Speculation: Trade Rumors/Speculation Thread Part VI: Do Anything

[Tawnos]

we DO have depth...what we dont have is a system that matches that depth....and, what we dont have are a collection of players that match the system.

its a hodge podge of players thrown together *HOPING* that they will be a jack of all trades team.

Speed game with Kreider and HAgelin...makes sense.

speed game with Pyatt, Richards, and Boyle?!

Does Dan Girardi make sense for a transition team?

the best gms tend to put together players that can fit within the confines of the system, not to expect the systemt o change players into something they arent.

we do have a lot of good players, what we dont have is a lot of good players capable of playing the same way.

Right now, is this a result of poor roster construction? Or is this the result of being caught in a transition between coaching styles?

Of course, we can talk about the decision of bringing in a coach with such a vastly different system than the last one. In the end though, we might have to chalk this season up to being a transition year, unfortunately. Second in 5 years. Without high-end offensive talent, our boom and bust cycles are going to be faster than with it.

 

[aufheben]

We are the Blue Jackets of the past, but with McDonagh/Lundqvist. And some slightly decent forwards.

I am/was one of BrassGODs biggest fan boys out there; lately, if it weren't for all the stupid turnovers and face offs he doesn't win, I wouldn't even remember he's on the team.

 

[I Eat Crow]

Agreed 100%.

Is it a coincidence that after we got all the Blue Jackets players that our culture changed?

Perhaps me and others here were naive to think that they'd turn it around here once they got out of Columbus. Brassard, Moore, and Nash didn't leave Columbus, they brought Columbus with them. Hiring Scott Arniel was one of the most stupid things this team has done after the first lockout, and there are a lot of gaffes in there.

So, what do you folks think we can actually get for Staal, Callahan, and Girardi?

 

[Bacon Artemi Bravo]

LOL @ all the "blow it up" comments. What a joke. Do they need a shakeup? Sure...but don't get carried away. This is a team of very competent players that should be playing better...and believe it or not it is still early enough for them to find a way to turn it around.

 

[Radek27]

Right now, is this a result of poor roster construction? Or is this the result of being caught in a transition between coaching styles?

This excuse has run dry already, these professional athletes need a whole season to get used to a hockey system? This is still the same sport they have played their whole lives, this system stuff gets wayyy too much consideration.

Many NYR fans and posters on this forum were 100% sure Torts was holding back these amazingly gifted offensive players, now a new coach and it's they aren't used to the system? When do we start realizing this team, outside of a few good pieces, just isn't very good? Our new coach has come to this realization in just a few months, why can't some of you see it as well?

 

[I Eat Crow]

LOL @ all the "blow it up" comments. What a joke. Do they need a shakeup? Sure...but don't get carried away. This is a team of very competent players that should be playing better...and believe it or not it is still early enough for them to find a way to turn it around.

Is AV going to ditch his high tempo, possession game and go back to playing dump and chase Stone Age hockey? That's all this team is equipped to do at this time. This team is at a crossroads where they need to commit one way or another. This current core right now isn't cutting it. Get some assets from teams that are willing to pay before they walk for nothing this summer.

 

[Puckface NYR*]

LOL @ all the "blow it up" comments. What a joke. Do they need a shakeup? Sure...but don't get carried away. This is a team of very competent players that should be playing better...and believe it or not it is still early enough for them to find a way to turn it around.

They are not competent enough for this style of hockey. As said, the team is at a crossroads and so is the coach. Decide to play defensive hockey, which we are good at, or blow the team up and bring in players that are built for AV's type of hockey.

We have a ton of grinders built for dump and chase hockey. If we're not going to play that style then the guys who do, must be shipped out and, to my dismay, it means fan favorites such as Callahan.

 

[Trxjw]

Something stinks here. This is, for the most part, the same leadership core that got us to the ECF a few years ago. What exactly happened that turned this group into a bunch of jokers with no push back in their game? Sure as heck wasn't the coaching change, because these same issues existed at the end of Tortorella's tenure.

Are they that upset that they lost guys like Prust, Dubinsky and Anisimov? If this group can't handle the loss of a few role players, then there needs to be some house cleaning.

 

[Tawnos]

This excuse has run dry already, these professional athletes need a whole season to get used to a hockey system? This is still the same sport they have played their whole lives, this system stuff gets wayyy too much consideration.

Many NYR fans and posters on this forum were 100% sure Torts was holding back these amazingly gifted offensive players, now a new coach and it's they aren't used to the system? When do we start realizing this team, outside of a few good pieces, just isn't very good? Our new coach has come to this realization in just a few months, why can't some of you see it as well?

I'm not interested in excuses. That wasn't about letting the fact that the team isn't playing well slide. It was about trying to figure out why that might be so.

And beyond that, I wasn't even saying what you've responded to. In 11-12, our team got the 1st seed in the conference, nearly won the President's Trophy and made it to the conference finals. Why? Because, even though that roster had it's flaws too, it was a group perfectly suited to the style the coach was asking them to play. Many of the same pieces are still around, but they are no longer suited to the style the coach is asking them to play, because it's a different coach. It takes some time to retool the roster to match as well as it did in 11-12. That's all I meant by transition.

 

[Radek27]

I'm not interested in excuses. That wasn't about letting the fact that the team isn't playing well slide. It was about trying to figure out why that might be so.

And beyond that, I wasn't even saying what you've responded to. In 11-12, our team got the 1st seed in the conference, nearly won the President's Trophy and made it to the conference finals. Why? Because, even though that roster had it's flaws too, it was a group perfectly suited to the style the coach was asking them to play. Many of the same pieces are still around, but they are no longer suited to the style the coach is asking them to play, because it's a different coach. It takes some time to retool the roster to match as well as it did in 11-12. That's all I meant by transition.

Sorry I misread your post Tawnos I get what your saying now.

 

[DelZottoHitTheNetJK]

Something stinks here. This is, for the most part, the same leadership core that got us to the ECF a few years ago. What exactly happened that turned this group into a bunch of jokers with no push back in their game? Sure as heck wasn't the coaching change, because these same issues existed at the end of Tortorella's tenure.

Are they that upset that they lost guys like Prust, Dubinsky and Anisimov? If this group can't handle the loss of a few role players, then there needs to be some house cleaning.

I think I can take a stab at answering that:

Callahan: injuries. Fought Max Talbot, basically ruined his shoulder. Off season surgery. Comes back, first game back I believe? Breaks a finger. He's lost his edge and it's tough to cry age here because he's not that old and hasn't been in the league that long. Gotta blame injuries here seriously neutering Callahan's game; he looks VERY timid out there

Staal: same deal. He can thank his brother Eric for knocking him into next week which was the start of a domino effect. Add to that the eye injury and it's pretty clear he isn't the player he once was

Girardi: has some serious miles on him at this point. That's what happens when you try to be Hank's human shield. I remember a game last year against MTL where he took one in the ankle from a Subban slap shot I could've sworn he shattered it. No idea how he didn't miss time for that. Just too much wear on G at this point; I think 11-12 really took a toll physically on him

I know hindsight is 20/20 but I would've given Prust that some contract and I said the same thing then. Why mess with something that works? Just pay the guy. He played such a huge part of that team, did all the little things and made us a tougher team to play against. Then of course Glen goes and signs Pyatt to replace him.

This, to me, is why we've deteriorated so much since that ECF year. The lack of production from Stepan and Richards as well

 

[JESSEWENEEDTOCOOK]

This, to me, is why we've deteriorated so much since that ECF year. The lack of production from Stepan and Richards as well

Both of them are currently producing at about the same rate as they did that year.

 

[DelZottoHitTheNetJK]

Both of them are currently producing at about the same rate as they did that year.

Stats wise, maybe. Quality of play, not even close. Is there a website that keeps track of secondary assists? I'm interested to see both players stats in that regard.

10 of Stepan's 20 points this year have come on the powerplay. His 5 on 5 play has fallen off a cliff

 

[Stasis]

Mediocrity.

It's hard to stay consistently eager about upcoming games I'm finding. It's just a whole lot of "meh" for me right now. I usually try to plan my schedule around games to make sure I can catch at least a part of them, but I'm not gonna be doing that for a while.

Not sure what direction the team takes now, or what changes need to be made, but something does need to be resolved or adjusted either way. Being smack in the middle is a terrible place, and I feel like this team can end up being in that bubble group for years. Buffalo is the other team I follow (less, but still...) and though they're painful to watch, you at least know what the future will likely hold. They're rebuilding. Something to look forward to. Great talent in the pipeline. We got Kreids. We have McIlrath, possibly, and then not a whole hell of a lot. Easy to rightfully assume any change will come through trades or free agency and, historically, that can be pretty scary stuff.

 

[CommaSynapse]

I hear a lot of users talking about guys not fitting into this system, or not being good fits, or not playing the same role they once had. So what's the plan, then?

I've heard such things said about Cally, Richards, Girardi, Staal (due to injuries), and even Stepan.

So, essentially, we're talking about finding better fits or diminishing roles.

With the cap, it seems that trade is the way we have to work this out, but some guys certainly have diminished values. We'll have a little cap space with expiring contracts/buyout. There doesn't seem to be many game breakers reaching free agency.

If this is the case and we try to move those guys or just not resign them, we're going to have a lot of question marks.

How do we get better with the pieces we have? Is it worth it to move picks to try to get better?

Assuming Richards is gone via buyout, and Stepan plays 2C as many are claiming is his "true" place, we then need a 1C. If Cally is where are people are claiming he should be, that puts him on the third line. We'd still need a 2LW, unless Hagelin moves up. I wouldn't bother having Miller on the fourth line, and he hasn't added much offense. I'd rather he play center, and try Brass on wing, but we'll see.

What do we do with Girardi? Move him at the deadline if things don't look good? Staal's an entirely different question.

Lineup is a mess:

Kreider - ? - Nash
Hagelin - Stepan - Zuccarello
Miller - Brassard - Callahan
? - Boyle - Dorsett

McDonagh - ?
Del Zotto - Stralman
Moore - Falk


Of course, this is all a bit hyperbole, but I do think something has to be done to give this team a kick in the ass.

 

[mike14]

Stats wise, maybe. Quality of play, not even close. Is there a website that keeps track of secondary assists? I'm interested to see both players stats in that regard.

10 of Stepan's 20 points this year have come on the powerplay. His 5 on 5 play has fallen off a cliff

Richards is 11/3 primary/secondary, Stepan is 4/11.

Others of note:
McD is 3/10
MZA 10/4
Brassard 6/2
Kreider 5/5

 

[RangerBoy]

Callahan and Richards are the leaders on this team. These guys should be setting the tone in the room. They wear the letter on their sweater. Staal has his own problems.

AV has called out the players how many times already?

 

[Blueshirt Special]

The Rangers are not a sports franchise anymore than Billy Joel is, they are an entertainment package, a broadway show.

As long as there are stars on the stage and tickets are sold, they are a "success". They are the longest running show in NYC.

Hank is "Annie"

 

[Riverdale]

Callahan and Richards are the leaders on this team. These guys should be setting the tone in the room. They wear the letter on their sweater. Staal has his own problems.

AV has called out the players how many times already?

Richards hasn't deserved an A since he has been here.

Callahan is missing.

 

[Bleed Ranger Blue]

Something stinks here. This is, for the most part, the same leadership core that got us to the ECF a few years ago. What exactly happened that turned this group into a bunch of jokers with no push back in their game? Sure as heck wasn't the coaching change, because these same issues existed at the end of Tortorella's tenure.

Are they that upset that they lost guys like Prust, Dubinsky and Anisimov? If this group can't handle the loss of a few role players, then there needs to be some house cleaning.

This team needs a kick in the ass and a dose of accountability. Yet, AV came in under a mandate from our clueless GM to open up the game and let these guys "have fun." I feel bad for AV.

 

[Leonardo87]

Callahan and Richards are the leaders on this team. These guys should be setting the tone in the room. They wear the letter on their sweater. Staal has his own problems.

AV has called out the players how many times already?

It's very frustrating when the players around them are inconsistent. Yet people call out for their trades when they are the least of the Rangers concerns right now. Cally has 4 points in 6 games, which is above average play. 13 points in 22 games is just about average but it's not bad like some people are claiming. Nash line has been totally absent the last 2 games yet they are getting a free pass? Last night AV put Cally up on the top line with Nash and Stepan with some hope to score some quick goals. You don't do that when someone is playing like crap.

 

[eco's bones]

A bit of a shakeup is in order at this point. This team is just too mediocre. It's just spinning wheels. Someone needs to walk the plank. This team does not push back. Rangers need to add some real toughness for one thing.

 

[BroadwayBlues]

Too many average forwards. This is the MAIN problem. We have 1 elite (Nash) and 1 potential to be elite (Kreider). Stepan has a chance but last year is looking like a mirage. Everyone else is average at best.

Sather should be looking to move some of these players. The return for them would be good. Quite frankly, I don't know why he's so anti tank. And has been since he came here.

This team needs a number 1 center and a scorer. You can get that if you're willing to trade players you would have considered 'untouchable' before. Let the rest take care of itself.

 

[NikC]

The Rangers are not a sports franchise anymore than Billy Joel is, they are an entertainment package, a broadway show.

As long as there are stars on the stage and tickets are sold, they are a "success". They are the longest running show in NYC.

Hank is "Annie"

So true. I said this a few posts back. This franchise doesn't make moves for any othet reason but to turn profit. There's no othet explaination for the idiocy and lack of vision.


Pure mediocrity

 

[RangerBoy]

Richards and Callahan

“Personnel decisions are up to management, I’m not saying we need a change there, that’s not my department,†Richards said. “It’s up to the players to wake each other up.

“The coach can only do so much no matter who it is or what team it is. It comes from within the locker room,†he told The Post. “We’re obviously way too comfortable. There was no passion out there.â€

http://nypost.com/2013/12/09/rangers-sink-to-washington-hold-meeting/

They pay you a gazillion dollars per year. You wear the A on your sweater.

“We have to respond,†captain Ryan Callahan said. “It’s not good enough at home.â€

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/h...4-1-loss-caps-article-1.1541759#ixzz2mz6Mwtcf

This guy wants who knows how many more millions.

These guys are the leaders on the team.

Wake up.

Management can not do much. There is no cavalry coming to the rescue or magic trade to be made.