Speculation: Trade / Roster Speculation Thread XXXIV: Over the edge of being a little closer.

[Ola]

If they decide to go with a young 3c, say Lindberg or Miller, I think they retain Boyle. If they try and go out and bring in another C then he is gone. With a young 3c there will be bumps in the road. That means Moore and Boyle would be playing more. Maybe 10 minutes a game.

We have been a true 4-line team under AV. I wouldn't mind spreading out the talent kind of like this, in a really slimmed lineup:

Kreider-Step-Nash
Poo-Brass-Zucc
Boyle-Miller-MSL
Hagelin-Lindberg-Carcillo

Another thing to consider however is also this. For many positions, there is barely a single decent player available. BUT, if you are looking at a character LWs with some size -- there is a ton of alternatives available and some of them will definitely be available for like a real cheap sum on a 1 year deal where they play for a bigger contract the year after.

Some UFAs:
Matt Moulson
Steve Ott
Steve Downie
Dustin Penner
Daniel Winnik
Danny Cleary
Brian Boyle
Brendan Morrow
Todd Bertuzzi
Benoit Pouliot
Steve Bernier
Harry Zolnierczyk

My point is just, if we got like 2m left of cap space and one position in the top 3 units to fill, I would definitely pick that LW spot next to Miller and MSL. I actually think that like a Dustin Penner could be a very good player for that role: Penner-Miller-MSL. Steve Bernier got a lot of skill, he isn't a star but he is a good hockey player. Under AV, and on a line with Marty St. Louis, we aren't a grave yard for guys like this like we were under Ponzi, ehhh sorry Torts. We saw this with Pouliot, he would never have made it under Torts, but now we got a game plan that gets the best out of the players, and especially if they got some smarts and talent besides size, and I think guys like Penner, Bernier and co fit that mold (although I haven't seen a ton of Penner this season). Besides those UFAs, there are several players on the trade front too that might be available (LAK is shuffling some with their guys, Foligno in Buffalo, Kassian possibly in Vancouver and so forth). Some guys in Europe, Dennis Rasmusson is one. Umberger, Ruutu and Laiche could be bought out.

 

[Ola]

Stralman turned down $3.5m per year and since doing that has elevated his game even further and is now a top 4 player on an ECF finalist.
He is going to get $4m + on open market. (I say closer to $5)
While I do not disagree about Pouliot, he'll get $3m + somewhere.
Don't forget that the Cap goes up either folks. Prices for UFAs will be 20% higher this year than they were last year

Obtaining legitimate talent without having to give up assets drives UFA prices far highere than they should be, but that is the reality.

Capable Ds has been signed to really huge contracts lately, that is true. But OTOH, Strålman is a bit hard to slot into a line-up, de facto. Everyone in this game is guilty to look a bit too much into the sterotypes. The stay-at-home-D or puck moving D is real easy to slot into a bunch of spots in this league, so is the 2-way D with some size that can play on a 2nd pair.

But Strålman don't quite fit the mold here, he is the small 1-way D that don't play good offense from the redline and in but is excellent offensively from his own net to the redline as well as actually being pretty decent defensively. Don't underestimate the impact it can have on a "good player" to be a lousy "elevator pitch". You know when the owner asks "Who did we sign again? Yeah its this kid who is 6'1 eeehhhhhhh135 lbs who scored eeehhhhhhh3 pts in 100 games last season but is excellent offensively eeehhhhhhh but can't score pts you know but eeehhhhhhh he can actually block shots and play defense against big forwards eeehhhhhhh."

My point is just that I don't think Strålman is not "worth" 4-5m when compared to other Ds signed lately, but I don't think he will be superhot on the market.

 

[Ola]

I will also say, if the team wins or comes just short the "take a pay cut vs the open market to stay with a contender" argument may actually hold traction with some players. Whereas I could see in the past it ringing a little hollow at times.

Can't bank on it but it's possible.

Possibly, but it could also be the opposite, ie. a ton of GMs around the league thinking that guys like Pouliot, D. Moore, Strålman, Boyle and co are something they are not because they just won the cup and looked good against a dead-tired Chicago team...

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

How about this:

CAPGEEK.COM ARMCHAIR GM ROSTER
CapGeek Armchair GM Roster
FORWARDS
Chris Kreider ($2.000m) / Derek Stepan ($3.075m) / Rick Nash ($7.800m)
Benoit Pouliot ($1.800m) / Derick Brassard ($3.700m) / Mats Zuccarello ($4.000m)
Carl Hagelin ($2.250m) / Mikhail Grabovski ($3.000m) / Martin St. Louis ($5.625m)
Brian Boyle ($2.300m) / Dominic Moore ($2.000m) / Jesper Fast ($0.805m)
Derek Dorsett ($1.633m)
DEFENSEMEN
Dan Girardi ($5.500m) / Ryan McDonagh ($4.700m)
Marc Staal ($3.975m) / Anton Stralman ($3.500m)
Raphael Diaz ($1.225m) / Kevin Klein ($2.900m)
GOALTENDERS
Henrik Lundqvist ($8.500m)
Cameron Talbot ($0.563m)
BUYOUTS
Wade Redden ($0.000m)
Brad Richards ($0.000m)
------
CAPGEEK.COM TOTALS (follow @capgeek on Twitter)
(estimations for 2014-15)
SALARY CAP: $71,100,000; CAP PAYROLL: $70,850,833; BONUSES: $95,000
CAP SPACE (21-man roster): $249,167

Sign Grabovski to a 1-year deal and see if it works. Lindberg and/or Miller might be able to step up during the season or in 2015.

 

[CommaSynapse]

How about this:



Sign Grabovski to a 1-year deal and see if it works. Lindberg and/or Miller might be able to step up during the season or in 2015.

The problem is that I think Grabovski could end up getting more (if not more money, more term) on the open market. Losing Richards is a hit to our PP, as his point shot and QB abilities still are pretty good.

We need a capable 2/3 center. Grabovski fits the mold to a certain degree, but we'd need a PPQB replacement, which I don't see in Grabovski or in much of the current roster.

I'd be plenty happy with a

Kreider - Step - Nash
Pouliot - Brass- Zuccs
Boyle - ? - MSL
Hags - Moore - Carcillo

and, in that way, it's almost like we're rolling a 1st line, a 1b/2, a 2, and a 3. Four capable lines with size and speed spread out (as well as minutes), with the option to slot in Miller or Fast for Carcillo depending upon the opponent. Move Dorsett for something.

I like the build, but I think finding that 2/3C is going to be problematic. Something has to give.


We're kind of cash-strapped, and I think Stastny is essentially out of the question cap-wise unless the plan is to have a crunch this year and next, and have it free up with MSL's contract ending and/or a movement of Nash.

Alternative? Maybe David Legwand. Usually good for around 50 points, 2-way player, and, if I remember right, decent speed. Could probably get it done for $3.5.

 

[NYR Viper]

The problem is that I think Grabovski could end up getting more (if not more money, more term) on the open market. Losing Richards is a hit to our PP, as his point shot and QB abilities still are pretty good.

We need a capable 2/3 center. Grabovski fits the mold to a certain degree, but we'd need a PPQB replacement, which I don't see in Grabovski or in much of the current roster.

I'd be plenty happy with a

Kreider - Step - Nash
Pouliot - Brass- Zuccs
Boyle - ? - MSL
Hags - Moore - Carcillo

and, in that way, it's almost like we're rolling a 1st line, a 1b/2, a 2, and a 3. Four capable lines with size and speed spread out (as well as minutes), with the option to slot in Miller or Fast for Carcillo depending upon the opponent. Move Dorsett for something.

I like the build, but I think finding that 2/3C is going to be problematic. Something has to give.

You don't need a PP QB to be at the point though. The Rangers have players like MSL and MZA who like the PP to go through them.

 

[CommaSynapse]

You don't need a PP QB to be at the point though. The Rangers have players like MSL and MZA who like the PP to go through them.

Yeah, but I'm just not entirely sold on Grabovski's offense. I'm not sure who he was playing with on the Caps, but the numbers look pretty underwhelming for what I assume would be a 2C/1LW.

I personally am for buying out Richards. The contract and the potential recapture penalties are just a terrible handicap, which is a shame, because I like Richards and am glad he's getting it together this year.

I just don't know how effective of a replacement we could find in a UFA where, after Stastny at 6-7 million, there's a pretty steep drop-off.


Sorry--I keep adding to this. If we manage to win the cup this year, then it makes certain decisions (i.e. buying out Richards) much easier. I suppose we (and management) won't have a solid idea until after it's all said and done.

 

[NYR Viper]

Yeah, but I'm just not entirely sold on Grabovski's offense. I'm not sure who he was playing with on the Caps, but the numbers look pretty underwhelming for what I assume would be a 2C/1LW.

I personally am for buying out Richards. The contract and the potential recapture penalties are just a terrible handicap, which is a shame, because I like Richards and am glad he's getting it together this year.

I just don't know how effective of a replacement we could find in a UFA where, after Stastny at 6-7 million, there's a pretty steep drop-off.


Sorry--I keep adding to this. If we manage to win the cup this year, then it makes certain decisions (i.e. buying out Richards) much easier. I suppose we (and management) won't have a solid idea until after it's all said and done.

No matter who they get, I doubt they get the same production and calm with the puck as Richards, however, I wouldn't mind just going with Lindberg or Miller and seeing how they do for most of the season. If a trade needs to be made at the deadline for a rental then so be it.

It all depends as well as to what those players are looking for. I wouldn't mind Grabovski or Legwand on shorter deals.

 

[RangerBoy]

The Rangers have $53,187,500 committed in 12 players. Brassard,Zuccarello and Kreider are arbitration eligible. The first two are eligible for group III in 2015. Kreider is only increasing his price with his post season play. He has had a big impact on this team since returning from the broken hand. Brassard and Zuccarello will be getting group III money in a long term deal. Brassard is getting more than his qualifying offer. The Rangers fans want to lowball all of the free agents so the team can be kept together. It doesn't work that way.

 

[offdacrossbar]

this team has cap issues. we have alot tied up into some bigtime core players. were gonna need some low cost guys to step in to some important roles next season.

beever is history. like the guys passion, leadership and play recently but we cant afford him just like we couldnt afford cally. hes toast.

all this talk of klein ?? hes wrapped up to a cap friendly deal and he fills a role for us. he stays.

i would offer anton stralman a contract. no brainer there.

can a connor allen or a calle andersson make the team out of camp ? maybe. mcilrath ? where does he play with klein here ? we need puck mover dmen or guys who can play with the puck. mcilrath may not even have a role on this team.

moore does all of that but does he stay ? all important questions.

i would keep this core . keep the defense 1-5 intact and look for 6 and 7 there.

love to move rick nash but to where ?

can we move a john moore or rick nash ? would anyone give us anything of value for dylan mcilrath anyway ?

this team has come along way. they are starting to gel and the results are pretty solid. keep it together and add a 1/2c with speed, a lw with some size and an offensive minded pmd and i like what we have.



and we need a centerman to play the 1. stepan can do it but is he the guy ?

 

[n8]

I'm gonna have to eat a huge hunkin' crow pie when Richards gets bought out.

 

[Fitzy]

If you want to keep this team intact, including

Stralman
Boyle
Moore
Pouliot
Zuccarello
Kreider

then the answer is pretty simple: You have to buy out Richards, and replace him with a guy making 2 million or less. That's not an easy thing to do, but there is no way around it. If you are replacing Richards with another high priced center, you say goodbye to Stralman, goodbye to one of Moore/Boyle, and probably have to cut valuable years off of contracts for Zuccarello, Brassard, and Kreider. Do you guys want to give Kreider a 2 year bridge when he is getting faster at an amazing rate? That's a risk. What if we had given McDonagh a bridge?

We have 3 center options. Either Moore takes a top 9 role, you insert Miller/Lindberg, or make a deal for a guy like Burmistrov.

 

[NYR Viper]

I keep coming back to Evander Kane. What would it take to get him to NY?

Hagelin + Miller + Moore? Too much IMO. Hagelin + Moore? Too little.




CAPGEEK.COM ARMCHAIR GM ROSTER
CapGeek Armchair GM Roster
FORWARDS
Chris Kreider ($2.500m) / Derek Stepan ($3.075m) / Rick Nash ($7.800m)
Evander Kane ($5.250m) / Oscar Lindberg ($0.675m) / Martin St. Louis ($5.625m)
Jesper Fast ($0.805m) / Derick Brassard ($4.200m) / Mats Zuccarello ($3.500m)
Daniel Carcillo ($0.825m) / Dominic Moore ($2.000m) / Derek Dorsett ($1.633m)
Ryan Bourque ($0.600m) /
DEFENSEMEN
Dan Girardi ($5.500m) / Ryan McDonagh ($4.700m)
Marc Staal ($3.975m) / Anton Stralman ($3.700m)
Conor Allen ($0.925m) / Kevin Klein ($2.900m)
Raphael Diaz ($0.900m) /
GOALTENDERS
Henrik Lundqvist ($8.500m)
Cameron Talbot ($0.563m)
BUYOUTS
Wade Redden ($0.000m)
Brad Richards ($0.000m)
------
CAPGEEK.COM TOTALS (follow @capgeek on Twitter)
(estimations for 2014-15)
SALARY CAP: $71,100,000; CAP PAYROLL: $70,150,833; BONUSES: $1,030,000
CAP SPACE (22-man roster): $949,167

 

[offdacrossbar]

can this team take another step with um.....step as the 1c ? we need a 1c or if not, we need another 2c that is not like step. in other words, we need

a pivot with SIZE and SPEED

our current centermen without beever in the mix look pretty weak. i love dom moore. hes a smart pro, but hes a 4th line guy.

we need to make a deal for a centerman.

step
brash
miller
moore

not enuf.

 

[Fitzy]

can this team take another step with um.....step as the 1c ? we need a 1c or if not, we need another 2c that is not like step. in other words, we need

a pivot with SIZE and SPEED

our current center man without beever in the mix look pretty weak. i love dom moore. hes a smart pro, but hes a 4th line guy.

we need to make a deal for a center man.

step
brash
miller
moore

not enuf.

With this team well on the way to a finals appearance, what "another step" actually signifies is opaque.

The problem isn't Moore as a 3rd line center, where a 30 point season is more than adequate, it's that whoever the new center is will be playing with MSL, and we don't want to waste his talents with two players that can't provide any offense.

 

[BroadwayHustle]

http://snyrangersblog.com/coachesgm...gorton-is-gaining-interest-as-a-gm-candidate/

Gorton a possible candidate for open GM positions. Who becomes the GM after Sather retires if Gorton leaves?

 

[offdacrossbar]

With this team well on the way to a finals appearance, what "another step" actually signifies is opaque.

The problem isn't Moore as a 3rd line center, where a 30 point season is more than adequate, it's that whoever the new center is will be playing with MSL, and we don't want to waste his talents with two players that can't provide any offense.

2 7 games series' and 2 zip on a wounded montreal team is nice and all, but can we compete with chicago ?

not taking anything away from these guys and their great 5 game run. but im thinking ahead here.

another step means we DONT STRUGGLE TO SCORE GOALS anymore.

we need a legit 1c or like i said, another 2c who has some size and sped to compliment step and brash and perhaps jt miller.

that and a scoring lw would help us greatly. oh and a guy who can consistently carry the mail from the blueline and qb our pp.

 

[Bleed Ranger Blue]

http://snyrangersblog.com/coachesgm...gorton-is-gaining-interest-as-a-gm-candidate/

Gorton a possible candidate for open GM positions. Who becomes the GM after Sather retires if Gorton leaves?

If the Garden had pragmatic, thoughtful management and not an idiot product of nepotism, Gorton would be promised the GM job when Sather leaves...whenever that is.

 

[Pizza]

I see three keys to team success right now.

Hank
Depth
Kreider

Hank is locked up long term. No worries there.

We've all seen the value of depth underscored again and again. We're beginning to see what Kreider is capable of. Not least of which is helping to elevate the play of both Stepan and Nash.

So it's essential we maintain our depth and lock up Kreider long term.

How?

I confess I have not given it a lot of thought, but you know this an ongoing discussion within the brain trust. I have a feeling that this will be a very interesting summer.

 

[jniklast]

2 7 games series' and 2 zip on a wounded montreal team is nice and all, but can we compete with chicago ?

not taking anything away from these guys and their great 5 game run. but im thinking ahead here.

another step means we DONT STRUGGLE TO SCORE GOALS anymore.

we need a legit 1c or like i said, another 2c who has some size and sped to compliment step and brash and perhaps jt miller.

that and a scoring lw would help us greatly. oh and a guy who can consistently carry the mail from the blueline and qb our pp.

You talk like there are lots of big 1/2 c available and we just have to grab one. Apart from Stastny (who most likely will be too expensive), who is there?

 

[Pop147258]

Kindl ( former first rounder) for hagelin

 

[SingnBluesOnBroadway]

Kindl ( former first rounder) for hagelin

Why?

 

[CommaSynapse]

If you want to keep this team intact, including

Stralman
Boyle
Moore
Pouliot
Zuccarello
Kreider

then the answer is pretty simple: You have to buy out Richards, and replace him with a guy making 2 million or less. That's not an easy thing to do, but there is no way around it. If you are replacing Richards with another high priced center, you say goodbye to Stralman, goodbye to one of Moore/Boyle, and probably have to cut valuable years off of contracts for Zuccarello, Brassard, and Kreider. Do you guys want to give Kreider a 2 year bridge when he is getting faster at an amazing rate? That's a risk. What if we had given McDonagh a bridge?

We have 3 center options. Either Moore takes a top 9 role, you insert Miller/Lindberg, or make a deal for a guy like Burmistrov.

Burmistrov would be interesting, but would we be able to offer him more than the KHL? And what's a realistic ceiling?

If his best NHL total is 30 points or so, I have a hard time believing JT Miller couldn't, at the least, match that production.

 

[Jim Morrison]

http://snyrangersblog.com/coachesgm...gorton-is-gaining-interest-as-a-gm-candidate/

Gorton a possible candidate for open GM positions. Who becomes the GM after Sather retires if Gorton leaves?

Letting Gorton go would be the biggest mistake since... I don't know when.

 

[n8]

Letting Gorton go would be the biggest mistake since... I don't know when.

hopefully we win the cup, Sather retires, Gorton takes over. Messier runs off in a huff again. fingers crossed!