Speculation: Trade / Roster Speculation Thread XXXIII: Clever Title Pending

[Thirty One]

Those guys are all natural right wings.

The team has enough fire-power on offense, unfortunately the 3 major weapons all play the same position. Thats why I challenge the notion of the forwards being "well-balanced"

The names are there, but its still sort of a jig-saw puzzle.

I think that's overplayed. A lot of Gaborik's struggles in '12-13 were blamed on him playing the left side, but he's thriving there now.

 

[BarbaraAlphanse]

Lots of assumptions, most of which inflate actuals.

I think both Bergeron and Krejci are better than Stepan, and certainly so in the playoffs.

While C is a concern, I think its less of a concern than the lack of a pure PMD on the backline and the abysmal LW depth. You say Krejci is a by product of his linemates - maybe so - but all that shows is that the Bruin forward depth is more impressive than the Rangers.

I think balance is more important than anything in this sport.

Not every team will have insane talent at every position. But what I like about this year's team, and the way the team projects into the future, is the depth and balance it promises.

 

[Bleed Ranger Blue]

I think that's overplayed. A lot of Gaborik's struggles in '12-13 were blamed on him playing the left side, but he's thriving there now.

Overplayed? Perhaps. Is it a factor? Yea, I think so. Im encouraged to a degree because I think Zuccarello and (eventually) MSL can make the players around them better, mitigating the issues at C and LW.

What concerns me more is that while there may be depth in the top 9, I dont think theres much versatility. If the Flyers clog up the neutral zone, is the team versatile enough to play a dump and chase game that might be warranted? Im not so sure. I think a lot of the players in the top 9 give the opposition the same look.

 

[Ian]

Overplayed? Perhaps. Is it a factor? Yea, I think so. Im encouraged to a degree because I think Zuccarello and (eventually) MSL can make the players around them better, mitigating the issues at C and LW.

What concerns me more is that while there may be depth in the top 9, I dont think theres much versatility. If the Flyers clog up the neutral zone, is the team versatile enough to play a dump and chase game that might be warranted? Im not so sure. I think a lot of the players in the top 9 give the opposition the same look.

I agree 100%, which is why I think it's imperative they try to find a 3rd line center for next season that would allow that line to play a very N/S - dump and chase style.

A hypothetical line of Hagelin - X - Kreider would provide a ton of speed, but would need that 2nd element of snarl to do just that.

Is Miller that guy? Can they acquire C. Wilson and put Miller in Hagelin's spot? Do you roll the dice and overpay to get Kane? Could be a PWF nightmare line with him and Kreider. I hate to say it, but E Staal projects to be great on that line.

Nash/Stepan/MSL - counter attack skill
Poo/Brassard/MZA - cycle/behind the net style

If that 3rd line could provide a bit of that dump and chase style, I think that'd be an outstanding blend of skills that could take advantage of whatever other teams threw at them.

 

[NYR Viper]

I think Kreider and Hagelin are looked at as guys who can break "trap" and play a dump and chase game. Hopefully whoever they get to replace Richards will be a bit multi-faceted in his ability to play multiple ways as well.

 

[Trxjw]

The Rangers simply don't have the resources to target another established talent at any position unless they're willing to try and upgrade a player by moving him and a prospect. I.e., move Stepan and a guy like McIlrath for a better center. All that does is create a bigger gap between your best at the position and your 2nd best. That's not balance, it's stacking the top of the order.

What the team ought to be doing is trying to buy low. All successful teams have that player that takes a big step forward in order to become an important piece. Colin Wilson was mentioned, who is an interesting example. Alex Burmistrov is another. Both could be options to find that diamond in the rough. Adam Clendening is a very good puck mover who should be ready to crack an NHL lineup next fall. He's had a very steep development curve thus far. Puck rusher who can run a PP. Right handed. The Rangers could do a swap of less-established players to get the guys they want.

AV gives everyone a second chance after he throws them to the media. Some players respond and respond well, while others do not. If JT Miller can't bounce back, I don't see a future for him here. If that's the case, the Rangers should move him for a piece they can use.

 

[Matt4776]

I think Kreider and Hagelin are looked at as guys who can break "trap" and play a dump and chase game. Hopefully whoever they get to replace Richards will be a bit multi-faceted in his ability to play multiple ways as well.

I agree. I don't get the trade Hagelin camp. I think a Hagelin-xx-Kreider line would be phenomenal if we could get a fast, gritty, and tough center in between them. Whether that's going to come from within (Miller?) or not is another question.

 

[NYR Viper]

The Rangers simply don't have the resources to target another established talent at any position unless they're willing to try and upgrade a player by moving him and a prospect. I.e., move Stepan and a guy like McIlrath for a better center. All that does is create a bigger gap between your best at the position and your 2nd best. That's not balance, it's stacking the top of the order.

What the team ought to be doing is trying to buy low. All successful teams have that player that takes a big step forward in order to become an important piece. Colin Wilson was mentioned, who is an interesting example. Alex Burmistrov is another. Both could be options to find that diamond in the rough. Adam Clendening is a very good puck mover who should be ready to crack an NHL lineup next fall. He's had a very steep development curve thus far. Puck rusher who can run a PP. Right handed. The Rangers could do a swap of less-established players to get the guys they want.

AV gives everyone a second chance after he throws them to the media. Some players respond and respond well, while others do not. If JT Miller can't bounce back, I don't see a future for him here. If that's the case, the Rangers should move him for a piece they can use.

I agree with trying to find a young player who can break out.

 

[Bleed Ranger Blue]

I agree. I don't get the trade Hagelin camp. I think a Hagelin-xx-Kreider line would be phenomenal if we could get a fast, gritty, and tough center in between them. Whether that's going to come from within (Miller?) or not is another question.

Hagelin and Kreider are both LW's.

But who cares? The GM certainly doesn't.

 

[Bluenote13]

The Rangers simply don't have the resources to target another established talent at any position unless they're willing to try and upgrade a player by moving him and a prospect. I.e., move Stepan and a guy like McIlrath for a better center. All that does is create a bigger gap between your best at the position and your 2nd best. That's not balance, it's stacking the top of the order.

What the team ought to be doing is trying to buy low. All successful teams have that player that takes a big step forward in order to become an important piece. Colin Wilson was mentioned, who is an interesting example. Alex Burmistrov is another. Both could be options to find that diamond in the rough. Adam Clendening is a very good puck mover who should be ready to crack an NHL lineup next fall. He's had a very steep development curve thus far. Puck rusher who can run a PP. Right handed. The Rangers could do a swap of less-established players to get the guys they want.

AV gives everyone a second chance after he throws them to the media. Some players respond and respond well, while others do not. If JT Miller can't bounce back, I don't see a future for him here. If that's the case, the Rangers should move him for a piece they can use.

Good post, though you know this is exactly what I've been saying for years now right ?

Problem is they went out and got the expensive almost on the downside of their career vets first. Should have been the other way around.

 

[pld459666]

I see a similar situation with Yakupov developing in Edmonton as Seguin's last summer. Off ice/personality issues/Russian factor may make him available for the right price. Edmonton wants a top D in return. We blew our load acquiring Nash and MSL. We don't have any assets that Edmonton would want that we'd be ok giving up. That is of course unless they'll take Kevin Klein as a "top D return" for Nail.

Marc Staal would have to be moved in a deal for Yak.

Not sure what to think on this to be honest.

 

[Bleed Ranger Blue]

Marc Staal would have to be moved in a deal for Yak.

Not sure what to think on this to be honest.

That it'd be brutal for the Rangers

 

[Bluenote13]

That it'd be brutal for the Rangers

Agreed.

Yak is no Seguin, we'd be taking a very big gamble and we are not in position to take that bet.

 

[NYR Viper]

That it'd be brutal for the Rangers

Agreed.

Yak is no Seguin, we'd be taking a very big gamble and we are not in position to take that bet.

Why people are considering moving any of the big 3 is beyond me...

Moore? Klein? Fine. I think they have pieces either in the AHL or that they can grab in UFA to replace them if it helps fill another hole.

 

[pld459666]

The Rangers simply don't have the resources to target another established talent at any position unless they're willing to try and upgrade a player by moving him and a prospect. I.e., move Stepan and a guy like McIlrath for a better center. All that does is create a bigger gap between your best at the position and your 2nd best. That's not balance, it's stacking the top of the order.

What the team ought to be doing is trying to buy low. All successful teams have that player that takes a big step forward in order to become an important piece. Colin Wilson was mentioned, who is an interesting example. Alex Burmistrov is another. Both could be options to find that diamond in the rough. Adam Clendening is a very good puck mover who should be ready to crack an NHL lineup next fall. He's had a very steep development curve thus far. Puck rusher who can run a PP. Right handed. The Rangers could do a swap of less-established players to get the guys they want.

AV gives everyone a second chance after he throws them to the media. Some players respond and respond well, while others do not. If JT Miller can't bounce back, I don't see a future for him here. If that's the case, the Rangers should move him for a piece they can use.

Kid I like alot, and he may be a natural RW, but I like the frame and he's got soft hands.

Alex Chiasson from Dallas.

May not be available, but if he is, I would love to add him to teh Rangers

 

[Bleed Ranger Blue]

Why people are considering moving any of the big 3 is beyond me...

Moore? Klein? Fine. I think they have pieces either in the AHL or that they can grab in UFA to replace them if it helps fill another hole.

I think one of the best hopes for this team is if they can still sell McIlrath as a top 10 draft pick with a big ceiling.

If the Rangers can sell it, he could be used as part of a package for an upgrade, with minimal effect on the roster.

 

[Bluenote13]

Kid I like alot, and he may be a natural RW, but I like the frame and he's got soft hands.

Alex Chiasson from Dallas.

May not be available, but if he is, I would love to add him to teh Rangers

Yeah, another team I've been saying we need to deal with for the last few seasons.

They have surplus forwards, we could have surplus Dmen. Good trading partners.

I think one of the best hopes for this team is if they can still sell McIlrath as a top 10 draft pick with a big ceiling.

If the Rangers can sell it, he could be used as part of a package for an upgrade, with minimal effect on the roster.

That's been my hope for awhile now, but again, no dealing him for declining vets.

 

[pld459666]

That it'd be brutal for the Rangers

That may in fact be so.

But you are not getting a player like Yakupov who will not be 21 until next season starts for Kevin Klein and some minor league scrub like Kristo.

In order to get, you have to give.

Dallas got Seguin yes, but they gave up one of the best and most consistent LW'ers in Eriksson, they gave yo Reilly Smith (20goals and 51 pts this year) they also got Joe Morrow as well.

You want a 1st overall pick before they hit 21 years old? Then you are going to have to pay a proper price.

Any package that starts with Klein is NOT a proper price.

 

[NYR Viper]

I think one of the best hopes for this team is if they can still sell McIlrath as a top 10 draft pick with a big ceiling.

If the Rangers can sell it, he could be used as part of a package for an upgrade, with minimal effect on the roster.

I'm not sure who would have more value to other teams AND this team though. Moore, Klein, or McIlrath.

I think I may lean towards keeping McIlrath as he would provide something this team sorely needs and seems unable to develop.

If I was a team looking to build a core and compete in 2-3 years, John Moore would be extremely intriguing.

 

[NYR Viper]

That may in fact be so.

But you are not getting a player like Yakupov who will not be 21 until next season starts for Kevin Klein and some minor league scrub like Kristo.

In order to get, you have to give.

Dallas got Seguin yes, but they gave up one of the best and most consistent LW'ers in Eriksson, they gave yo Reilly Smith (20goals and 51 pts this year) they also got Joe Morrow as well.

You want a 1st overall pick before they hit 21 years old? Then you are going to have to pay a proper price.

Any package that starts with Klein is NOT a proper price.

And that's fine, but paying that price for ANOTHER RW is not a good idea. They need a center version of Yakupov. They need a Johansen. Not a Yakupov

 

[Bleed Ranger Blue]

I'm not sure who would have more value to other teams AND this team though. Moore, Klein, or McIlrath.

I think I may lean towards keeping McIlrath as he would provide something this team sorely needs and seems unable to develop.

If I was a team looking to build a core and compete in 2-3 years, John Moore would be extremely intriguing.

I think McIlrath will wind up being a sunken cost in due time, so it'd be best to pump up his value now before its too late.

I also think big tough defensemen are a dying breed in the NHL.

 

[pld459666]

And that's fine, but paying that price for ANOTHER RW is not a good idea. They need a center version of Yakupov. They need a Johansen. Not a Yakupov

Do not disagree with this at all.

Just stating fact.

If we are going after a kid that may not be gelling well in his current situation that has the potential for great things, then we are not going to acquire them by offering up 4-6 defenceman and other scraps.

I would offer Klein and Kristo for Perron as that would answer the Size/Skill question and to a lesser extent he's a bit prickish to play against.

Buyout Richards, sign Stastny and trot this out there for 82 games

Kreider - Stepan - Nash
Perron - Stastny - St. Louis
Hagelin - Brassard - Zuccs
Pouliot - Miller/Lindberg - Fast

 

[Bleed Ranger Blue]

Do not disagree with this at all.

Just stating fact.

If we are going after a kid that may not be gelling well in his current situation that has the potential for great things, then we are not going to acquire them by offering up 4-6 defenceman and other scraps.

I would offer Klein and Kristo for Perron as that would answer the Size/Skill question and to a lesser extent he's a bit prickish to play against.

Buyout Richards, sign Stastny and trot this out there for 82 games

Kreider - Stepan - Nash
Perron - Stastny - St. Louis
Hagelin - Brassard - Zuccs
Pouliot - Miller/Lindberg - Fast

Quite frankly, Im sick of this "you gotta give to get" stuff -- or better yet "ya gotta get" attitude.

Signing Stastny would be just another stupid move in a long line of them. No thanks.

 

[JESSEWENEEDTOCOOK]

I think Stastny is a smarter/safer signing than any of our past failures (and the prospect of getting a really solid two-way C is nice), but I still don't go for it. Big name free agents just aren't the way to go when trying to address issues at center, at least for this team.

If he came cheap, I'd look at Legwand.

 

[pld459666]

Quite frankly, Im sick of this "you gotta give to get" stuff -- or better yet "ya gotta get" attitude.

Signing Stastny would be just another stupid move in a long line of them. No thanks.

I'm more than OK with replacing Richards cap hit in terms of % and 50-60+ point per season production with a player 6 years his junior.

But I can appreciate your position on that as well.