Speculation: Roster Building Thread - Part XXXV

[MrPodz]

I think theres a buy period, a wait and see, and a sell period. We did the sell period. This summer we did the wait and see period. Does the buy now ensue?

Otthman intrigues me because, at the very least, he should not be in the ohl next season. However, i dont know that he would be ready for an nhl tour. He will get his nine games in, but personally I think its how he deals with his summer. He will need to pack on some more muscle. He plays a tough game and can make quick plays, whilst having a howzer of a shot. That being said, him playing a tough game might make it harder for him if hes unable to win those board battles.

Chytil is wierd because I do think there's a breakout season for him, but I dont believe it will be here. Why do I think so? Well, hes never been good on faceoffs, isn't the best at defense, and isn't much of a center in my eyes. He seriously looks like a wing that needs top six players to function well. I just dont see him taking it over laf( who has been playing great on the 1st) and on the 2nd, where i envision kakko will gladly take his spot there. That means chytil is the piece you move.

You also have kravstov, who might play a game here but I don't know if he will rebuild that relationship with drury. I also dont know if he will complain for more ice time (and actually get it). So now you have pieces in kravstov, chytil, your 1st, 2 2nds, and your pick of jones/lundkvist, with b/c prospects like robertson, reunanen and pajuniemi.

You can over pay for retention. Retention costs a lot in the league, and we have the pieces to add to it. It's not 1994 and we arent trading every piece we have for a cup. But we should add. Id look for arturri lekhonen to start. Id trade a 2nd, gauthier and robertson for him. By the way, schneider isnt untouchable but he might as well be in the ranger's eyes. Moving on, you need to put a good player next to lekhonen. That means you keep chytil for now and see if he can produce with a better player than gauthier. Gauthier should be a throw in for maybe a rental. Personally, id go pavelski. If you're a buyer, you rent. We need to fill that 3rd lw spot for now and pavelski can play center or wing depending on chytil's abilities. What would pavelski cost? Youre not going to like it. My guess is a first, a second and probably lundkvist. Add more if youre looking for klingberg too. Thats kravstov and nemeth as well. Although, im pretty sure klingberg is a rd, but it does makes sense if he leads the offense with schneider paired to his hip.

Another option is girioux. Hes a francshise player and we're in the same division. That cost will be more. Think a 1st, kravstov, and probably lundkvist or a 2nd and robertson. It's steep but you get a great 5v5 player who has thrived playing with bums.

This is a contending roster:

Kreider-zib-laf
Panarin-strome-kakko
Pavelski/giroux-chytil-lekohnen
Reaves-rooney-blais*(i think he will be back for playoffs, but we will see, he is stilla great playoff performer and we will need that).

Lindgren-fox
Trouba-miller
Klingberg/nemeth(yuck)/another trade option- schneider

 

[Paul Padovano]

I still can't believe he just didn't go to Hartford (would have been probably 2 weeks). It's obvious what we have with Gauthier (not much unfortunately) and he would have been ahead of him no doubt in the RW depth chart.

I think before drafting a European kid in the first round, you gotta make it clear to him (and his people) that he may have to spend time in the minors. This is the second time now, and they were both top ten picks. Andersson sucks, but I'm just saying. It seems like every time now. Glad we got Othmann and Cuylee last in the last two drafts.

 

[smoneil]

I think theres a buy period, a wait and see, and a sell period. We did the sell period. This summer we did the wait and see period. Does the buy now ensue?

Otthman intrigues me because, at the very least, he should not be in the ohl next season. However, i dont know that he would be ready for an nhl tour. He will get his nine games in, but personally I think its how he deals with his summer. He will need to pack on some more muscle. He plays a tough game and can make quick plays, whilst having a howzer of a shot. That being said, him playing a tough game might make it harder for him if hes unable to win those board battles.

Chytil is wierd because I do think there's a breakout season for him, but I dont believe it will be here. Why do I think so? Well, hes never been good on faceoffs, isn't the best at defense, and isn't much of a center in my eyes. He seriously looks like a wing that needs top six players to function well. I just dont see him taking it over laf( who has been playing great on the 1st) and on the 2nd, where i envision kakko will gladly take his spot there. That means chytil is the piece you move.

You also have kravstov, who might play a game here but I don't know if he will rebuild that relationship with drury. I also dont know if he will complain for more ice time (and actually get it). So now you have pieces in kravstov, chytil, your 1st, 2 2nds, and your pick of jones/lundkvist, with b/c prospects like robertson, reunanen and pajuniemi.

You can over pay for retention. Retention costs a lot in the league, and we have the pieces to add to it. It's not 1994 and we arent trading every piece we have for a cup. But we should add. Id look for arturri lekhonen to start. Id trade a 2nd, gauthier and robertson for him. By the way, schneider isnt untouchable but he might as well be in the ranger's eyes. Moving on, you need to put a good player next to lekhonen. That means you keep chytil for now and see if he can produce with a better player than gauthier. Gauthier should be a throw in for maybe a rental. Personally, id go pavelski. If you're a buyer, you rent. We need to fill that 3rd lw spot for now and pavelski can play center or wing depending on chytil's abilities. What would pavelski cost? Youre not going to like it. My guess is a first, a second and probably lundkvist. Add more if youre looking for klingberg too. Thats kravstov and nemeth as well. Although, im pretty sure klingberg is a rd, but it does makes sense if he leads the offense with schneider paired to his hip.

Another option is girioux. Hes a francshise player and we're in the same division. That cost will be more. Think a 1st, kravstov, and probably lundkvist or a 2nd and robertson. It's steep but you get a great 5v5 player who has thrived playing with bums.

This is a contending roster:

Kreider-zib-laf
Panarin-strome-kakko
Pavelski/giroux-chytil-lekohnen
Reaves-rooney-blais*(i think he will be back for playoffs, but we will see, he is stilla great playoff performer and we will need that).

Lindgren-fox
Trouba-miller
Klingberg/nemeth(yuck)/another trade option- schneider

I'm not sure how we are getting Lekhonen, Pavelski/Girous and Klingberg while only giving up draft picks and Lundkvist (apparently we're trading him several times?). Also, there's no Goodrow here, and we would lose Strome, Pavelski/Giroux, and Klingberg as cap casualties this summer. These are "Cup this year or Bust" moves, and the team just isn't there yet.

 

[kovazub94]

I can always tell which way the spin is going when someone opens with the "it's been 5 years" line. He's played 2.5 seasons worth of games. And his first "year" was 9 games in his first month as an 18 year old. He put up the same number of points in progressively fewer games for three seasons running, getting 3rd/4th line minutes, with just about every scrub winger on the roster. This year, he's gripping the stick (see shooting% at about half of what it was the last two years), and people want to think he's regressed rather than just having a bad stretch.

People keep saying he "failed to earn the 2nd line center" position, but that position wasn't open. He literally only got one or two games there all season. Funny thing, he's performed well as a top 6 center when his number has been called (see Zib injuries, when he stepped in between Kreider and Buch).

You say he is "either a bottom six winger" or trade bait--he, literally two games ago, was playing excellent hockey as the RW on the Panarin/Strome line. Despite that, he got bumped back down when DRYDEN HUNT got healthy. It's absurd.

I know at this point that I'm not going to convince any anti-Chytil folks to change their views on the player any more than they are going to change mine, but I remain perplexed by how polarizing this 22 year old is on these boards. It honestly seems like there are several people who would rather see him fail than succeed (and I half wonder if that's the reason they want him traded before he gets any actual opportunity to do so--if he succeeds somewhere else, they can go "well that never would have happened here." If he succeeds here, they would need to own up to the possibility that their years of hating on the kid were actually in error). This last bit isn't aimed at you, mottosays. But there are several people who have been on such a campaign against Chytil that if you search GDT for "Chytil" you will literally see them doing almost nothing else but posting negative comments about the player, even in games where he's not playing.

This is Buchnevich 2.0 when up until his last season half of the board were shipping him out for a bag of pucks saying shit load of nonsense the Russian was a couple of years older then than Chytil is now.

 

[Barnaby]

Sounds great but it’s not feasible with the cap.

Why not? Strome walks, Chytil gets dealt, and you move Kreider. I’d Schneider shows enough in the next few months then maybe moving Trouba is an option too but as of now he’s too important.

It’s extremely feasible. In the event Kadri pushes a ridiculous number like 8.5+ then you’re right and we don’t make the move.

 

[Barnaby]

I'm not sure how we are getting Lekhonen, Pavelski/Girous and Klingberg while only giving up draft picks and Lundkvist (apparently we're trading him several times?). Also, there's no Goodrow here, and we would lose Strome, Pavelski/Giroux, and Klingberg as cap casualties this summer. These are "Cup this year or Bust" moves, and the team just isn't there yet.

I’m a big fan of working and discussing the cap. With that said, you’re doomsday in every scenario. Plenty of cap strapped teams make moves. I’m not saying to throw caution to the wind but c’mon.

 

[kovazub94]

This is going to be an unpopular (and boring) take but I’d prefer the Rangers letting Strome go and not trying to replace him per se, but rather find a reclamation project on cheap, say for under $2m. Blais’ been out of sight (and so out of mind) for awhile but before he got hurt he reminded me of a more physical Buchnevich on the right of Kreider - Zibanejad before he broke out to become a ppg player. Not saying Blais will become a ppg player himself but he was clearly turning into a RW option able to contribute up and down the lineup - with more upside than Goodrow. When he returns he’d be able to play anywhere:

Panarin - Zibanejad - Lafreniere
Kreider - Chytil - Kakko
Barron - Goodrow - Blais
Hunt - Rooney - Reaves

As I said, bring a UFA who is having a down 21-22 season and wants to prove himself to earn another chance at a big contract.

Even if Strome accepts a very friendly $5.small+ m contract it would effectively hamstring any ability for Drury to maneuver under cap. I’d save this $$ for the following year when Lafreniere and Miller will need new contacts.

P.S. Othmann will get a long look to make the team next year.

 

[smoneil]

Why not? Strome walks, Chytil gets dealt, and you move Kreider. I’d Schneider shows enough in the next few months then maybe moving Trouba is an option too but as of now he’s too important.

It’s extremely feasible. In the event Kadri pushes a ridiculous number like 8.5+ then you’re right and we don’t make the move.

I’m a big fan of working and discussing the cap. With that said, you’re doomsday in every scenario. Plenty of cap strapped teams make moves. I’m not saying to throw caution to the wind but c’mon.

First off, how is pointing out that that poster forgot about Goodrow (and his 3.64m cap hit) and seemed to trade Lundkvist twice being "doomsday." There was no way that his lineup would have been even close to cap compliant.

I'm not "doomsday in every scenario." It seems like that because there are a LOT of posters on these boards who seemingly don't remember that the cap exists, or get so caught up in their dream lineup that they imagine a dozen different HIGHLY unlikely things will fall into place to make it happen.

Your "Pavelski and Kadri" in and "Strome/Kreider/Chytil" out plan is one of them.


Bread (11,642,857) Mika (8.5m) Kakko (???)-- 20.14m
Laf (925k) Kadri (7m) Kravtsov (??)-- 8m
Pavelski (7m) Barron (925k) Goodrow (3,641,667)-- 11.57m
Hunt (762,500) Rooney? (???) Reaves (1,750,000) 3.44m

No spare forward?

Lindgren (3m) Fox (9.5m)
Miller (925k Trouba (8m)
Jones (925k) Schneider (925k)
Hajek (???)

Igor
Huska (???)

Huska is RFA. Assume we get him, someone like him, or Kincaid at his current hit $825k

Dead cap: 3.43m


Forwards: 43.14m WITHOUT a spare forward, Kakko or krav
Defense: 23.28m WITHOUT Hajek
Goal: 6.5m
DC: 3.43m

Total: 75.43m
Cap: 82.5m

I made some "safe" assumptions (that we could get a backup goalie at Kincaid's current cap hit). I also made a "Generous" assumption (that Kadri would only get 7m despite being UFA and a top 3 scorer this year). And just like the poster looking to keep Strome and add Miller, your lineup leaves about 7 million in cap space to sign a 7th defenseman, a spare forward (say ~2m total for both), Kakko, a 4th line C (and Rooney has had back to back career years, so he would be at least a million, probably more), and either Kravtsov or (more likely) a FA 2nd or 3rd line winger. And just like the last poster, your proposal assumes that you can move a player with a NMC who loves being here as well as half a dozen other guys while taking no salary back.

It's telling that every time I do the work and show that the numbers just don't add up w/the cap, the response is an assumption that "cap strapped teams make moves." Your proposed lineup already HAS this team making half a dozen major (and unrealistic) moves just to get close to the cap.

I'm not being "doomsday." I'm saying "check your math before you throw out fairy tale lineups." Trust me, I don't enjoy it any more than you enjoy reading it, but that doesn't change the math. I feel like I'm standing next to a sheet of ice, shouting "don't forget about this sheet of ice," as people keep sprinting towards it, only for those people to wipe out and get pissed off at me, because surely they wouldn't have slipped if I hadn't told them about the ice.

This team is screwed re: the cap for the next two years. There's no realistic way out of that situation. As such, it's best to get used to the idea that any shopping they do will be at the NHL dollar store.

 

[wafflepadsave]

To me. Chytil has two options.

Start killing it on offense as an RW.

Or, learn Defense and winning faceoffs to supplement his 20/25 ptprs game.

His days a 2c prospect are over. Because as a 2c he needs be in the 50pt defensively reliable wheelhouse or 70pt defensive liability role. Those are the status quo roles of NHL centers. Outside of the rare guys who are 70pt defensively reliable all-stars.

Being a 25pt guy isn't a bad thing. Especially when you have hussle and heart. But, his weak defense, FO, and body contact game are not conducive to an NHL bottom 6 on a serious cup contender.

Disagree? Give me two examples of a bottom 6 guy who is weak defensively, as well as physically, and doesn't contribute points.

I like the kid so much, but reality is reality. He isn't any better than Gauthier yet Goat gets heat and Chytil gets love.

This is on Turk ar this point to have heart to heart with the kid and explain to him which role his talent is geared towards to have a successful NHL career.

He has wheels. He is willing to work and learn. He doesn't have hands of stone, but his IQ is suspect. He has a lot of tools to be a successful bottom 6 player. He just need s direction. I'm sorry, I just don't see top 6 talent. All that's left is the desire to be the best at what he CAN BE!

I hope gallant is having heart to heart conversations with all the under performing players during this time off. If that doesn’t help them, then they might be hitting the road.

 

[smoneil]

This is going to be an unpopular (and boring) take but I’d prefer the Rangers letting Strome go and not trying to replace him per se, but rather find a reclamation project on cheap, say for under $2m. Blais’ been out of sight (and so out of mind) for awhile but before he got hurt he reminded me of a more physical Buchnevich on the right of Kreider - Zibanejad before he broke out to become a ppg player. Not saying Blais will become a ppg player himself but he was clearly turning into a RW option able to contribute up and down the lineup - with more upside than Goodrow. When he returns he’d be able to play anywhere:

Panarin - Zibanejad - Lafreniere
Kreider - Chytil - Kakko
Barron - Goodrow - Blais
Hunt - Rooney - Reaves

As I said, bring a UFA who is having a down 21-22 season and wants to prove himself to earn another chance at a big contract.

Even if Strome accepts a very friendly $5.small+ m contract it would effectively hamstring any ability for Drury to maneuver under cap. I’d save this $$ for the following year when Lafreniere and Miller will need new contacts.

P.S. Othmann will get a long look to make the team next year.

I like Blais, and think he's perfect for that 3rd line...but I have serious worries about his durability. I'm all for bringing him back, but also all for having a backup plan for if/when he hits the IR. I think he's had a serious injury in almost every season of his professional career at this point.

I completely agree that we should be on the lookout for a veteran/young vet at a bargain. Ironically, what we need is what Kadri was two years ago--someone at a 3.5 to 4.5m salary who needs a fresh start but has a good track record.

 

[kovazub94]

I like Blais, and think he's perfect for that 3rd line...but I have serious worries about his durability. I'm all for bringing him back, but also all for having a backup plan for if/when he hits the IR. I think he's had a serious injury in almost every season of his professional career at this point.

I completely agree that we should be on the lookout for a veteran/young vet at a bargain. Ironically, what we need is what Kadri was two years ago--someone at a 3.5 to 4.5m salary who needs a fresh start but has a good track record.

The only thing we know for certain (or as certain as it gets) is that Blais will be ready for a full offseason training and preseason camp and his next contract will be pretty cheap.

 

[MrPodz]

I'm not sure how we are getting Lekhonen, Pavelski/Girous and Klingberg while only giving up draft picks and Lundkvist (apparently we're trading him several times?). Also, there's no Goodrow here, and we would lose Strome, Pavelski/Giroux, and Klingberg as cap casualties this summer. These are "Cup this year or Bust" moves, and the team just isn't there yet.

You're right about goodrow. I forgot about him lol. In totality, i believe you can aqcuire lekohnen, pavelski, and even klingberg for a total of 1 1st, 2 2nds, lundkvist, kravstov and given goodrow is on the team, then you can throw robertson and chytil in as well

 

[Paul Padovano]

I like Blais, and think he's perfect for that 3rd line...but I have serious worries about his durability. I'm all for bringing him back, but also all for having a backup plan for if/when he hits the IR. I think he's had a serious injury in almost every season of his professional career at this point.

I completely agree that we should be on the lookout for a veteran/young vet at a bargain. Ironically, what we need is what Kadri was two years ago--someone at a 3.5 to 4.5m salary who needs a fresh start but has a good track record.

I like Blais on the left, but considering his size, speed, and would be cap hit, I'd like to give Gauthier another year, maybe two (depending on what happens next season). I can't understand why someone with his potential/attributes, isn't out there at the very least, banging into people, driving to the net, drawing penalties, and ultimately, scoring more goals. Believe me, I understand he's another guy Rangers fans would trade for a used pair of skates tomorrow, but as with Chytil, I think he can do much more.

 

[Barnaby]

First off, how is pointing out that that poster forgot about Goodrow (and his 3.64m cap hit) and seemed to trade Lundkvist twice being "doomsday." There was no way that his lineup would have been even close to cap compliant.

I'm not "doomsday in every scenario." It seems like that because there are a LOT of posters on these boards who seemingly don't remember that the cap exists, or get so caught up in their dream lineup that they imagine a dozen different HIGHLY unlikely things will fall into place to make it happen.

Your "Pavelski and Kadri" in and "Strome/Kreider/Chytil" out plan is one of them.


Bread (11,642,857) Mika (8.5m) Kakko (???)-- 20.14m
Laf (925k) Kadri (7m) Kravtsov (??)-- 8m
Pavelski (7m) Barron (925k) Goodrow (3,641,667)-- 11.57m
Hunt (762,500) Rooney? (???) Reaves (1,750,000) 3.44m

No spare forward?

Lindgren (3m) Fox (9.5m)
Miller (925k Trouba (8m)
Jones (925k) Schneider (925k)
Hajek (???)

Igor
Huska (???)

Huska is RFA. Assume we get him, someone like him, or Kincaid at his current hit $825k

Dead cap: 3.43m


Forwards: 43.14m WITHOUT a spare forward, Kakko or krav
Defense: 23.28m WITHOUT Hajek
Goal: 6.5m
DC: 3.43m

Total: 75.43m
Cap: 82.5m

I made some "safe" assumptions (that we could get a backup goalie at Kincaid's current cap hit). I also made a "Generous" assumption (that Kadri would only get 7m despite being UFA and a top 3 scorer this year). And just like the poster looking to keep Strome and add Miller, your lineup leaves about 7 million in cap space to sign a 7th defenseman, a spare forward (say ~2m total for both), Kakko, a 4th line C (and Rooney has had back to back career years, so he would be at least a million, probably more), and either Kravtsov or (more likely) a FA 2nd or 3rd line winger. And just like the last poster, your proposal assumes that you can move a player with a NMC who loves being here as well as half a dozen other guys while taking no salary back.

It's telling that every time I do the work and show that the numbers just don't add up w/the cap, the response is an assumption that "cap strapped teams make moves." Your proposed lineup already HAS this team making half a dozen major (and unrealistic) moves just to get close to the cap.

I'm not being "doomsday." I'm saying "check your math before you throw out fairy tale lineups." Trust me, I don't enjoy it any more than you enjoy reading it, but that doesn't change the math. I feel like I'm standing next to a sheet of ice, shouting "don't forget about this sheet of ice," as people keep sprinting towards it, only for those people to wipe out and get pissed off at me, because surely they wouldn't have slipped if I hadn't told them about the ice.

This team is screwed re: the cap for the next two years. There's no realistic way out of that situation. As such, it's best to get used to the idea that any shopping they do will be at the NHL dollar store.

I never read anything by “the previous poster.” I have no idea what you’re talking about.

Pavelski/Kadri is not “pie in the sky.” Is it likely? No. Possible? Yes. I’m not proposing Pat Kane here for mid level prospects and no salary. Presumptively Pavelski takes what Strome would get on a shorter deal. Kadri gets the Kreider money. Chytil money is the buffer.

Do I think it’s going to happen? No. However it’s not some ridiculous unworkable idea either.

Fyi - sorry if I sounded like I was bashing you. Sometimes your cap concerns are well warranted. However, sometimes it seems like overkill in that youd rather lose with cap space than win without it.

 

[RangerBoy]

This is Buchnevich 2.0 when up until his last season half of the board were shipping him out for a bag of pucks saying shit load of nonsense the Russian was a couple of years older then than Chytil is now.

Chytil hasn't come close to Buchnevich's production.

 

[AlaBlueShirt]

I like Blais on the left, but considering his size, speed, and would be cap hit, I'd like to give Gauthier another year, maybe two (depending on what happens next season). I can't understand why someone with his potential/attributes, isn't out there at the very least, banging into people, driving to the net, drawing penalties, and ultimately, scoring more goals. Believe me, I understand he's another guy Rangers fans would trade for a used pair of skates tomorrow, but as with Chytil, I think he can do much more.

He has 5 goals in 79 games. Yes he can drive the net but just can’t finish anything. Europe in 2 years.

 

[mas0764]

You're right about goodrow. I forgot about him lol. In totality, i believe you can aqcuire lekohnen, pavelski, and even klingberg for a total of 1 1st, 2 2nds, lundkvist, kravstov and given goodrow is on the team, then you can throw robertson and chytil in as well

These moves are terrible.

 

[egelband]

Where is all this acquistion money coming from? $82.5 M cap. MAX! I seriously doubt we can resign Strome even. Which may be best, but that's another issue entirely...

Maybe The Rangers acquire the Bryan Little LTIR contract from Winnipeg. I remember the Leafs doing something like that a couple years ago when they were up against the cap.

 

[Synergy27]

Why not? Strome walks, Chytil gets dealt, and you move Kreider. I’d Schneider shows enough in the next few months then maybe moving Trouba is an option too but as of now he’s too important.

It’s extremely feasible. In the event Kadri pushes a ridiculous number like 8.5+ then you’re right and we don’t make the move.

That’s too much single season turnover for a playoff team.

 

[Synergy27]

Chytil hasn't come close to Buchnevich's production.

At the same point in his career, Buchnevich had 20 NHL points in 41 games.

I was amongst the biggest Chytil pumpers coming into the season. Am I disappointed in him? Yes, big time. Is he done developing? No way.

 

[Lindberg Cheese]

At the same point in his career, Buchnevich had 20 NHL points in 41 games.

I was amongst the biggest Chytil pumpers coming into the season. Am I disappointed in him? Yes, big time. Is he done developing? No way.

Close your eyes and say To yourself, Chytil pumper three times. What’s the next image in your mind? This could be the new Rorschach test

 

[kovazub94]

Chytil hasn't come close to Buchnevich's production.

And I didn’t argue that Chytil will become ppg player. Instead he’s having a down year (some metrics say it’s not even that) and the board has no patience for it.

P.S. How much Buchnevich was produced at 22?

 

[CupSeeker]

Hughes and Kreider had great chemistry
Man he would’ve been so perfect for this team

except for the terrible, reckless giveways that lead to opposition scoring chances and goals. Right now Hughes is a net negative for the Devils. That will likely change but don't be drawn in by the highlights. The lowlights are more prevalent and lead to losing hockey.

 

[CupSeeker]

It's not about what we think, it's about what Dolan and Drury think. Dolan ain't gonna f***in wait for Chytil. Doesn't even know who he is I bet.

There's no room for Goodrow in the top six in a full lineup. He slots perfectly at 3C, and then there's Barron.

Chytil's future on this team, if he has one, is as a winger.

This team is a contender when Goodrow slots in at 4C. He is certainly good enough to play up some but his puck skills scream 4th line.

 

[Oscar Lindberg]

I love Kakko but it would have been ideal to have Hughes and Laf

but it is what it is