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

[Algernop Kreider]

Glen Sather for President of Hockey Ops!

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

The decision is basically Stralman or Richards. Which player do we want to keep? I'd go with Stralman, buy out Richards and have Moore center the line with Hagelin and St. Louis.

 

[bernmeister]

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.

I keep tellin you guys, and you think I'm nuts. ... until you see some of it come to pass. Then, FINALLY, months after the fact, every once in a while I get vindication when someone says, out of the blue, not all bernmeister's deals seem so crazy.

Miller is not the greatest prospect who ever lived, but he is the speedy, sized natural counterpart to Kreider.

Kreider - Miller - MSL speed, speed, speed

we have another line out of
Hagelin - Lindberg - Fast, call it sweet swede
naturally matched and intuitive combo.

we have a proven line out of
Pouilot Brassard Zuc
it aint broke don't fix it

what's left: (Richie a buyout)
Boyle D.Moore Nash
and Stepan
I'm very happy w/D. Moore, can play mo mins very well, thank you.
We're kinda stuck w/Nash. Nash prob prefers + looks better w/Kreider, so does everybody else and again, the above = speed. I'd consider Kreider - Nash - MSL but Nash doesn't play C. I think CK has ability to play C, but if he adds that down the road, want him to ease into it.

Moore + Boyle play well, this will force Nash to be a little less soft, not so much hard at taking body, but aggressively checking, then pouncing when opportunity is there as DMo has shown himself to be (and to less extent but still clearly seen, Boyle also).

That leaves Stepan as odd man out.
It's as clear as the light of day.
And it is not the end of the world, we just have to make sure we do the right deal and get a reasonable premium for him.

Yeah, I'm hearing the naysayers again, the same ones who broke my balls about Kreider being ready, now saying no, no, Miller can't play top mins.

Remember, we want fresh lines with depth. Not sayin 4 totally balanced lines each getting exactly same # of shifts for a qtr game, 15 mins everybody.

But close enough for our purposes.


Carcillo, we can hook him up somewhere w/o breaking the bank if he wants a 2 way contract, and there will be injuries.
Dorsett, not bad, but buh bye
+ guys from Hartford getting cup of coffee - Yogan/Kristo

-----------
other thing is the D
need to make room for McIlrath

Would think Stepan/Girardi would get us another difference maker.

 

[Brooklyn Ranger]

The decision is basically Stralman or Richards. Which player do we want to keep? I'd go with Stralman, buy out Richards and have Moore center the line with Hagelin and St. Louis.

Moore has proven over his career that he is not capable of playing regularly on a scoring line. He's in role that is perfect for him right now, don't mess with it, unless you want to be disappointed in his play next season.

 

[Rangerfan4life90]

Maybe we sign Stralman to an extension, then trade Klein to free up cap space.

 

[LORENZO]

Can someone fill me in on what a "2 way contract is"

 

[JESSEWENEEDTOCOOK]

Can someone fill me in on what a "2 way contract is"

Means that their NHL and AHL salary is different. There is also a limit on how much a 2 way contract can be worth.

 

[Vinny DeAngelo]

Our core at this point is:
Hank
Mcd
G
Stepan
Kreider
Staal
Zucc
MSL


As far as I'm concerned the only one of tht list that slats would consider trading is staal because of the up coming ufa status

Anyone else could be traded except duclair(the highest rated scoring prospect)

 

[Ola]

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.

The one big upgrade we could make (without getting one of the top 3-5 centers) is getting some sort of PMD. Kreider-Step-Nash is playing infront if two Ds who has 12 and 13 pts each during the entire regular season. They SHOULD play with a 40 pts D. Put a good PMD there and I promise you that each of Kreids-Step-Nash would have 20 more pts.

 

[Ola]

Bern- Good pts. I am not sure I buy that a line with Hags-Miller-MSL works that well.

Hags and Richards work, and it's the later that has chemistry with the former. Richards and MSL works. But MSL and Hags are not naturals together. MSL definitely would prefer to play with a PF.

I think it would make a lot more sense to play a PF with Miller and MSL.

Pizza- A lot o players are valuble to this team and would be missed if out.

I do not think Kreider is as high on that list as you indicate. Not to take anything away from him, but any player in his mold just need a lot of support.

 

[Ola]

Our core at this point is:
Hank
Mcd
G
Stepan
Kreider
Staal
Zucc
MSL


As far as I'm concerned the only one of tht list that slats would consider trading is staal because of the up coming ufa status

Anyone else could be traded except duclair(the highest rated scoring prospect)

I love Staal.

But I want to point this out. Which is one of many factors to consider:

Our team is clearly the sum of all parts.

If you take out one part without getting an replacement, we become a lesser team.

And we need capspace.

Basically, the only player we can take out and per automatic get a replacement for is Marc Staal, because of the value he would have on the trade market. I am pretty sure that we could get a young cheap top 4 D and a 1st round pick in return for him.

IF we could get a really good young PMD for Staal, this option is one in would seriously consider. Skjei, Moore, McI and co will become solid 2-way Ds in this league, but we don't have any PMD potential in the system or on the roster.

 

[Raymones]

I think Richards HAS to be bought out. So that solves that.

Moore, Boyles, Carcillo, Stralman are priorities as UFA's.

MZA, Brassard, Moore, Kreider are priorities as RFA's.

Falk should be let go.

Diaz and Pouliot should be kept as long as they are willing to stay at a still reduced rate.



CAPGEEK.COM ARMCHAIR GM ROSTER
CapGeek Armchair GM Roster
FORWARDS
Chris Kreider ($2.250m) / Derek Stepan ($3.075m) / Rick Nash ($7.800m)
Benoit Pouliot ($2.250m) / Derick Brassard ($3.700m) / Mats Zuccarello ($3.750m)
Carl Hagelin ($2.250m) / J.T. Miller ($0.894m) / Martin St. Louis ($5.625m)
Brian Boyle ($2.500m) / Dominic Moore ($2.250m) / Derek Dorsett ($1.633m)
Daniel Carcillo ($0.825m) /
DEFENSEMEN
Dan Girardi ($5.500m) / Ryan McDonagh ($4.700m)
Marc Staal ($3.975m) / Anton Stralman ($3.500m)
John Moore ($1.500m) / 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: $69,940,000; BONUSES: $350,000
CAP SPACE (21-man roster): $1,160,000

I highly doubt Pouliot cracks $3M... if he gets a 2 year deal, I think he'll sign. $1.8M/yr is fair for him.

Brassard is the one that can be tricky since he can accept his QO at $3.7M, which is a little more than what you want considering he can become a UFA. I'd like him at $3.4 on a multi year deal. Use signing bonuses as a way of making it work.

Stralman, 4 years at $3.4M would be ideal. Double up his last contract.

Dorsett: Have to cash in on him, like the guy, but he can be replaced. 4th liners that don't PK are not worth $1.6M. Team saves $1M by replacing him with Fast.

On Richards: Yeah logically he is a buyout candidate, but the team has had success since he signed... 2 ECF appearances, and a Semi where he wasn't allowed to contribute. His game isn't on the upswing, and at best he is a $5M cap hit, but how does letting him go affect the team? Tougher choice than what most think.

Boyle: This guy is valuable, don't care what anyone says, but he is valuable. He will get some very nice offers. In my opinion he ends up elsewhere on a 4-5 year deal where cracks at least $2.75M.

Zucc: Lock him up long term at $3.5M. Maybe he gets more, we don't know, but the numbers are there for him to really hit pay dirt in arbitration.

Good post, and I agree with most of the predicted cap numbers here.

The key is to offer multiple years to the contracts. None of these players have made much (in comparison) in their careers. Some insurance years might want them to bite.

Dorsett: I agree, you try to flip him. He's one of the pieces this team can do without.

Richards: buy out. I just don't see any other way. Keeping him could potentially hurt this team for a long time.

D.Moore: I'd offer 2x2million. He's been great, but also bounced around a lot and in the middle of that went through a personal tragedy. Two years with a limited NTC might make him bite as he seems to love NY.

Zuc: I think 3.75 is about right for him. Yes, he's been our best player for stretches this season, but that is not a big enough sample size to get him more money than Staal or McD. He's still fairly young, as well.

Stralman: Signing him for 3.4 for 3 or 4 years is doable IMO. He has a big family and seems to love NY. I think term is the dealbreaker here, not dollars. A double up seems fair.

Boyle: I'd offer 2-2.5 on a three or four year deal. Won't go higher than that. He's been great but he is still a 4th liner, although a very good one.

Brassard: I see him land on a long term deal around 4.1-4.3 million/year.

Pouliot: A hard one, but considering his bouncing around quite a bit, I'd offer 2x2.5. No more than that. He's one of the players I'd be prepared to let go if need be.

I do think Brad Richards will and should be bought out.

But I think its a tougher decision than many acknowledge. The thing is, Brad Richards is not a player fans can "brag" about, look our player is awsome he is the best in the world yada yada yada. His contract, skill set, and maybe the most important factor, his stats doesn't impress people. For a good reason probably.

But, that don't change the fact that he is a core player on this team. He plays 3.40 on avg on our PP, McD with the second highest PP time play 2.50... He is a core player in the room. He plays a lot of important minutes 5 on 5. He has done a decent job getting a certain type of players going (Hagelin for example).

At a place like this someone can throw out a statement like our PP suck anyway, just get rid of him. But I can guarantee that loosing BR would be a -- great -- concern for AV. If you loose a 4th lineer, a good pro-scout -- should -- be able to find you a half-good one for like 1.2m per. But you don't replace the guy playing 75% of your PP time and everything else that BR brings like that.

BR has 6 more year left. I don't think its a stretch to imagine that he could play like he have this year for another 3-4 years. After that you gotta have legitimate concerns. It could become an issue, even a big one, or it could not become an issue.

I think that, especially if we make the Finals but loose, that the decision could be tough to make for the brass.

Well put. I hope the brass come to the same conlusion though (buy out).

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.

That's not true, or do you have a link? The rumour said that he turned down a 3 year 9 milliion deal, but that was shot down by his agent. IF he turned down a deal I guess it was less than that. As I stated earlier, I think term is a bigger concern in Stralman's case. I think it is very likely he'll sign for less than 3.5/year.

I love Staal.

But I want to point this out. Which is one of many factors to consider:

Our team is clearly the sum of all parts.

If you take out one part without getting an replacement, we become a lesser team.

And we need capspace.

Basically, the only player we can take out and per automatic get a replacement for is Marc Staal, because of the value he would have on the trade market. I am pretty sure that we could get a young cheap top 4 D and a 1st round pick in return for him.

IF we could get a really good young PMD for Staal, this option is one in would seriously consider. Skjei, Moore, McI and co will become solid 2-way Ds in this league, but we don't have any PMD potential in the system or on the roster.

Interesting thoughts, and definitely an option. Sather should consider this if he ends up in cap trouble and Staal is asking for big money. I'd rather hang on to our top 4 though, and look to deal a guy like Klein if needed. The chemistry in the top 4 is ****ing incredible right now.

To be clear:

I think keeping most of this team intact is very doable if Richards are bought out. The people I see expendable if in need to rid some dollars:

Dorsett
Pouliout
Klein
Boyle (in worst case)

I think McD or Zucc can handle Richards PP time. It's not like it's been the best PP ever.

 

[Ola]

Another thing that -- will -- be considered by management this summer is the lack of a right handed shot on this team. After loosing Cally, we only have Step in the top 9...

Look at Stepan's PP time during the PO's. Its up from 2.40 during the regular season to 3.40 during the PO's (and mainly after us trading Cally).

 

[RangerBoy]

There are two GM vacancies. Pittsburgh and Washington. They are hiring the AGM of the Rangers? Gorton hasn't interviewed anywhere. Jim Benning is getting the Vancouver GM job. Rob Rossi is the source of the Gorton information. He had the Penguins hiring Mike Babcock to coach that team and make the personnel decisions last week. Pittsburgh wants to hire Pat Brisson to run their team. Mario Lemieux didn't want to fire Ray Shero but the owner Ron Burkle won out. Burkle has the money. He wants Brisson. The Caps have interviewed Don Sweeney of the Bruins. Paul Fenton of the Predators. They have contacted Shero. They have spoken to Gretzky about becoming their President of Hockey Operations but he wants an ownership stake too. The Caps already have a team president in Dick Patrick so where would he fit in. The Caps want a GM in place before the draft.

Whenever you read something about the Rangers,Gorton is mentioned in tandem with Sather

He will be a restricted free agent after this magical postseason ride ends and he will be due a rather large raise from the $1.15 million he's making now, one of the many difficult decisions Sather and assistant GM Jeff Gorton have to make this offseason.

But Zuccarello seems as essential to the Rangers going forward as any of their cornerstone defensemen, an unsung little guy who has only been No. 1 or 2 in scoring for the team in two postseasons and a regular season.

http://www.newsday.com/sports/colum...ay-home-through-russia-with-rangers-1.8109093

Zuccarello will be a $4M player. Triple to quadruple his cap hit.

 

[Ola]

Brisson turned down the job in Pittsburgh, will remain with his agency.

http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/...t-of-running-for-GM-post/stories/201405200066

 

[Trxjw]

I really don't see how this team would take anything but a major step back next season if Staal and Zuccarello are dealt. Not only are they key players on the ice, but they're key players in the room as well.

 

[NYR Viper]

I really don't see how this team would take anything but a major step back next season if Staal and Zuccarello are dealt. Not only are they key players on the ice, but they're key players in the room as well.

That would be a stupid decision. Staal solidifies a 2nd pairing in a division where many teams have very strong 2nd lines. Zuccarello was one of the teams leading scorers while getting both PP and PK time and can play either wing.

IMO you move on from other players, not these 2.

 

[RangerBoy]

Brisson doesn't want to be a GM. He wants a higher position. Team president. President of hockey operations. Burkle wants Brisson to run the hockey operations for the Penguins.

 

[RangerBoy]

Looking at the Rangers commitments and the number of free agents, the Rangers won't be able to keep all of their players. Just enjoy the ride and worry about it whenever the season ends. Chicago had to trade Frolik and Bolland after winning the Cup last June. Changes are part of sports.

 

[tjs252]

The decision is basically Stralman or Richards. Which player do we want to keep? I'd go with Stralman, buy out Richards and have Moore center the line with Hagelin and St. Louis.

In a vacuum, I agree with you. However, we have more depth on D than we do at center so it's tougher to arrive at that conclusion.

I still don't know what we do with Richards. I think, if I were Sather, I'd keep him and hope he gives us two more good years and we deal with the recapture if/when we come to it.

 

[NYR Viper]

Looking at the Rangers commitments and the number of free agents, the Rangers won't be able to keep all of their players. Just enjoy the ride and worry about it whenever the season ends. Chicago had to trade Frolik and Bolland after winning the Cup last June. Changes are part of sports.

As long as they recoup solid assets then I'm fine with it

In a vacuum, I agree with you. However, we have more depth on D than we do at center so it's tougher to arrive at that conclusion.

I still don't know what we do with Richards. I think, if I were Sather, I'd keep him and hope he gives us two more good years and we deal with the recapture if/when we come to it.

Do you know what the recapture penalty is if he retires? It's monumental.

 

[Ghost of jas]

I really don't see how this team would take anything but a major step back next season if Staal and Zuccarello are dealt. Not only are they key players on the ice, but they're key players in the room as well.

I fully agree about Zucc, but, moving might be a necessity. He'd easily bring back a #1 pick, and, while there isn't a someone who fill his shoes right away, Skjei looks very solid. It may very we'll be a case of taking a step back like the Hawks did. Yes, it could be a rough ride for a year or two of having John Moore playing top 4 minutes, with Conor Allen on the bottom pairing.

 

[NYR Viper]

I fully agree about Zucc, but, moving might be a necessity. He'd easily bring back a #1 pick, and, while there isn't a someone who fill his shoes right away, Skjei looks very solid. It may very we'll be a case of taking a step back like the Hawks did. Yes, it could be a rough ride for a year or two of having John Moore playing top 4 minutes, with Conor Allen on the bottom pairing.

Why are they moving Staal? Why move a solid top-pairing guy who fits this system, is loved by his teammates and solidifies the 2nd pairing and anyone he plays with?

McDonagh, Girardi and Staal are this teams defense. The other pieces can be changed.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

What is this talk about dealing Staal and Zucc? What are we trying to get? A top5 pick?

 

[Trxjw]

I fully agree about Zucc, but, moving might be a necessity. He'd easily bring back a #1 pick, and, while there isn't a someone who fill his shoes right away, Skjei looks very solid. It may very we'll be a case of taking a step back like the Hawks did. Yes, it could be a rough ride for a year or two of having John Moore playing top 4 minutes, with Conor Allen on the bottom pairing.

Moving Staal might be a necessity? I don't think that is something you can do unless the team wins it all this year. The Hawks took that step back after winning a cup, which makes it much easier to swallow for the fans. Win the cup and re-tool? Sure, but if they come this close and dismantle it like they did in the summer of 2012, they'll be burning off additional years that guys like MSL don't necessarily have left.

Honestly, I think that 3rd line collapses without Zucc. He's the motor, IMO.