Speculation: Roster Building Thread : Part XV (Light em up!)

[Alluckks]

Zibanejad trade happens in the offseason. He'll be more willing to waive, start over somewhere else. Vancouver perfect for him, Swedish safe haven. JT Miller is a new locker room guy, resets the tone, needs his change of scenery, and if the tea leaves are to be believed he wants to be here and Drury wants him here.

In season:
Kreider for late 1st + B prospect
Smith for 3rd
Lindgren for 3rd
Borgen for 2nd + 3rd

Offseason:
Zib for JT Miller - "the trade is 1 for 1"

Sign Rantanen
Cuylle 6 x 6

Panarin Chytil Rantanen
Cuylle Miller Laf
Berard Trocheck Perreault
Edstrom Carrick Othmann
Rempe

Miller Fox
Jones Schneider
Mancini veteran

Also we win the lottery and draft Hagens, of course

 

[noncents]

Zibanejad trade happens in the offseason. He'll be more willing to waive, start over somewhere else. Vancouver perfect for him, Swedish safe haven. JT Miller is a new locker room guy, resets the tone, needs his change of scenery, and if the tea leaves are to be believed he wants to be here and Drury wants him here.

In season:
Kreider for late 1st + B prospect
Smith for 3rd
Lindgren for 3rd
Borgen for 2nd + 3rd

Offseason:
Zib for JT Miller - "the trade is 1 for 1"

Sign Rantanen
Cuylle 6 x 6

Panarin Chytil Rantanen
Cuylle Miller Laf
Berard Trocheck Perreault
Edstrom Carrick Othmann
Rempe

Miller Fox
Jones Schneider
Mancini veteran

Also we win the lottery and draft Hagens, of course

defense sucks here. don't worry about the rantanens. fix the D

 

[IDvsEGO]

defense sucks here. don't worry about the rantanens. fix the D

Id also move panarin if possible. 50% panarin should get a massive haul especially if it’s 2 post seasons.

Rantanen is a winger. We’re weak at center.
The following offseason both mcd and eichel are ufa’s.
That’s a move that changes the team entirely.
Two high firsts plus the strength of our wingers, and fixing the D. Would be a huge shift in our team.

 

[Alluckks]

defense sucks here. don't worry about the rantanens. fix the D

I don't care about that, give me puck movers and a quality forward group

You can find bargain bin dudes for low cost to fill out a D group and be meh enough if you just have good enough forwards. We have a 1D and a top goalie.

 

[DanielBrassard]

I think I would pass on Rantanen and save the cap space for Eichel or McDavid if they ever get to UFA. If they trade Zibanejad for Miller they could always slide Miller to the wing if they ended up with either of them. I’d sign Orlov or Gavrikov to play with Fox. I know orlov is 34 but he’s really good and he’s the type of D you could see maintain his play for a few more years. Trade Kreider for a 1st plus trade all the rentals for whatever. Add some draft capital and cap space.

 

[B17 Apricots]

Mika Zibanejad Feels He ‘Earned’ No-Move Clause In The Wake Of Trade Rumors

Mika Zibanejad was honest and straight to the point when asked about trade rumors involving his name.

sports.yahoo.com

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6036195/2025/01/03/mika-zibanejad-rangers-nhl-trade/?redirected=1

Taken from the Athletic article.

"For Zibanejad, keeping that mindset is harder while struggling.

“It’s easier to defer to someone else if you don’t feel great about your shot or you (haven’t) scored in a while,” he said. “Especially when you’re playing with two guys who can score, it’s easier for me to defer and try to find them, try to get them in scoring positions. I think that’s very natural.”

But he knows there are benefits to shooting himself rather than facilitating.

“It becomes predictable for the other guys (on a line), too, where to go,” he said. “When you have the shot mindset, when you shoot more, I think it’s going to open up more for the passing lanes. The more you do it because people will think that you were going to shoot and now you have an opportunity to make plays.” "

The first one really tells you all you need to know about the player he's become over the recent years. Defer.

Conflicting stuff out there right now. On one hand you have pundits reporting that sources close to the organization have said Mika would waive his NMC for the right situation. These articles above, Mika says he hasn't heard anything. "There’s a reason why there are clauses like that. It’s something that was negotiated and earned"

Makes me wonder about the recent reports. These guys kinda get told what they can and cant report on. Are they just purely speculating? They said sources close to the Rangers. Is it just the organization playing media games to try to influence Zibanejad? Not that long ago I would've said him waiving his NMC seems really unlikely. Now, maybe not so much. Especially if/when Kreider gets traded, think there's a larger chance then.

 

[IDvsEGO]

I don't care about that, give me puck movers and a quality forward group

You can find bargain bin dudes for low cost to fill out a D group and be meh enough if you just have good enough forwards. We have a 1D and a top goalie.

No you can’t.
Puck movers who aren’t 5’5 aren’t cheap.
Having a 1d is great, and then when you staple someone like lindgren to him it only makes him above average.

How about we actually fix the problem instead of hoping scotch tape fixes it.

 

[Clark Kellogg]

Kaliyev is pretty likely to get claimed by a team higher in the waiver priority. Doubt the rangers would claim him anyway though

There were only 5 teams ahead of us when Kaliyev was placed on waivers.

 

[Siddi]

Mika Zibanejad Feels He ‘Earned’ No-Move Clause In The Wake Of Trade Rumors

Mika Zibanejad was honest and straight to the point when asked about trade rumors involving his name.

sports.yahoo.com

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6036195/2025/01/03/mika-zibanejad-rangers-nhl-trade/?redirected=1

Taken from the Athletic article.

"For Zibanejad, keeping that mindset is harder while struggling.

“It’s easier to defer to someone else if you don’t feel great about your shot or you (haven’t) scored in a while,” he said. “Especially when you’re playing with two guys who can score, it’s easier for me to defer and try to find them, try to get them in scoring positions. I think that’s very natural.”

But he knows there are benefits to shooting himself rather than facilitating.

“It becomes predictable for the other guys (on a line), too, where to go,” he said. “When you have the shot mindset, when you shoot more, I think it’s going to open up more for the passing lanes. The more you do it because people will think that you were going to shoot and now you have an opportunity to make plays.” "

The first one really tells you all you need to know about the player he's become over the recent years. Defer.

Conflicting stuff out there right now. On one hand you have pundits reporting that sources close to the organization have said Mika would waive his NMC for the right situation. These articles above, Mika says he hasn't heard anything. "There’s a reason why there are clauses like that. It’s something that was negotiated and earned"

Makes me wonder about the recent reports. These guys kinda get told what they can and cant report on. Are they just purely speculating? They said sources close to the Rangers. Is it just the organization playing media games to try to influence Zibanejad? Not that long ago I would've said him waiving his NMC seems really unlikely. Now, maybe not so much. Especially if/when Kreider gets traded, think there's a larger chance then.

Can we please be done with this fantasy now? Mika is not waiving and nobody has asked him to waive.

 

[SA16]

There were only 5 teams ahead of us when Kaliyev was placed on waivers.

Yes I would imagine one of Buffalo, San Jose, or Chicago will claim him. And I highly doubt Drury has any interest in a one dimensional shooter.

 

[effen]

There were only 5 teams ahead of us when Kaliyev was placed on waivers.

If they're gonna grab Just A Guy, I'd rather it be a C or a D. Overflowing with guys who can play wing.

 

[Clark Kellogg]

If they're gonna grab Just A Guy, I'd rather it be a C or a D. Overflowing with guys who can play wing.

I’m with you. Just replying to a post.

 

[n8]

Zibanejad trade happens in the offseason. He'll be more willing to waive, start over somewhere else. Vancouver perfect for him, Swedish safe haven. JT Miller is a new locker room guy, resets the tone, needs his change of scenery, and if the tea leaves are to be believed he wants to be here and Drury wants him here.

In season:
Kreider for late 1st + B prospect
Smith for 3rd
Lindgren for 3rd
Borgen for 2nd + 3rd

Offseason:
Zib for JT Miller - "the trade is 1 for 1"

Sign Rantanen
Cuylle 6 x 6

Panarin Chytil Rantanen
Cuylle Miller Laf
Berard Trocheck Perreault
Edstrom Carrick Othmann
Rempe

Miller Fox
Jones Schneider
Mancini veteran

Also we win the lottery and draft Hagens, of course

What an authentic Ranger plan to draft Hagens but not give him any playing time. Bravo.

 

[RangerBoy]

Id also move panarin if possible. 50% panarin should get a massive haul especially if it’s 2 post seasons.

Rantanen is a winger. We’re weak at center.
The following offseason both mcd and eichel are ufa’s.
That’s a move that changes the team entirely.
Two high firsts plus the strength of our wingers, and fixing the D. Would be a huge shift in our team.

McDavd is not leaving. Eichel can sign a 8 year contract with Vegas. No state income taxes. The Rangers have been down this road with Panarin. What team does this Haul guy play for? Massive return?

Stop building the team around free agents.

 

[duhmetreE]

I’m hoping for Schaefer in the draft tbh

Sign Gavrikov to play with Fox. Sign Gourde or Bennett. They both can play at center or wing as a back up if Chytil gets hurt.

Hope and pray Zibs takes the off season serious and becomes his best version

Panarin Bennett Laffy
Cuylle Chytil Gabe
Berard Trocheck ZIbs

Gavrikov Fox
KAM Schneider
Schaefer Mancini/vet ufa
Vaak

Honestly don’t know if this fits cap wise. Maybe has to be Gourde instead of Bennett.

 

[NYR Viper]

I’m hoping for Schaefer in the draft tbh

Sign Gavrikov to play with Fox. Sign Gourde or Bennett. They both can play at center or wing as a back up if Chytil gets hurt.

Hope and pray Zibs takes the off season serious and becomes his best version

Panarin Bennett Laffy
Cuylle Chytil Gabe
Berard Trocheck ZIbs

Gavrikov Fox
KAM Schneider
Schaefer Mancini/vet ufa
Vaak

Honestly don’t know if this fits cap wise. Maybe has to be Gourde instead of Bennett.

What do we think Bennett gets in UFA? I'm intrigued

 

[bernmeister]

Can we please be done with this fantasy now? Mika is not waiving and nobody has asked him to waive.

no we can not

 

[eco's bones]

Zibanejad trade happens in the offseason. He'll be more willing to waive, start over somewhere else. Vancouver perfect for him, Swedish safe haven. JT Miller is a new locker room guy, resets the tone, needs his change of scenery, and if the tea leaves are to be believed he wants to be here and Drury wants him here.

In season:
Kreider for late 1st + B prospect
Smith for 3rd
Lindgren for 3rd
Borgen for 2nd + 3rd

Offseason:
Zib for JT Miller - "the trade is 1 for 1"

Sign Rantanen
Cuylle 6 x 6

Panarin Chytil Rantanen
Cuylle Miller Laf
Berard Trocheck Perreault
Edstrom Carrick Othmann
Rempe

Miller Fox
Jones Schneider
Mancini veteran

Also we win the lottery and draft Hagens, of course

Hopefully we get more for Kreider. He's not a rental and this isn't the deepest draft and Kreider is a known playoff commodity and if a team is trading for him I would think they'll have some hope he can turn his game around because he's still got two years left to go on a pretty friendly cap hit if he does and that's potentially 3 playoff runs. A late 1st in a so so draft year and a B prospect seems like underselling him to me.

What Lindgren and Smith's values are I don't know but Smith is another with lots of playoff success.

I'd try to get Cuylle a little cheaper. The writing is on the wall for Jones. I get that he has a lot of fans here but this is his 4th full year in the organization and he's never been an every day player and if he is on our preseason roster next year there's no guarantee he's going to be an every day player next year either. So I think he's a goner.

I believe the Rangers will try to get Rantanen if Rantanen makes it to free agency though he'll have multiple potential suitors and it's very possible he signs with a team other than the Rangers and money might not be the only factor. I wonder for one thing if what happened with Goodrow and Trouba reverberated around the league in such a way that all things being even or close to even some players won't choose to play here. As far as that goes changing out our GM might be helpful. Other teams might also seem like a better fit for future playoff hopes. I also believe we'll be shopping for defensemen and maybe other help when free agency hits though.

 

[leetch99]

FTFY

We need more Canadian spuds...preferably PEI which are the best for eating ....as far as players...get guys who hate losing and have some skating ability .

 

[duhmetreE]

What do we think Bennett gets in UFA? I'm intrigued

Probably 6ish

 

[leetch99]

They won’t move all of those top players
Kreider only one that makes sense this year to me

Kreider is going to make sure that he continues to be hurt enough that no club will take a chance on him ......he is not stupid and does not want to leave .

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

Kreider is going to make sure that he continues to be hurt enough that no club will take a chance on him ......he is not stupid and does not want to leave .

He can’t just pretend to be hurt lol.

Clubs will do their own reviews on him if they’re interested in trading for him.

This meme needs to die.

 

[Machinehead]

He can’t just pretend to be hurt lol.

Clubs will do their own reviews on him if they’re interested in trading for him.

This meme needs to die.

It's amazing to me that nobody will ever believe Kreider is hurt.

Meanwhile, you can come on here and read all about how Lafrenire's favorite Tim Horton's closed during the summer of the pandemic, which made him really sad for a morning skate, and that's why he's not a 120 point player.

People are already shoveling dirt into Fox's grave too because he turned 26.

People are as bad with age as they are with height.

 

[leetch99]

He can’t just pretend to be hurt lol.

Clubs will do their own reviews on him if they’re interested in trading for him.

This meme needs to die.

Back injuries are of a different breed.....especially intermittent ones . I'm pretty sure it would not be hard to say....my back is acting up and I'll err on the side of caution and sit this one out . It's not something a club interested in getting him would want to hear /see.....more than once and then see him sit some games out . They watch games as well before they make deals .....unlike the Rangers . Maybe the drugs they give him have stopped working ? He has looked dopey /lethargic all season and most shift just our for a skate to keep his blades from rusting . Anyways...time will tell ....

 

[Siddi]

What do we think Bennett gets in UFA? I'm intrigued

Probably Trocheck money. His ceiling is 50 points and currently sitting at -14.

I dont even understand why some people want him as a Ranger.