Your the GM, What Changes do you make to the lineup this summer

[Raspewtin]

I don't make many changes

-Get rid of Howden and Hajek for IDGAF what
-Re-sign Smith if his ask is below 1.8 mill, if not look elsewhere
-Sign an insurance D for the bottom pair RHD spot in case Schneider/Nils don't take it
-I would sign Danault for anything reasonable and make the changes necessary afterwards (i.e. shipping off strome)
-add a cheap banger or two that can contribute defensively (I think Eric Robinson from CBJ and Barclay Goodrow on UFA would be great) I would love Blake Coleman but I get the feeling he's going to get overpaid.

we really just need to fine tune the bottom 6 and have an NHL caliber bottom pair (i.e. no Hajek). The continued development of Kakko, Laf, K'andre, and Chytil will be the deciding factor on if we do anything next year.

This team would've made the playoffs in any other division. Contrary to the stupid narrative that they "beat up on bad teams", you can say that about every good team. Every team besides Colorado beats bad teams and has a more even to negative record against good ones. I know the two Isles games put this board on suicide watch but you really need to recognize it for what it was, two games.

The Rangers in many ways were a vastly improved team from 19-20. They were solidly in the middle of the pack advanced stats wise until the last 10 games when the roster fell apart, which was in some cases a full 13-14 spots higher than last year. They were one of the best in the league when K'Andre was an NHL defenseman. This team, on paper, had no business making the playoffs but they put up a hell of a fight and I'm not going to let this board's embarrassing penis envy of the Islanders cloud that.

 

[romba]

everyone: don't be that guy
me:.....you're



replace Howden for some grit and faceoff prowess (easier said)
replace Blackwell for some grit

 

[JHS]

I'd resign Smith for under 2 mil a season.
I'd unload Chytil for a top 9 Wing.
I'd move on from Buch and replace him with a guy like Blake Coleman
I'd make a serious offer to Nick Foligno( although I don't see him coming here he is EXACTLY what they need- leadership guy whose been an NHL captain, has grit and is an overall presence.

 

[Edge]

Danault had 24 points in 53 games this year. That prorated to about a 35 point season. Is that a one year thing or is that the beginning of a decline? I wouldn’t sign him long term for a lot of money to find out.

On the question of 2nd line production—if you’re getting a lot of minutes playing with an elite player like Panarin 60 points really isn’t that unreasonable.

So to Kuznetsov and Eichel—both have major red flags and both of their games have suffered because of those red flags. I’d stay away. I’d like to add toughness but not Chara. Too old and the idea of him mentoring K’Andre not very workable as they’re both LD’s. Getzlaf is another bad idea.

I think Danault would be a very good fit for this team. The term is what I am most curious about.

If he is indeed declining, and he wants more years and doll-hairs, it could get tricky. I also wonder if you're paying for the 2018-2020 version, or the 2016-2018 and 2021 version.

But on the right deal, I'd love to have him as a guy who potentially can play the second line or swap with Chytil at some point.

 

[NYSPORTS]

The Caps with Wilson in particular are such a gritty team with loads of tuffness. Teams like that always go really far in the playoffs.

well, they played Boston which has more grit and toughness

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

well, they played Boston which has more grit and toughness

Boston doesn't really have a ton of Grit or toughness.

People forget that the Rangers beat them down (Boston) pretty handily earlier this season.

 

[Raspewtin]

I also think I need to see this roster with a real coach, particularly some of the vets.

Quinn let the inmates run the asylum. it is very clear from all the news that has come out since that the players did what they wanted and didn't listen to or respect him. I have specifically noticed this with Kreider, Zibanejad, and Panarin.

Panarin was allergic to the defensive zone all year, he spent half his time on the ice in the neutral zone waiting for the puck. he is much better than that, he was one of the most efficient defensive forwards in hockey before this year.

Kreider is an "up and down" player but for him this year was the worst of the worst. I hate this term but he absolutely played like he didn't give a shit. the amount of times this f***ing idiot pulled up to make passes instead of driving the net, or drifted away from the net to look for a one timer, drove me up a wall. we re-signed him to be a physical force on the boards and he just didn't even f***ing try. that absolutely can't happen again considering we overpaid him for the "grit" he just decided not to provide.

Zibanejad is inbetween for me. he's not the grittiest but he's always used his size and engaged on the boards. he did not do that this year, simple as that and it really reflected in his on ice metrics. he needs to be more engaged but I also think some time away to continue recovering from covid and injuries will do well.

if someone like Gallant comes along and drills these corrections into their players, we could be in for a significant improvement.

 

[Mac n Gs]

I don't make many changes

-Get rid of Howden and Hajek for IDGAF what
-Re-sign Smith if his ask is below 1.8 mill, if not look elsewhere
-Sign an insurance D for the bottom pair RHD spot in case Schneider/Nils don't take it
-I would sign Danault for anything reasonable and make the changes necessary afterwards (i.e. shipping off strome)
-add a cheap banger or two that can contribute defensively (I think Eric Robinson from CBJ and Barclay Goodrow on UFA would be great) I would love Blake Coleman but I get the feeling he's going to get overpaid.

we really just need to fine tune the bottom 6 and have an NHL caliber bottom pair (i.e. no Hajek). The continued development of Kakko, Laf, K'andre, and Chytil will be the deciding factor on if we do anything next year.

This team would've made the playoffs in any other division. Contrary to the stupid narrative that they "beat up on bad teams", you can say that about every good team. Every team besides Colorado beats bad teams and has a more even to negative record against good ones. I know the two Isles games put this board on suicide watch but you really need to recognize it for what it was, two games.

The Rangers in many ways were a vastly improved team from 19-20. They were solidly in the middle of the pack advanced stats wise until the last 10 games when the roster fell apart, which was in some cases a full 13-14 spots higher than last year. They were one of the best in the league when K'Andre was an NHL defenseman. This team, on paper, had no business making the playoffs but they put up a hell of a fight and I'm not going to let this board's embarrassing penis envy of the Islanders cloud that.

I think they can do better than Smith at 3LD if they’re going to pay that much. I wouldn’t be shocked though if he’s back next year since he gives them the flexibility as a plug-and-play guy at 3 LD/RD if needed

 

[Bluto]

I think with the right coach the roster as is can generate toughness and grit.
Quinn and AV before him were just pansies who wouldnt force a physical response until their seat got hot.

This team proved in the washington war that they can and will have war... well everyone except KAM whose cowardice put him on my shit list.

 

[LetsGoRangers2021]

They have not made it out of the first round in the last three years and have a total of five playoff wins.

I think he was being sarcastic.

 

[McRanger]

Danault is like the old Hagelin debates.

"I don't see him as a second liner." Yeah, well, he's putting up 45-50 points but feel free to see him as you want.

All of his production comes at 5v5 too. He's a "defensive specialist" who produces like a 1st liner at 5v5.

 

[LetsGoRangers2021]

Exactly. Hopefully that puts the toffness fever to bed for a couple weeks

Do you guys watch hockey? Do you not understand that being able to compete physically is a part of sport? To put it in perspective, do you think being soft and wimpy helps you? In hockey? In life?

what is the opposite of toughness? Would you rather have that?

Are you guys honestly ok with us being manhandled? By the isles, caps..... that was terrible to watch and i guarantee it was even worse for all of the players on the team.

nobody wants talentless goons- but the majority of us see this team, as currently constructed, as being too physically immature to compete for a Stanley cup.

 

[McRanger92]

The stop-gap Center I would love is Paul Stastny. Still plays a big role for WIN, veteran leader, tons of playoff experience, consistently at 54% on faceoffs and can shift to wing if needed. I would overpay on a 2 year deal to have him insulate the kids on the 3rd Line while we make the jump to true contender status.

 

[LetsGoRangers2021]

I don't make many changes

-Get rid of Howden and Hajek for IDGAF what
-Re-sign Smith if his ask is below 1.8 mill, if not look elsewhere
-Sign an insurance D for the bottom pair RHD spot in case Schneider/Nils don't take it
-I would sign Danault for anything reasonable and make the changes necessary afterwards (i.e. shipping off strome)
-add a cheap banger or two that can contribute defensively (I think Eric Robinson from CBJ and Barclay Goodrow on UFA would be great) I would love Blake Coleman but I get the feeling he's going to get overpaid.

we really just need to fine tune the bottom 6 and have an NHL caliber bottom pair (i.e. no Hajek). The continued development of Kakko, Laf, K'andre, and Chytil will be the deciding factor on if we do anything next year.

This team would've made the playoffs in any other division. Contrary to the stupid narrative that they "beat up on bad teams", you can say that about every good team. Every team besides Colorado beats bad teams and has a more even to negative record against good ones. I know the two Isles games put this board on suicide watch but you really need to recognize it for what it was, two games.

The Rangers in many ways were a vastly improved team from 19-20. They were solidly in the middle of the pack advanced stats wise until the last 10 games when the roster fell apart, which was in some cases a full 13-14 spots higher than last year. They were one of the best in the league when K'Andre was an NHL defenseman. This team, on paper, had no business making the playoffs but they put up a hell of a fight and I'm not going to let this board's embarrassing penis envy of the Islanders cloud that.

great... so we are a paper tiger. Fantastic.

 

[CLW]

I think Danault would be a very good fit for this team. The term is what I am most curious about.

If he is indeed declining, and he wants more years and doll-hairs, it could get tricky.

But on the right deal, I'd love to have him as a guy who potentially can play the second line or swap with Chytil at some point.

The last thing I would do at this point is to tie down aging UFA players on long contracts without a clear idea how the team is taking shape, especially if they sign Zib which I expect them to do. I'm not at all sold on Danault, I think the Rangers can find a solid C for less term while they determine what they have in Chytil.

If Chytil takes huge steps over the next two seasons it will help tremendously. He is getting out of the baby phase now.

 

[HatTrick Swayze]

The thing is, part of the Rangers' inability or unwillingness to engage physically on most nights is a product of having a super young and inexperienced roster. I have no doubt that Lafreniere especially is going to engage more physically as he matures and gains confidence.

So due to natural growth alone I expect this team will become harder to play against. I am also a big proponent of finding a player like Nick Ritchie who can slot up and down the lineup to add a different dynamic, as well as a 2nd/3rd pairing veteran LH dman who can do the same. They don't need to do anything crazy, but 1-2 additions plus natural growth plus a different coach could go a long way towards tweaking the identity of the team positively.

 

[CLW]

great... so we are a paper tiger. Fantastic.

The Caps are a paper tiger. The Rangers are cubs.

 

[NYSPORTS]

Boston doesn't really have a ton of Grit or toughness.

People forget that the Rangers beat them down (Boston) pretty handily earlier this season.

????

 

[McRanger92]

I don't make many changes

-Get rid of Howden and Hajek for IDGAF what
-Re-sign Smith if his ask is below 1.8 mill, if not look elsewhere
-Sign an insurance D for the bottom pair RHD spot in case Schneider/Nils don't take it
-I would sign Danault for anything reasonable and make the changes necessary afterwards (i.e. shipping off strome)
-add a cheap banger or two that can contribute defensively (I think Eric Robinson from CBJ and Barclay Goodrow on UFA would be great) I would love Blake Coleman but I get the feeling he's going to get overpaid.

we really just need to fine tune the bottom 6 and have an NHL caliber bottom pair (i.e. no Hajek). The continued development of Kakko, Laf, K'andre, and Chytil will be the deciding factor on if we do anything next year.

This team would've made the playoffs in any other division. Contrary to the stupid narrative that they "beat up on bad teams", you can say that about every good team. Every team besides Colorado beats bad teams and has a more even to negative record against good ones. I know the two Isles games put this board on suicide watch but you really need to recognize it for what it was, two games.

The Rangers in many ways were a vastly improved team from 19-20. They were solidly in the middle of the pack advanced stats wise until the last 10 games when the roster fell apart, which was in some cases a full 13-14 spots higher than last year. They were one of the best in the league when K'Andre was an NHL defenseman. This team, on paper, had no business making the playoffs but they put up a hell of a fight and I'm not going to let this board's embarrassing penis envy of the Islanders cloud that.

Good post. The further we get from the bad taste we had at the end of the season, you start to realize the team isnt as far off as we think. Strengthening the periphery of the roster (bottom6/third pair) will go a long way to raising the floor of the team. Better coaching will be noticeable as well.

 

[LetsGoRangers2021]

I hear the point you are trying to make, but it's not like they lost to a super skilled team with no grit.

Exactly. Bc those teams don’t exist in the playoffs in the nhl. Except for us- last year when we got lucky.

 

[LetsGoRangers2021]

The Caps are a paper tiger. The Rangers are cubs.

Toilet paper cub. Not even the good kind. The kind that you end up smearing dookie all over your lower back and hand with. Thats what we were at the end. We need sandpaper!

ok- not the best analogy in this case.

 

[Shesterkybomb]

The thing is, part of the Rangers' inability or unwillingness to engage physically on most nights is a product of having a super young and inexperienced roster. I have no doubt that Lafreniere especially is going to engage more physically as he matures and gains confidence.

So due to natural growth alone I expect this team will become harder to play against. I am also a big proponent of finding a player like Nick Ritchie who can slot up and down the lineup to add a different dynamic, as well as a 2nd/3rd pairing veteran LH dman who can do the same. They don't need to do anything crazy, but 1-2 additions plus natural growth plus a different coach could go a long way towards tweaking the identity of the team positively.

A big problem is that our leaders outside of Smith and Trouba don't bring that every night either. The reason Boston is consistently good is because their top players bring the fight every night and drag others into it. I had really hoped Kreider would have brought that by now but he doesn't. Our kids will follow that lead, its gotta be a team mentality with the leaders bringing the intensity and setting the bar for the kids. Unfortunately the only guy in the forward group that does it is Buchnevich.

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

????

I guess you forget the 2 game set where Trouba knocked the f*** out of one of the Bruins, Lemieux put a beating on Frederic and Lindgren hammered Pasternak?

They went 1-1 in those games, but over the course of both games they definitely got the better of the Bruins physically. They're anything but a tough and gritty team. They have elements of it, maybe even more of it than the Rangers do, but I wouldn't categorize the Rangers as tough or gritty either.

They didn't ride "toughness and grit" to beating Washington. Boston won because they were the deeper team overall and their top players showed up. They'll make pretty easy work of who ever wins the Pens-Isles series too.

On the NYR: Their issues last year really stemmed from listless play (a lot of this was on coaching) and a homogenous approach to creating offense (which was both a roster construction and a coaching thing). Our forecheck is non existent, we lost like 90% of the races to loose pucks, our board play was awful, etc. If we want to equate being "soft" with lacking in those areas then yeah, we're soft. That needs to improve.

 

[effen]

Some weird gaslighting/memory holing going on like we didn't just watch an entire team for an entire season have many many many many games where they got their assess handed to them and bodied all over the ice.

Derisively writing 'toffness' or some equivalent doesn't change that, and the old coach didn't have evil mind controlling powers that made them play collectively as creampuffs.

 

[rangers1314]

One of the more challenging tasks this summer will be to get a legit backup in here. Should be high on the to do list.