Speculation: Roster Building Thread - Part XXXVII

[kinger8998]

Who is this Gustav Rydahl. After 2 extremely successful seasons in SHL would have to think that at 27 years old Rangers gave him some assurance of a roster spot or atleast a strong chance at one. What is he? Potential piece on 3rd line that can shutdown & produce offense, or merely a 4th line cog that can be an improvement over what we saw this season. Either way - hopefully he's part of a line that doesn't just take up minutes, but meaningfully produces offensively or defensively in them. Would go a long way to better 5 on 5 play and advanced stats

 

[Vitto79]

Who is this Gustav Rydahl. After 2 extremely successful seasons in SHL would have to think that at 27 years old Rangers gave him some assurance of a roster spot or atleast a strong chance at one. What is he? Potential piece on 3rd line that can shutdown & produce offense, or merely a 4th line cog that can be an improvement over what we saw this season. Either way - hopefully he's part of a line that doesn't just take up minutes, but meaningfully produces offensively or defensively in them. Would go a long way to better 5 on 5 play and advanced stats

Can he win a damn faceoff ? Lol

 

[Payote75]

He really isn't.



Me too.




Panarin.



Well interestingly enough all that information is public and involves just basic math.

We are strapped. It's going to be hard to pay a 2C, extend Miller, Laf, Kakko, and Kravtsov, and keep both Trouba and Kreider, in the next 2 offseasons (this one we just entered and the following one coming).

Maybe we can sneak by, but then no other upgrades are coming.


I don't really agree. I don't think we lose that much. Trouba himself struggled in the playoffs. If a kid struggles 10% more, but costs 10% of Trouba's contract, I'll take that exchange.

Hard to have a discussion if your simply a trouba hate wether it's him or the contract. The fact that you think panarin who is loved had a better playoffs than Trouba tells me everything I need not to continue this discussion. 3 more panarin and no trouba sadly would of had us out on the first round. So yea let's bash Trouba and his contract make him the whipping boy. Just remember with out him some of those kids would be in line for a pay upgrade. To bad we don't have access to the locker room to ask some of these questions on value and play.

 

[huerter]

Kakko for Byfield.

 

[Payote75]

Watch the Stamkos Series winning goal again, and you have your answer. And that type of Trouba mistake is not an isolated issue.

I already have my answer and 600 give aways blind passes constantly putting defense under pressure with said passes let alone a horror on his own zone and bad passes on the def zone to top it off sorry man rewatch every game and focus on everyone. Panarin who is a favorite was horrifying. Even listening to different broadcasters almost everyone with eyes lauded trouba and every brave broadcaster called out Panarin.
Not to mention even michelletti said early and later by someone else that panarin needs to learn how to play with no space others have made the adjustments like kucherov paraphrasing but that was right on I'm the first round and it held true through out.

 

[kinger8998]

Can he win a damn faceoff ? Lol

I'm convinced something in the New York water stops anyone from winning faceoffs here. Patrice Bergeron would instantly lose his Selke touch if he ever donned the Blueshirt

 

[Payote75]

Watch the Stamkos Series winning goal again, and you have your answer. And that type of Trouba mistake is not an isolated issue.

I already have my answer and 600 give aways blind passes constantly putting defense under pressure with said passes let alone a horror on his own zone and bad passes on the def zone to top it off sorry man rewatch every game and focus on everyone. Panarin who is a favorite was horrifying. Even listening to different broadcasters almost everyone with eyes lauded trouba and every brave broadcaster called out Panarin.
Not to mention even michelletti said early and later by someone else that panarin needs to learn how to play with no space others have made the adjustments like kucherov paraphrasing but that was right on I'm the first round and it held true through out

 

[Pawnee Rangers]

Panarin was awful for a majority of the playoffs. Out of him, Zib, Kreider, Trouba, Igor, and Fox, he's the one I'm most concerned about going forward come playoff time next season.

 

[kinger8998]

I already have my answer and 600 give aways blind passes constantly putting defense under pressure with said passes let alone a horror on his own zone and bad passes on the def zone to top it off sorry man rewatch every game and focus on everyone. Panarin who is a favorite was horrifying. Even listening to different broadcasters almost everyone with eyes lauded trouba and every brave broadcaster called out Panarin.
Not to mention even michelletti said early and later by someone else that panarin needs to learn how to play with no space others have made the adjustments like kucherov paraphrasing but that was right on I'm the first round and it held true through out.

We made it as far as we did of resiliency, no quit, Shesterkin, the PP but also because Trouba was physical and played quite well aside from one memorably bad game against the Pens. Zero question every time Trouba was on ice other teams had to be more aware of the physical threat and even if that makes them take an extra look around for 2 seconds, thats more than enough to close space and create turnovers. We made it as far as we did DESPITE Panarin trying too many blind backhand passes that resulted in turnovers, dead offensive rushes, and countless counterattacks by the other team.

When Trouba fell apart against Tampa, Panarin was still just as bad. When your 2 top payed players both have bad series, you're in tough. Panarin absolutely needs to learn to adjust to tighter hockey, but I have 0 doubt part of his play this postseason must be attributed to injuries.

As for Trouba, the slow feet out of pivots and losing races was a problem all year at various points, and was last year too. Maybe compounded by additional spotlight in ECF, and no doubt 20 games in 40 days played a role too, but man was that Stamkos goal a glaring misread of gap/situational awareness that resulted in his foot speed being an obvious weakness in his game.

I like the player, but hate the contract personally. He should be a $5M defensman.

 

[SA16]

We aren't the Lightning. We need all the help we can get when it comes to puck possession. The only goal that we scored last game was off a clean faceoff win. We should be trying to improve every aspect of our game.

We should be trying to improve the aspects that matter rather than the ones that do not.

 

[LeetchisGod]

We should be trying to improve the aspects that matter rather than the ones that do not.

Agree to disagree.

 

[Payote75]

We made it as far as we did of resiliency, no quit, Shesterkin, the PP but also because Trouba was physical and played quite well aside from one memorably bad game against the Pens. Zero question every time Trouba was on ice other teams had to be more aware of the physical threat and even if that makes them take an extra look around for 2 seconds, thats more than enough to close space and create turnovers. We made it as far as we did DESPITE Panarin trying too many blind backhand passes that resulted in turnovers, dead offensive rushes, and countless counterattacks by the other team.

When Trouba fell apart against Tampa, Panarin was still just as bad. When your 2 top payed players both have bad series, you're in tough. Panarin absolutely needs to learn to adjust to tighter hockey, but I have 0 doubt part of his play this postseason must be attributed to injuries.

As for Trouba, the slow feet out of pivots and losing races was a problem all year at various points, and was last year too. Maybe compounded by additional spotlight in ECF, and no doubt 20 games in 40 days played a role too, but man was that Stamkos goal a glaring misread of gap/situational awareness that resulted in his foot speed being an obvious weakness in his game.

I like the player, but hate the contract personally. He should be a $5M defensman.

I agree with a lot of that and there are some variables in that one play but imagine we say there for every game and picked out all the mistakes it's not even close let alone the game or series altering hits as well as mentorship I agree with alot of what you said and he may be over paid don't think 5 million though when some real loser defenseman get that or close to it and don't provide a fraction of what trouba does. I mean look at this list and also factor in availability is the best ability too. Some people just trying to make him the whipping boy and I don't want to do that to any ranger but if there was a whipping boy it would be Bread by a mile and that pains me.

2024 NHL Rankings

Listing the top salaries, cap hits, cash, earnings, contracts, and bonuses, for all active NHL players.

www.spotrac.com

 

[kinger8998]

We made it as far as we did of resiliency, no quit, Shesterkin, the PP but also because Trouba was physical and played quite well aside from one memorably bad game against the Pens. Zero question every time Trouba was on ice other teams had to be more aware of the physical threat and even if that makes them take an extra look around for 2 seconds, thats more than enough to close space and create turnovers. We made it as far as we did DESPITE Panarin trying too many blind backhand passes that resulted in turnovers, dead offensive rushes, and countless counterattacks by the other team.

When Trouba fell apart against Tampa, Panarin was still just as bad. When your 2 top payed players both have bad series, you're in tough. Panarin absolutely needs to learn to adjust to tighter hockey, but I have 0 doubt part of his play this postseason must be attributed to injuries.

As for Trouba, the slow feet out of pivots and losing races was a problem all year at various points, and was last year too. Maybe compounded by additional spotlight in ECF, and no doubt 20 games in 40 days played a role too, but man was that Stamkos goal a glaring misread of gap/situational awareness that resulted in his foot speed being an obvious weakness in his game.

I like the player, but hate the contract personally. He should be a $5M defensman.

All this said. Trouba will be here until summer '24 or summer '25 (this is latest, I still think he's gone '24). So his $8M is here to stay and the Rangers will have to work around it. He's not an albatross, but his role absolutey needs to be adjusted.

Fox looked tired. Start by allocating some of his PK time between more for Trouba and use Schneider. Use him 5v5 as he has his whole career, a caddy for young defensemen. Morrisey, Miller, next Jones.

Give Troubas PP2 time to Jones and/or Miller. The extra rest of anywhere between the 1 min - 30 seconds the PP2 gets (when they normally have to skate the length of ice 2-3 times due to failed entries) will help Trouba conserve energy. Even if hes slow out of pivots, a little extra rest could give him that extra step.

Let Trouba be a role model and mentor for Schneider, who was no doubt drafted to he his successor, and IMO will surpass him in 23-24 on depth chart before Trouba is even gone yet.

Trouba, as the eldest Rangers defenseman (if Braun leaves) can play the mentor role while still being young (and absolutely still a very good defenseman) enough to not only be a mentor, but still a way more than serviceable player. Paired with Jones, his 5v5 minutes would likely be reduced as some would be given to the Miller-Schneider pairing, while Fox and Lindgren continue to do the top lifting. No more Trouba led PP2, but hes a mainstay on the PK. PK and ES defenseman Trouba helps Fox stay fresh for ES and PP, while these adjustements also allow Miller & Jones to get PP reps and Schneider to get PK reps.

I really feel the defense as a whole unit will he much much better for it, and ultimately our all situations play as a team & 5 man unit will benefit

 

[Machinehead]

I like Strome.

Ignoring the cap for a second because I just don't want to get into the specifics of how, I would take Strome back.

But I would take Strome back as the "third" line center and let Panarin play with somebody else. That's not going to happen. We're once again at war with our own coach and letting Strome go is a battle in that war.

 

[NYR Viper]

How is it the Lightning have made 3 straight SCF with FO% of 48.4, 48.1, and 46.7 in the playoffs? The year they get swept by Columbus they were over 50%. Curious.

I hope this isn't in response to my post where I said they need to improve on faceoffs. In no uncertain terms, faceoff percentage is not THE reason for poor 5v5 and possession numbers. What it is, is a method to increase the teams time with the puck. If they still suck at it next year is that what will doom their season? Of course not. But in terms of areas where they can and should easily improve, it's on the list.

We should be trying to improve the aspects that matter rather than the ones that do not.

Can they do both?

I like Strome.

Ignoring the cap for a second because I just don't want to get into the specifics of how, I would take Strome back.

But I would take Strome back as the "third" line center and let Panarin play with somebody else. That's not going to happen. We're once again at war with our own coach and letting Strome go is a battle in that war.

This. He gets too much shit for what he is. And I have a pretty good feeling that he will leave and go on to be a nice 50-55 point center on a team that really needs that depth scoring (think Ottawa or Seattle). But he just isn't the answer here based on the cap situation.

 

[SA16]

I hope this isn't in response to my post where I said they need to improve on faceoffs. In no uncertain terms, faceoff percentage is not THE reason for poor 5v5 and possession numbers. What it is, is a method to increase the teams time with the puck. If they still suck at it next year is that what will doom their season? Of course not. But in terms of areas where they can and should easily improve, it's on the list.

It needs to just improve naturally - specifically by hoping Chytil improves. If they spend money to try and improve it that would be worse than spending the money to try and improve another aspect of the team. If a player can do multiple things, great, but it's not worth paying extra for. In any case, if they re-sign Copp this team would already have Mika/Copp/Goodrow who are all average or better.

 

[Payote75]

Man a lot of talk on my sports radio (as much as there could be since hockey gets no coverage) that Kakko is as good as gone. Just don't get it man. Injury definitely cost him a couple times but his usage under both coaches was atrocious. No power play time. He may need a change of scenery but I do believe the rangers may regret trading him unless a trade works for both sides which doesn't happen often.

Side note I'm in ny and throughout this playoff run barely any hockey radio coverage and I'd almost understand if it's the Islanders but man even the rangers it's sad. All that said all they talk about is Boston Golden State who the eff cares man and Im an NBA fan but we in NY Christ!!!

 

[Machinehead]

I hope this isn't in response to my post where I said they need to improve on faceoffs. In no uncertain terms, faceoff percentage is not THE reason for poor 5v5 and possession numbers. What it is, is a method to increase the teams time with the puck. If they still suck at it next year is that what will doom their season? Of course not. But in terms of areas where they can and should easily improve, it's on the list.

The thing is, if we're talking about 5v5 play and possession (which the team is, at least as far as scoring 5v5 goes) faceoffs don't drive 5v5 play. They just don't. It's a matter of fact. There's zero correlation between winning faceoffs and shot attempts or expected goals.

That's not to say faceoffs are useless. I think our special teams could be even better. Our powerplay could be even more deadly if we didn't start two-thirds of them with 1:45 on the clock after chasing the puck. Our PK could use more clears right off the draw.

Fixing 5v5 is going to be a separate endeavor,

Can they do both?

Yes.

Paul Stastny.

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

The thing is, if we're talking about 5v5 play and possession (which the team is, at least as far as scoring 5v5 goes) faceoffs don't drive 5v5 play. They just don't. It's a matter of fact. There's zero correlation between winning faceoffs and shot attempts or expected goals.

That's not to say faceoffs are useless. I think our special teams could be even better. Our powerplay could be even more deadly if we didn't start two-thirds of them with 1:45 on the clock after chasing the puck. Our PK could use more clears right off the draw.

Fixing 5v5 is going to be a separate endeavor,

Yes.

Paul Stastny.

louder for the people in the back.

Fortunately, I think this is a LOCK to happen.

Ideally...

Laf slides back to RW with Kreider and Zib

We trade for a RW to play with Copp and Panarin (if it's Patrick Kane, I will give up.)

Stastny takes that 3C role and plays with Krav and someone else

The 4th line is populated by players who are not Rooney and Reaves.

 

[NYR Viper]

It needs to just improve naturally - specifically by hoping Chytil improves. If they spend money to try and improve it that would be worse than spending the money to try and improve another aspect of the team. If a player can do multiple things, great, but it's not worth paying extra for. In any case, if they re-sign Copp this team would already have Mika/Copp/Goodrow who are all average or better.

I agree with this. I think if there is a good face-off guy who they can add to that 4th line, it's worth while. I'm not looking for them to sign Kenopka out of retirement but a guy like Victor Rask or Chris Tierney if they are willing to sign a lower cap hit deal

 

[fm]

Victor Rask Mega Sucks, but I get you what you're saying. There are others out there. Too bad we can't seem to grow one.

 

[SA16]

We already have one. Goodrow. He's around a 50% faceoff guy who is a defensive player. Easy fit as 4C. Of course he's massively overpaid but it is what it is.

 

[kinger8998]

Gallant today says he 100% sees Lafreniere and Kakko as top 6 wingers next season. Talk is cheap, right thing to say, but nonetheless, he said it out loud.

He also said scratching Kakko was about "dressing best roster for chance to win". While we may all disagree with it, just to play the role of mediator:

The entire top 9 was shuffled. If Kakko was truly going to be relegated to the 4th line because of the shuffling, with Goodrow elevated from 4th to top 9, maybe Gallant thought Hunt could better fill the energy role with Rooney and Motte. I don't nexessarily disagree. Kakko to me isn't an energetic player. Was very encouraged with how he protected puck, drove to middle, and got to the net front (hit goal from Fox), and still think he has a bright future. That can be said but you can also say while Hunt brought nothing, Kakko wouldn't have been that much of an improvement given 7 mins of ice in a 4th line role. If the top 9 was set the way Gallant wanted it and Kakko was the odd guy out, even if he shouldn't have been, I caj somewhat understand the decision of the scratch oevr the 4th line.

 

[Evgeny Oliker]

I agree with everyone who is saying Strome is not an ideal 2nd line center. That 2nd line struggled all playoffs, even before Strome got injured. So either let him walk or sign him to a reasonable 3rd line center contract. I’m ok with letting him go…

Also, against Tampa, the only time the 1st line looked really good is when Panarin was back on it instead of Vatrano.

Therefore, Lines I would like to see next season:
Kreider - Zibanejad - Panarin
Lafrenniere- Chytil - Kakko
Vatrano - Rydahl - Copp
Reaves - Goodrow - Blais
Gauthier/Hunt

Fox - Lindgren
Trouba - Miller
Schneider - Lundqvist

If Rydahl is not good enough for 3rd line center then him and Goodrow flip flop.

 

[NYR Viper]

I think Rask may be the perfect type of buy-low guy the team should take a shot at. He was over-valued and overpaid in Minnesota but if we look at his stats over the last 3 years:

2019-2020
13 points in 43 games
44.1 fo%
10:29 TOI per game
+4.4% Rel corsi at ES


2020-2021
23 points in 54 games
45.4 fo%
14:27 TOI per game
+4.1% Rel Coris at ES


2021-2022
21 points in 43 games
50.6 fo%
12:12 TOI per game
+4.4% Rel Corsi at ES

I mean he's not perfect but as a buy-low 4th line center?

We already have one. Goodrow. He's around a 50% faceoff guy who is a defensive player. Easy fit as 4C. Of course he's massively overpaid but it is what it is.

This is true, but going in to the season, I think it may be smart to have 5 quality centers on the roster and slide Goodrow to wing to start.