Speculation: Roster Building Thread XXXIX

[Rangers in 7]

Your periodic reminder that even well-scouted 1st round draft picks still end up being Anderssons, Brendls, Montoyas, Sanguinettis, McIlraths, Jessimans… we know who Kapanen is, and have a pretty good idea what he could be.

im just messing with you but here is your reminder that well-scouted last first round picks still end up being kuznetsov, tarasenko, Carlson, Giroux, Perry

 

[Oscar Lindberg]

Kapanen is a fine support player but he benefits from playing with superstars and he's more likely than not going to price himself out of being here in two years.

I'd also rather move that 1st for a bigger position of need like LD or center

 

[Rangers in 7]

Your periodic reminder that even well-scouted 1st round draft picks still end up being Anderssons, Brendls, Montoyas, Sanguinettis, McIlraths, Jessimans… we know who Kapanen is, and have a pretty good idea what he could be.

also just want to point out that im losing my mind here on quarantine day 30 and looking for someone to banter with lol

 

[Trxjw]

I have sort of a hard time seeing the Rangers flipping either of their 1st's for a young winger. I could see another Trouba-like deal to improve the left side of the blue line, but I think there are enough kids competing for top-9 winger spots that they'll probably let that work itself out internally.

Yes, the Rangers have a good pool of prospects at LD, but there's only one with a remotely reasonable possibility of playing top-4 NHL minutes next year and that's Hajek. Even then he's a long shot for that kind of responsibility. So I could see a responsible LD with maybe 1 or 2 years left on a reasonable contract coming into the fold. Someone in their late 20's who can hold down that spot next to Trouba until someone pushes him out.

 

[NYR Viper]

I have sort of a hard time seeing the Rangers flipping either of their 1st's for a young winger. I could see another Trouba-like deal to improve the left side of the blue line, but I think there are enough kids competing for top-9 winger spots that they'll probably let that work itself out internally.

Yes, the Rangers have a good pool of prospects at LD, but there's only one with a remotely reasonable possibility of playing top-4 NHL minutes next year and that's Hajek. Even then he's a long shot for that kind of responsibility. So I could see a responsible LD with maybe 1 or 2 years left on a reasonable contract coming into the fold. Someone in their late 20's who can hold down that spot next to Trouba until someone pushes him out.

The only way it makes sense is if they use their glut of wingers to shore up another spot.

Maybe Buch + Howden go in a deal for a LD and then they acquire someone like Kapanen to help off-set some of that scoring.

 

[Irishguy42]

A lot of talk about Kapanen benefiting from playing with superstars.

Let's set the record straight (graphics pulled from HockeyViz):

2017-2018 - Most common linemates 5v5 were Komarov, Moore, Plekanec, Johnsson

2018-2019 - Most common linemates 5v5 were Marleau, Kadri, Matthews, Johnsson

2019-2020 - Most common linemates 5v5 were Kerfoot, Spezza, Engvall and then a mixed bag of Marner/Tavares/Matthews/Nylander/Johnsson

Just looking at his raw 5v5 point production over the spans of playing with superstars vs not, it's relatively consistent.

For example, if you look at last season, his raw 5v5 production during those stints where his common linemates were Marner/Tavares, Tavares/Hyman, and Matthews/Nylander, he only had 3-5-8 compared to his season 5v5 total of 13-23-36.

I think the notion Kapanen is propped up by superstars is kinda laughable tbh

 

[Avery16]

The only way it makes sense is if they use their glut of wingers to shore up another spot.

Maybe Buch + Howden go in a deal for a LD and then they acquire someone like Kapanen to help off-set some of that scoring.

Given that both ADA and Lundkvist are capable of playing LD, I dont see that as a hole. We badly need more quality F depth.

 

[Avery16]

Not to mention- if we were to acquire Kapanen, he'd likely play with either Panarin or with Zibanejad. I think he'll be ok. Not to dig at Fast, but Kapanen could likely do more up there.

 

[Irishguy42]

As for the potential of Kapanen being traded...I don't see why TOR would move him. He has two years remaining on his contract (will be RFA at end), very reasonably priced, and pretty much produces wherever he's been slotted in the lineup.

I think it would be a tough bid to get him.

 

[Avery16]

As for the potential of Kapanen being traded...I don't see why TOR would move him. He has two years remaining on his contract (will be RFA at end), very reasonably priced, and pretty much produces wherever he's been slotted in the lineup.

I think it would be a tough bid to get him.

The only reason they would even think about it is for the cap relief.

 

[Lindberg Cheese]

A lot of talk about Kapanen benefiting from playing with superstars.

Let's set the record straight (graphics pulled from HockeyViz):

2017-2018 - Most common linemates 5v5 were Komarov, Moore, Plekanec, Johnsson

2018-2019 - Most common linemates 5v5 were Marleau, Kadri, Matthews, Johnsson

2019-2020 - Most common linemates 5v5 were Kerfoot, Spezza, Engvall and then a mixed bag of Marner/Tavares/Matthews/Nylander/Johnsson

Just looking at his raw 5v5 point production over the spans of playing with superstars vs not, it's relatively consistent.

For example, if you look at last season, his raw 5v5 production during those stints where his common linemates were Marner/Tavares, Tavares/Hyman, and Matthews/Nylander, he only had 3-5-8 compared to his season 5v5 total of 13-23-36.

I think the notion Kapanen is propped up by superstars is kinda laughable tbh

My graph shows a bit different

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

Given that both ADA and Lundkvist are capable of playing LD, I dont see that as a hole. We badly need more quality F depth.

This is not true. He never played LD. He sometimes lines up on the left side of the circle on the PP but that's about it

 

[Avery16]

This is not true. He never played LD. He sometimes lines up on the left side of the circle on the PP but that's about it

Is it true then that he said he was comfortable with trying LD? Even if Lundkvist is not, ADA is and Miller is close enough that I do not think it would be smart asset management to prioritize acquiring a LD over improving our F depth.

 

[Kocur Dill]

Deep thoughts: By White Death 24

"I wonder if Strome ever held it over Zibanejad's head in locker room teasing that he was drafted one spot ahead of him?"

 

[aufheben]

Another guy on the Leafs to target who wouldn’t be expensive is Travis Dermott, LD. I’d love to acquire him and Kapanen in the same trade.

You know who the Leafs could REALLY use if they were able to make the cap work? Jacob Trouba. Rielly only has 2 years left, Ceci and Barrie are UFAs. That team notoriously lacks exactly what Trouba provides.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

Is it true then that he said he was comfortable with trying LD? Even if Lundkvist is not, ADA is and Miller is close enough that I do not think it would be smart asset management to prioritize acquiring a LD over improving our F depth.

"Hard question but it feels like the Rangers have a lot of really good defenseman and I will try my best to make the team. If that's on the right side or the left, I will try to do my best. I'm more comfortable playing on the right side because I've done that my whole career. I played some shifts on the left side. If that's my chance to get on the team I will try to do that."

That is what he said in the interview last week. Word for word. ADA actually played LD before, so that's the more logical option, but who knows. Assuming Lundkvist is capable to play LD in the NHL because he lines up on the left a few times on the PP, just doesn't make sense to me

 

[Avery16]

"Hard question but it feels like the Rangers have a lot of really good defenseman and I will try my best to make the team. If that's on the right side or the left, I will try to do my best. I'm more comfortable playing on the right side because I've done that my whole career. I played some shifts on the left side. If that's my chance to get on the team I will try to do that."

That is what he said in the interview last week. Word for word. ADA actually played LD before, so that's the more logical option, but who knows. Assuming Lundkvist is capable to play LD in the NHL because he lines up on the left a few times on the PP, just doesn't make sense to me

OK, sharpshooter. What about the actual point though?

 

[True Blue]

of course he is willing...if you asked the kid if he'd be open to selling hot dogs if it meant making the nhl roster he'd probably say yes. whether or not he can play there at the nhl level is another question

Yeah, saying you are willing to do it and then doing it at a high level are two different things.

 

[Avery16]

I just dont see why you dont slot

ADA/Trouba
Lindgren/Fox
Miller/Lundkvist

within the next season or so, with Hajek and Rykov as spares, and dont say "hmm, ok. I guess I should turn to more pressing issues like Strome and Fast in my top-six".

 

[True Blue]

I have sort of a hard time seeing the Rangers flipping either of their 1st's for a young winger. I could see another Trouba-like deal to improve the left side of the blue line, but I think there are enough kids competing for top-9 winger spots that they'll probably let that work itself out internally.

Yes, the Rangers have a good pool of prospects at LD, but there's only one with a remotely reasonable possibility of playing top-4 NHL minutes next year and that's Hajek. Even then he's a long shot for that kind of responsibility. So I could see a responsible LD with maybe 1 or 2 years left on a reasonable contract coming into the fold. Someone in their late 20's who can hold down that spot next to Trouba until someone pushes him out.

Agreed, This year's offseason priority would be to find the kind of player you are describing to play with Trouba. Someone like a Dillon.

I think that Gorton will not be out there shopping either of the 1st rounders.

 

[effen]

I just dont see why you dont slot

ADA/Trouba
Lindgren/Fox
Miller/Lundkvist

within the next season or so, with Hajek and Rykov as spares, and dont say "hmm, ok. I guess I should turn to more pressing issues like Strome and Fast in my top-six".

Because that's a crazy young defense with no injury depth and Fox is the exception for young D, not the rule. At no point has the org thrown it's kids to the wolves.

 

[True Blue]

Is it true then that he said he was comfortable with trying LD? Even if Lundkvist is not, ADA is and Miller is close enough that I do not think it would be smart asset management to prioritize acquiring a LD over improving our F depth.

Lundqvist saying it is not the same thing as him being comfortable playing it. He has never done it. And asking him to switch now may mess with his progress.

DeAngelo played LD in juniors. Last year, he played it in small sample sizes and in very specific situations. Translating that to a plan for a season could be disastrous. He has enough defensive issues without defending on his off-side.

Miller is nowhere near close. At a minimum., he is several years away.

 

[Avery16]

Because that's a crazy young defense with no injury depth and Fox is the exception for young D, not the rule. At no point has the org thrown it's kids to the wolves.

That won't be an opening lineup, but I think its very possible that both Lundkvist and Miller get looks next season. That seems more of a stopgap situation, and not a very pressing one. There's also the very inconvenient reality that Smith and Staal are still likely to be here and in the lineup next season. All being said, F depth should be our priority acquisition, not LD.

 

[Avery16]

Lundqvist saying it is not the same thing as him being comfortable playing it. He has never done it. And asking him to switch now may mess with his progress.

DeAngelo played LD in juniors. Last year, he played it in small sample sizes and in very specific situations. Translating that to a plan for a season could be disastrous. He has enough defensive issues without defending on his off-side.

Miller is nowhere near close. At a minimum., he is several years away.

This season we had Skjei. I think its an open question whether Quinn looks at ADA in his place. Supposed defensive lapses should be handled by our 8 million dollar man. However 'disastrous' slotting ADA at LD could be, it would be certainly less so than Smith in the top 4, which we go by on ok, and more ideal than ADA getting third-pairing 5on5 minutes.

I do not believe Miller is several seasons away, but I guess we'll both see soon enough.

 

[RangersFan1994]

Rangers should target Tkachuk or Domi types not another finesse player. Leafs won't go far because they have no balance of finesse and players that make the team harder to play against. You need a balance finesse and gritty and good along the boards, especially to compete in the playoffs. What was the last playoff team that won on pure finesse skill???