Speculation: Roster Building Thread - Part XXXVII

[NikC]

With so many forwards including young forwards in the pipeline it may be a mistake to keep Strome, Copp, Valtrano or Motte. I'd consider finding a real first line player or second line center than resigning those 4. May need to pay up but 1 larger contract instead of 4 contracts is fine plus then younger guys have spots.

I agree. add a definitive talent at Center, and fill the wing with youth (Kravstov, Othermann, etc.)

I like what Motte brings, but he gets hurt a lot. Hunt has to raise his game, we can't have players like him and McKegg who serve no other purpose but to wear an Rangers jersey and skate. EVen Rooney was really unimpressive and practically anything...

I like that Vatrano has a great release and a shoot first mentality. I just wish the rest of his game was more complete. Maybe they commit to him and help him work on that?

Drury won't let us down. He won't ruin our weekends in July.

 

[Ola]

Zib is lethal with the one timer and his second option is to hit Kreiders stick. Now you want a LH shot in the middle and that position will be utilized by playing pitch and catch with Zib. So you are repurposing what Zib does extremely extremely well. For no other reason then you want to force Laf or some other player onto the first PP so he can pad his stats, so you can brag to your buddies that we have a stud in the making.

Just go get Tyler Johnson.

I have to think about this and maybe even watch some video, but I can’t really see the issue right away.

Strome’s role is mainly as a relief option for the trio on the perimeter; ie Ziba-Fox-Panarin. If the forward takes away a lane so that Panarin can’t pass to Fox, Strome creates a triangle so that Panarin gets a lane to him and he get a lane to Fox. You can only really erase these options if you defend 3 on 3, and no PK will want 3 guys in that area of the ice.

For me his handiness is more relevant around the net. When you take the puck to the net from the right side, it’s better to have a guy in Strome’s role that is a RHS and the opposite form the left side. But we get many shots from Ziba, so not sure if that matters either.

 

[Taluss]

Im really getting worried about Strome resigning. It makes sense the theory that Copp will price himself out and Strome will price himself in.

Gotta walk away from both if that’s the case. & if that happens I’m on board with the Stastny idea

 

[Glen Sathers Cigar]

I'd argue that any option that makes Zibanejad less likely to use his shot from the left side is a bad option. The main purpose of the guy in the slot is just to draw coverage towards him to open up the cross ice the pass. He doesn't need to touch the puck much to do this. He needs to be smart and positionally aware.

You're not trying to make Zibajenad less likely to use his shot, you're trying to give him another option for when he's winding up and the shot isn't there aside from corralling the puck and moving it back up to Fox.

I don't see how it would be a bad thing for Zibanejad to occasionally work in a fake shot - pass to the bumper player for a one timer. Seems like the type of play that would work very well considering everyone knows the Rangers are always trying to set up Zibanejad for the shot.

Strome is actually extremely good in that slot for the reasons you stated. He's really good at drawing coverage, knowing where to be, how to position his stick to help open lanes and such. He's very strong there, I just think that adding a LH player in his spot could help open up another option. The PP is obviously great so I'm not trying to crap on it or Strome on it or anything like that, just thinking that a LH player in that slot could potentially make it even better. Potentially being the key word.

 

[huerter]

I have to think about this and maybe even watch some video, but I can’t really see the issue right away.

Strome’s role is mainly as a relief option for the trio on the perimeter; ie Ziba-Fox-Panarin. If the forward takes away a lane so that Panarin can’t pass to Fox, Strome creates a triangle so that Panarin gets a lane to him and he get a lane to Fox. You can only really erase these options if you defend 3 on 3, and no PK will want 3 guys in that area of the ice.

For me his handiness is more relevant around the net. When you take the puck to the net from the right side, it’s better to have a guy in Strome’s role that is a RHS and the opposite form the left side. But we get many shots from Ziba, so not sure if that matters either.

I mean it's geometry 101. It also makes the tic-tac-toe pass from Kreider to the middle much more difficult.

 

[KingDeathMetal]

Tyler Johnson is washed, please stop saying his name, people.

I kind of want Strome gone, but if he's asking for like $4 mil and Copp wants $6, there's way more value in resigning Strome.

Vatrano can be gone, but we need to find a way to resign Motte. He replaces what we had in Fast, and his presence on the roster completely changed us. We were a different team with him in the lineup, in both regular season and playoffs.

I also think we need to give up a 2nd or 3rd rounder to make someone take Nemeth off our hands. It's worth the cap relief.

 

[bhamill]

alright, let's table the kakko dach thing.

would dach be a target if we could get it done with nils and something else? the something else would have to be a decent add, but would dach be a player this team would like to add?

Kirby Dach might be worth taking a flyer on, but I wouldn't add much to Nils.
Dach scored at pretty much the same rate his D+1 as his D+3, about .37 pts/gm. His D+2 was pretty much lost.
I haven't really watched him so don't know if the "flashes" were there. He's another big kid whose development has been hampered by COVID and injury it seems. Without really watching him, hard for me to make a call on the risk. But yeah, since we are going position of strength for position of need, I'd say to go for it.

 

[DanielBrassard]

The Rangers PP would not be as effective if they keep Panarin on the right wall and Zibanejad on the left without a RH shot in the bumper. If you are going to put Lafreniere/Kakko/whoever that is a LH shot then you are going to have to put them on the right wall and I guess Zibanejad back in the bumper with Panarin on the left wall.

 

[Boris Zubov]

Tyler Johnson is washed, please stop saying his name, people.

I kind of want Strome gone, but if he's asking for like $4 mil and Copp wants $6, there's way more value in resigning Strome.

Vatrano can be gone, but we need to find a way to resign Motte. He replaces what we had in Fast, and his presence on the roster completely changed us. We were a different team with him in the lineup, in both regular season and playoffs.

I also think we need to give up a 2nd or 3rd rounder to make someone take Nemeth off our hands. It's worth the cap relief.

The bigger picture with Strome even at $2M is not the cap savings or value, it's the fact that he'll be married to Panarin. Weren't the past 20 playoff games enough to show everyone by now that pair together isn't working in these type of games?

Panarin needs a giant wake up call as to the style of play needed to win the Cup. Regular season & power play points are one thing, but he couldn't generate anything 5v5 once the playoffs rolled around. He needs linemates that are committed to skating hard, forechecking & willing to go to the net to make plays. If Strome stays, all we'll see is more of the status quo & it's not good enough.

 

[DanielBrassard]

Tyler Johnson is washed, please stop saying his name, people.

I kind of want Strome gone, but if he's asking for like $4 mil and Copp wants $6, there's way more value in resigning Strome.

Vatrano can be gone, but we need to find a way to resign Motte. He replaces what we had in Fast, and his presence on the roster completely changed us. We were a different team with him in the lineup, in both regular season and playoffs.

I also think we need to give up a 2nd or 3rd rounder to make someone take Nemeth off our hands. It's worth the cap relief.

I like Motte but he's not a replacement for Fast. He wouldn't be able to fill the role Jesper did playing with Panarin-Strome or Kreider-Zibanejad and excelling nevermind just filling in. Just doesn't have that sort of skillset.

 

[DudMan28]

I don't really see the point in signing Strome. We'd have 4/6 of a top 6 locked up that, before this year, haven't really shown much of anything together. I get the unknown is scary, but it's time to let Chytil get a real shot at the 2C. If he can't make it happen, we still have the pieces to make a move and bring someone in

 

[Crease]

I don't really see the point in signing Strome. We'd have 4/6 of a top 6 locked up that, before this year, haven't really shown much of anything together. I get the unknown is scary, but it's time to let Chytil get a real shot at the 2C. If he can't make it happen, we still have the pieces to make a move and bring someone in

Panarin - Zibanejad - Kreider
Laf - Chytil - Kakko
Kravtsov - Copp - Blais
Motte - Goodrow - Hunt/Reaves

Miller - Fox
Lindgren - Schneider
Jones/Lundvist - Trouba

 

[Ola]

I mean it's geometry 101. It also makes the tic-tac-toe pass from Kreider to the middle much more difficult.

I don't get the "also" part, which other play is harder to execute? Its hardly harder for a Panarin to pass to a LHS to Fox than for Panarin to pass to a RHS in that area.

 

[DialUp]

I am not sure if I fully trust Drury yet, though the deadline he did well. My gut is telling me we might see something like this opening night, and I am nervous:
Strome - Strome - Strome
Strome - Strome - Strome
Strome - Strome - Strome
Strome- McKegg -Strome

Trouba - Trouba
Trouba - Trouba
Nemeth

Igor
Martin Jones

 

[NickyFotiu]

I agree. add a definitive talent at Center, and fill the wing with youth (Kravstov, Othermann, etc.)

I like what Motte brings, but he gets hurt a lot. Hunt has to raise his game, we can't have players like him and McKegg who serve no other purpose but to wear an Rangers jersey and skate. EVen Rooney was really unimpressive and practically anything...

I like that Vatrano has a great release and a shoot first mentality. I just wish the rest of his game was more complete. Maybe they commit to him and help him work on that?

Drury won't let us down. He won't ruin our weekends in July.

Vatrano is the one Id keep if contracts are okay but I wouldn't sign 4 mediocre guys. Id try to sign 1 great player instead of 4 mediocre players. We only have so many open spots. Krav? Oth? Jones? Cuylle? We can only dress so many guys.

 

[n8]

Halak, Greiss, Holtby? or KOskinen? then

Maybe. Koskinen signed in Europe somewhere.

 

[DanielBrassard]

I don't get the "also" part, which other play is harder to execute? Its hardly harder for a Panarin to pass to a LHS to Fox than for Panarin to pass to a RHS in that area.

He's talking about Panarin passing down low to Kreider at the side of the net and then to the bumper. With a LH shot in the bumper that play is much more difficult. Now the Rangers don't use that play as much as other teams, specifically the Bruins and Washington but it wouldnt really be an option with a LH shot there.

 

[nyrage]

I had to step away for a few days (oh the pain of getting eliminated )to do a postmortem.

I think it was very important to get this playoff experience for not just the kids, but the vet, too. Not to mention for the organization and fans after a few rough years of the rebuild. I have no problem giving up that first round pick. This experience was invaluable if they learn from it.

Mika - I thought he had a rough start against Crosby, but proved to be a top line center in the playoffs.

CK - He had some key goals, but at the same time, he could be a bigger presence in the game. Finds himself puck-watching at times. Maybe it's a lapse of focus at times. Overall a solid player in the playoffs, but leaves you wanting for more.

Vatrano - The guy can shoot and is fast. Terrible along the boards though. Hurt us defensively in our own zone. He was a great addition, but not someone that you want on the top line, nor can we afford him going forwards. Thanks for your contribution Frank the Tank.

Panarin - Ugh. Great goal against Pitt, but he played a terrible perimeter game throughout the playoffs. Our most disappointing player imo. Defensively a disaster in his zone except for maybe the last game where he seemed to skate harder in the zone. Turnover-machine in the offensive zone. He was probably the most alarming player going-forward. As great as he was in the regular season, let's hope this playoff performance was an aberration more than something to expect going forward because with his contract, he's going nowhere.

Strome - His offensive contributions were minimal. He is terrible defensively especially when combined on Panarin's line. The two of them don't show any compete level defensively and their line was often hemmed in their zone. He needs to be gone. I don't want him re-signed at all because it's going to be very hard to win with such a defensively deficient second line.

Copp - I'm not sure why he wasn't used enough at center. I personally think he is a big upgrade over Strome, but I'm not sure he is someone we want as our second line center either. We can't afford him financially on the wing or in any other role other than center. Signing him would hurt our cap in 2024. I'm leaning towards door #3. Either bite bullet with Chytil who really isn't a second line center either, but roll with it for the cap savings looking towards 2024. Or try to trade for a two-way cost controlled young center (harder to do than to say).

Chytil - Great to see him step up in the playoffs. Physically he has the skills. Imo, he doesn't have the vision or hockey IQ to be a great center, but you had to like his game as our third line center these playoffs probably because he outperformed expectations.

Laf - Omg, what a relief to see him step up his game in the playoffs. His compete level was through the roof and his physical game was top notch. I think he will take another step up and is probably a future captain. I loveddddd his game in the playoffs. Needs to replace Strome on the pp next season.

KK - This is a tough one. Great along the boards and defensively responsible. Would often back-check, too. So disappointing offensively though. He has very good vision as a passer. Not too impressed with his shot and maybe neither is he since he seems to lack confidence. Still, he's very young and still has time to develop his offense, but his ceiling is lowering by the say. It would be nice if he worked on his skating.

Motte - Great skater and penalty killer. Willing checker. Not much offense. Perfect fourth-liner. Would love to have him back if the price was right.

Goodrow - Good player, but I don't think he is worth his contract. It is what it is.

Reaves - He can play in small doses. Anything more and he gets exposed because he is too slow. Someone tell Gallant. Sure, no one wants to fight him, but bfd. He doesn't deter anything. As a former hockey enforcer myself, I will be the first one to say that he may win his few fights, but it doesn't do a damn thing to stop anyone else from doing something on the ice. He has his value in the locker room and in occasional physical games. He shouldn't be playing a regular role in the playoffs.

Rooney - GTFO. He was ok on a rebuilding team as a somewhat hard-nosed 4th line center, but he should have no role on a playoff team.

Fox - He didn't look the same since his injury. He had some incredible moments in the playoffs, but also some bad ones. Overall, a great player that we are lucky to have.

KAM - What a young f******* beast in the making. He doesn't have a ton of experience at the position, but he's already really good. His ceiling is through the roof. We are starting to see some physicality come through at times. He is only going to get better. Probably way better.

Lindgren - Another beast. What a warrior. Sometimes he loses his positioning out there, but he's our heart and soul on defense. Let's hope he physically doesn't break down. He deserves a Purple Heart medal.

Trouba - Ugh. tough one. He giveth and he taketh. Moments of glory mixed in with moments of blunders. Overall, a huge physical presence that this defense desperately needs. For the most part, a very good playoff performance sans a few games.

Schneider - He's hard to grade because he is so young. He gets lost at times, but he has great moments, too. He's got potential, but we will need him to be me more physical as he matures. He was put in a really tough spot this year. Could have used more seasoning, but got a trial by fire.

Braun - A good cheap addition. A bit slow out there, but definitely an upgrade over terrible Nemeth. Braun won't be back unless it's a cheap 6th-7th man vet role.

Shesty- What a beast. We've been spoiled in net. Had a few shaky moments here and there, but mostly a 99% of the time he is a wall. Seemed to get rattled a couple of times (e.g Pitt series). His health will always be his biggest concern.

Geo - bye buddy

Gallant - it seems like the players love to play for him. Great regular season. Seems to have a steady presence and fights for his guys when needed. Far from perfect though. His reliance on his guys like Reaves is highly questionable. Lack of in-game matching and strategy is a weakness. Benching KK was unforgivable especially considering the lack in communication about the benching.

Drury - The Buch trade was so disappointing because of the return although we can see why he had to do it (wouldn't re-sign Buch as second line center is our priority). The Nemeth deal was awful, but the trade deadline deals were a HR. I think he calmed down the fan panic after his first 2 moves. Now his job gets harder navigating the next 2 years of the cap while trying to not only get back to the Finals, but to also try to make the team better.

 

[bleedblue94]

Kirby Dach might be worth taking a flyer on, but I wouldn't add much to Nils.
Dach scored at pretty much the same rate his D+1 as his D+3, about .37 pts/gm. His D+2 was pretty much lost.
I haven't really watched him so don't know if the "flashes" were there. He's another big kid whose development has been hampered by COVID and injury it seems. Without really watching him, hard for me to make a call on the risk. But yeah, since we are going position of strength for position of need, I'd say to go for it.

I just dont know if he has a position here if you have zib, chytil, and copp/other 2c. He is a kid worth a flyer of sorts though and I just dont see a future here for nils.

 

[NikC]

I had to step away for a few days (oh the pain of getting eliminated )to do a postmortem.

I think it was very important to get this playoff experience for not just the kids, but the vet, too. Not to mention for the organization and fans after a few rough years of the rebuild. I have no problem giving up that first round pick. This experience was invaluable if they learn from it.

Mika - I thought he had a rough start against Crosby, but proved to be a top line center in the playoffs.

CK - He had some key goals, but at the same time, he could be a bigger presence in the game. Finds himself puck-watching at times. Maybe it's a lapse of focus at times. Overall a solid player in the playoffs, but leaves you wanting for more.

Vatrano - The guy can shoot and is fast. Terrible along the boards though. Hurt us defensively in our own zone. He was a great addition, but not someone that you want on the top line, nor can we afford him going forwards. Thanks for your contribution Frank the Tank.

Panarin - Ugh. Great goal against Pitt, but he played a terrible perimeter game throughout the playoffs. Our most disappointing player imo. Defensively a disaster in his zone except for maybe the last game where he seemed to skate harder in the zone. Turnover-machine in the offensive zone. He was probably the most alarming player going-forward. As great as he was in the regular season, let's hope this playoff performance was an aberration more than something to expect going forward because with his contract, he's going nowhere.

Strome - His offensive contributions were minimal. He is terrible defensively especially when combined on Panarin's line. The two of them don't show any compete level defensively and their line was often hemmed in their zone. He needs to be gone. I don't want him re-signed at all because it's going to be very hard to win with such a defensively deficient second line.

Copp - I'm not sure why he wasn't used enough at center. I personally think he is a big upgrade over Strome, but I'm not sure he is someone we want as our second line center either. We can't afford him financially on the wing or in any other role other than center. Signing him would hurt our cap in 2024. I'm leaning towards door #3. Either bite bullet with Chytil who really isn't a second line center either, but roll with it for the cap savings looking towards 2024. Or try to trade for a two-way cost controlled young center (harder to do than to say).

Chytil - Great to see him step up in the playoffs. Physically he has the skills. Imo, he doesn't have the vision or hockey IQ to be a great center, but you had to like his game as our third line center these playoffs probably because he outperformed expectations.

Laf - Omg, what a relief to see him step up his game in the playoffs. His compete level was through the roof and his physical game was top notch. I think he will take another step up and is probably a future captain. I loveddddd his game in the playoffs. Needs to replace Strome on the pp next season.

KK - This is a tough one. Great along the boards and defensively responsible. Would often back-check, too. So disappointing offensively though. He has very good vision as a passer. Not too impressed with his shot and maybe neither is he since he seems to lack confidence. Still, he's very young and still has time to develop his offense, but his ceiling is lowering by the say. It would be nice if he worked on his skating.

Motte - Great skater and penalty killer. Willing checker. Not much offense. Perfect fourth-liner. Would love to have him back if the price was right.

Goodrow - Good player, but I don't think he is worth his contract. It is what it is.

Reaves - He can play in small doses. Anything more and he gets exposed because he is too slow. Someone tell Gallant. Sure, no one wants to fight him, but bfd. He doesn't deter anything. As a former hockey enforcer myself, I will be the first one to say that he may win his few fights, but it doesn't do a damn thing to stop anyone else from doing something on the ice. He has his value in the locker room and in occasional physical games. He shouldn't be playing a regular role in the playoffs.

Rooney - GTFO. He was ok on a rebuilding team as a somewhat hard-nosed 4th line center, but he should have no role on a playoff team.

Fox - He didn't look the same since his injury. He had some incredible moments in the playoffs, but also some bad ones. Overall, a great player that we are lucky to have.

KAM - What a young f******* beast in the making. He doesn't have a ton of experience at the position, but he's already really good. His ceiling is through the roof. We are starting to see some physicality come through at times. He is only going to get better. Probably way better.

Lindgren - Another beast. What a warrior. Sometimes he loses his positioning out there, but he's our heart and soul on defense. Let's hope he physically doesn't break down. He deserves a Purple Heart medal.

Trouba - Ugh. tough one. He giveth and he taketh. Moments of glory mixed in with moments of blunders. Overall, a huge physical presence that this defense desperately needs. For the most part, a very good playoff performance sans a few games.

Schneider - He's hard to grade because he is so young. He gets lost at times, but he has great moments, too. He's got potential, but we will need him to be me more physical as he matures. He was put in a really tough spot this year. Could have used more seasoning, but got a trial by fire.

Braun - A good cheap addition. A bit slow out there, but definitely an upgrade over terrible Nemeth. Braun won't be back unless it's a cheap 6th-7th man vet role.

Shesty- What a beast. We've been spoiled in net. Had a few shaky moments here and there, but mostly a 99% of the time he is a wall. Seemed to get rattled a couple of times (e.g Pitt series). His health will always be his biggest concern.

Geo - bye buddy

Gallant - it seems like the players love to play for him. Great regular season. Seems to have a steady presence and fights for his guys when needed. Far from perfect though. His reliance on his guys like Reaves is highly questionable. Lack of in-game matching and strategy is a weakness. Benching KK was unforgivable especially considering the lack in communication about the benching.

Drury - The Buch trade was so disappointing because of the return although we can see why he had to do it (wouldn't re-sign Buch as second line center is our priority). The Nemeth deal was awful, but the trade deadline deals were a HR. I think he calmed down the fan panic after his first 2 moves. Now his job gets harder navigating the next 2 years of the cap while trying to not only get back to the Finals, but to also try to make the team better.

excellent analysis! couldn't agree with you more.

 

[HatTrick Swayze]

I had to step away for a few days (oh the pain of getting eliminated )to do a postmortem.

I think it was very important to get this playoff experience for not just the kids, but the vet, too. Not to mention for the organization and fans after a few rough years of the rebuild. I have no problem giving up that first round pick. This experience was invaluable if they learn from it.

Mika - I thought he had a rough start against Crosby, but proved to be a top line center in the playoffs.

CK - He had some key goals, but at the same time, he could be a bigger presence in the game. Finds himself puck-watching at times. Maybe it's a lapse of focus at times. Overall a solid player in the playoffs, but leaves you wanting for more.

Vatrano - The guy can shoot and is fast. Terrible along the boards though. Hurt us defensively in our own zone. He was a great addition, but not someone that you want on the top line, nor can we afford him going forwards. Thanks for your contribution Frank the Tank.

Panarin - Ugh. Great goal against Pitt, but he played a terrible perimeter game throughout the playoffs. Our most disappointing player imo. Defensively a disaster in his zone except for maybe the last game where he seemed to skate harder in the zone. Turnover-machine in the offensive zone. He was probably the most alarming player going-forward. As great as he was in the regular season, let's hope this playoff performance was an aberration more than something to expect going forward because with his contract, he's going nowhere.

Strome - His offensive contributions were minimal. He is terrible defensively especially when combined on Panarin's line. The two of them don't show any compete level defensively and their line was often hemmed in their zone. He needs to be gone. I don't want him re-signed at all because it's going to be very hard to win with such a defensively deficient second line.

Copp - I'm not sure why he wasn't used enough at center. I personally think he is a big upgrade over Strome, but I'm not sure he is someone we want as our second line center either. We can't afford him financially on the wing or in any other role other than center. Signing him would hurt our cap in 2024. I'm leaning towards door #3. Either bite bullet with Chytil who really isn't a second line center either, but roll with it for the cap savings looking towards 2024. Or try to trade for a two-way cost controlled young center (harder to do than to say).

Chytil - Great to see him step up in the playoffs. Physically he has the skills. Imo, he doesn't have the vision or hockey IQ to be a great center, but you had to like his game as our third line center these playoffs probably because he outperformed expectations.

Laf - Omg, what a relief to see him step up his game in the playoffs. His compete level was through the roof and his physical game was top notch. I think he will take another step up and is probably a future captain. I loveddddd his game in the playoffs. Needs to replace Strome on the pp next season.

KK - This is a tough one. Great along the boards and defensively responsible. Would often back-check, too. So disappointing offensively though. He has very good vision as a passer. Not too impressed with his shot and maybe neither is he since he seems to lack confidence. Still, he's very young and still has time to develop his offense, but his ceiling is lowering by the say. It would be nice if he worked on his skating.

Motte - Great skater and penalty killer. Willing checker. Not much offense. Perfect fourth-liner. Would love to have him back if the price was right.

Goodrow - Good player, but I don't think he is worth his contract. It is what it is.

Reaves - He can play in small doses. Anything more and he gets exposed because he is too slow. Someone tell Gallant. Sure, no one wants to fight him, but bfd. He doesn't deter anything. As a former hockey enforcer myself, I will be the first one to say that he may win his few fights, but it doesn't do a damn thing to stop anyone else from doing something on the ice. He has his value in the locker room and in occasional physical games. He shouldn't be playing a regular role in the playoffs.

Rooney - GTFO. He was ok on a rebuilding team as a somewhat hard-nosed 4th line center, but he should have no role on a playoff team.

Fox - He didn't look the same since his injury. He had some incredible moments in the playoffs, but also some bad ones. Overall, a great player that we are lucky to have.

KAM - What a young f******* beast in the making. He doesn't have a ton of experience at the position, but he's already really good. His ceiling is through the roof. We are starting to see some physicality come through at times. He is only going to get better. Probably way better.

Lindgren - Another beast. What a warrior. Sometimes he loses his positioning out there, but he's our heart and soul on defense. Let's hope he physically doesn't break down. He deserves a Purple Heart medal.

Trouba - Ugh. tough one. He giveth and he taketh. Moments of glory mixed in with moments of blunders. Overall, a huge physical presence that this defense desperately needs. For the most part, a very good playoff performance sans a few games.

Schneider - He's hard to grade because he is so young. He gets lost at times, but he has great moments, too. He's got potential, but we will need him to be me more physical as he matures. He was put in a really tough spot this year. Could have used more seasoning, but got a trial by fire.

Braun - A good cheap addition. A bit slow out there, but definitely an upgrade over terrible Nemeth. Braun won't be back unless it's a cheap 6th-7th man vet role.

Shesty- What a beast. We've been spoiled in net. Had a few shaky moments here and there, but mostly a 99% of the time he is a wall. Seemed to get rattled a couple of times (e.g Pitt series). His health will always be his biggest concern.

Geo - bye buddy

Gallant - it seems like the players love to play for him. Great regular season. Seems to have a steady presence and fights for his guys when needed. Far from perfect though. His reliance on his guys like Reaves is highly questionable. Lack of in-game matching and strategy is a weakness. Benching KK was unforgivable especially considering the lack in communication about the benching.

Drury - The Buch trade was so disappointing because of the return although we can see why he had to do it (wouldn't re-sign Buch as second line center is our priority). The Nemeth deal was awful, but the trade deadline deals were a HR. I think he calmed down the fan panic after his first 2 moves. Now his job gets harder navigating the next 2 years of the cap while trying to not only get back to the Finals, but to also try to make the team better.

Great, reasonable post. Agree with almost every word. Maybe a little higher on Fox's performance.

 

[huerter]

I don't get the "also" part, which other play is harder to execute? Its hardly harder for a Panarin to pass to a LHS to Fox than for Panarin to pass to a RHS in that area.

1. RH shot is in the Strome spot. Panarin can make this simple pass and a RH shot is able to accept this pass on their forehand and wrist a shot. Or the middle man can receive the pass, be a threat to shoot and cause the defense to react, and bump it right back to Panarin.

2. Panarin goes down low to Kreider, at the side of the net. Kreider has an easier lane to one or two touch it to a RH shot in the middle of the ice. Granted, the Rangers don't attempt this play as much as a lot of other teams (Islanders, for one) because we have better first, second, and third options.

 

[Lays]

I agree. add a definitive talent at Center, and fill the wing with youth (Kravstov, Othermann, etc.)

I like what Motte brings, but he gets hurt a lot. Hunt has to raise his game, we can't have players like him and McKegg who serve no other purpose but to wear an Rangers jersey and skate. EVen Rooney was really unimpressive and practically anything...

I like that Vatrano has a great release and a shoot first mentality. I just wish the rest of his game was more complete. Maybe they commit to him and help him work on that?

Drury won't let us down. He won't ruin our weekends in July.

Vatrano has a very complete game. I don’t know what this narrative I keep hearing is. Hustles his ass off, has a great stick, and throws the body. He’s just a small sniper so people immediately assume he isn’t good defensively. Anyone remember his back check to break up a 2 on 0 against Tampa?

 

[B17 Apricots]

Vatrano has a very complete game. I don’t know what this narrative I keep hearing is. Hustles his ass off, has a great stick, and throws the body. He’s just a small sniper so people immediately assume he isn’t good defensively. Anyone remember his back check to break up a 2 on 0 against Tampa?

100%. Vatrano is not a one dimensional player, a full season he's good for ~100 hits. When people talk about playoff hockey, and being responsible, hard to play against.. Vatrano checks those boxes. That narrative needs to go

 

[Vitto79]

The young G Buffalo goalie may be a Raanta type of pick up . I assume Buffalo trades or signs a G