I think he's got more value than others, the narrative about him is a little overblown towards the extreme. I'm not saying he's played well, but I don't side with the other end either. He's been largely ineffective.

To me he's a player who doesn't become effective as a checker until he muscles up and hustles hard. He hasn't put on that mass... and guess what... if he doesn't then you consider moving him, because he needs to be stronger to play the type of game you want to see out of a winning player. But he has shown flashes of hustle and hard work... again if he's not doing that night in and night out, you move him.... but when he has... he was a good player. The game against COL a few months back, he was a very good player that night.

There have been too few of those. But the player that played that night was a good piece of the formula. He just has to take his intentions down to the gym and apply them there, and come up with some further intentions that get him to move his feet and max out his shifts like he would max out a rep. Have him hang with Kreider, Goat and Prentice.

Effort means f***all if you can't think the game, and I've yet to see any evidence Howden can

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

We can't confirm this until we see you in a Howden jersey on Brett's Instagram page.

Challenge accepted

 

[bigdog16]

Challenge accepted

If you take a pic with a Howden jersey on and praise him in the caption Ill make my avi on here a screenshot of it

 

[Fitzy]

If you take a pic with a Howden jersey on and praise him in the caption Ill make my avi on here a screenshot of it

Not high enough stakes.

You should have to buy a Quinton Howden Florida Panthers Jersey. https://www.gearuphockey.com/men-s-...ers-authentic-navy-blue-alternate-jersey.html

You also have to pay full price.