Speculation: Roster Building Thread - Part XXXVII

[DanielBrassard]

I think the real question is how do you make this happen with the cap? That’s what becomes tricky.

Would have to move Nemeth and Reaves.

 

[huerter]

It's so annoying listening to Overdrive talk about the Lightning's big defense core and our big defenseman is....Mayfield.

 

[Fitzy]

Would have to move Nemeth and Reaves.

Or go back to a 21 man roster instead of a 23 man roster.

But that’s risky because then you have to waive any NHL quality depth that is gonna start the season in Hartford.

 

[Jettany]

Would have to move Nemeth and Reaves.

Yep that would save 2-2.5 million.

 

[DanielBrassard]

Or go back to a 21 man roster instead of a 23 man roster.

But that’s risky because then you have to waive any NHL quality depth that is gonna start the season in Hartford.

Even with a 21 man roster, to be able to sign copp and Motte it's likely going to take moving the 2 I mentioned. Which they should do anyway.

 

[Jettany]

Even with a 21 man roster, to be able to sign copp and Motte it's likely going to take moving the 2 I mentioned. Which they should do anyway.

I think by rule you have to begin the season at 23 players. I am not positive. That might be maximum.

 

[DanielBrassard]

I think by rule you have to begin the season at 23 players.

Nah, you just need 18 skaters and 2 goalies. but extra forward and d gets you to 22 obviously.

 

[Avery16]

Lindgren is undervalued on this thread.

 

[EdJovanovski]

Lindgren is undervalued on this thread.

Igor has a really good sense of humor, both he and Panarin always have funny answers. Wish they spoke more English. Not everyone has the incredible grasp on the English language that Kravtsov has. He's barely been in North America yet it's almost as if he doesn't even have an accent lol

 

[LoveGoons]

Zibs is our 1C. It’s obvious he needs play drivers on his line. Kreider used to be a play driver… I have no clue what has happened to him. Is he trying to play a more skill games instead of a simple north south meat and potato game?

The Zibs line has horrendous metrics all Playoffs. He’s had poor metrics fit the past few seasons. We’re talking 5v5.

Pre Covid Panarin could drive a line. Laffy is looking like a player that can drive a line. Both teams in the cup finals have a stacked top line typically.

Whatever the solution, Zibs needs some support. Whether it’s Panarin or Laffy…. Or both.

I remember the Kreider Zibs MZA being strong before the moping. If you’re Keeping the best friends together, they need a playmaker. Take a pick…. But I would break them up.

Panarin Zibs Laffy
Kreider Copp Kakko

That’s my top6. If you want to give Chytil a chance, but it makes that line much weaker defensively. That line should be able to get the puck deep and dominate the boards

I think the puck to Krieder’s throat was a big deal and had problems breathing had a alot of pain..

 

[bl02]

Did we really offer Strome 5.25-5.5 million per? And he declined it? what does he want 6-6.5? Please Drury please just say bye bye to him. Unless that 5.5 was for a one year extension...still.

 

[LoveGoons]

Signing copp because we want to give him strome’s money is. Trap..

 

[bbny]

After watching this postseason, I think the Rangers go the wait-and-see route at center, which means a short term contract (1 year UFA or 1 year left preferably), and see if Chytil continues his progression next year off of the fantastic postseason showing. This approach provides maximum cap flexibility next summer to pivot any direction needed. Maybe they will need to go long term contract on one or more of Lafreniere/Miller/Chytil, which requires cap space. Maybe Chytil makes it easy and puts in a legitimate claim for the 2C spot. Or maybe it's clear they need to make a bigger UFA addition. At the moment, if it comes down to it, next summer's UFA center list has a few names that I like better than what is realistically available to us this year. There's also the idea that going low cost might allow the Rangers to better bolster the lineup at the trade deadline again.

 

[RangerBoy]

After watching this postseason, I think the Rangers go the wait-and-see route at center, which means a short term contract (1 year UFA or 1 year left preferably), and see if Chytil continues his progression next year off of the fantastic postseason showing. This approach provides maximum cap flexibility next summer to pivot any direction needed. Maybe they will need to go long term contract on one or more of Lafreniere/Miller/Chytil, which requires cap space. Maybe Chytil makes it easy and puts in a legitimate claim for the 2C spot. Or maybe it's clear they need to make a bigger UFA addition. At the moment, if it comes down to it, next summer's UFA center list has a few names that I like better than what is realistically available to us this year. There's also the idea that going low cost might allow the Rangers to better bolster the lineup at the trade deadline again.

The Rangers will not have the flexibility to add players next trade deadline like they did during the last trade deadline. The Rangers sat on $6M-$7M of cap space during the season and that money accumulated 5x-6x by the trade deadline. The Rangers will be pressed up against the cap next season. Drury won't have the same flexibility which is why he was more aggressive in March. The same opportunity was not happening again.

The Rangers don't have the flexibility for another big contract in 2023 without shedding money.

 

[bbny]

The Rangers will not have the flexibility to add players next trade deadline like they did during the last trade deadline. The Rangers sat on $6M-$7M of cap space during the season and that money accumulated 5x-6x by the trade deadline. The Rangers will be pressed up against the cap next season. Drury won't have the same flexibility which is why he was more aggressive in March. The same opportunity was not happening again.

The Rangers don't have the flexibility for another big contract in 2023 without shedding money.

Yes. Agreed. They won't have the kind of flexibility like they did this year, and hopefully that's the case for a long time really. Eventually they will be playing every year right up against the cap or something is wrong. They don't necessarily have to choose this year to start playing right up against the cap though. They can keep a cap cushion instead of signing a guy like Copp long term. Perhaps they find a guy that costs $3M instead of $5.5 like Copp is going to get. Put the difference in the rainy day fund for the trade deadline.

I don't think that's necessarily true re: flexibility for a big contract. A lot can happen to change the makeup of the cap moving forward. Namely certain guys not progressing, or regressing, or busting, which changes contract dynamics, cost, and team needs. Example: Lafreniere blows up, Miller regresses, Chytil busts. Pay Lafreniere long term. Pay Miller on a cheaper bridge. Lose Chytil. If they don't commit any long term $ this offseason, there would be cap left for a center in such a scenario. It is no different than signing a guy like Copp long term now, except you wait a year to do so, and only if required.

 

[JimmyG89]

The Rangers will not have the flexibility to add players next trade deadline like they did during the last trade deadline. The Rangers sat on $6M-$7M of cap space during the season and that money accumulated 5x-6x by the trade deadline. The Rangers will be pressed up against the cap next season. Drury won't have the same flexibility which is why he was more aggressive in March. The same opportunity was not happening again.

The Rangers don't have the flexibility for another big contract in 2023 without shedding money.

It's definitely why they just let things bubble up this year. Chytil to 2C. Kakko 2RW. Lafreniere 1RW. There will be a cheap 3C available either via trade or free agency. Kravtsov on the 3rd line at 825k. Could go Blais 3rd line to start.

I also think signing players other than Copp or Vatrano will be key to the kids getting the chance in the top 6. Gallant didn't break the lines up enough when struggling. He'll put Vatrano on the top line all season.

Couple vets that they could pursue as a wing. Mikheyev and Reilly Smith. For the 3rd line, they'd play the role well. Could elevate to a 2nd line if needed. With some big fish free agents, could be two that go under the radar.

 

[n8]

Signing copp because we want to give him strome’s money is. Trap..

crazy idea, sign Malkin for 1 year
play a Panarin-Malkin-Kravtsov line.

 

[Rangeri]

Copp's strengths are Strome's weaknesses. He's good at faceoffs, goes into dirty areas, is a first choice (not third choice) penalty killer, and scores at a level expected of a defensive 2nd line forward.

Neither are great skaters.

Strome has better vision, and scores a little more, albeit whilst occupying a top PP spot.

I think Copp is the clear and obvious choice for this team and for Panarin. We have a lot of skill on the wings and Panarin needs to play with a guy who will do the hard work. Why not have that be Copp and add another skilled wing/center into the mix?

Yes, good points. He has some very good qualities in his game, but lot of those qualities can be found in the cheap contracts. When you ink Copp for 5-6 years there will be no going back. He will be part of the core and he has to be big contributor for the success.

Exceptations are high now. Deep playoff runs or cup. And when you already have big contracts these decisions are invaluable because there is no leeway anymore. You don't have the capspace to get better.

That is the reason why i'm little skeptical. Nothing against Copp.

 

[n8]

Continuation of my crazy (no regard for cap) spitballin' for fun

Kreider-Zib-R.Smith 1st line
Panarin-Malkin-Kravtsov Russian line
Laf-Chytil-Kakko Kid line
Blais-Goodrow-Nichushkin (Cup) Ring line

back up plans to signing Nuke could be targeting some checking PK wingers from SJ like Nieto or Balcers. Formenton in Ott.
Target Gudbranson to replace Nemeth/Braun
obvious AAVs could screw this majorly. Like will Malkin take a lower number?

 

[Carl Hungus]

Boston fan here who ventured to this thread because I’m curious about your takes.

As an outsider, they were a very fun team to watch this year. Obviously I’m not a big NYR fan but watching them knock out the Canes the way they did was awesome. They showed a lot of heart and that’s something to build upon. I’m admittedly very envious of the young guys/potential that you have. Aside from the obvious main board trolls, other fans are impressed and think there’s a very bright future, with the extent of success depending on how the cap situation is handled in the next couple of years. The Rangers are going to be a thorn in the side of every east team for the foreseeable future, and that’s going to be fun to watch while Boston toils with an impending rebuild.

 

[Alluckks]

So this lineup works, but barely...

Signings:
Copp - 6 years @ $4.75m
Motte - 5 years @ $1.75m
Vatrano - 2 years @ $2.75m
Kaako - 2 years @ @2.1m
Blais - 2 years @ $1.6m
Back-up goalie - $1m

Trade Reaves and Nemeth
Demote Hunt

Kreider-Zibanejad-Vatrano
Panarin-Copp-Kravtsov
Lafreniere-Chytil-Kaako
Motte-Goodrow-Blais

Miller-Fox
Lindgren-Schneider
Jones-Trouba

Shesty
$1m back-up

This team has $1.79m in cap space but no spares to start the season.

Should this not work out and the team is looking for a solid veteran who can provide good speed and some physical presence while taking a solid shift, I'd be looking at Michael Raffl.

Use that Vatrano money on Stastny and the team is better imo

Kreider Zib Laf
Panarin Chytil Kakko
Kravstov Stastny Copp
Motte Goodrow Blais

 

[Alluckks]

The Rangers will not have the flexibility to add players next trade deadline like they did during the last trade deadline. The Rangers sat on $6M-$7M of cap space during the season and that money accumulated 5x-6x by the trade deadline. The Rangers will be pressed up against the cap next season. Drury won't have the same flexibility which is why he was more aggressive in March. The same opportunity was not happening again.

The Rangers don't have the flexibility for another big contract in 2023 without shedding money.

Unless some of our bigger contracts miss some time, that adds up

 

[Ola]

You do know that we're not Florida, right?

Stop it.. this is just silly. Scheifele is an elite offensive player. Tampa had 1 shutdown line -- if all their attention is on Zibanejad - Scheifele would have a better matchup.

Sam Bennett, while a very good 2-way player is closer to Goodrow than he is to Scheifele.

My point is just, it’s very obvious what works in this league and what doesn’t. Build the team the right way.

Will it be easy? Definitely not. But that cannot be an excuse. Tampa’s checking lines last year where centered by a 5’9 Yanni Gourde and a 5’7 Tyler Johnson. This year it was Cirelli. Flanked by Brandon Hagel.

We aren’t Florida, but what gets you points in the regular season isn’t the same that works when the POs starts. We have the same issue as they have, we just must get faster at center ice.

 

[The Crypto Guy]

Did we really offer Strome 5.25-5.5 million per? And he declined it? what does he want 6-6.5? Please Drury please just say bye bye to him. Unless that 5.5 was for a one year extension...still.

Where did you read that?

 

[Ola]

why do I have the feeling they let Strome & Copp walk and end up trying to get a big name 2C?

We should handle this the way Carolina handled losing Dougie Hamilton. They started to beef up the depth with the trade for Joey Keane. They signed a cast away in TDA. They traded for Ethan Bear.

The community around Carolina is unanimous, TDA has been an upgrade over Hamilton. Can we expect to upgrade Strome this way to? Depends of course on how good job you make, but resigning Strome isn't the right move. Investing heavily in an expensive alternative isn't an option.

We have a very good environment for a center like this to take the next step in.