Speculation: Roster Building Thread: Part XLI

[Doctyl]

We don’t even know what the cap situation is going to be. If it stays the same and just doesn’t grow, do we really need to buyout Hank? What are we trying to squeeze in next year so badly that we would risk ruining our relationship with a top 3 player to ever put on the rangers sweater? Ryan Strome?

 

[Oscar Lindberg]

I’d like to see Hank finish out his career here without having to buy him out.

If it were up to me Georgiev would be gone

But I think Hank is going to get bought out, whether it be via compliance buyout or just regular

They have to do something, they can’t have 3 goalies next year. Teams know that and are probably going to lowball Gorton on Georgiev

Hank buyout is path of least resistance, as shitty and awful as it sounds

 

[FIRE DRURY]

Hank played 10 games in 23 days during November. He went 5-5 and posted a .916SV%. He faced about 33 shots a game.

This workload was completely unnecessary for a team that should have been focused on developing. This was a very stupid decision by Quinn.

I have no doubts Hank can be a serviceable back up to Shestorkin. I think he would be a terrific mentor to him as well.

Buyout Staal. Trade Georgiev. Sign a goalie who we can expose for the expansion draft.

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

They already overplayed their hand with Geo IMO.

If anything, moving him this summer is the move to make (give him a chance to start somewhere.)

Let Hank ride out the last year of his deal. Buying out a franchise legend (which Corey Perry is NOT) is just a bad look on so many levels. The only reason why there were at all relevant during the latter half of the 2000's was because of hank, who then also happened to be the MAIN reason why they were contenders during the first half of the 2010's.

There are better ways to clear that money, such as buying out #18 who hasn't earned a single cent of his current contract.

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

Hank played 10 games in 23 days during November. He went 5-5 and posted a .916SV%. He faced about 33 shots a game.

This workload was completely unnecessary for a team that should have been focused on developing. This was a very stupid decision by Quinn.

I have no doubts Hank can be a serviceable back up to Shestorkin. I think he would be a terrific mentor to him as well.

Buyout Staal. Trade Georgiev. Sign a goalie who we can expose for the expansion draft.

We already have one in JF Berube.

 

[Deleted member 23124]

And that’s fine. He’d be a backup at that point

Being the backup isn't the problem...being a backup who isn't on his game would be the problem. As I mentioned, Henrik has always needed a lot of work to be sharp....

 

[NYR Viper]

Being the backup isn't the problem...being a backup who isn't on his game would be the problem. As I mentioned, Henrik has always needed a lot of work to be sharp....

Ill give the future HOF goalie the benefit of the doubt though. It’s a different mental preparation for sure but in confident he could do it. Perhaps the team does something like Shesty plays 6-7 games and Hank plays 2-3 in a row. I’m sure the team would figure it out

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

We already have one in JF Berube.

He's UFA this off season. Still have to sign him to a 2-year deal

 

[HFsNumber1Heel]

I’m sorry- are you trying to evoke empathy for Brodeur on a Rangers board?

It has nothing to do with that, I could have used any player. I don't shed a tear for Brodeur. I'm in my 30s and would like to see the Rangers win 1-3 more Cups in my lifetime. I think it's doable if you don't run the team based on emotion or have some invisible higher standard.

The point is that a guy who won three Cups and is 2-1 against our dude in the playoffs got let go so anyone is fair game.

 

[HFsNumber1Heel]

My logic has always been this:

Marc Staal is f***ing terrible. He is one of the worst handful of regular players in the game. He's just awful. If you buy him out, you save his cap hit to use on other needs, AND you significantly improve the team even if you just sign some stop gap for $2M-$3M. He's that bad that basically any remotely competent NHL defender is an upgrade.

Then, in goal. The different between Georgiev and Lundqvist, to me, it's not much at this point. Of course Georgiev has more upside and is probably more capable of putting on a clinic on a given night, but he has his fair share of absolute clunkers. If you trade Georgiev and use Lundqvist as the backup, whatever possible downgrade exists there is more than offset by the upgrade of replacing Staal with a burned out Lincoln Continental.

So for next year, I think you're better with no Staal but Lundqvist than you'd be with Staal but no Lundqvist. And then it becomes a becomes a wash the following season.

It's somewhat predicated on what you could get for Georgiev--if the best offer is like a fourth round pick, then it's probably not something to want to do. But if you get a good offer, take it and get rid of Staal and improve yourself immediately.

Also, I do have reservations about dumping Lundqvist like that. It has nothing to do with "New York being different" or whatever you've said, I just don't like it when teams dump their franchise players like that. It's one thing if the guy's contract ends and you don't re-sign him and he goes elsewhere, but I think it's different to cut him or whatever. Just my opinion. Obviously the team comes first, but I actually think it's better for the team to keep him another year and buy out Staal, so it works in my mind. I won't be pissed if we buy out Lundqvist, but I'll never feel good about it.

If it's a regular buyout the savings is roughly $.9 million which isn't much of a difference between Lundqvist and Staal but do you give Hajek the spot and let him have growing pains or are you confident Raunnanen can play with the big club? Thee shouldn't be the assumption K. Miller is automatically ready.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

If it's a regular buyout the savings is roughly $.9 million which isn't much of a difference between Lundqvist and Staal but do you give Hajek the spot and let him have growing pains or are you confident Raunnanen can play with the big club? Thee shouldn't be the assumption K. Miller is automatically ready.

I think Reunanen is the cloest out of the LHDs. Miller is 2 years away, Rykov probably exercises his EAC and goes back to SKA, Hajek is struggling enough as it is and Day is hardly a prospect at this point

 

[HFsNumber1Heel]

They already overplayed their hand with Geo IMO.

If anything, moving him this summer is the move to make (give him a chance to start somewhere.)

Let Hank ride out the last year of his deal. Buying out a franchise legend (which Corey Perry is NOT) is just a bad look on so many levels. The only reason why there were at all relevant during the latter half of the 2000's was because of hank, who then also happened to be the MAIN reason why they were contenders during the first half of the 2010's.

There are better ways to clear that money, such as buying out #18 who hasn't earned a single cent of his current contract.

Lundqvist has had the better individual career but Perry is a legend to the Ducks and his number is going to the rafters for that franchise. He's not some slouch who had one good season and faded into obscurity.

Also, Georgiev has upside and Lundqvist is at the end of his career. Major difference. The trade offers weren't there for Georgiev. They're not getting a first for him. Some of it may be the "Rangers bias" (Rangers usually have to pay slightly more in trades historically). Also trading Georgiev and the Rangers have zero depth in goal longterm. For one year of a 39-year-old? Doesn't make sense.

If Huska majorly improves or Wall shows he can play at the NHL level, then you absolutely look into trading Georgiev and one of the defensive prospects for a forward upgrade.

 

[nyr2k2]

If it's a regular buyout the savings is roughly $.9 million which isn't much of a difference between Lundqvist and Staal but do you give Hajek the spot and let him have growing pains or are you confident Raunnanen can play with the big club? Thee shouldn't be the assumption K. Miller is automatically ready.

I'm not assuming anything, which is why I said you might have to sign a stop gap for a year.

You could also theoretically try to fill the spot in a Georgiev trade.

 

[Fitzy]

Replacing Staal isn't a concern.

Claesson is better than Staal and he spent all of this year in the AHL. We could very easily find a 3rd pairing left defenseman for cheap.

It's replacing Skjei that's the bigger concern.

 

[Elliman]

There's no chance Strome walks. He's an RFA and we will definitely give him a QO.

That trade doesn't work for either team. Edmonton would definitely say no. Remember that they traded Strome to us for Spooner. I seriously doubt they are going to take him back and give up RNH. From the Rangers' perspective, I don't see the point of bringing in RNH to keep the 2C warm until Chytil is ready, not when Strome can do that himself. We would be adding cap as well, which we may not be able to afford.

Kovalchuk isn't going to sign with us to play on the 4th line. Rumor has him going back to Montreal.

Lol completely forgot we got Strome from the Oil.

that “4th” line though, I look at it more as a kid + once upon a superstar line, who knows the chemistry they could have and what kinda minutes/points they put up.

In terms of Strome walking I was was thinking along the lines of a highly reduced cap due to the pandemic. I should have made that clear. My apologies.

 

[HFsNumber1Heel]

I'm not assuming anything, which is why I said you might have to sign a stop gap for a year.

You could also theoretically try to fill the spot in a Georgiev trade.

LHD isn't the position to worry about or sign a vet for at this point. Wasted cap space. Between "older"prospects like Hajek, Rykov, or Reunanen the hope is that one can at least play #3 LHD. I've mentioned before I don't see Hajek here longterm. If he can't earn a spot with the big club next season (whenever that begins) he's going to be traded.

The ultimate hope of course is that K. Miller marinates and in a best case scenario becomes Trouba's steady partner for the 2020s or at worst becomes a #2 LHD better than Skjei but not as good as McD.

There's also Robertson and who knows how he'll fair but he should have a solid NHL career.

The best use of assets and personnel if you're going with a Staal buyout is to have five of these young ELC guys battle it out for a one spot. Even if they "rotate" it's fine for a rebuilding year. Besides, Smith is always around to play LHD short term.

 

[dshea19]

The funny thing to me is all the people assuming Hank would be okay with playing backup. He has made it clear he believes he is a starter and has no desire to be a mentor. Buying him out would actually be the respectful thing if you don't share the same opinions. He is then in control of his career.
I would love to see him retire with the team, but some of you think he would be willing to do that as a backup and he seems like he wants to be the starter until he decides to retire. Player and team are not on the same page.

 

[nyr2k2]

I think Reunanen is the cloest out of the LHDs. Miller is 2 years away, Rykov probably exercises his EAC and goes back to SKA, Hajek is struggling enough as it is and Day is hardly a prospect at this point

Tough to say. Those guys all probably took steps back to varying degrees this year, and given the unusual off-season everyone is likely to endure, there's no telling what any of these guys look like coming into "camp" or whatever they have.

I could just as easily see someone like Sekera or one of the other over-30 defenseman that will be on the market being signed for a cheap year until someone actually demonstrates a readiness to take the spot.

 

[nyr2k2]

LHD isn't the position to worry about or sign a vet for at this point. Wasted cap space. Between "older"prospects like Hajek, Rykov, or Reunanen the hope is that one can at least play #3 LHD. I've mentioned before I don't see Hajek here longterm. If he can't earn a spot with the big club next season (whenever that begins) he's going to be traded.

The ultimate hope of course is that K. Miller marinates and in a best case scenario becomes Trouba's steady partner for the 2020s or at worst becomes a #2 LHD better than Skjei but not as good as McD.

There's also Robertson and who knows how he'll fair but he should have a solid NHL career.

The best use of assets and personnel if you're going with a Staal buyout is to have five of these young ELC guys battle it out for a one spot. Even if they "rotate" it's fine for a rebuilding year. Besides, Smith is always around to play LHD short term.

Well whatever your plan is to fill Staal's spot, that's fine. My point is replacing him is cheap and easy and is anywhere from a mild to significant improvement to the club.

Having Shesterkin start is an improvement to the club. Having Georgiev or Lundqvist, I don't know it makes a difference.

 

[nyr2k2]

The funny thing to me is all the people assuming Hank would be okay with playing backup. He has made it clear he believes he is a starter and has no desire to be a mentor. Buying him out would actually be the respectful thing if you don't share the same opinions. He is then in control of his career.
I would love to see him retire with the team, but some of you think he would be willing to do that as a backup and he seems like he wants to be the starter until he decides to retire. Player and team are not on the same page.

He made lots of comments about reassessing things, having conversations with the team, etc. I don't really know what his mindset is. He CLEARLY understands Shesterkin is no longer just the future, but the present.

If he actually requested to be bought out then of course you have to consider it. I'm not totally sure that's where he is, though.

 

[Barnaby]

I agree.

I also think it may be the right thing to do, unfortunately. Being a good GM is all about the tough decisions.

I tend to agree. You hate to see it happen, but...

Part of the teams risk when signing a long term deal to secure a Franchise player is the risk that said player may not perform at a high level for the entirety of the contract. This may force a trade, buy out, or just living through it...

Likewise, Henrik wanted the long contract for the big money that he earned. He’s not wrong in getting as much money for as long a term as possible, but this is also risk that he took. He could have signed a 4-5 year deal. He could’ve signed successive 2 year deals, but he didn’t... he wanted the pay day and that means that you might have to live with some tough decisions on the back end.

I don’t want to see a bad divorce, but NYR did offer to move Hank amicably and he didn’t want it. I’d hate to see him bought out but I’d much less prefer to punt a promising year or lose good young long term assets.

 

[bobbop]

Replacing Staal isn't a concern.

Claesson is better than Staal and he spent all of this year in the AHL. We could very easily find a 3rd pairing left defenseman for cheap.

It's replacing Skjei that's the bigger concern.

Replacing Skeji is not a concern. Moving him for a first will go down as one of Gorton’s best trades.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

Tough to say. Those guys all probably took steps back to varying degrees this year, and given the unusual off-season everyone is likely to endure, there's no telling what any of these guys look like coming into "camp" or whatever they have.

I could just as easily see someone like Sekera or one of the other over-30 defenseman that will be on the market being signed for a cheap year until someone actually demonstrates a readiness to take the spot.

Reunanen had a strong end to his season after struggling early on to adjust to the new structure in Rauma. If he can build on that in camp, he would easily be ahead of Miller, Day and Hajek.

They're all long-shots though, and a veteran signing for 1 year could definitely be in the works if the AAV isn't too high

 

[nyr2k2]

Reunanen had a strong end to his season after struggling early on to adjust to the new structure in Rauma. If he can build on that in camp, he would easily be ahead of Miller, Day and Hajek.

They're all long-shots though, and a veteran signing for 1 year could definitely be in the works if the AAV isn't too high

If Hajek can find the form he displayed at the end of the 18-19 season before the shoulder injury, he'd be ahead of them all, too.

Reunanen finished stronger than he started, but he still played 2 minutes per game less and saw a dip in production. Until his hot finish, it was a substantial dip in production. This past season was not as good as the season before that.

But anyway, my point is it's all "ifs". This is uncharted territory for the most part, given that we're approaching June and have no idea when the season will end, and no idea when camps will start. We have no idea who will come in looking ready and who will look steps behind. It's folly to project who is the most ready to assume a role for next year.

Under normal circumstances I'd probably agree with you, but these aren't normal circumstances.

Also Day sucks and shouldn't be in the discussion. LOL.

 

[FIRE DRURY]

I don’t think Hank requested he gets bought out lol...