Speculation: Roster Building Thread: Part XX (WTF are we going to do this Off-Season edition)

[Shesterkybomb]

Lafreniere has annoyed me for many of the seasons he's played. I've been vocal on that, but the difference here between them is skating and powerplay points. Right now I can't even say for sure that Peterka would get definite #1 powerplay time. If Lafreniere going forward was what we saw last season, anything should improve us. If Lafreniere can find his game from 2 seasons ago, this move might be a lateral move between them.

Then you basically have Fox - Dahlin and you can take your pick depending on how you view Fox or Dahlin.

Lafreniere has a ton more to give imo but his point totals are really making him a scapegoat here, the whole team stunk. The difference is that Lafreniere wasn't getting those pp1 points that the rest get, where would Zib and Kreiders point totals be without pp1, I genuinely want to know, I'm assuming not great. If you dump 15 to 20 pp points on Lafreniere hes all of a sudden not the problem child stat wise atleast and with points comes confidence and Lafreniere goes up and down with his confidence.

 

[UAGoalieGuy]

Is it true that Byram requested a trade?

Young Buffalo Sabres star officially requests trade

He was first acquired by the Sabres in 2024 for Casey Mittelstadt. He had 38 points (7G, 31A) in 82 games this year.

www.yardbarker.com

 

[TGWL]

We need a lot more Berards not less.
Maybe Othmann will score a goal before the half way mark of the 2025-2026 season?
I know if Berard is given a chance the kid will be a 35 point scorer (no pp time) and terrific bottom 6 guy. Even slot up to top 6 once in while. If anyone watched him in Hartford they would realize he has more 5 on 5 ability than Othmann.
I would like to keep both but if i had to choose one it would be Berard. Plus the notion that Othmann is a first rounder therefore more upside you probably get more in return

When you say we need a lot more Berards, I'm assuming you mean his energy level and fearless approach. Because we need a lot better than more Berards.

 

[TGWL]

Cuylle was playing both LW and RE last year. Laf has been predominantly a RW for two years. Othmann has been playing both wings in the AHL.

‘Didn’t do shit’ isn’t entirely accurate when his line was one of the better lines for a few of the games he played in. Him, Carrick and Rempe were a buzz-saw on the forecheck.

If the plan for Othmann is 4th line buzz-saw, we should have traded him. Nothing wrong with a 4th line player but we need more from him. The only time Othmann really looked halfway decent above replacement 4th line was when Panarin tried to make him relevant and that experiment didn't work and ended. He obviously needs a better showing and the ability to be a 3rd line point producer in the NHL, because that's the only thing that's going to keep him at this level on our team. It's hard to judge anybody because we had quite possibly the worst structure or effort to play that structure I've seen in a long time. A new coach and about 20 games is going to be really telling for some of these players.

 

[TGWL]

Is it true that Byram requested a trade?

Young Buffalo Sabres star officially requests trade

He was first acquired by the Sabres in 2024 for Casey Mittelstadt. He had 38 points (7G, 31A) in 82 games this year.

www.yardbarker.com

That title is so misleading to the article. It's like saying Rempe developed into a top line player for the rangers and then the article is about how important Rempe's role is with the organization when it comes to toughness, speed, forechecking, etc. Or "Rangers nearing trade with Cuylle!" and then the article is about how NYR may trade Cuylle if they're scared of an offersheet or if they can't negotiate a long term cap they're comfortable paying.

 

[Fitzy]

Cuylle was playing both LW and RE last year. Laf has been predominantly a RW for two years. Othmann has been playing both wings in the AHL.

‘Didn’t do shit’ isn’t entirely accurate when his line was one of the better lines for a few of the games he played in. Him, Carrick and Rempe were a buzz-saw on the forecheck.

f***ing Giants D line was in that bad shape

 

[Kendo]

Is it true that Byram requested a trade?

Young Buffalo Sabres star officially requests trade

He was first acquired by the Sabres in 2024 for Casey Mittelstadt. He had 38 points (7G, 31A) in 82 games this year.

www.yardbarker.com

Agent says no.

 

[Fitzy]

Miller frustrates me to no end, but is Byram really an upgrade on him for looking at the same contract? Unless the plan is to have both.

 

[Kendo]

Miller frustrates me to no end, but is Byram really an upgrade on him for looking at the same contract? Unless the plan is to have both.

I'm wary of the cost, but I'd be down with both. They have similar upsides and downsides, but still net positives.

 

[bobbop]

Buffalo seems to have no inclination to trade Dallin. They want to move Bynam which makes sense. They traded Middlestadt for Bynam because it was such good value, not because they needed another LHD. He was destined to be traded from the minute he was acquired.

Here my thought…I like Bynam. I think he could be an excellent partner for Fox. Add in Peterka who has been a Ranger target and my guess is that the return could be Lafreniere and a plus.

 

[JESSEWENEEDTOCOOK]

f***ing Giants D line was in that bad shape

lmaoooo but their DL is gonna be insane next season

 

[LokiDog]

Miller frustrates me to no end, but is Byram really an upgrade on him for looking at the same contract? Unless the plan is to have both.

I think the idea is to have both, and Byram has the higher upside. He was billed as a nearly can’t miss 1D at draft. He’s playing the minutes now. He’s on an abysmal Buffalo team. He was still 15th in even strength scoring for all D. I think the hope is one of Miller/Byram pairs with Fox permanently and the other creates a much improved second pairing. I’m with @bobbop on this one.

This is pretty good company on a very bad team. He played the 10th most minutes of any player in the NHL at even strength. He was 264th in PP time on ice because Dahlin plays the full 2 minutes.

 

[Vitto79]

Miller frustrates me to no end, but is Byram really an upgrade on him for looking at the same contract? Unless the plan is to have both.

Probably not . Lateral move imo

 

[duhmetreE]

Buffalo seems to have no inclination to trade Dallin. They want to move Bynam which makes sense. They traded Middlestadt for Bynam because it was such good value, not because they needed another LHD. He was destined to be traded from the minute he was acquired.

Here my thought…I like Bynam. I think he could be an excellent partner for Fox. Add in Peterka who has been a Ranger target and my guess is that the return could be Lafreniere and a plus.

I think that’s too steep.

I really don’t want to give up on Laffy. Peterka has a good shot, and we definitely need that but I feel he’s being over valued a bit here.

if we’re looking for a combo deal I may use Schneider over Laffy. Also would be interested in McLeod and possibly Tuch.

There’s definitely a deal to be made

 

[duhmetreE]

I’ve seen what Laffy can be. We saw the potential last season down the stretch and in the playoffs.

I’ve also seen what KAM can be. His potential is still massive.

Schneider has just left me wanting more.

We’ve also seen the potential from Byram. He looked like a blossoming 1D during that cup run.

 

[LokiDog]

I’m indifferent with Laf for Peterka. Peterka has better speed and motor. He’s a puck hound. He’s a few months younger than Laf and put up 68 points on Buffalo. 50 the year before. 118 in his last 159 games. Laf put up 45 and 57 for 102 in his past 164. Trending in different directions where Laf is stagnant and not showing a lot of growth and Peterka is projecting upward just as he is poised to enter his peak. If it brought Byram as well, I’m down for it. Laf doesn’t have trade protection and is locked up long term which makes him attractive to Buffalo.

Peterka has 150 points in 238 NHL games. Laf has 192 in 380. 42 more points in 122 more games.

 

[RangersFan1994]

Kreider for Crouse and a 2nd / Nemeth one back

The point is to gain cap space and roster space. Rather deal Kreider for a prospect or someone without waivers, even if it's a lesser known prospect than acquire another an NHL forward. They need to acquire a center prospect with top 6 and or top 9 potential for Kreider. Rangers need a roster spot or 2, for Berard, Perreault, Othmann.

 

[UnSandvich]

Peterka also screams regression candidate to me ngl. 15% shooting percentage, and highest 5v5 on-ice sh% among F's with 1000 mins. And he put up 2 whole points more at 5v5 than Lafreniere (in what was widely considered a disappointing year for Laf)

 

[Vitto79]

The point is to gain cap space and roster space. Rather deal Kreider for a prospect or someone without waivers, even if it's a lesser known prospect than acquire another an NHL forward. They need to acquire a center prospect with top 6 and or top 9 potential for Kreider. Rangers need a roster spot or 2, for Berard, Perreault, Othmann.

Good point I just hope that is doable
Signing what ufa C though ?
Not many options . Suter ?
Parsinnen or Brisson will get a look
I like Carrick but he’s a better 13 guy
I’d move Brodzinski just for some new blood

 

[NYR Viper]

I know many people don’t like Lawson Crouse but that’s the type of guy who could come back for Kreider and help play the style that Sullivan would be envisioning. He’s a big forward who likes to initiate contact with some history of scoring. This past year was dreadful and he makes $4.3m for two more years. Utah has 3 2nd rounders in 2026 and they would like to push for the playoffs I’m sure in there new market.

Crouse (with $1m retained) + 2nd ‘25 + 2nd ‘26 for Kreider

People rightfully were thinking that someone like Tanev would be a good addition, Crouse is bigger and younger. The Rangers save just over $3m. Crouse is likely someone they could use for this year and some of next year and trade at the deadline

 

[Harbour Dog]

Miller frustrates me to no end, but is Byram really an upgrade on him for looking at the same contract? Unless the plan is to have both.

I'd be fine with having both of them. We need more competent defensemen.

Only issue is that between Byram and Miller, the board won't have time to scapegoat anybody else.

 

[Harbour Dog]

Peterka also screams regression candidate to me ngl. 15% shooting percentage, and highest 5v5 on-ice sh% among F's with 1000 mins. And he put up 2 whole points more at 5v5 than Lafreniere (in what was widely considered a disappointing year for Laf)

I'm not sure if Lafreniere is underrated here or if we just overrate guys on other teams, but some of the trade proposals involving him have been out to lunch imo

 

[RangersFan1994]

Good point I just hope that is doable
Signing what ufa C though ?
Not many options . Suter ?
Parsinnen or Brisson will get a look
I like Carrick but he’s a better 13 guy
I’d move Brodzinski just for some new blood

Trade for a young center would be the best option. Kick the tires on a KAM for Cole Sillinger type of trade. Maybe go after a Conor Geekie or someone not much proven yet

 

[surlysailor]

Trade for a young center would be the best option. Kick the tires on a KAM for Cole Sillinger type of trade. Maybe go after a Conor Geekie or someone not much proven yet

You better be getting much more than sillinger for KAM. Sure he has his awful gaffes but trading for another bottom 6 forward who barely has more points than KAM while creating an even bigger whole at ld would be brutal. I’m not against trading miller but you need to fill in two top ld and a FA will cost more and who knows what’s available via trade. Plus nyr bottom 6 is pretty jammed, sure getting a legit 3c is needed but they either need to clear fwd room and shore up the ld before they’re stuck overpaying to fill the hole

Also I don’t think KAM is a fit Columbus, they already have werenski & mateychuk who is starting to push his way into the top 4 role.

 

[UAGoalieGuy]

I know many people don’t like Lawson Crouse but that’s the type of guy who could come back for Kreider and help play the style that Sullivan would be envisioning. He’s a big forward who likes to initiate contact with some history of scoring. This past year was dreadful and he makes $4.3m for two more years. Utah has 3 2nd rounders in 2026 and they would like to push for the playoffs I’m sure in there new market.

Crouse (with $1m retained) + 2nd ‘25 + 2nd ‘26 for Kreider

People rightfully were thinking that someone like Tanev would be a good addition, Crouse is bigger and younger. The Rangers save just over $3m. Crouse is likely someone they could use for this year and some of next year and trade at the deadline

This, to me would ideal return for Kreider outside of Rossi though i don't see a deal there with the Wild.

Crouse is bound to rebound and at $3.3M (w the $1M retained in your proposal) would be great 3rd line forward. If you run Zib as 2C could have a 3rd line of Crouse - Trocheck - Othmann/Berard. That would be one hell of a PITA line that can score.

Or if you move Zib to RW.

Cuylle - Miller - Zib
Panarin - Trocheck - Laff
Crouse - Parssinen - Othmann/Berard
Carrick/Berard - Edstrom - Rempe