Speculation: Roster Building Thread: Part XXXVII

[I Eat Crow]

Some random thoughts:

I can see Duchene signing back on with Ottawa in free agency. Ottawa is his hometown team and Ottawa will need to reach the cap floor somehow.

The Rangers need to start fixing the defense. I think they're anchored to Shattenkirk and Staal until the end of their contracts. Brendan Smith's buyout isn't that bad, but that cap hit in 2020 is a hard pill to swallow, especially if the Rangers plan to be in the playoff hunt with #2 overall still on his ELC. I lean towards keeping Smith for one more year. Worst case is that you bury him again in the minors if a trade is made to acquire a minute munching top 4 defenseman.

Speaking of which, I'm not worried about paying whoever #2 overall is after his ELC is up. Lundqvist, Staal, Shattenkirk, Smith will all be off the books. That's almost $25 million in cap space there. If the Rangers are in a position of having to pay #2 $8 million or $10 million, then their impact on the team and the rebuild indicates that the team will be ready to turn the corner again very soon.

Stay the course. Next year's top end looks exceptional. There are a couple of offensive RHD's that are looking like top 10 picks that I like. Very wing heavy otherwise, but I think that a player like Lundell is well within reach. Lafreniere, Byfield, Holtz, Lundell, and Gunler are my early top 10, with Drysdale and Rossi knocking on the door. Add one more elite prospect and then get to work.

2021-22 is the season I have circled on the long term calendar for making the playoffs again.

 

[Matt4776]

Some random thoughts:

I can see Duchene signing back on with Ottawa in free agency. Ottawa is his hometown team and Ottawa will need to reach the cap floor somehow.

The Rangers need to start fixing the defense. I think they're anchored to Shattenkirk and Staal until the end of their contracts. Brendan Smith's buyout isn't that bad, but that cap hit in 2020 is a hard pill to swallow, especially if the Rangers plan to be in the playoff hunt with #2 overall still on his ELC. I lean towards keeping Smith for one more year. Worst case is that you bury him again in the minors if a trade is made to acquire a minute munching top 4 defenseman.

Speaking of which, I'm not worried about paying whoever #2 overall is after his ELC is up. Lundqvist, Staal, Shattenkirk, Smith will all be off the books. That's almost $25 million in cap space there. If the Rangers are in a position of having to pay #2 $8 million or $10 million, then their impact on the team and the rebuild indicates that the team will be ready to turn the corner again very soon.

Stay the course. Next year's top end looks exceptional. There are a couple of offensive RHD's that are looking like top 10 picks that I like. Very wing heavy otherwise, but I think that a player like Lundell is well within reach. Lafreniere, Byfield, Holtz, Lundell, and Gunler are my early top 10, with Drysdale and Rossi knocking on the door. Add one more elite prospect and then get to work.

2021-22 is the season I have circled on the long term calendar for making the playoffs again.

Agree. If everything goes right, we might sneak in as an 8 seed in 2020-21. But not as a true competitor.

 

[JESSEWENEEDTOCOOK]

I think Mika and Kakko alone are enough to keep this team in games, and win them more than a handful. We saw how many times Kreider/Mika/whoever took over games last year, and that was one of the bigger reasons our record was probably a little better than their actual play. Now replace Kreider with someone more gifted and offensively and more dominant on the puck. Combine that with Georgiev taking a step forward and a couple of other youngsters improving and you have the makings of a bubble team.

IMO, if this team is bottom 5 next year, it means that guys like Chytil, Howden, and Lias are still ~20 point (less in Lias’ case) players, which wouldn’t be promising.

Yeah, some shit has to go right for us to improve that much, but some are acting like it’s COMPLETELY AND UTTERLY IMPOSSIBLE that the team is decent next season, and I think that take is wishful thinking from people who want a high pick in a supposedly loaded draft.

 

[Tawnos]

I think Mika and Kakko alone are enough to keep this team in games, and win them more than a handful. We saw how many times Kreider/Mika/whoever took over games last year, and that was one of the bigger reasons our record was probably a little better than their actual play. Now replace Kreider with someone more gifted and offensively and more dominant on the puck. Combine that with Georgiev taking a step forward and a couple of other youngsters improving and you have the makings of a bubble team.

IMO, if this team is bottom 5 next year, it means that guys like Chytil, Howden, and Lias are still ~20 point (less in Lias’ case) players, which wouldn’t be promising.

Yeah, some **** has to go right for us to improve that much, but some are acting like it’s COMPLETELY AND UTTERLY IMPOSSIBLE that the team is decent next season, and I think that take is wishful thinking from people who want a high pick in a supposedly loaded draft.

It’s not the offense or the goaltending that will be the problem.

 

[Ori]

Jeff Gorton need to upgrade defense this summer - I don`t think our 2018 draft players are enough to fill all D core positions in the future especially not with Brady Skjei downyear so some questions into the summer trade window. Marc Staal will soon retire, and Brendan Smith is probably gone - we don`t need him playing a forward and his defensive game is kind of meh.

 

[JESSEWENEEDTOCOOK]

It’s not the offense or the goaltending that will be the problem.

Our defense (as of this moment) is 100% terribad, no doubt. That said, the way the blueline looks could be drastically different come camp. Guys like Hajek and Lindgren - at the very least - are going to be fighting for spots, and Hajek in particular was promising in his stint. We may target someone to shore up the right side via trade.

I’m also wondering if our defensive structure in general will improve after another year under Quinn.

Really, there’s a ton of room for improvement there, and I could see us improving in that area a bit. Maybe Shattenkirk bounces back, ADA takes a huge step or Hajek continues to impress. There are plenty of realistic things that could happen that could lead to this team contending for a spot. I’m not saying those things will happen, but to essentially dismiss the possibility of it is going to far.

I mean, if I told you in the summer of 2018 that the Islanders would be the best defensive team in the NHL for the 18-19 season, you probably would’ve suggested my committal to a facility. And yet, it’s a reality.

I’m not saying we should build our team this offseason based on that chance of making the playoffs, just that some of ya’ll should keep an open mind is all.

 

[Matt4776]

I think Mika and Kakko alone are enough to keep this team in games, and win them more than a handful. We saw how many times Kreider/Mika/whoever took over games last year, and that was one of the bigger reasons our record was probably a little better than their actual play. Now replace Kreider with someone more gifted and offensively and more dominant on the puck. Combine that with Georgiev taking a step forward and a couple of other youngsters improving and you have the makings of a bubble team.

IMO, if this team is bottom 5 next year, it means that guys like Chytil, Howden, and Lias are still ~20 point (less in Lias’ case) players, which wouldn’t be promising.

Yeah, some **** has to go right for us to improve that much, but some are acting like it’s COMPLETELY AND UTTERLY IMPOSSIBLE that the team is decent next season, and I think that take is wishful thinking from people who want a high pick in a supposedly loaded draft.

I'm not so sure an 18 year old Kakko is going to be as big a force as current Kreider is. And if he is, I'm not so sure it makes a negligible difference. Especially when you take into account the loss of Hayes/Zucc.

Sure, Georgie might improve. But Hank is probably worse. Remember, he stole us a lot of games earlier in the year. Who plays more?

And our defense is still terribad.

 

[Fugazy]

Rangers can only go so far with the current defense they have in place. That being said, I don’t think it’s out of the question they can piece together a better season and make a push for a wildcard spot.

 

[Ori]

Rangers can only go so far with the current defense they have in place. That being said, I don’t think it’s out of the question they can piece together a better season and make a push for a wildcard spot.

I doubt it since east is that strong at the moment, but nothing is set in stone yet. It`s impossible to guess that right now before the playoffs and draft is over and teams starting building and trading up for a new 2019-20 season. So I need to see what Gordon is actually going to do this summer before I predict anything next season.

 

[kovazub94]

Our defense (as of this moment) is 100% terribad, no doubt. That said, the way the blueline looks could be drastically different come camp. Guys like Hajek and Lindgren - at the very least - are going to be fighting for spots, and Hajek in particular was promising in his stint. We may target someone to shore up the right side via trade.

I’m also wondering if our defensive structure in general will improve after another year under Quinn.

Really, there’s a ton of room for improvement there, and I could see us improving in that area a bit. Maybe Shattenkirk bounces back, ADA takes a huge step or Hajek continues to impress. There are plenty of realistic things that could happen that could lead to this team contending for a spot. I’m not saying those things will happen, but to essentially dismiss the possibility of it is going to far.

I mean, if I told you in the summer of 2018 that the Islanders would be the best defensive team in the NHL for the 18-19 season, you probably would’ve suggested my committal to a facility. And yet, it’s a reality.

I’m not saying we should build our team this offseason based on that chance of making the playoffs, just that some of ya’ll should keep an open mind is all.

Went through the last couple of pages and was getting a little annoyed again seeing only Panarin vs Kreider posts. This is NOT the Rangers main issue that needs to be solved. The team needs Gorton to pull a move to correctly fill one spot on defense and the things will start getting into focus. This is the move that should be the main discussion. At least one of Shattenkirk or Pionk should be moved and somehow replaced by a true 1D.

 

[True Blue]

This offseason rules

The best part? We get to see the friggin' Flyers play turn the other cheek hockey? Wow. Can't wait.

 

[True Blue]

I would say if he does lose his elite speed which he most likely will he will be a mediocre player at best. It’s his only elite skill.

Best net-front presence in NHL? Great wrister? Work along the boards?

You are making him sound like Carl Hagelin.

 

[DanielBrassard]

Went through the last couple of pages and was getting a little annoyed again seeing only Panarin vs Kreider posts. This is NOT the Rangers main issue that needs to be solved. The team needs Gorton to pull a move to correctly fill one spot on defense and the things will start getting into focus. This is the move that should be the main discussion. At least one of Shattenkirk or Pionk should be moved and somehow replaced by a true 1D.

It should be Pionk considering he is much worse than Shattenkirk is. But we don't even need a great defenseman to replace him, just a decent one and that would be a big upgrade. Same goes for Staal, but we already have Smith or Claesson who can replace him and be better. Hopefully Hajek is even something close to what he was before he was hurt because that was extremely exciting to see how well he played.

 

[True Blue]

I think Mika and Kakko alone are enough to keep this team in games, and win them more than a handful.

Can we please get a little prespective here? Kakko has promise, but that is it. He has not stepped a toe onto NA ice. For context, ask Ottawa what they recall about Alex Daigle. Or Yashin. Or ask Atlanta about about Heatly. Remember Brian Lawton?

I am not saying that Kappo is one of these but before we say that Mika and Kakko will be enough to keep this team in games, how about we actually let him come to North America first and actually play in a game before we declare him a difference maker?

 

[Dijock94]

Best net-front presence in NHL? Great wrister? Work along the boards?

You are making him sound like Carl Hagelin.

He has a heavy shot with terrible accuracy so I’ll have to disagree with you on the fact that it’s great. He also gets most of his shots off from using his speed down the wing. Without that speed those shots are gone.

So if he loses that speed which is very possible considering what his age will be in his next contract we could potentially be paying 7 million for a netfront and boards guy.

Kreider had great potential, but he didn’t reach it. He is what he is, and as he is today I don’t think he’s worth a 7 million dollar contract. You can disagree with that and that’s fine we all have our opinions. But in reality he’s a guy who is 28, disappears a lot, never scored 30, averages like 45-50 pts. Just not a guy when I look at it in black and white I’m investing a big contract in.

 

[True Blue]

So if he loses that speed which is very possible considering what his age will be in his next contract we could potentially be paying 7 million for a netfront and boards guy.

Of course the speed will diminish. Your concern is not unwarranted. But $7m for a legit top line wing? That's market, no?

 

[Dijock94]

Of course the speed will diminish. Your concern is not unwarranted. But $7m for a legit top line wing? That's market, no?

I agree that is the market contract. For a top line wing, but I dont think he has been productive enough to deserve it. I am also really nervous that if we give him 7x7 the last four years we will be stuck with that contract. Kind of like where we are now with Staal Smith and Shatty.

 

[Ola]

To me its Panarin or stick to our own players and picks. He to me is the only ufa I'm interested in. If we dont get him its fine too.

Yeah, I am against getting him, but it’s not like I think it’s the worst idea ever, it’s a tough call either way. Probably why it causes so much talk at this place!

 

[SnowFort]

I think you also have to be aware of the longevity of players like Panarin once we are Stanley Cup contenders again. If we are true contenders in 3-4 years, that makes him ~ 31 years old. How long AFTER that can he keep his play up?

If Kakko becomes the star we think he can be, that will be a DECADE + of elite play. With a good supporting cast, that can be many years of tries to win that elusive title.

That’s why I believe it’s necessary to build through the draft first, before you take a look at complementary UFA’s. The UFA’s shouldn’t be your building blocks, and I don’t have a reason to believe we’re done with the draft just yet.

 

[Ola]

Some random thoughts:

I can see Duchene signing back on with Ottawa in free agency. Ottawa is his hometown team and Ottawa will need to reach the cap floor somehow.

The Rangers need to start fixing the defense. I think they're anchored to Shattenkirk and Staal until the end of their contracts. Brendan Smith's buyout isn't that bad, but that cap hit in 2020 is a hard pill to swallow, especially if the Rangers plan to be in the playoff hunt with #2 overall still on his ELC. I lean towards keeping Smith for one more year. Worst case is that you bury him again in the minors if a trade is made to acquire a minute munching top 4 defenseman.

Speaking of which, I'm not worried about paying whoever #2 overall is after his ELC is up. Lundqvist, Staal, Shattenkirk, Smith will all be off the books. That's almost $25 million in cap space there. If the Rangers are in a position of having to pay #2 $8 million or $10 million, then their impact on the team and the rebuild indicates that the team will be ready to turn the corner again very soon.

Stay the course. Next year's top end looks exceptional. There are a couple of offensive RHD's that are looking like top 10 picks that I like. Very wing heavy otherwise, but I think that a player like Lundell is well within reach. Lafreniere, Byfield, Holtz, Lundell, and Gunler are my early top 10, with Drysdale and Rossi knocking on the door. Add one more elite prospect and then get to work.

2021-22 is the season I have circled on the long term calendar for making the playoffs again.

Great stuff!

You didn’t mention Lucas Raymond, very exciting young winger.

 

[UAGoalieGuy]

I think you also have to be aware of the longevity of players like Panarin once we are Stanley Cup contenders again. If we are true contenders in 3-4 years, that makes him ~ 31 years old. How long AFTER that can he keep his play up?

If Kakko becomes the star we think he can be, that will be a DECADE + of elite play. With a good supporting cast, that can be many years of tries to win that elusive title.

That’s why I believe it’s necessary to build through the draft first, before you take a look at complementary UFA’s. The UFA’s shouldn’t be your building blocks, and I don’t have a reason to believe we’re done with the draft just yet.

While no one has a crystal ball and one hit into the boards or catching an edge could derail a career, Panarin's short time in the NHL playing 82+ games and style of play will help him. Hes played 4 seasons in the NHL and before that he was averaging less then 50 games played in the KHL a year. He hasnt had any major injuries or concussions.

He has a good shot of putting up the numbers he has for a large portion of the contract he signs. It's his age 33 and 34 seasons (last 2 years of a 7 year contract) where his numbers will likely decrease down to a 20 goal/50 point player.

I'm good either way but there are good odds Panarin is very good for the majority of his contract.

 

[haohmaru]

Brooksie: "Nothing about either game was random. And here we are, two losses away from another spring in which McDonagh, Miller and Dan Girardi come up short for the Rangers"

It's just pain. Ouch.

 

[Fugazy]

Brooksie: "Nothing about either game was random. And here we are, two losses away from another spring in which McDonagh, Miller and Dan Girardi come up short for the Rangers"

It's just pain. Ouch.

Damn. Ouch.

 

[haohmaru]

Kreider had great potential, but he didn’t reach it. He is what he is, and as he is today I don’t think he’s worth a 7 million dollar contract. You can disagree with that and that’s fine we all have our opinions. But in reality he’s a guy who is 28, disappears a lot, never scored 30, averages like 45-50 pts. Just not a guy when I look at it in black and white I’m investing a big contract in.

That's where I'm at and, if, and I do mean IF, we sign one of Kreider or Panarin, it has to be Panarin. Kreider will bring back assets and Panarin is the better player.

If we sign neither and trade Kreider, preferably before the draft, I'm fine with that too.

 

[Vitto79]

Brooksie: "Nothing about either game was random. And here we are, two losses away from another spring in which McDonagh, Miller and Dan Girardi come up short for the Rangers"

It's just pain. Ouch.

Lol well McD is a main part of the team then Miller

After that Girardi , Stralman , Callahan are depth guys and likely all off Tbay next year

Even Miller could be a cap casualty