Rumor: Trade Rumour Thread I: Post-Lockout Madness

[Thirty One]

Jones is out multiple weeks with an eye injury, but if he can come back healthy, he is the prototypical type of forward the Rangers should be in the hunt for.

Then again, I think its pretty obvious the trade market this season is going to be severely diluted with the combination of OTL's and the shortened season - everyone will be in the hunt.

Jones is supposed to come back early next month, I've heard.

I don't think the shortened season will have much effect on the amount of sellers out there. Trade deadline is still ~3/4 of the way through the season, and teams know they only have 12 games left. That being said it was still quite the seller's market last trade deadline.

 

[RangerBoy]

Gilroy has a $650K cap hit. Anything above $900K counts against the cap. Gilroy can be sent to the AHL to clear cap space. No more re-entry waivers.

 

[Trxjw]

If Sather trades Gaborik for a first he should be fired on the spot.

If Sather trades Gaborik period, unless its for an up and coming star, he should be fired on the spot.

And if Sather trades Gaborik this year, when we're supposed to be competing for a cup, he should be fired on the spot.

If Gaborik gets traded at all, it's likely at the draft. No sooner than that unless the deal is just too good to pass up. If he survives the draft, I think he'll finish his contract here. Don't think the FA market will play out like many people are hoping it will either.

 

[RangersChamps2417]

I would like us to look at Antropov or Kopecky

 

[Bleed Ranger Blue]

With the system NYR play, they should trade Staal and or Girardi long before a player who scores at the rate Gaborik does.

Why? Those guys are longterm fixtures on the blueline that should come at a relatively cheap price for the next decade.

Gaborik will be 32 years old at the end of his deal in a year and a half. He has a history of injuries and is a player that, above anything, depends on his speed.

Im apprehensive to trade Gaborik before his deal is done, but Im also very apprehensive about re-signing him.

 

[Vitto79]

I would like us to look at Antropov or Kopecky

Need it to be a UFA, Antropov sadly may be one of the best UFA options

Kopecky has a longer contract no? Will be intersting to see what team are out of it at the deadline.

 

[SupersonicMonkey*]

Well, that explains why Jones isn't playing.

 

[Fitzy]

Its hard to know what we'll accrue in prorated cap space over the season, and not a lot of teams will be out at the deadline.

But I would bet that if Carolina struggles Semin would be a very plausible rental for a team.

 

[SupersonicMonkey*]

If Gaborik gets traded at all, it's likely at the draft. No sooner than that unless the deal is just too good to pass up. If he survives the draft, I think he'll finish his contract here. Don't think the FA market will play out like many people are hoping it will either.

I agree.

Before the season started, with uncertainty of what his shoulder would be like, and it's fair to doubt his health because of his past, it was fair to talk about trading him.

But he has come out of the gate here like gangbusters. He hasn't ever looked this good while with the Rangers, and he had an outstanding season overall last year. Poor playoffs, but understandable because of injury (which is the issue with him).

After the season, it will be an issue because of the cap and our impending free agents that are part of the core.

In June if Gaborik can bring back a top-half first-round pick, and maybe a little extra...you'd have to think hard about it.

 

[Trxjw]

You're still painting a biased opinion.

He was one of the Rangers best players in the playoffs a couple of seasons ago. He was fine in Tampa. And he was serviceable in Ottawa.

He scored 15 points in 30 games in Hartford this season, and a team leader in shots on goal. What offense?

While +/- isn't an end-all-be-all stat, for someone who is as bad as you want to make him out to be, he has never finished a season in the NHL with a sub 0 +/- rating. Coincidentally, the only time his rating was awful was this season in Hartford when the team it's self is not so hot.

If he's on the roster he should get a look. If not he shouldn't be on the roster, he should be playing somewhere.

That doesn't change the fact the Rangers do need a guy who can skate with the puck and contribute to putting pressure on the opposition. Too many slow skaters on this roster. Eventually the Rangers are going to have to accept a player with some flaws and let their skill set do what it can. It's a role that's been vacant for nearly a decade.

I think you're confusing "biased" with "different than my own."

If he was fine in Tampa, he'd still be there. They've been light on defense for several seasons now. If he was 'serviceable' in Ottawa, they would have kept him for depth for the price he signed for here.

15 points in 35 games in the AHL isn't all that impressive for a 28 year old "offensive" d-man. Not to mention the guy was an absolute abomination on the defensive side of things. On a team that is potentially poised for a cup run, you don't ice a defensive liability like Gilroy because he might rush the puck up the ice 3 or 4 times a night. You certainly don't pair him up with Staal so he can spend half of his shift trying to cover up Gilroy's mistakes.

Gilroy's offensive ability doesn't even come close to justifying his defensive shortcomings. If the guy was capable of 40+ points and was a PP specialist, sure, I'd consider giving him a look. However, nothing he's shown in nearly 200 NHL games leads me to believe he's capable of that.

The Rangers have been trying to do exactly what they are doing for years when it comes to spare defensemen. They scrape the bottom of the barrel because their roster is too top heavy. They already filled the void that Gilroy could have filled when they retained Stralman. What they need is another guy who they can trust for more than 6 minutes a night. Gilroy is not that player.

 

[SupersonicMonkey*]

I think you're confusing "biased" with "different than my own."

If he was fine in Tampa, he'd still be there. They've been light on defense for several seasons now. If he was 'serviceable' in Ottawa, they would have kept him for depth for the price he signed for here.

15 points in 35 games in the AHL isn't all that impressive for a 28 year old "offensive" d-man. Not to mention the guy was an absolute abomination on the defensive side of things. On a team that is potentially poised for a cup run, you don't ice a defensive liability like Gilroy because he might rush the puck up the ice 3 or 4 times a night. You certainly don't pair him up with Staal so he can spend half of his shift trying to cover up Gilroy's mistakes.

Gilroy's offensive ability doesn't even come close to justifying his defensive shortcomings. If the guy was capable of 40+ points and was a PP specialist, sure, I'd consider giving him a look. However, nothing he's shown in nearly 200 NHL games leads me to believe he's capable of that.

The Rangers have been trying to do exactly what they are doing for years when it comes to spare defensemen. They scrape the bottom of the barrel because their roster is too top heavy. They already filled the void that Gilroy could have filled when they retained Stralman. What they need is another guy who they can trust for more than 6 minutes a night. Gilroy is not that player.

I guess we will have to disagree. I don't find him as much of an abomination as you do. Moments of abomination? Yes. But not all of the time.

In any case, like i said, if he isn't going to play, then he should be sent back to Hartford. As RangerBoy pointed out there would be no cap charge for it.

Yes, Sauer would be ideal. But we have to face facts, he isn't ever going to play again.

I agree they need another defenseman.

But we vary in opinion on what sort they need. I'd prefer a guy who can help provide some pressure, help the transition game, help get the puck through the neutral zone quickly. Where to get that guy, is the question.

And i feel in June they should draft one.

 

[Fitzy]

I agree.

Before the season started, with uncertainty of what his shoulder would be like, and it's fair to doubt his health because of his past, it was fair to talk about trading him.

But he has come out of the gate here like gangbusters. He hasn't ever looked this good while with the Rangers, and he had an outstanding season overall last year. Poor playoffs, but understandable because of injury (which is the issue with him).

After the season, it will be an issue because of the cap and our impending free agents that are part of the core.

In June if Gaborik can bring back a top-half first-round pick, and maybe a little extra...you'd have to think hard about it.

I sure wouldn't

You have maybe a half dozen wingers in the NHL with Gaborik's ability. You don't trade that even for a first overall pick, if your team is in a win-now mode.

There was a rumor about the Kings offering Brown+ for Gaborik a while back. That was about the only one that interested me and I highly doubt the offer is still on the table now.

 

[RGY]

Wish the blackhawks werent doing so well, I love Stalberg.

 

[Vitto79]

Here's a list of players who I think may be at least rumored to be available at or near the deadline depending on the teams that are out:


Ryan Jones
Ladislav Smid



Morrow
Ryder
Jagr



Komisarek (may see the Leafs eat a portion of the salary)
Franson
Connolly
Steckel
Bozak
Gunnarsson



Cole
Bourque
Kaberle
Bouillon



Weiss
Kopecky
Bergenheim
Mueller ?
Kovalev
Skille
Smithson
Jovanovski (+35)



Iginla
Babchuk
JBo
Comeau
Sarich



Antropov
Ponikarovsky
Wellwood
Hainsey
Montoya
Little (RFA)



Prospal
Letestu
Aucoin
Brassard


Players I would take a look at are in bold. Of course there are others from other teams but I feel these are the teams with the best shot of NOT making the playoffs.

who of this group is UFA? rangers like Brassard but money would have to go back

 

[SupersonicMonkey*]

I sure wouldn't

You have maybe a half dozen wingers in the NHL with Gaborik's ability. You don't trade that even for a first overall pick, if your team is in a win-now mode.

There was a rumor about the Kings offering Brown+ for Gaborik a while back. That was about the only one that interested me and I highly doubt the offer is still on the table now.

Being in a "win-now" mode doesn't mean you should also shove young up-and coming players out the door, because 30+ year old players no matter how good, with injury histories, still has one year left on his contract.

Gaborik has elite talent. Yes. No question. And when motivated he's an elite player.

But review the list of players that need new contracts, and take into account the cap is dropping significantly.

Come June they need to decide if they want to restock the system a little and also maybe get a good roster player in the process, or keep Gaborik and risk losing someone else on the roster.

 

[PlamsUnlimited]

I sure wouldn't

You have maybe a half dozen wingers in the NHL with Gaborik's ability. You don't trade that even for a first overall pick, if your team is in a win-now mode.

There was a rumor about the Kings offering Brown+ for Gaborik a while back. That was about the only one that interested me and I highly doubt the offer is still on the table now.

I feel like I'd take that. Brown+... Depends on the +... And what we need..

 

[SupersonicMonkey*]

This list might help

http://espn.go.com/nhl/freeagents

http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2013/1/6/3699000/nhl-free-agency-list-2013-lockout-over

 

[NYR Viper]

Why? Those guys are longterm fixtures on the blueline that should come at a relatively cheap price for the next decade.

Gaborik will be 32 years old at the end of his deal in a year and a half. He has a history of injuries and is a player that, above anything, depends on his speed.

Im apprehensive to trade Gaborik before his deal is done, but Im also very apprehensive about re-signing him.

That last point is why I would deal him in the off-season. (1) year left. 32 years old. He will get another 4-5 year deal from someone in need of scoring.

The Rangers need to recoup some assets at some point. When was the last time the Rangers traded a NHL player for any sort of prospect return? Dupuis for Bourret?

Gaborik is the Rangers best chance at bringing in some young, cheap, high-end talent that is necessary today. If the Rangers want to compete long-term and not just have a short-term window they need to maximize their assets whenever possible.

 

[SupersonicMonkey*]

That last point is why I would deal him in the off-season. (1) year left. 32 years old. He will get another 4-5 year deal from someone in need of scoring.

The Rangers need to recoup some assets at some point. When was the last time the Rangers traded a NHL player for any sort of prospect return? Dupuis for Bourret?

Gaborik is the Rangers best chance at bringing in some young, cheap, high-end talent that is necessary today. If the Rangers want to compete long-term and not just have a short-term window they need to maximize their assets whenever possible.

Look at the Devils, i hate them, but look at the players they have lost over the years, and they always manage to continue being a competitive/winning team.

Stevens, Niedermayer, Rafalski, Gomez, Gionta, Langenbrunner, Sykora, Parise... soon Brodeur.

They just keep rolling along.

At some point the Rangers need to take some cues.

Trading Gaborik in June could help keep the Rangers competitive for the long haul, rather than just looking at the immediate.

 

[pld459666]

who of this group is UFA? rangers like Brassard but money would have to go back

Ryder is a UFA to be.

could be a nice addition.

I hope I am wrong, I hope he proves me wrong, but Stepan needs to be more assertive with his abilities.

Not sure if it's a lack of confidence with him, but we all know he has talent, he just needs to be alot more assertive with it.

Getting a 2nd line scorer to go with a timid center may not be much of a help at all.

But if we are adding secondary scoring, Ryder could be a good fit.

 

[NYR Viper]

I don't think anyone is saying just to give Gaborik away. If there isn't a legit package available than keep him for his final year. You know he will play well in this system and in this city.

However, hypothetically, what if a team like PHX offered Gormley + or a team like STL offered Schwartz ++? That is the type of package I am talking about. Not just a 1st rounder but a high-end close to NHL (or already in the NHL) talent who can help the Rangers for 10+ years.

 

[Trxjw]

I agree.

Before the season started, with uncertainty of what his shoulder would be like, and it's fair to doubt his health because of his past, it was fair to talk about trading him.

But he has come out of the gate here like gangbusters. He hasn't ever looked this good while with the Rangers, and he had an outstanding season overall last year. Poor playoffs, but understandable because of injury (which is the issue with him).

After the season, it will be an issue because of the cap and our impending free agents that are part of the core.

In June if Gaborik can bring back a top-half first-round pick, and maybe a little extra...you'd have to think hard about it.

I think the main piece of a Gaborik trade would be a young blue-chipper. If Gaborik were to be traded, it's not as if the team is suddenly devoid of talent and heading towards a rebuild. We'd need a piece coming back who can ease the loss of a 40 goal scorer and keep us competitive. Unless the Rangers see a guy in the top half of the draft who can step in and make an impact next season, we'll need something more significant in the deal.

The real issue is that contenders aren't going to want to part with those kinds of players, and they're likely the ones who will have a need for Gaborik.

The UFA market could change things. Like I said earlier, I don't see it filling up with big names, but if they do, the Rangers could try and shuffle some pieces around.

 

[Bleed Ranger Blue]

That last point is why I would deal him in the off-season. (1) year left. 32 years old. He will get another 4-5 year deal from someone in need of scoring.

The Rangers need to recoup some assets at some point. When was the last time the Rangers traded a NHL player for any sort of prospect return? Dupuis for Bourret?

Gaborik is the Rangers best chance at bringing in some young, cheap, high-end talent that is necessary today. If the Rangers want to compete long-term and not just have a short-term window they need to maximize their assets whenever possible.

In theory, I agree, but its really not that simple. The team has a few year window here with Lundqvist, Gaborik, Richards, and Nash in their primes (Richards is slowly moving out of his right now).

Gaborik is a huge piece to the win-now puzzle. They need to proceed with caution, because too much of an eye on the future could adversely effect a squad thats ready to make a run right now.

Also, besides cap relief, Im not convinced Gaborik brings back a hefty return.

 

[NYR Viper]

Ryder is a UFA to be.

could be a nice addition.

I hope I am wrong, I hope he proves me wrong, but Stepan needs to be more assertive with his abilities.

Not sure if it's a lack of confidence with him, but we all know he has talent, he just needs to be alot more assertive with it.

Getting a 2nd line scorer to go with a timid center may not be much of a help at all.

But if we are adding secondary scoring, Ryder could be a good fit.

Stepan has always been more effective when he gets involved physically. His skill-set is more of a skill player but the knock on him going all the way back to NCAA was that he needed to get involved physically in order for his game to really come on.

He is still a young player learning how to bring it every night. I am sure he knows he is struggling a little bit. However, if he figures out how to bring it every night, he will be very close to a #1 center.

 

[Fitzy]

Which is exactly what CBJ fans thought about Nash.

Trading Gaborik is by most respects a backwards move. Flip Stepan and Girardi/Staal for an top young center on his ELC, and we can delay cap problems for a year. This of course will depend on the development of Mr. McIlrath or the potential recovery of Mr. Sauer.