Speculation: Roster Building Thread - Part XXX

[mas0764]

Teams have guys to work the cap so you don't have to lol

So then I guess why discuss anything?

 

[mas0764]

It is tight, even at 5.00, but they can ice a competitive team for the next 2 seasons and keep Kreider and Trouba. However, they need to use Chytil, Goat, Georgiev, Hajek, Lundqvist, and Krav to get someone at 50%.

We have to give up all that just to be able to keep Strome?

Hard pass.

I'll lose Strome and keep Chytil, Goat, Lundkvist and Krav.

 

[mas0764]

I said last week - upgrade of Lundkqvist is needed …

However- watching him the last four games - he’s skating like Brett Hedican; scooping the puck skating it out. An invaluable talent not all D men possess.

it’ll be interesting

And the rest of the offense will come.

 

[rangersfansince08]

The potential rental or two we add for the playoff run is the most important part of this offseason in my opinion. A good move or two and we can really have high hopes.

Its so exciting to be buyers again.

 

[rangers1314]

Its so exciting to be buyers again.

The idea of being a buyer is exciting, but if/once a move is made everyone will blow their lids on how "it was an overpayment/this guy sucks"

 

[mas0764]

I don't see a path forward with Strome where Kreider and Trouba are here unless Kaako is bridged.

Blais - 4 years @ $2.5m
Strome - 7 years @ $5.25m
Kaako - 8 years @ $6.75m
Gauthier - 1 year @ $1m

Georgiev to Edmonton for a 3rd '22 + 4th '23
Nemeth to Detroit for a 4th '22 + 4th '23


That's this line-up:

Kreider-Zib-Kaako
Panarin-Strome-Hunt
Lafreniere-Chytil-Blais
Goodrow-Barron-Reaves
Gauthier

Miller-Fox
Lindgren-Lundkvist
Jones-Trouba
Tinordi

Shesty
$1m backup

That is ~$4.5m over the cap.

So even if they trade Chytil and replace his $2.3m with a $1m 4th line center, bumping Goodrow or Barron up, that's not enough.

If they bridge Kaako @ ~$3-4m per season than they COULD keep Kreider by moving Chytil.

The question really comes down to Kaako bridged or long term.

Bolded the important parts.

So even Kakko at $2.25m puts us at the cap limit.

Where is the rest of the money coming from??? No one is answering this.

Strome cannot be afforded. If he is, Kreider or Trouba is on the block. If they aren't, then Goodrow is.

If he isn't, then Kakko is going to get squeezed and we won't be able to pay anyone else anything and our bottom 6 will be half AHLers.

Why are we gonna gut our team over this issue?

It's simple: One of Strome, Kreider, or Trouba has to go. These type of support level players should not be clung to like some posters are. They are not vital players, they are complimentary pieces. Don't ruin your salary structure for them.

Hell, and if you can get assets for one of them in return as well as the cap space, so much the better.

 

[Thirty One]

The idea of being a buyer is exciting, but if/once a move is made everyone will blow their lids on how "it was an overpayment/this guy sucks"

Oh no.

 

[rangers1314]

Oh no.

oh yes.

 

[rangersfansince08]

The idea of being a buyer is exciting, but if/once a move is made everyone will blow their lids on how "it was an overpayment/this guy sucks"

Well I hope its a guy with another year of control after this one. One thing I do like is that I trust GG to use our acquisitions correctly compared to AV.

 

[mas0764]

If Kakko had been drafted 22nd overall instead of 2nd overall no one would be questioning that a bridge contract is the right move for both parties.

But he wasn't, he was drafted second, because he oozes with potential superstardom.

So that is a thing that has to be accounted for. It's not like "what you show on the ice," is the only thing that matters, just like it's not the only thing that matters with Kravtsov.

 

[CLW]

The idea of being a buyer is exciting, but if/once a move is made everyone *the usual suspects* will blow their lids on how "it was an overpayment/this guy sucks"

Fixed it for you.

 

[MrAlmost]

We have to give up all that just to be able to keep Strome?

Hard pass.

I'll lose Strome and keep Chytil, Goat, Lundkvist and Krav.

Not entirely. We need to give up some of that to fill out the roster since we wont be able to resign most of them with Strome or not. And they can make a pretty good package to get a good player with retention.

 

[mas0764]

I think we could, and should, see as many as 3 moves for rentals at or around the deadline.

First off, i think they will take at least one big swing for a Hertl/Giordano level rental. One that will probably cost a 1st round pick plus a lesser prospect or Kravtsov.

After that, depending on what position they add big with, they will acquire a depth piece for a mid-round pick, we see guys like this moved every year and we can always use the depth.

Finally, i believe theres still a chance they add another backup goalie like Holtby or Halak. Right now, Georgiev is playing perfectly average and has righted his own ship in Igor's absence, but i still think Drury will look to upgrade if it makes sense.

Thats what i would do at least. Theyve got tons of space this year to make moves, that will disappear if they dont use it now, and we still have more assets than we know what to do with. Cant pass up on opportunities to make a deep run because the team "isnt ready"

Pass on using prime assets for pure rentals.

 

[mas0764]

And another thing, imagine the jolt this core will get when they add a significant rental at the deadline? After they all grinded out a rebuild for years, its time for the organization to say "we believe in this team, time to win"

It's the very first playoff season for an extremely young team. It's not time to push that at all.

It's the first year of a decade of contention. Don't overspend now (unless it's for a young longterm forward, especially center). You don't even know what you need yet, and you won't by this deadline either.

 

[mas0764]

I’d bet the preference in a Kravtsov trade would be to trade him for a useful NHL body...Blais type of player but ideally a C or a solid backup G maybe.

That said who knows if that’s realistic. Could be a take the highest pick possible at the draft type of situation similar to Lias.

The ideal is to get a young player with similar upside. The org said so itself.

 

[Fitzy]

But he wasn't, he was drafted second, because he oozes with potential superstardom.

So that is a thing that has to be accounted for. It's not like "what you show on the ice," is the only thing that matters, just like it's not the only thing that matters with Kravtsov.

With our current cap situation, combined with how well the team is playing with its current veteran core, I wouldn't be gambling on Kakko or Laf on long term contracts with the hope they turn into bargains for superstar players.

We should be bridging and then picking and choosing who to trade and who to extend into UFA later when the time comes, and when money opens up from eventual Kreider/Trouba trades.

 

[mas0764]

Does Jost+3rd move the ball? Young NHL caliber center.

Krav for Newhook.

We'll add slightly if necessary.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

All Kravs deals go through @EdJovanovski

If that's the case, I want him traded in a package for JT Miller.

 

[CLW]

It's the very first playoff season for an extremely young team. It's not time to push that at all.

It's the first year of a decade of contention. Don't overspend now (unless it's for a young longterm forward, especially center). You don't even know what you need yet, and you won't by this deadline either.

How can you say it's not time to push? This year is a golden opportunity with many teams in transition, there is no ready juggernaut to smash everyone in their path. Tampa is lessened but still strong, Florida looks strong but is also inexperienced in the post season, so is Carolina who haven't yet been to a final. And so on. If there is an opportunity to go deep this year, and there is, the team has to take it and not wank over theoretical returns that may or may not materialize years down the road.

 

[mas0764]

With our current cap situation, combined with how well the team is playing with its current veteran core, I wouldn't be gambling on Kakko or Laf on long term contracts with the hope they turn into bargains for superstar players.

We should be bridging and then picking and choosing who to trade and who to extend into UFA later when the time comes, and when money opens up from eventual Kreider/Trouba trades.

That's debatable, but my point still stands that yes, if Kakko was drafted 22nd everyone would agree a bridge is more or less fine, just like Chytil who was drafted in the 20s and everyone was fine with his bridge.

The problem is that everyone also knows Kakko has a superstar buried in there, including he and his agent.

It is true that our current cap situation is going to preclude us from being able to gamble on an 8 year deal for him. If our cap was otherwise, I'd say, make the gamble, because we have the space to eat the mistake, if it becomes one, and if it pays off, we are way ahead of the game. But we don't have that luxury, really.

Still, with every move we make, we should be cognizant that our Cup hopes rely about ten times over on Kakko, Laf and Fox rather than Strome, Kreider and Trouba. Those latter players may be better as we stand here today but they will only take you to disappointing playoff exits if they are your 3rd-5th best players. The ship needs to be steered in the direction of the youth, and only accomodate the vets if it's possible to also supplement the kids long term.

We are nearing an inflection point on that. We doubled down on winning now with Panarin, Trouba, Kreider, and Zibanejad. Eventually they have to tilt this thing back the other way a bit, or you are going to be a team that runs out of steam in 3 seasons and then has nothing to put in place around Kakko, Laf and Fox.

 

[Perratrooper]

Krav for Newhook.

We'll add slightly if necessary.

It was already discussed, based on feedback there was no fit as Colorado doesn’t need defense coming back.

If Strome re-signs then no way we can afford Jost. I could see them going for a cost controlled player. Obviously Newhook wouldn't be available but maybe someone Like Oluasson, maybe Foudy. Not sure what the + would be on either side. Foudy makes the most sense if NYR are hoping he can be a middle 6 C since they're hopeful on Othmann, & Cuylle on wing.

Foudy for Krastov straight up?

 

[Matt Rentfree]

If that's the case, I want him traded in a package for JT Miller.

Hasn't poor Jovo suffered enough?

 

[MrAlmost]

Bolded the important parts.

So even Kakko at $2.25m puts us at the cap limit.

Where is the rest of the money coming from??? No one is answering this.

Strome cannot be afforded. If he is, Kreider or Trouba is on the block. If they aren't, then Goodrow is.

If he isn't, then Kakko is going to get squeezed and we won't be able to pay anyone else anything and our bottom 6 will be half AHLers.

Why are we gonna gut our team over this issue?

It's simple: One of Strome, Kreider, or Trouba has to go. These type of support level players should not be clung to like some posters are. They are not vital players, they are complimentary pieces. Don't ruin your salary structure for them.

Hell, and if you can get assets for one of them in return as well as the cap space, so much the better.

Yet those are the players that are driving us to first place. Its not Kakko, Laf, Goat, Chytil, Lundqvist, Hunt, etc.. Its those guys plus Panarin, Fox and Igor. So I guess people are just looking at it as if the team has chemistry and they are a tight unit, that can go a long way to success. Both in the regular season and the playoffs.

Also, if they dont keep Strome, they can resign everyone pretty comfortably without much cap issue.

And honestly Kakko and Blais probably dont even get that much.

Sorry for the second reply.

 

[PuckLuck3043]

Bolded the important parts.

So even Kakko at $2.25m puts us at the cap limit.

Where is the rest of the money coming from??? No one is answering this.

Strome cannot be afforded. If he is, Kreider or Trouba is on the block. If they aren't, then Goodrow is.

If he isn't, then Kakko is going to get squeezed and we won't be able to pay anyone else anything and our bottom 6 will be half AHLers.

Why are we gonna gut our team over this issue?

It's simple: One of Strome, Kreider, or Trouba has to go. These type of support level players should not be clung to like some posters are. They are not vital players, they are complimentary pieces. Don't ruin your salary structure for them.

Hell, and if you can get assets for one of them in return as well as the cap space, so much the better.

Support players? Complimentary pieces? 100% wrong. Strome right now is their best center and has great chemistry with their best forward, Kreider has double the goals of anybody else on the team, and Trouba is their 2nd best Dman behind Fox. Every one of them has been an integral part of this team and Kreider and Trouba are having their best seasons under Gallant. It may be that they can't afford all 3 but saying they are not vital players makes no sense if you have actually been watching this year.

 

[mas0764]

How can you say it's not time to push?

Because this is our literal first year of contention of what should be a ten year run of contention, and we have other long term needs that still need desperate addressing to supplement that objective as well. Don't spend every dollar as soon as it hits your pocket.

This year is a golden opportunity with many teams in transition, there is no ready juggernaut to smash everyone in their path.

So if we are for real we should be able to make noise without mortgaging.

Tampa is lessened but still strong, Florida looks strong but is also inexperienced in the post season, so is Carolina who haven't yet been to a final. And so on. If there is an opportunity to go deep this year, and there is, the team has to take it and not wank over theoretical returns that may or may not materialize years down the road.

If this team stacks up against Tampa, Florida, Carolina and Colorado, then they will do so (or not) on the backs of Panarin, Zibanejad, Fox and Shesterkin. Overpaying to try to squeak by one of those teams for a player who then walks out the door come July is the epitome of foolishness. We don't know what we need to measure up against those teams long term because we haven't been tested in a seven games series against any of them, really.

Why squander our assets now for something we may not even need? Or something that may come no closer to getting us past those top contenders?

We have no idea other than it's pretty clear we need a long term young center. Dealing someone like Jones or Robertson for a Pavelski who walks this summer is foolish.