Speculation: Roster Building Thread - Part XXXI

[Oscar Lindberg]

The rebuild is over. They’re in first place with a good team, have all the pieces a contender needs, and a ton of cap space.

They’re going to buy at the deadline, people might want to come to grips with that reality

 

[NYR Viper]

If we look around the NHL at the teams who I think would be likely to fall out of the playoff race and some of the goalies they may be okay moving that are UFA's, here is the list:
Holtby
Halak
Greiss
Korpisalo

This doesn't include MAF who is a possibility but I think he would only move to be a starter.

If there is a deal for Georgiev at this deadline or sooner that hits the ask then move him. They have Kinkaid for now and can pick up a depth goalie elsewhere

 

[Beer League Sniper]

The rebuild is over. They’re in first place with a good team, have all the pieces a contender needs, and a ton of cap space.

They’re going to buy at the deadline, people might want to come to grips with that reality

I agree they're going to (and frankly should) be buyers, it's just a question of what kind of buyers they're going to be.

I'd much rather deal surplus older players/prospects (think 2019 and older drafts) than our younger prospects/ELC players, or futures for that matter. Until the older part of our core starts to decline and we have to go all-in or retool, we're going to need those picks to keep replenishing cheap talent on the roster. Unless the deal serves a long-term need, then of course that changes things.

 

[jay from jersey]

Yep. There is a middle ground. Use the cap and some of the lesser futures to improve. Don’t need to go nuts. But surely a Kessel would be of value. And maybe we can get a forward from Las Vegas for cap space. Something like that.

Kessel could be a possibility.
Drury likely goes for the players that Gallant and him have a history with, and or the type of experience it takes to fit as seamlessly as possible in his system/style of play.
We have some holes for sure this season. But they aren’t massive or insurmountable.
Like it or not. Strome is the 2C for the rest of the year/playoffs.
1. Finding a 2-way more defensive hard nosed winger with some offensive pop for that line.
2. Upgrading the 3C for a more experienced better center then Chytil.
That allows you to put hunt back with Rooney and Reaves where he belongs and extends the depth to 4 working lines Gallant can role.

3. adding a vet D??? It’s possible, but I don’t think so. I think you’ll see a platoon of Nemeth/Lundkvist/Jones/Hajek. I think this comes internally and wouldn’t surprise me if Jones grabs a lock on 1 spot and rises above the rest.
I think they only potential way they trade for another defenseman is if you get a long term injury to 1 of the top 4. Otherwise, I doubt they spend assets on the 3rd pair upgrade scenario.
4. Back up goalie??? Again, I doubt it. I hate Geo. But his play when shesty went down as well as currently coming off the bench has picked up. I’d wager they head into the postseason with the devil they know rather then depend on kinkaid or an outside add. I figure he’s a goner this offseason though.

So, likely 3C/middle 6 RW options?
Jarnkrok, Lehkonen, Donskoi, Boyd????
Maybe a bigger deal for a Faska If Dallas tanks???
I would also pay a lot for Hintz if he was ever available. Young, Cheap, Good, and already plays well in the playoffs. He’d be a great add, but unlikely

 

[rangersfansince08]

We better be first in line when that happens. You find a way for a player like Neon Leon.

How would we we be able to get McDavid or Leon without giving up Fox, Shesterkin or Panarin?

 

[rangersfansince08]

Sabre’s fans on Twitter are already starting to talk shit about how much our fans would give a half ass trade for McDavid. They didn’t like that we wouldn’t want to trade Kakko and Laff for Eichel. Like we wouldn’t offer Kakko and Laf for one of the greatest players ever who’s not even 25 years old

people are already assuming we’d land McDavid which is funny bc they know everyone wants to come here

It'll never happen but would be great for the sport.

 

[jay from jersey]

How would we we be able to get McDavid or Leon without giving up Fox, Shesterkin or Panarin?

I figure fox would be the only untradedable option for them. He’d likely want out faster and would be a hazard to demand a trade. Everyone else would likely be on the table though. Fox would too, but I don’t think they deal Leon for the Fox risk.
McDavid here would be an absolute marketing dream.
Shesty, LaF/kakko, Miller/Schneider, 1st prob plus Tbh.
If McD/Drai ever asked for a trade, we’d def be in the mix. But I think they take the Crosby route and play on 1 team forever

 

[rangersfansince08]

I figure fox would be the only untradedable option for them. He’d likely want out faster and would be a hazard to demand a trade. Everyone else would likely be on the table though. Fox would too, but I don’t think they deal Leon for the Fox risk.
McDavid here would be an absolute marketing dream.
Shesty, LaF/kakko, Miller/Schneider, 1st prob plus Tbh.
If McD/Drai ever asked for a trade, we’d def be in the mix. But I think they take the Crosby route and play on 1 team forever

With no goaltending we end up being the oilers.

 

[Vitto79]

Are Panarin and Radulov familiar w each other ?

 

[RGY]

I figure fox would be the only untradedable option for them. He’d likely want out faster and would be a hazard to demand a trade. Everyone else would likely be on the table though. Fox would too, but I don’t think they deal Leon for the Fox risk.
McDavid here would be an absolute marketing dream.
Shesty, LaF/kakko, Miller/Schneider, 1st prob plus Tbh.
If McD/Drai ever asked for a trade, we’d def be in the mix. But I think they take the Crosby route and play on 1 team forever

Full stop once you include Igor, who is looking like he is top 3 goalie in the league and on a very favorable contract considering his status.

A McDavid/Draisaitl trade is near impossible in terms looking at what is left after the dust settles. There are so many hurdles to make the trade. And then you have to build a roster around them. Please, we don’t need to be the Oilers. How many cups have they won with these two with this formula?

 

[Savant]

Are Panarin and Radulov familiar w each other ?

Radulov is washed. He has been Gauthier level bad this season. Would be a terrible addition.

 

[Fireonk]

I've always thought that if you were in the market for a rental, you should pull the trigger way before the deadline. I think the reason why you rarely see big deadline acquisitions work is it takes too long for them to learn the new system and find the best possible role/fit on the team.

It's definitely riskier in case things start falling apart, but in theory you can always re-trade whoever the rental was and recoup some assets at least.

If I am a gm looking for a rental I make my best offer now and let other teams know the offer is only going down to represent the amount of games we are going to get out of the player.

 

[McRanger92]

Kessel could be a possibility.
Drury likely goes for the players that Gallant and him have a history with, and or the type of experience it takes to fit as seamlessly as possible in his system/style of play.
We have some holes for sure this season. But they aren’t massive or insurmountable.
Like it or not. Strome is the 2C for the rest of the year/playoffs.
1. Finding a 2-way more defensive hard nosed winger with some offensive pop for that line.
2. Upgrading the 3C for a more experienced better center then Chytil.
That allows you to put hunt back with Rooney and Reaves where he belongs and extends the depth to 4 working lines Gallant can role.

3. adding a vet D??? It’s possible, but I don’t think so. I think you’ll see a platoon of Nemeth/Lundkvist/Jones/Hajek. I think this comes internally and wouldn’t surprise me if Jones grabs a lock on 1 spot and rises above the rest.
I think they only potential way they trade for another defenseman is if you get a long term injury to 1 of the top 4. Otherwise, I doubt they spend assets on the 3rd pair upgrade scenario.
4. Back up goalie??? Again, I doubt it. I hate Geo. But his play when shesty went down as well as currently coming off the bench has picked up. I’d wager they head into the postseason with the devil they know rather then depend on kinkaid or an outside add. I figure he’s a goner this offseason though.

So, likely 3C/middle 6 RW options?
Jarnkrok, Lehkonen, Donskoi, Boyd????
Maybe a bigger deal for a Faska If Dallas tanks???
I would also pay a lot for Hintz if he was ever available. Young, Cheap, Good, and already plays well in the playoffs. He’d be a great add, but unlikely

Ideally, they can upgrade the Strome/Panarin RW spot and 3rd Line Center. All 3 of Chytil/Hunt/Gauthier cant be in the top 9 in a playoff series. Defense has become less of a priority in my eyes because of the encouraging play from Jones/Lundkvist, but i assume they will still add a vet D for a mid-round pick because guys wear down. Depth is the name of the game in a covid year.

Faksa is a really interesting one, but 4 years left on his contract might be prohibitive. Just spitballing, but if Dallas truly gives up, overpaying to get Hintz at 50% retained would be a great move. Similar to when they gave up Duclair to get Yandle for a miniscule salary for 2 playoff runs.

Chytil+Kravtsov+1st for Hintz @ 1.6 mil for 2 years.

Thats the type of trade Drury should be making if he wants to add a guy with term.

 

[Anthony5967]

I'll say this, seeing what Drury and Gallant have been able to get out of this team so far in a tough division, shows how possible these goals were that Dolan had in mind. Gorton and Davidson preaching patience while basically committing to another season of Quinn would've been a complete mistake and just goes to show you how much of a correct decision it was, although an unpopular one at the time, it was to move on from both guys.

 

[mas0764]

Yeah well they aren’t rebuilding.

... because the owner didn't have patience to finish it off right.

 

[RGY]

Ideally, they can upgrade the Strome/Panarin RW spot and 3rd Line Center. All 3 of Chytil/Hunt/Gauthier cant be in the top 9 in a playoff series. Defense has become less of a priority in my eyes because of the encouraging play from Jones/Lundkvist, but i assume they will still add a vet D for a mid-round pick because guys wear down. Depth is the name of the game in a covid year.

Faksa is a really interesting one, but 4 years left on his contract might be prohibitive. Just spitballing, but if Dallas truly gives up, overpaying to get Hintz at 50% retained would be a great move. Similar to when they gave up Duclair to get Yandle for a miniscule salary for 2 playoff runs.

Chytil+Kravtsov+1st for Hintz @ 1.6 mil for 2 years.

Thats the type of trade Drury should be making if he wants to add a guy with term.

Too much for Hintz. Even at 50%. The player himself is not a bad idea though.

 

[mas0764]

Those teams were further along in their evolution though. The rangers need some things. I agree, no need to go crazy. But they’ve got some assets to trade. Primarily I’d like to see what we can get for Chytil. Could be a hockey trade there. Also Hajek should go. And I’d love to find a permanent home for Georgiev. Anyhow, I’d keep an open mind. See what materializes.

I agree the Rangers need some things, but those things are long term needs, not 6 week ones. I also agree they have assets to trade and should perhaps seek "hockey trades," if that means swapping Chytil and/or Kravtsov for other highly talented forwards who might need a change of scenery. I'm just saying liquidating whatever they have for Giordano or Pavelski who are both ancient and who both walk after the season is bad. It's bad asset management, it's bad for the franchise, it's just bad. Spend assets, sure, but do it on long term core components. Pay more if you have to; at least you have something left afterwards instead of nothing.

 

[RGY]

... because the owner didn't have patience to finish it off right.

How many prospects do you want though? When is it ok to begin the transitional “push”.

They have a 1OA and a 2OA. Yes they were gifted them, but they still have them.

They have a young D that looks to be improving with each game. Even Trouba who is the vet leader of the group isn’t old. And you have more on the way.

Chytil and Gauthier appear destined to be career 3rd line players as their ceiling. But you have more fowards coming in the pipeline. Barron, Othmann, Cuylle, Korczak, Berard, and even Pajuniemi is still in the mix as a legit prospect. Wouldnt write off Henriksson either. Grubbe. Vierling. Lamb. I am sure I am missing more. You still have the asset that is Kravtsov.

And most importantly you have the goalie.

The team is sitting in 1st. They have the cap space for this year. I am not saying you just trade everything, but complaining that the “rebuild is over” as if it should still be going full force is ridiculous. People seem to forget the goal is to win a cup. And no one is saying that building and maintaining a farm system isnt important, but you are acting as if the cupboard is damn near empty..

 

[surlysailor]

Chytil?

Zadina for Krav? Same draft year and supposedly Det really liked Krav right?

 

[mas0764]

If the measure of failure is not winning the Cup then 97% of teams fail every year.

Which is why the ingrained hockey culture of "spend, spend, spend," at every deadline is such a terrible idea that the Rangers would be wise to avoid largely. Giving up firsts for rentals is terrible because it's a 97% fail rate. You increase your odds more by using the first round pick and getting a useful top 6 or top 9 player.

And again - I'm not saying never make trades. It's definitely fair to use obvious spare parts or youngsters who are on the outs (2nd round picks and later, guys like Hajek, Georgiev, etc).

I'm saying don't fall for the arms race idea and trade away super prospects like Nils, Chytil, or Kravtsov, or god forbid all of them in a package, for a guy who is gone shortly thereafter or even for 30 year olds who aren't gonna be there in a couple seasons. Those pieces should be moved for core components. If Nils isn't to stick here, he should be traded (or packaged) for a 25 or under center with term.

 

[Anthony5967]

... because the owner didn't have patience to finish it off right.

You're serious with this comment, right? Another year of trotting out PDG and others and Quinn behind the bench was better for the young players' development? LMAO. They're learning how to play the game the right way and WIN now while also remaining patient with the young kids. They have star prospects all over the place.

 

[surlysailor]

Ideally, they can upgrade the Strome/Panarin RW spot and 3rd Line Center. All 3 of Chytil/Hunt/Gauthier cant be in the top 9 in a playoff series. Defense has become less of a priority in my eyes because of the encouraging play from Jones/Lundkvist, but i assume they will still add a vet D for a mid-round pick because guys wear down. Depth is the name of the game in a covid year.

Faksa is a really interesting one, but 4 years left on his contract might be prohibitive. Just spitballing, but if Dallas truly gives up, overpaying to get Hintz at 50% retained would be a great move. Similar to when they gave up Duclair to get Yandle for a miniscule salary for 2 playoff runs.

Chytil+Kravtsov+1st for Hintz @ 1.6 mil for 2 years.

Thats the type of trade Drury should be making if he wants to add a guy with term.

Maybe I'm crazy but I could see Domi filling in that spot. I know he's already on his 3rd team but he'll be playing for a contract and can be that gritty fwd that goes into the corners and has a more of a scoring touch than Hunt. Tho I'm not sure if JD would deal him to NYR w/o an overpayment.

 

[Anthony5967]

I honestly love the Hintz idea someone had. I still can't bring myself to just off Kravtsov, though, but if he can be used to bring in a 2C, I guess do it. I still believe with some KHL seasoning and then top-6 mins here in the NHL, Krav is going to be a hell of a player.

 

[mas0764]

How many prospects do you want though? When is it ok to begin the transitional “push”.

We've begun the push. There is nothing to say you can't do both.

I'm saying guys like Nils, Kravtsov, Chytil, our top prospects and young players should be off the table for guys who are 38 or who walk in 4 months.

It's still considered a push if they are traded in a package for, say, Eichel, which I would have approved of just fine. That's a transitional push.

As for how many prospects, the Rangers need center help. Even if Strome is re-signed, the Rangers organizational focus should be on more than this season and next season. They don't have a ton of immediate needs other than right wing and home-grown development (for heaven's sake, they have too many LWs and defenders to play them all as it is), so these excess assets they have should be bulwarking the future by finding young centers for the organization.

As I said, I'm fine trading seconds, thirds, etc, for some reinforcement, as we saw the 2017, 2018, and 2019 Cup winners do, but the PRIME assets should be moved for more PRIME pieces. For us that's high-end young RWs and centers. People have argued we cannot afford to add an Eichel. That is true if we do not move on from a guy like Trouba (which Edge is confirmed is being discussed), but if we can't afford it, then target a young Newhook or Holloway or someone like that. Or focus on trading up in the draft. These things are possible. There is historical precedent. It's hard, but doable.

The team is sitting in 1st. They have the cap space for this year. I am not saying you just trade everything, but complaining that the “rebuild is over” as if it should still be going full force is ridiculous. People seem to forget the goal is to win a cup. And no one is saying that building and maintaining a farm system isnt important, but you are acting as if the cupboard is damn near empty..

Not full force, but again, citing the work done in the Athletic as to the template for modern Cup winners we fall short by any measurement. We probably need another top center and another top winger for the future. If we have excess assets they should first be addressing that shortfall.

I've said guys like Reilly Smith are fine addition if they are for later picks. What I am repulsed by is these suggestions of "Well, can we get 30 year old Gourde and 38 year old Giordano for 4 months if we trade Nils, Kravtsov, Chytil, and a first?"

No.

No, no, no.

 

[Fireonk]

How many prospects do you want though? When is it ok to begin the transitional “push”.

They have a 1OA and a 2OA. Yes they were gifted them, but they still have them.

They have a young D that looks to be improving with each game. Even Trouba who is the vet leader of the group isn’t old. And you have more on the way.

Chytil and Gauthier appear destined to be career 3rd line players as their ceiling. But you have more fowards coming in the pipeline. Barron, Othmann, Cuylle, Korczak, Berard, and even Pajuniemi is still in the mix as a legit prospect. Wouldnt write off Henriksson either. Grubbe. Vierling. Lamb. I am sure I am missing more. You still have the asset that is Kravtsov.

And most importantly you have the goalie.

The team is sitting in 1st. They have the cap space for this year. I am not saying you just trade everything, but complaining that the “rebuild is over” as if it should still be going full force is ridiculous. People seem to forget the goal is to win a cup. And no one is saying that building and maintaining a farm system isnt important, but you are acting as if the cupboard is damn near empty..

I'm really not sure people realize how unique the Rangers situation is. A first place team with:
A star forward, defenseman, and goalie.
Decent depth otherwise (not excellent, but certainly decent)
One of the youngest rosters in the league.
A first and 2nd pick that haven't lit anything up yet and aren't getting fed first pp minutes to boost their scoring numbers.
All while still having one of the better farm systems in the league.

When has there ever been a team performing this well while still having so many young players who can keep growing AND a pipeline to fill in as people age/get priced out?