Speculation: Roster Building Thread : Part XVI (Playoffs or Retool?)

[Machinehead]

I read it as

Elite Shot,


Size, etc.

Whereas Berard has the Petr Prucha frame, so comparatively even Martin St Louis looks big next to him

He doesn't have any kind of size. He's downright small in this league.

 

[LOFIN]

They quit on Sam Rosen

I hope this group can make it to the playoffs, if for nothing more than to give him one more run (even if it's a first round exit). That could salvage the season somewhat, because it would be a decent ending given what the circumstances were 2 months ago.

 

[RGY]

I am personally against bringing another player who's slow into the lineup like ROR. I think the world of the player but I don't feel he's what we need right now. If you're looking for a 2-way responsible center, you can find something cheaper for the 3c role. Also, not a GM on the planet will trade you ROR for Berard.. You're missing a significant piece here. Also, wouldn't we just use Bjugstad on the 3rd line?

Berard + for RoR. Gives them a kid who could play NHL minutes in the bottom 6 on a team that is in no man’s land. RoR is 34, not 28. I don’t think the value is terribly far off.

And no, I would much rather Bjugstad on the 4th line. Keeps the size and punch on that line while providing insurance in which Bjugstad could slide up to the 3rd line if needed. Shouldnt cost a lot either to acquire

 

[McRanger92]

I hope this group can make it to the playoffs, if for nothing more than to give him one more run (even if it's a first round exit). That could salvage the season somewhat, because it would be a decent ending given what the circumstances were 2 months ago.

Im with you. I want the playoffs. I dont care how we get in but do it for Sam. The team is more than capable. I know we have a lot of guys going to 4 Nations but the rest it gives Panarin and Igor could tip the scales. If those guys get hot in the stretch run, we'll make it.

Berard + for RoR. Gives them a kid who could play NHL minutes in the bottom 6 on a team that is in no man’s land. RoR is 34, not 28. I don’t think the value is terribly far off.

And no, I would much rather Bjugstad on the 4th line. Keeps the size and punch on that line while providing insurance in which Bjugstad could slide up to the 3rd line if needed. Shouldnt cost a lot either to acquire

Id be more interested in ROR if we were firmly entrenched in a playoff spot. Trading an asset for him and the additional 2 years on his deal doesnt make much sense to me if we dont get him playing in playoff games this year. At that age the drop off can be massive year to year. Especially with his mileage. Im not wholly against it but it's a risk.

 

[TGWL]

He doesn't have any kind of size. He's downright small in this league.

St. Louis crushes walnuts with his quads. Berard crushes walnuts with a grinder.

Berard + for RoR. Gives them a kid who could play NHL minutes in the bottom 6 on a team that is in no man’s land. RoR is 34, not 28. I don’t think the value is terribly far off.

And no, I would much rather Bjugstad on the 4th line. Keeps the size and punch on that line while providing insurance in which Bjugstad could slide up to the 3rd line if needed. Shouldnt cost a lot either to acquire

The value is missing a high piece for the +. Your value is completely off unless your + is something valued of at least a 1st, especially at 50%. If you want them to take less for ROR, it won't be this season.

 

[bernmeister]

If Othmann doesn't make the lineup next season he's gone. We can most likely bank on him making the team or being traded.

plausibly yes with an *
Next is bread's final season
when he goes impacts roster spot

Berard for RoR or Novak, each at 50% retention.

We still have Sykora who can be a competent 4th liner to take Edstrom’s spot if and when we move Vesey. Or if the team gets into a playoff spot you add someone like Bjugstad.

Panarin-JT-Mika
Laf-Troch-Smith
Kreider-RoR-Cuylle
Bjugstad-Carrick-Rempe

Edstrom takes Rempe’s spot upon return.

In the offseason, ship Mika out. Maybe Kreider too. Sign Kane to a 1 year deal. Sign Gavrikov. Promote Perrault. The reason I do Kane is so to keep the cap flexible going into the following free agency class that has McDavid, Eichel, Connor in it as if now. Panarin’s contract off the books as well. Othmann fits if they move Kreider. However, I would rather trade Othmann for a Top 4 RD. Build that D in anticipation if they 2026 offseason so it is all settled for that roster build.

Gavrikov-Fox
Miller-*****
Borgen-Schneider

1. Berard does not have that level of value at present

2. We do not, imo, want to add more vets
develop youth, incl like Berard, get production or up his value.

3. Stop w/Rempe hate
factually true we win mo w/him than w'o and he needs to be HERE, learning more the NHL game HERE, not in the A

I am open to discussing adding Bjugstad but to supplement, not replace 4th line incl Rem

This is where I’m at as well. I think Berard could have a Brodzinski type of a career. If he could play center I’d say even a better one. I’m higher on Othmann than most but I wouldn’t send Kreider out for either one. Unfortunately there are other LW prospects in the pipeline, and I’m afraid the writing is on the wall.

General agree
I see Oth getting pushed by Roo and others, so next season or 2 he has to show something

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

i wouldnt bank on othmann making it over berard

I also wouldn’t bank on Zibanejad being here next year.

 

[duhmetreE]

I feel like it's blatantly obvious we need to trade our prospect wingers for a defenseman or center.

 

[Fitzy]

You want to balance things. Guys like Othmann and Perreault will be crucial to 'keeping the team going' for the next 3-4 years.

We don't have any idea what the Drury plan with Panarin is. The cap going up makes bringing him back tempting, but you never know, maybe Chris wants to put that salary cap into a top LD or another center and hope Perreault/Othmann can be good enough at wing for us to build our team around the blue line and center position.

And we have a shortage of good trade capital to bring in these top guys that we need. It's one of the reasons I think with a raising cap, we could probably get a pretty good hockey player as a return in a Kreider deal. Maybe two.

The question is what good teams are out there that have use for a Mika or Kreider who also have the kind of pieces Drury wants t otarget.

I feel like it's blatantly obvious we need to trade our prospect wingers for a defenseman or center.

That's the opposite approach, but if we do that then you really have to find a way to keep Panarin or just try to survive with a bunch of 3rd line wingers built around a good core. Running Miller, Trocheck, good center is a decent start but not if it's just Brett Berard and Cuylle in the top 6. We need more than that.

 

[JESSEWENEEDTOCOOK]

i just dont know if othmann is an nhl player

my gut says berard will b good and othmann will bust

obviously i hope my gut is wrong but i have a feeling by this time next year othmann wont even be in the organization, or still in hartford

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

That's the opposite approach, but if we do that then you really have to find a way to keep Panarin or just try to survive with a bunch of 3rd line wingers built around a good core. Running Miller, Trocheck, good center is a decent start but not if it's just Brett Berard and Cuylle in the top 6. We need more than that.

I mean that would really depends on what you'd get in return right?

Under no circumstances should they continue to try to build with/around Panarin. While I wouldn't say that you can't win with him (worse players have won) but I do think it's safe to say that you can't win with him as the focal part of your offense. We've been there done that.

I don't care for his brand of hockey or his attitude. Think we're going to be better once he goes tbh. Theres a lot you can do with those dollars.

 

[bl02]

I feel like it's blatantly obvious we need to trade our prospect wingers for a defenseman or center.

Hopefully not for someone who is gonna be 34.
Berard our best forward prospect (minus GP) I am not even close to giving up on him unless he returns a young center or dman. I mean where does it end? Do I seriously have to watch Kakko at a ppg, Chytil look like McDavid lite and now Berard somewhere else?

 

[duhmetreE]

That's the opposite approach, but if we do that then you really have to find a way to keep Panarin or just try to survive with a bunch of 3rd line wingers built around a good core. Running Miller, Trocheck, good center is a decent start but not if it's just Brett Berard and Cuylle in the top 6. We need more than that.

I'd particularly would shop Othmann. IMO Othmann would need PP1 time and playing with someone like Panarin and a Center that will carry the puck up ice... I do not see that happening here.

I do not think we will ship Panarin anywhere.... ( the one thing I really do not like about Panarin is that the rest of the top6 tries to model their game like him... It just doesn't work. that's a side tangent ) It'd be Panarin, Laffy, Cuylle, Gabe and/or Berard. Even if we do move Panarin, there's a lot of cap space to add a forward or two.

I also have doubts that Mika is going to get shipped out. Might be best for him to have a strong offseason and re focus on being the best player he can be. I've been saying for a while he needs to move to wing. He needs to go back to being a goal scorer for us, utilizing his wrist shot.

 

[JESSEWENEEDTOCOOK]

I also wouldn’t bank on Zibanejad being here next year.

that too

i fully expect drury to manage to get rid of both of them

what he does with the cap space, we’ll see

 

[SnowblindNYR]

Steve gives the Rangers a 20% chance of making the playoffs. Too many teams. This segment is from yesterday. Last night, TB, Boston and Detroit won. The Islanders won too.

The Rangers will have a rebrand.

He sees the Rangers possible moving Reilly Smith and Jimmy Vesey. Zac Jones. Other moves heading into next season.

Full segment



The Rangers have too many sheep. Miller is a sheepherder.

Worried about Chytil's concussions.

Did Steve buy those Emmy's?

People are paranoid about Dolan but it speaks volumes to me that he employs Vally on MSG because he's always brutally honest.

 

[McRanger92]

I was hoping to see more from Othmann than just a 3 game cameo, but if people are saying he's worth moving, move him for a long-term 3C. is Othmann going to be more than a middle 6 scoring winger? If not capitalize now.

Regarding LD, i wouldnt mind replacing Lindgren in-season with a cheap rental. However, the long-term solution should come on the open market this summer.

People are paranoid about Dolan but it speaks volumes to me that he employs Vally on MSG because he's always brutally honest.

Dolan remains a good hockey owner. He doesn't mettle unless the team is embarrassing itself. I do think the Business development side has had too much sway in the past, but since Steve Mills has been gone its been better.

 

[McRanger92]

that too

i fully expect drury to manage to get rid of both of them

what he does with the cap space, we’ll see

Drury "Winston Wolf"-ing himself out of every bad contract we have would be something.

 

[IDvsEGO]

Drury "Winston Wolf"-ing himself out of every bad contract we have would be something.

He's shown the ability to do so already.
Goodrow alone should earn him gm of the year.

 

[RangerBoy]

View attachment 972909

The Rangers were less points out of a playoff spot on January 5th compared to today. There should be no trading for rental help at all, and as many expiring contracts need to be gone by the deadline at minimum.

Before the long Christmas break, the Rangers were 5 points out of 8th. This morning, the Rangers are 6 points out of 8th and 7 points out of 7th. Five weeks later and nearly 20% of the schedule has come off of the board, the Rangers are still in the same spot.

 

[SnowblindNYR]

I know it's one game but I felt a lot more confident about the Rangers chances after the Hurricanes game pre-Miller. The Boston no show really rattled me because Miller was there and played well and the team looked like it was December with how little of a f*** they gave. Most of Vegas game wasn't good. I know many people on this board think the team is a bunch of frauds but with Miller they are easily a top 8 roster in the east. But their will to win is very low. That is weird because whatever you want to say about them for the 3 season stretch they were the best or one of the best teams in comeback wins. Last year, even though it was kind of fluky their OT record was remarkable. This year they look like they'd rather rest during the playoffs.

 

[RangerBoy]

Rangers should add a 3C soon (as in, before the trade deadline) that is either under team control for next year or sign able to a reasonable number. As others have pointed out, the Rangers arent going to sell until deadline day and they should be operating as if they can make it until then. If the plan is to move Mika and Kreider this summer, I am all for it. But we still obviously need a 3C behind Miller and Trocheck. Preferably someone more suited to the role than Chytil. A few options I find interesting:

Nashville
ROR - Appears like he can still do it but he's 34. 14 goals and 30 points this year. 2 more years remaining at 4.5M
Tommy Novak - Rangers have been rumored to like him as recently as last year. Might need a change of scenery. 2 years left at 3.5
Colton Sissons - Worst option of the 3. probably more of a 4C at this point. 1 year left at 2.8

Minnesota
Hartman - Typical gritty 3C who can play wing on a top 6 line in a pinch. Minnesota might be looking to make space for Rossi. 2 years left at 4M
Rossi - If they arent looking to make room for Rossi, maybe they deal him. The type of player where the ask is probably K'Andre Miller. RFA this summer.

Montreal
Jake Evans - Honestly as good a fit for our needs as anyone. Wouldve been my top target if we were contending, but Id look to trade for and sign him like Borgen. UFA this summer.

There are other options to be sure. Guys we've been in on before (Gourde/Bjugstad). But if it were up to me Id be going for Novak or Evans. I agree with @NYR Viper that the long term solution to the LHD problem should be addressed on the UFA market this summer.

2025 Opening Night
Panarin-Miller-Perreault
Lafreniere-Trocheck-Cuylle
Othmann-Novak-Berard
Edstrom-Carrick-Rempe

Gavrikov-Fox
K'Andre-Borgen
Vaakanainen-Schneider

Igor
Garand

Id be really pleased with that.



They'll be ok.

Kreider who has two more seasons remaining at $6.5M to Boston for Coyle who has two more seasons remaining at $5,250,000. Rangers get their 3rd line center.

 

[IDvsEGO]

Before the long Christmas break, the Rangers were 5 points out of 8th. This morning, the Rangers are 6 points out of 8th and 7 points out of 7th. Five weeks later and nearly 20% of the schedule has come off of the board, the Rangers are still in the same spot.

Im not sure I see drury doing this. Miller isnt a rental. Miller is a reset. Theres nothing about this team that screams playoff run, and as ive said before Drury seems to have a realistic view on the team.
Laf is a keeper, Mika and Ck are players to move.
Cuylle probably gets locked up long term.
Miller is the 1c he wants.
We find a 1d for fox.

I see Drury trying to balance youth and vets but also a physical team with some more speed. Literally everything we've wanted.
Have I been frustrated that Drury hasn't shipped Lindgren out yet? Sure, but considering Drury gave him a 1 year prove it, showed he's not re-signing him.

 

[HockeyBasedNYC]

I have real fear that getting Fox a partner likely comes at the cost of Perreault.

Fine with it if its the right player.

In regards to Mika, the best thing that could happen is he finds the light with Miller and continues to put up points and builds up his trade value for the summer. The better he plays the more teams are likely to be interested.

Even with the NMC if the offer is to move to a team he has some attraction to, there is higher chance he'll waive and they'll be a wider net casted by his better play.