Unrestricted Free Agents:
Alexander Wennberg
Jack Roslovic
Erik Gustafsson
Chad Ruhwedel
Blake Wheeler
None of these players are worth bringing back, except maybe Ruhwedel on a cheap contract for the third pair. However, we didn't see enough of him this year to make a definitive judgment.
Restricted Free Agents:
Kaapo Kakko
Ryan Lindgren
Braden Schneider
Kakko is the biggest decision. What will he ask for? Despite many appreciating him as a solid defensive forward, he might be better served on another team. I think the Rangers will trade him.
Lindgren is incredibly tough, a true warrior in the mold of Dan Girardi. However, he's always hurt, has slow foot speed, and contributes little offensively. I'd bring him back for two years, but he likely wants a long-term deal. Drury should be cautious not to overpay, learning from the Girardi and Staal extensions.
Schneider is a must re-sign. He's young and still has room for improvement.
Team Needs:
Despite being a President's Cup team, we have several holes to fill. If we keep our main core in the top-6, we desperately need a legitimate top-6 right winger. Look at the revolving door at RW: Roslovic, Chytil, Wennberg, Wheeler, Vesey, Goodrow... We need a long-term solution.
Additionally, if we move on from Zibanejad, we'll need a top-6 center.
And we need a PMD. With a gimpy Fox, we had no one to move the puck of the zone for long stretch-passes and it was a HUGE problem. I'm hoping we give Zac Jones a real look despite his size.
Ironically, my top free agent target is left defenseman Brady Skjei. He would be an excellent replacement for Lindgren, given his great skating, offensive contributions, and ability to handle top-4 minutes.
I think the core will remain intact, with Mika Zibanejad, Chris Kreider, Artemi Panarin, and Jacob Trouba staying. Their contracts may be too difficult to move. Kreider, I guess will stay. Panarin will stay because of his contract, but I think it's safe to say that he cannot be counted on come playoff time.
The two biggest decisions are Mika and Trouba and of the two, I believe Captain Jacob Trouba needs to be off this team.
Rob Luker
@RLuker12
Since being acquired by #NYR in 2019, Jacob Trouba's on & off ice goal results at 5v5, regular season & playoffs.
On Ice: 268 GF, 289 GA (48.1%)
Off Ice: 580 GF, 506 GA (53.4%)
8M per for a boneheaded, cheapshot captain, who is a penalty-making machine and is a poor skater, puck-handler, and decision-maker. He needs to go. We'll need to replace his physicality on the blueline for sure, but Trouba should be considered addition by subtraction.
And I suggested this in another thread and perhaps PJ or someone could discuss this even more elaborately, but if possible, I'd look to trade Mika in a deal similar to how he was acquired in the first place, i.e. for a young center. The names that come immediately to mind are Shane Wright, Elias Pettersson, Marco Rossi, and Trevor Zegras. IDK if it's possible and Zibanejad has a full NMC. We may be stuck here.
And we officially have the 30th pick in the NHL Draft. We only have four picks: a first, a fourth, a fifth and a sixth.
My rough projected lineup:
Kreider - Zibanejad - ?
Panarin - Trocheck - Laf
Cuylle - Chytil (assuming he's in full health)- Othmann
Vesey - Goodrow - Rempe
Berard-Brodzinski-Edstrom
Skjei - Fox
K'Andre - Schneider
Zac Jones - ?
?
?
Igor
Quick
It would cost $4M, $4M, $2M, $2M.
and that would save them $4M, $4M, -$2M, -$2M
Not too bad if the cap goes up in those out years like I expect.
NYR might be better off trading Trouba though, if you can find one of the 16 teams with a need on D. His salary is fine for his skill set.
I have been reading more and more that Brady Tkachuk could be moved.
Not a 1C, but definitely a player I'd be "all-in" on. Maybe a Trouba and Othmann for Tkachuk - something like that - trade.
+1
Not a 1C, but definitely a player I'd be "all-in" on. Maybe a Trouba and Othmann for Tkachuk - something like that - trade.
I'd definitely do that. Tkachuk would add an element of toughness and grit (along with his scoring) that this team doesn't have. Hell, he can come in and be the captain. I'm just surprised that you think Trouba and Othmann would get it done. I'd imagine they'd ask for more.
Cap Friendly Rangers - ( New Window )
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I have been reading more and more that Brady Tkachuk could be moved.
Not a 1C, but definitely a player I'd be "all-in" on. Maybe a Trouba and Othmann for Tkachuk - something like that - trade.
I'd definitely do that. Tkachuk would add an element of toughness and grit (along with his scoring) that this team doesn't have. Hell, he can come in and be the captain. I'm just surprised that you think Trouba and Othmann would get it done. I'd imagine they'd ask for more.
Tkachuk will take more than Trouba and Othman .
Trouba is garbage. He is directly responsible for a handful of goals in ECF. IF tkachuk is moved it would be for a top pick plus a prospect. Not a middling turnover prone, dirty, fraud captain defenseman.
Rangers need more grit. They were outplayed by Florida. If you can get out of Mika you do it, he appears washed.
Panarin was a ghost most of series. Laff at least seemed like he wasn’t a. It’s so that’s good
I guess there is a world the Rangers could trade for someone like David Savard (who wouldn't cost a lot) or a veteran stay at home defenseman.
But I do believe he can be traded or bought out - if I were Drury I would prefer a trade.
I guess there is a world the Rangers could trade for someone like David Savard (who wouldn't cost a lot) or a veteran stay at home defenseman.
But I do believe he can be traded or bought out - if I were Drury I would prefer a trade.
I always thought Schneider would be Trouba’s replacement. He is called baby Trouba for his grit. Let’s hope it doesn’t translate to the negative aspects of Trouba’s game.
Brett was also totally right about trading Zibanejad pre extension and overpaying for Eichel.
Trading Buch for nothing continues to loom large.
No idea. They say he's not being shopped, but Tkachuk to the Leafs keeps being speculated by every one.
Laffy better be on PP1 next season.
Hopefully, Othmann can be a better offensive version of Cuylle. They need more toughness and Cuylle was just about the only guy willing to stick his nose in it.
I’ve just about had it with Trouba. How can such an experienced player make so many mental errors? I doubt there’s any interest by other teams with his contract and I doubt even more strongly that he’d waive his NMC. Bread just is what he is at this point… a great regular season player not built for postseason play. The only hope is to lessen the team’s dependence on him come postseason.
Gus is gone. Free Zac Jones.
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No idea. They say he's not being shopped, but Tkachuk to the Leafs keeps being speculated by every one.
Imagine if they expanded the trade to include Tkachuk AND Chychrun!
2) They need at least one more defenseman who can handle the puck. Miller is reaching make or break status. He has physical ability and skill but he just can’t seem to put it all together. Three years into his career he remains very erratic and inconsistent.
3) Laf needs to be on PP1. He’s starting to look like their most gifted scorer. He’s about the only guy they have who can create his own goals.
4) They need more depth. That was the biggest edge Florida had on them IMO
Agreed on adding some speed. I don't think Kreider is as fast as he used to be. They need some better forecheckers.
Teams that win in the playoffs are strong up the middle.
Goaltender, puck moving defenseman, and dominant centers on the top 2 lines.
Does NY have that. Goaltender- yes, defenseman- Yes (when Fox is healthy), Centers? - next question.
There lies the biggest problem.
Their #1 center has been a no show too often in the playoffs, for more than just this year. Trocheck makes for a solid #2 (and fits nicely with Panarin and Lafy.
I would hardly call their #1 line a number 1 line.
Kreider is supposed to be the team's best power forward.
Well, not in this series, where he was sorely needed.
Was that because of Mika's pathetic play?
They have a BIG problem, because Ziby's contract will make him almost impossible to move. But he can't remain the top center if this team wants to win a Cup.
Agreed on adding some speed. I don't think Kreider is as fast as he used to be. They need some better forecheckers.
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I think Miller/Fox should be the #1 pairing. I also like the idea of adding Skjei, or someone like him.
Agreed on adding some speed. I don't think Kreider is as fast as he used to be. They need some better forecheckers.
I’d be fine if they moved Miller. His a pokecheck extraordinaire who does not take the body.
Teams that win in the playoffs are strong up the middle.
Goaltender, puck moving defenseman, and dominant centers on the top 2 lines.
Does NY have that. Goaltender- yes, defenseman- Yes (when Fox is healthy), Centers? - next question.
There lies the biggest problem.
Their #1 center has been a no show too often in the playoffs, for more than just this year. Trocheck makes for a solid #2 (and fits nicely with Panarin and Lafy.
I would hardly call their #1 line a number 1 line.
Kreider is supposed to be the team's best power forward.
Well, not in this series, where he was sorely needed.
Was that because of Mika's pathetic play?
They have a BIG problem, because Ziby's contract will make him almost impossible to move. But he can't remain the top center if this team wants to win a Cup.
I’d largely agree here with the exception of your view on puck moving defensemen. I thought the entire unit was atrocious at moving things forward. They played so sloppy it looked like they were scared by Florida’s aggressiveness.
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how is a successful PLAYOFF team constructed.
Teams that win in the playoffs are strong up the middle.
Goaltender, puck moving defenseman, and dominant centers on the top 2 lines.
Does NY have that. Goaltender- yes, defenseman- Yes (when Fox is healthy), Centers? - next question.
There lies the biggest problem.
Their #1 center has been a no show too often in the playoffs, for more than just this year. Trocheck makes for a solid #2 (and fits nicely with Panarin and Lafy.
I would hardly call their #1 line a number 1 line.
Kreider is supposed to be the team's best power forward.
Well, not in this series, where he was sorely needed.
Was that because of Mika's pathetic play?
They have a BIG problem, because Ziby's contract will make him almost impossible to move. But he can't remain the top center if this team wants to win a Cup.
I’d largely agree here with the exception of your view on puck moving defensemen. I thought the entire unit was atrocious at moving things forward. They played so sloppy it looked like they were scared by Florida’s aggressiveness.
What you really mean is YOU were scared. they got outplayed. It had nothing to do with being scared.
“I feared the Panthers would push Rangers around and that is exactly what happened.”
Wow, that’s it in a nutshell. They pushed them all around the rink, for six games without hardly any push back. Very disappointing, although it showed, the way this team is constructed, they could never win a cup!
When a team buys out their former captain (after stripping him of his captainship) that should be a sign that he's not what he used to be. Wheeler should retire. Gustafsson was the only guy that was useful, but he didn't provide much offense as the season wore on which is what he was supposed to do.
Goodbye to the whole bunch.
As for others, yes I would find a way to get out of Trouba's contract even if they have to retain part of his salary. He may be a nice guy and a physical player, but his mistakes in his own zone are costly. I wouldn't cry over losing Miller either. He may turn out to be a really good player, but it's one step forward, two steps back with him.
Mika for Petterson? I don't know of any team that would make that trade unless Petterson's contract demands are out of this world.
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In comment 16529219 Dave on the UWS said:
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how is a successful PLAYOFF team constructed.
Teams that win in the playoffs are strong up the middle.
Goaltender, puck moving defenseman, and dominant centers on the top 2 lines.
Does NY have that. Goaltender- yes, defenseman- Yes (when Fox is healthy), Centers? - next question.
There lies the biggest problem.
Their #1 center has been a no show too often in the playoffs, for more than just this year. Trocheck makes for a solid #2 (and fits nicely with Panarin and Lafy.
I would hardly call their #1 line a number 1 line.
Kreider is supposed to be the team's best power forward.
Well, not in this series, where he was sorely needed.
Was that because of Mika's pathetic play?
They have a BIG problem, because Ziby's contract will make him almost impossible to move. But he can't remain the top center if this team wants to win a Cup.
I’d largely agree here with the exception of your view on puck moving defensemen. I thought the entire unit was atrocious at moving things forward. They played so sloppy it looked like they were scared by Florida’s aggressiveness.
What you really mean is YOU were scared. they got outplayed. It had nothing to do with being scared.
I don’t get emotional over a game. They couldn’t get the puck out of their own zone. They turned it over and played timid. They played like they were scared.
They would rather chip puck out of zone than carry the puck out of zone
There was no consistent connection between D group and forward group
Definitely need to add some physicality to D group .
We know Fox was injured I would really like to know if other defensive players were injured.
Never understood why Lavy refused to play Zac Jones who proved during the season he could play against physical teams.
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In comment 16529218 BrettNYG10 said:
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I think Miller/Fox should be the #1 pairing. I also like the idea of adding Skjei, or someone like him.
Agreed on adding some speed. I don't think Kreider is as fast as he used to be. They need some better forecheckers.
I’d be fine if they moved Miller. His a pokecheck extraordinaire who does not take the body.
This. Move him now while he has a higher value. Huge guy who doesn’t seem to use his size nearly as well as he could. Gotta give talent to get talent if they are going to make some moves.
It’s just the market. Once somebody offers one to a player you want, you match or watch him walk.
Brett was also totally right about trading Zibanejad pre extension and overpaying for Eichel.
Trading Buch for nothing continues to loom large.
Spot on
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But why in hockey, unlike other sports, are there all these NMC's and NTC's? These are more difficult to deal with than dead money in the NFL. Why does NHL management insist on giving these clauses that make it almost impossible to change a team's makeup?
It’s just the market. Once somebody offers one to a player you want, you match or watch him walk.
Thanks. but why do you see it so much in hockey and not other sports?
Rangers need a Tkachuk for Huberdeau deal of their own IMO. Kreider/Trouba and pieces (like a first and prospect) for Brady Tkachuk and Chychrun type deal.
Maybe they make a run at Guentzel in FA? My guess is he prices himself out of their range and they can't get him.
My guess is that we get the same group with a few pieces added in/subtracted rather than any large scale changes. I expect Trouba back. Maybe Goodrow is dealt. I think Kakko is gone.
This core is mostly old. Panarin, Kreider, even Zibanejad are all at risk of falling off the face of the earth at any moment. Laf ascending hopefully takes the burden off. But this was their best shot. They don't really have a choice other than to run it back and try to make a run at the deadline.
Necas could be available, he's an RFA.
They are NOT Built to Win the Cup (16 games). They are built to win a round or 2...
That stings a bit.
That stings a bit.
He might get a team with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl to the Cup finals? What a coach!!
Yes, he did a good job, but I fail to see what he could have done to get them farther than Laviolette
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Kris Knoblauch was in our organization a few months ago and now he looks to be taking this Oilers team to the Stanley Cup Finals.
That stings a bit.
He might get a team with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl to the Cup finals? What a coach!!
Yes, he did a good job, but I fail to see what he could have done to get them farther than Laviolette
The Oilers are of course loaded with talent and top-10 picks, but they look lightyears better under Knoblauch than they did under Woodcroft.
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In comment 16529525 Anakim said:
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Kris Knoblauch was in our organization a few months ago and now he looks to be taking this Oilers team to the Stanley Cup Finals.
That stings a bit.
He might get a team with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl to the Cup finals? What a coach!!
Yes, he did a good job, but I fail to see what he could have done to get them farther than Laviolette
The Oilers are of course loaded with talent and top-10 picks, but they look lightyears better under Knoblauch than they did under Woodcroft.
Knoblauch was who I wanted to be Rangers coach also.
I would love Tkachuk on this team, but that's just a pipe dream.
I would love Tkachuk on this team, but that's just a pipe dream.
How will it be easy to upgrade him? where do you expect to get the player who slots in as a 1C?
the ridiculous "parallels to 1994" were so off base. the real comparison for this team is the Cat era Rangers as chronicled in the book "We Did Everything But Win". I think it's Howie Rose quoted that Ratelle and Gilbert were great, but Mikita and Hull were immortal. Same with Park and Orr. And they were never big or tough enough to get through the whole thing. Those teams made the then Semi-finals 4 straight years, beat the defending Stanley Cup Champion each year, but only made the Finals once and lost. FLA was just bigger, faster, stronger, highly skilled and much more willing to get dirty than the Rangers were.
I like Kreider a lot, but he is an enigma. And he's playing smaller as he ages. Mika is what he is, great when he's hot. But he's soft. That dive with the empty net was a disgrace. These guys are vets, they have to be told that whoever (Kakko, Orthmann who knows?) is going be your RW, fucking make it work with the kid. It should be Kakko IMO, but who knows if they keep him.
Panarin disappears when the game gets physical.
re Lavi, did a great job, but how do you not give Goodrow regular shifts in the 3rd period of Game 4? he, Laf and Trocheck were the 3 best forwards in this series. When your top lines can't get out of their own zone, why not put the only line you have that will dump, chase and forecheck out there for regular shifts? All that said, I love him as a coach, best they've had since Keenan but without the craziness. 3 coaches in 4 years, same result, so players are out of excuses. Will be to retool with all the NMC big contracts.
On D, agree, love Lindgren but better to move on a year to early than a year too late.
Igor was unbelievable. He deserved better.
Off to Newport, back on Saturday.
They are not playoff performers, and I know what Kreider did in Carolina series. I think you need to trade Mika, and do something with Truba. But those contracts are gonna be tough to move.
In my opinion, upgrades over Kakko, Lindgren, Gustafsson, and a true 1RW are necessary if they're going to win a Cup. If they are going to acquire a 1RW in the free agent market, I would like to see them check in on Marchessault, Necas (RFA), DeBrusk, and at least see what the deal is with Brady Tkachuk though that seems like a pipe dream.
Ultimately, whether they are able to take the next step or not is going to come down to Igor continuing to be Igor, and Zibanejad/Kreider/Panarin. I won't act as if I'm not at least a little shaken by the way those 3 have performed the last couple of years in the playoffs. I really thought this was the year, and I'm definitely questioning if these guys can get it done. One thing I disagree with is that the Florida depth was the difference in the series. This series was won by Florida because of their big guys. Barkov was an animal all over the ice, Reinhart, Verghaeghe, Tkachuk, Bennett were impactful on every shift. Bobrovsky was good when he had to be, but their big guys were great, their PP was good (except the conceded shorties), and their PK was incredible. Rangers were never going to win the Cup with 1 PPG in a playoff series. It's disappointing, makes me question why I habitually watch all 82 games every season, when the regular season has so little bearing on the playoffs.
I don’t see Rangers being able to move Trouba. He’s viewed very negatively around league and with the way game has changed last 5-7 years. Kreider you might be able to but given age and salary not sure you’d get fair value, unless plan is to move money just to sign a FA - risky. Can’t move Zibby unless you have another center to improve up top. Tkachuk from Ottawa isnt going to be available unless there’s a big return and rumors are Leafs, Flyers, Devils would be clamoring for shot to make an offer (Leafs might be willing to move Marner, Devils Mercer and the 10th pick).
Lafreniere is coming into his own. Schneider looks solid to me every time I’ve watched.
This team is going to contend again next year. The window is still there and I hope my Devils join in playoffs next year.
the ridiculous "parallels to 1994" were so off base. the real comparison for this team is the Cat era Rangers as chronicled in the book "We Did Everything But Win". I think it's Howie Rose quoted that Ratelle and Gilbert were great, but Mikita and Hull were immortal. Same with Park and Orr. And they were never big or tough enough to get through the whole thing. Those teams made the then Semi-finals 4 straight years, beat the defending Stanley Cup Champion each year, but only made the Finals once and lost. FLA was just bigger, faster, stronger, highly skilled and much more willing to get dirty than the Rangers were.
I like Kreider a lot, but he is an enigma. And he's playing smaller as he ages. Mika is what he is, great when he's hot. But he's soft. That dive with the empty net was a disgrace. These guys are vets, they have to be told that whoever (Kakko, Orthmann who knows?) is going be your RW, fucking make it work with the kid. It should be Kakko IMO, but who knows if they keep him.
Panarin disappears when the game gets physical.
re Lavi, did a great job, but how do you not give Goodrow regular shifts in the 3rd period of Game 4? he, Laf and Trocheck were the 3 best forwards in this series. When your top lines can't get out of their own zone, why not put the only line you have that will dump, chase and forecheck out there for regular shifts? All that said, I love him as a coach, best they've had since Keenan but without the craziness. 3 coaches in 4 years, same result, so players are out of excuses. Will be to retool with all the NMC big contracts.
On D, agree, love Lindgren but better to move on a year to early than a year too late.
Igor was unbelievable. He deserved better.
Off to Newport, back on Saturday.
This is pretty much exactly how I feel and it has definitely gone through my head that we very well may have 30 years of Henrik and Igor with Hall of Fame careers and no Cups to show for it.
Lindgren can't be resigned. The dude is a warrior but I on't want to see the same mistake that was made with Dan Girardi.
I think you need to move one of the 10/93/20 and if I had to pick one to move, it'd be 93, even if his value is at an all time low. Cant' stand to see 20 in another jersey, and his play is more a reflection of Mika. Bread is too valuable in the regular season and, IMO, was not a TOTAL no show in the ECF.
Saw Brett mention the Huberdeau for Tkachuk deal. Smart guy, I was coming here to reference the exact same thing. Panthers coming off the President's Trophy and a playoff exit where they were clearly second best (they got swept and embarrassed, to be fair). They trade a 100 point scorer and a top 4 defenseman from their core and completely remade their identity with one move. Is that deal out there for the Rangers? Is it another Tkachuk?
It's easy to say trade this guy or that guy from the core, but you could do a whole lot worse than what this group has delivered. So it's a difficult needle to thread. How can they find a way to be more playoff ready while not sacrificing the consistency in the regular season and early rounds that have allowed them to get to 2 of 3 conference finals. Huge offseason ahead.
Turning over 2 or 3 guys from the defense is probably the simpler move to become a team more capable of controlling games. I generally think it's easier to find undervalued defensemen than forwards. Look at what Florida has done with their group. Need to build a more mobile group capable of denying zone entries and cleanly exiting with possession. That was a glaring weakness exposed in this series.
Would try to avoid a Trouba buyout. Only two years left on the deal. There's an intriguing "second core" developing with Lafreniere's ascension looking imminent. Would rather keep the cap clear two years from now. I'm okay bringing Trouba back if they can't find a trade but he needs a more appropriate role for the player he is now. Lindgren should probably be moved. I need to see they've learned their lesson with long term deals on defense for certain types of player.
My view is the Panthers were the better team but we were close. An extra call here or there, a cross bar, and maybe we're in the SCF. A healthy Fox. I seem to be in the minority, but there are a lot of what-if's in this series--even more so than the 2014 SCF. I said going in that this series was a coin flip, and I don't think that was wrong.
So you have to roughly run it back. I'd like to trade Trouba and Goodrow and use that money elsewhere. And then try to sign or trade for someone else. Personally, I think NYR needs to go all in next year. Trade for Chychrun or something. This team is so close.
I don't see an upgrade. This is why I advocated trading him and sending those assets for Eichel back when. What's the option now, trade him for Zegras? trade him and sign Stamkos?
And that assumes he waives the NMC, which I doubt he will.
He does not have nearly the negative view around the league that Rangers fans have of him.
I kind of hope he's traded and replaced in the lineup by Jones and then the fans get what they deserve. Jones looks like a lesser Torey Krug.
A guy who doesn't take stupid penalties, make terrible passes consistently, and frequently get himself out of position?
Mika is as enigmatic at this point as any player I've followed in any sport. He's too young to be in decline, he's only 31. Yet, as you mentioned, the fact that he had a stretch of something like 28 games without a 5 on 5 goal this year is extremely concerning. The guy is as good as anyone in the league when he's hot, but yes, when he goes up against an elite defensive center, he is rendered invisible. Mika is not going anywhere. He has a full no movement clause until a week before the 2030 trade deadline. I advocated for him to get signed long term, and I still think he can be a plus player for them. It's easy to overlook everything else he offers in the way of his defense and PK prowess, because you expect your 1C to deliver. Until the Burns cross check to the back, he was delivering, and I do wonder if that play resulted in an injury. In a down year, he put up 72 points. I do think having a consistent 1RW, like he had in Buchnevich, would have a positive impact on his game, and as I mentioned earlier, I think even if it makes them have to do some cap gymnastics, Marchessault is my number one target.
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And he has a NMC anyway
I don't see an upgrade. This is why I advocated trading him and sending those assets for Eichel back when. What's the option now, trade him for Zegras? trade him and sign Stamkos?
And that assumes he waives the NMC, which I doubt he will.
Yeah it's hard to see a deal out there that doesn't require them to take a step back for next season. For all his faults, you're still replacing a PPG center. It's not that simple. So what are the moves to make to get more out of Mika next season. What do his ideal linemates look like? That's the main focus for me with the forward group this offseason.
He does not have nearly the negative view around the league that Rangers fans have of him.
I kind of hope he's traded and replaced in the lineup by Jones and then the fans get what they deserve. Jones looks like a lesser Torey Krug.
I don't follow too much non Ranger Hockey, is a lesser Torey Krug supposed to be an insult? I remember at one point he was a big name but things tend to change.
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is absolutely tradeable once he submits his 15 team list.
He does not have nearly the negative view around the league that Rangers fans have of him.
I kind of hope he's traded and replaced in the lineup by Jones and then the fans get what they deserve. Jones looks like a lesser Torey Krug.
I don't follow too much non Ranger Hockey, is a lesser Torey Krug supposed to be an insult? I remember at one point he was a big name but things tend to change.
Torey Krug has played 778 games with 483 points as an undersized defenseman. What's a lesser Torey Krug? Half of that? Sign me up!!
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is absolutely tradeable once he submits his 15 team list.
He does not have nearly the negative view around the league that Rangers fans have of him.
I kind of hope he's traded and replaced in the lineup by Jones and then the fans get what they deserve. Jones looks like a lesser Torey Krug.
I don't follow too much non Ranger Hockey, is a lesser Torey Krug supposed to be an insult? I remember at one point he was a big name but things tend to change.
No, Torey Krug is not a bad player, but he's one dimensional. As he has gotten older he's rounded out a little bit but his first 5 or 6 years in the league he was offense only and a defensive liability in his own zone.
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In comment 16529748 pjcas18 said:
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is absolutely tradeable once he submits his 15 team list.
He does not have nearly the negative view around the league that Rangers fans have of him.
I kind of hope he's traded and replaced in the lineup by Jones and then the fans get what they deserve. Jones looks like a lesser Torey Krug.
I don't follow too much non Ranger Hockey, is a lesser Torey Krug supposed to be an insult? I remember at one point he was a big name but things tend to change.
No, Torey Krug is not a bad player, but he's one dimensional. As he has gotten older he's rounded out a little bit but his first 5 or 6 years in the league he was offense only and a defensive liability in his own zone.
So the defensive liability portion vs Trouba will be consistent but maybe they can move the puck out of their own zone. Seems like a net positive especially when you factor in the cap savings.
Agreed. It's why I suggested trading him in a similar deal to how he was acquired. The names that come to mind are Shane Wright, Trevor Zegras, Marco Rossi, and Elias Pettersson.
Zegras+ for Zibanjead is an idea. I would imagine the appeal for Anaheim, even though they're rebuilding, is having an established Swede for Leo Carlsson. IDK if Mika would waive there, but he might. He has a young daughter that I'm sure would love Disneyland.
Retaining 25% of Trouba's salary costs 2M and 2M vs a full buyout which costs 4M, 4M, 2M, 2M, so a pretty big difference. Even retaining 50% saves them in years 3 and 4.
Lindgren can't be resigned. The dude is a warrior but I on't want to see the same mistake that was made with Dan Girardi.
I think you need to move one of the 10/93/20 and if I had to pick one to move, it'd be 93, even if his value is at an all time low. Cant' stand to see 20 in another jersey, and his play is more a reflection of Mika. Bread is too valuable in the regular season and, IMO, was not a TOTAL no show in the ECF.
I knew this thread was going to bring up a lot of "ouch" hahaha. I try not to harp on the Buchnevich trade, because realistically, he was not going to sign here long-term. That said, that summer with the Buchnevich trade, not trading for Eichel, trading for and signing Reaves and Goodrow to over $6M in salary, all an overreaction to the Tom Wilson play.
The Buchnevich trade was, in my opinion, either a huge miscalculation by Drury thinking that one of Kakko or Kravtsov was going to be able to fill the 1RW spot, or the scenario that I am convinced is the case, he thought they were making the trade for Eichel.
He does not have nearly the negative view around the league that Rangers fans have of him.
I kind of hope he's traded and replaced in the lineup by Jones and then the fans get what they deserve. Jones looks like a lesser Torey Krug.
He wouldn't be replaced by Jones. Gus is being replaced by Jones. The expectation would be that you acquire one or two puck-clearing defensemen to replace Trouba and possibly Lindgren with. This team needs more physicality, not less, and if Trouba and Lindgren are traded, you'll have 4 of the 6 defensemen be Fox, K'Andre, Schneider, and Jones. Soft and weak as Charmin shit. They would need to add toughness to replace Lindgren and size and muscle to replace Trouba.
I know you're more of the hockey analytics guy than I am, but I'm surprised you're not more critical of Trouba as the underlying analytics say he's been awful. As I posted in the OP:
Rob Luker
@RLuker12
Since being acquired by #NYR in 2019, Jacob Trouba's on & off ice goal results at 5v5, regular season & playoffs.
On Ice: 268 GF, 289 GA (48.1%)
Off Ice: 580 GF, 506 GA (53.4%)
That's our captain and 8M man.
Also, I don't think Mika is an enigma. He is somewhere around the 11th to 20th best center in the league and a streaky player. He gets pushed around by the guys in the top ten.
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I genuinely have no idea what to do with Mika. Very good player who seems to be unable to consistently raise his game when he goes against the top centers in the league. You can trade him, but how are you filling that gap in the lineup? Can they finally find him a consistent right winger? Ultimately would still expect him back but if you're looking for a bold move, I think he's the one. The drop in 5v5 play this year was pretty alarming.
Agreed. It's why I suggested trading him in a similar deal to how he was acquired. The names that come to mind are Shane Wright, Trevor Zegras, Marco Rossi, and Elias Pettersson.
Zegras+ for Zibanjead is an idea. I would imagine the appeal for Anaheim, even though they're rebuilding, is having an established Swede for Leo Carlsson. IDK if Mika would waive there, but he might. He has a young daughter that I'm sure would love Disneyland.
Yeah those are some interesting names. I appreciate you throwing them out there because it led me to do some digging. But Petterson is the only truly established player of that group and go look at what Canucks fans are saying about him coming out of that playoff run. He was a ghost. Zegras is a strange one. I find it odd that he keeps coming up in trade rumors when he should be considered a cornerstone of the Ducks rebuild. Makes me wonder. And does he bring the hard to play against element that Mika often fails to deliver? Not sure
The other two, I think you're just taking too big of a step back in the near term. Shane Wright has barely played in the NHL. When Gorton made that Zibanejad/Brassard trade I think he knew the run was ending and was starting to look ahead. I don't think we're there yet with this group.
But it's an interesting thought experiment
You would probably see the best 3 forwards were LaFreniere, Trocheck and Goodrow. The Big 3 were just passengers. Cullye ,Chytil and Kakko tried to make a difference.
On defense you would probably see Trouba was a turnover machine but led the D in hits and blocked shots.
Gustafson was probably a net negative as well as Miller.
BTW, I don’t think Zac Jones would be a big defensive liability imv.
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In comment 16529748 pjcas18 said:
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is absolutely tradeable once he submits his 15 team list.
He does not have nearly the negative view around the league that Rangers fans have of him.
I kind of hope he's traded and replaced in the lineup by Jones and then the fans get what they deserve. Jones looks like a lesser Torey Krug.
I don't follow too much non Ranger Hockey, is a lesser Torey Krug supposed to be an insult? I remember at one point he was a big name but things tend to change.
No, Torey Krug is not a bad player, but he's one dimensional. As he has gotten older he's rounded out a little bit but his first 5 or 6 years in the league he was offense only and a defensive liability in his own zone.
How is that different than Erik Karlsson or Kevin Shattenkirk or Tony DeAngelo? Karlsson is the extreme, but there's room for those type of PP specialists/undersized PMD in the NHL.
Regardless, Jones would get sheltered minutes on the third pair.
But the Rangers may have to eat 50% of his contract. Not ideal.
I would suspect that one place Trouba would 100% waive to is Detroit
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is absolutely tradeable once he submits his 15 team list.
He does not have nearly the negative view around the league that Rangers fans have of him.
I kind of hope he's traded and replaced in the lineup by Jones and then the fans get what they deserve. Jones looks like a lesser Torey Krug.
He wouldn't be replaced by Jones. Gus is being replaced by Jones. The expectation would be that you acquire one or two crease-clearing defensemen to replace Trouba and possibly Lindgren with. This team needs more physicality, not less, and if Trouba and Lindgren are traded, you'll have 4 of the 6 defensemen be Fox, K'Andre, Schneider, and Jones. Soft and weak as Charmin shit. They would need to add toughness to replace Lindgren and size and muscle to replace Trouba.
I know you're more of the hockey analytics guy than I am, but I'm surprised you're not more critical of Trouba as the underlying analytics say he's been awful. As I posted in the OP:
Rob Luker
@RLuker12
Since being acquired by #NYR in 2019, Jacob Trouba's on & off ice goal results at 5v5, regular season & playoffs.
On Ice: 268 GF, 289 GA (48.1%)
Off Ice: 580 GF, 506 GA (53.4%)
That's our captain and 8M man.
You would probably see the best 3 forwards were LaFreniere, Trocheck and Goodrow. The Big 3 were just passengers. Cullye ,Chytil and Kakko tried to make a difference.
On defense you would probably see Trouba was a turnover machine but led the D in hits and blocked shots.
Gustafson was probably a net negative as well as Miller.
BTW, I don’t think Zac Jones would be a big defensive liability imv.
In the regular season and in the playoffs, Trouba had less turnovers than Schneider, Gus, and Miller and same amount as Fox
And yes, he led the D in blocked shots and hits. By a lot. For both.
I saw an X exchange about this earlier today - ( New Window )
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I think if Trouba was on the open market, he would fetch between $4 and $6 million. He's absolutely tradeable.
But the Rangers may have to eat 50% of his contract. Not ideal.
I would suspect that one place Trouba would 100% waive to is Detroit
Sure, but if you assume my valuation is right, you can attach some assets to compensate for it and make someone eat it whole. A second or something like that.
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In comment 16529784 BrettNYG10 said:
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I think if Trouba was on the open market, he would fetch between $4 and $6 million. He's absolutely tradeable.
But the Rangers may have to eat 50% of his contract. Not ideal.
I would suspect that one place Trouba would 100% waive to is Detroit
Sure, but if you assume my valuation is right, you can attach some assets to compensate for it and make someone eat it whole. A second or something like that.
This is 100% the move if they can pull it off
it's not just the ECF, but from nhl.com (filtered to playoffs and NYR, misc category). Trouba also led the D in takeaways.
link below...
link - ( New Window )
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In comment 16529784 BrettNYG10 said:
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I think if Trouba was on the open market, he would fetch between $4 and $6 million. He's absolutely tradeable.
But the Rangers may have to eat 50% of his contract. Not ideal.
I would suspect that one place Trouba would 100% waive to is Detroit
Sure, but if you assume my valuation is right, you can attach some assets to compensate for it and make someone eat it whole. A second or something like that.
True, or a prospect. I don't think we have any second or third rounders for the next few years.
You would probably see the best 3 forwards were LaFreniere, Trocheck and Goodrow. The Big 3 were just passengers. Cullye ,Chytil and Kakko tried to make a difference.
On defense you would probably see Trouba was a turnover machine but led the D in hits and blocked shots.
Gustafson was probably a net negative as well as Miller.
BTW, I don’t think Zac Jones would be a big defensive liability imv.
Goodrow actually got caved in. Lowest corsi/fenwick percentage on the team for the playoff at 31.8%. He scored 6 goals on 40% shooting. Credit to him for the timeliness of those goals, but essentially he just got hot while the overall play was not effective. Rangers should consider selling high off that playoff run
Link - ( New Window )
it depends. if there is a NYR forward there then no, if there is no NYR teammate there and it's wrapped around to the other team then yes.
Instead of playing musical chairs with the RW, I would've liked some different combos in the Florida series.
Also, I don't think Mika is an enigma. He is somewhere around the 11th to 20th best center in the league and a streaky player. He gets pushed around by the guys in the top ten.
I definitely don't disagree with where he is ranked among centers, and maybe he is starting to decline. I just don't see that as the reason, because I think this was just a down year for him, but maybe I'm wrong. I am admittedly a Mika apologist, though this year/playoff run have definitely made me start questioning him as a long-term 1C. I do believe having a legit top line RW could make a big difference for him, and unfortunately, the only way they fill that role I think is through free agency.
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In comment 16529748 pjcas18 said:
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is absolutely tradeable once he submits his 15 team list.
He does not have nearly the negative view around the league that Rangers fans have of him.
I kind of hope he's traded and replaced in the lineup by Jones and then the fans get what they deserve. Jones looks like a lesser Torey Krug.
He wouldn't be replaced by Jones. Gus is being replaced by Jones. The expectation would be that you acquire one or two crease-clearing defensemen to replace Trouba and possibly Lindgren with. This team needs more physicality, not less, and if Trouba and Lindgren are traded, you'll have 4 of the 6 defensemen be Fox, K'Andre, Schneider, and Jones. Soft and weak as Charmin shit. They would need to add toughness to replace Lindgren and size and muscle to replace Trouba.
I know you're more of the hockey analytics guy than I am, but I'm surprised you're not more critical of Trouba as the underlying analytics say he's been awful. As I posted in the OP:
Rob Luker
@RLuker12
Since being acquired by #NYR in 2019, Jacob Trouba's on & off ice goal results at 5v5, regular season & playoffs.
On Ice: 268 GF, 289 GA (48.1%)
Off Ice: 580 GF, 506 GA (53.4%)
That's our captain and 8M man.
I am not really an analytics person if you are using them to evaluate an individual. Hockey just isn't that game. If you are using them to help explain what you saw then I think they have some utility.
But stats like corsi, fenwick, xGF and xGA, etc. that are really 5 person unit stats are not good indicators of the whole story IMO. especially when applying individual blame or success when it's a 5-person unit that has the success and it doesn't consider the 5-person unit you played against.
except for a goalie. xGF and xGA I do think are good indicators of when a goalie steals a game or loses a game (even though that's never the whole story).
Non one will ever change my mind that the 1971-72 Rangers would have won the cup if they didn't lose Ratelle.
The current Rangers 1st line wasn't tough enough to handle the Panthers. They also had one of their key players (Fox) extremely limited which hurt the PP and exposed him on defense.
The Rangers #1 need by a mile is a power RW to elevate their supposed "1st line" which needs to get 2nd line minutes next year. Trocheck, Panarin and Lafreniere have earned the right to be the 1st line and the 1st PP with Kreider and Fox.
True, but 94 made up for it.
This team could use a very good young C/D. They have Othmann at LW, Perreault at RW and Fortescue at D.
This team could use a very good young C/D. They have Othmann at LW, Perreault at RW and Fortescue at D.
Three players from USNDTP could be there around 30.
Teddy Stiga F, smooth, finisher, good fundamentals and IQ
EJ Emery, RD, good size, room to grow offensively
Cole Hutson, LD, Lane's younger brother, not quite the elusiveness of Lane, but still a really good puck mover will be drafted earlier than Lane was. similarly sized.
a few Canadian players who could be there
Ryder Ritchie, RW, reminds me a little of Lafreniere
Sacha Boisvert, C, good size, played at Mt. St. Charles Academy in RI
Jett Luchanko, C (not just his name, he's a speedster)
Any of those 6 would be good IMO, plus a couple Euros.
there should be a good player there at 30.
I will be forever grateful to Neil Smith and Mark Messier. They made it happen. At least for me I think Sam Rosen will be correct. That's the only NY Rangers Stanley Cup I will ever see.
I think the window has closed. This team is capped out with very expensive players at or near the end of the prime that can't be moved. This was their chance and they fell short.
Mark Messier trade got Rangers the right player at right time - ( New Window )
Out of the rest of the OPs list of FAs and RFAs I hope only Schneider is back and think he should be paired with Jones from day one of the season.
I like Trouba but he is not part of the solution. Whatever makes the most cap sense is what they should do with him.
The most disappointing player vs the Panthers for me was Miller. I thought this was the year he would become a star player. He was abused by FL. If the right return is available he's a prime trade chip for me.
Mika and Fox are going no where. The Rangers are stuck with them so finding complimentary players to those two should be the #1 and #1A priorities of the off season. The Rangers need to find Fox a left-handed Beukeboom instead of pairing him with the opponent teams punching bag.
X.com - ( New Window )
Ouch, the comments. lol. Maybe I have some blinders on for Trouba. Though jfresh is a douche and I think a goalie so automatically his opinion is discounted (no offense CHP).
just his nature. Most of the hockey stat/analytics guys reply to you on twitter or their websites if you have questions about their formulas, or results for a player. He just ignores people (or me at least), plus as I said I think he's a goalie - I shouldn't need to explain it any more than that. lol.
Good morning. We need to get tougher. Schneider skates with cement in his skates. Also need players who stand in front of the net come playoff teams.
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then the fans get what they deserve.
A guy who doesn't take stupid penalties, make terrible passes consistently, and frequently get himself out of position?
I was waiting on the other thread for the Trouba apologists to emerge and for us to be told he doesn't suck and its not his fault. And here it is. Now we don't deserve Trouba. lmao.
@SNYRangers
Jacob Trouba told reporters today that he played the entire playoffs on a broken ankle
12:08 PM · Jun 4, 2024
What the hell did they bother trading for a solid depth defenseman like Ruhwedel for if they were going to play Trouba with a broken damned ankle instead, no matter how ineffective he was?
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Rangers Videos
@SNYRangers
Jacob Trouba told reporters today that he played the entire playoffs on a broken ankle
12:08 PM · Jun 4, 2024
What the hell did they bother trading for a solid depth defenseman like Ruhwedel for if they were going to play Trouba with a broken damned ankle instead, no matter how ineffective he was?
I was going to say he looked injured, but the haters would think it was an excuse.
I don't think he even had a hard hit after the Caps series - including the missed elbow - and while he blocked shots - I noticed not to his usual volume.
it's always a tough call IMO about how hurt someone is and how much of a gap there is between the injured player playing injured and the replacement. I don't think coaches are always right, but my guess is they evaluated all the options and felt like Fox and Trouba gave them the best chance to win.
Trouba stunk. You can't tell me Chad Ruhwedel wouldn't have done a better job. At least give him a shot and, should he fail, you can go back to Captain Pegleg.
Also, lol, no one wants to hear this, but by almost every quantitative measure, so not the "he stinks" or "he's a turnover machine", Schneider (for example) was worse than Trouba or as bad, except for PIMs. Miller was worse in most stats, Lindgren and Gus worse than Trouba in most and Fox worse in many.
For the playoffs Trouba compared with the other Rangers D
More points than all except Fox
Tied with Miller for most goals
Fewer giveaways than all D except Lindgren
More takeaways than all other D (tied with Miller)
More blocked shots than any other D
More hits than any other D
+- after only Fox and Miller
and he allegedly had a broken ankle.
So the coaches probably didn't think Ruhwedel was going to outproduce Trouba as much as the fans hate him and Jones would have been a disaster IMO. If they didn't think Ruhwedel was going to outplay a healthy Schneider, when an injured Trouba was still better than Schneider and Lindgren, etc.
One thing Rangers fans while looking for their boogeyman also don't mention is the last couple games of the series, Barkov invisible offensively, Tkachuk invisible offensively, Verhaeghe invisible offensively, Reinhart invisible offensively - none of those 4 even had a point in the last couple games - the pivotal games 5 and 6. Those were their top 4 scorers during the regular season. Igor was awesome, of course and that's a lot of the story, but the Rangers didn't lose this series because of their D IMO. they lost because they scored 5 goals in 5 games of the series. they scored 5 in the other game alone, but 5 goals in the other 5 games is why they lost and a lot of that falls on the power play.
As captain, you're supposed to put your team in the best position to win. Trouba didn't. He tried to tough it out and it cost them.
- The Rangers decide to not put him on LTIR and open up $8.5m additional in Trade Deadline Cap Space
- The Rangers play 11 games without him in the lineup and then force him back despite not being fully healed
- In those 11 games, the Rangers go 9-2 against one of the toughest stretch of their schedule and Zac Jones plays terrific hockey
- Zac Jones never plays again and Jacob Trouba plays below replacement level hockey in the playoffs"
As captain, you're supposed to put your team in the best position to win. Trouba didn't. He tried to tough it out and it cost them.
GTFO with this ridiculous take. It's not on him to make that call. it's the coaches and the trainers and medical staff.
Man, you really hate this guy. like it's personal for you to have such an awful take.
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17 of the 35 goals against us in rounds 2 and 3 of the playoffs were scored with Jacob Trouba and his broken ankle on the ice. And he didn't think he was a problem and that he was holding the team back?
As captain, you're supposed to put your team in the best position to win. Trouba didn't. He tried to tough it out and it cost them.
GTFO with this ridiculous take. It's not on him to make that call. it's the coaches and the trainers and medical staff.
Man, you really hate this guy. like it's personal for you to have such an awful take.
Not at all, PJ. It's not personal at all. I want to like the guy because A) he's our captain; and B) he brings size and snarl to this team. The problem is that he's not very good, he never really was very good, and he doesn't play with a high hockey IQ. He'll take stupid, undisciplined penalties that will hurt his team and go for the big hit (with some being dirty) instead of being defensively responsible.
And this is the end result. He played horribly and was one of, if not the, main culprits.
This is on the coach. It's his job to make that decision, not Trouba's.
This is on the coach. It's his job to make that decision, not Trouba's.
Agreed.
Also, lol, no one wants to hear this, but by almost every quantitative measure, so not the "he stinks" or "he's a turnover machine", Schneider (for example) was worse than Trouba or as bad, except for PIMs. Miller was worse in most stats, Lindgren and Gus worse than Trouba in most and Fox worse in many.
For the playoffs Trouba compared with the other Rangers D
More points than all except Fox
Tied with Miller for most goals
Fewer giveaways than all D except Lindgren
More takeaways than all other D (tied with Miller)
More blocked shots than any other D
More hits than any other D
+- after only Fox and Miller
and he allegedly had a broken ankle.
So the coaches probably didn't think Ruhwedel was going to outproduce Trouba as much as the fans hate him and Jones would have been a disaster IMO. If they didn't think Ruhwedel was going to outplay a healthy Schneider, when an injured Trouba was still better than Schneider and Lindgren, etc.
One thing Rangers fans while looking for their boogeyman also don't mention is the last couple games of the series, Barkov invisible offensively, Tkachuk invisible offensively, Verhaeghe invisible offensively, Reinhart invisible offensively - none of those 4 even had a point in the last couple games - the pivotal games 5 and 6. Those were their top 4 scorers during the regular season. Igor was awesome, of course and that's a lot of the story, but the Rangers didn't lose this series because of their D IMO. they lost because they scored 5 goals in 5 games of the series. they scored 5 in the other game alone, but 5 goals in the other 5 games is why they lost and a lot of that falls on the power play.
You're a smart hockey fan, so I feel like you already know this and maybe you're just dug in on the Trouba thing, but an inability for the defense to a) prevent zone entries at will by the opposition and b) effectively handle puck retrievals and move the puck out of their own zone with possession absolutely is a contributing factor to why the Rangers struggled to score goals. And I feel like Trouba plays a significant role in that. It's not just him. The powerplay failed too. Both things are true. Trouba also wasn't the only defensemen that struggled (though he does make more against the cap than all of them besides Fox). This has been acknowledged. But you're going to have to give me something more than blocked shots, hits, and a lack of giveaways because he's just flipping the puck out to safety constantly to tell me why he's actually better than the perception right now. Pretty clear downward trajectory he's on at the moment
What on earth was he doing on the Bennett goal in game 6!? I've never seen anything like that.
Again, though - why did Laviolette play ALL of these guys every game despite the injuries when he had options that were at least decent?
You're a smart hockey fan, so I feel like you already know this and maybe you're just dug in on the Trouba thing, but an inability for the defense to a) prevent zone entries at will by the opposition and b) effectively handle puck retrievals and move the puck out of their own zone with possession absolutely is a contributing factor to why the Rangers struggled to score goals.
Agree 100%. It's very difficult to score goals when you're struggling mightily just to get out of your own end.
This is on the coach. It's his job to make that decision, not Trouba's.
I can agree with that
@vzmercogliano
Kakko was pretty honest in his self evaluation. Said Lavi told him he’d play with 20/93 over the summer, “But all those games we played together, it never worked out that well. If you're playing those minutes, you have to score some goals.”
Will he be back? “We’ll see.” #NYR
1:39 PM · Jun 4, 2024
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and they needed PP success to win the series. It was one of my keys going in.
Also, lol, no one wants to hear this, but by almost every quantitative measure, so not the "he stinks" or "he's a turnover machine", Schneider (for example) was worse than Trouba or as bad, except for PIMs. Miller was worse in most stats, Lindgren and Gus worse than Trouba in most and Fox worse in many.
For the playoffs Trouba compared with the other Rangers D
More points than all except Fox
Tied with Miller for most goals
Fewer giveaways than all D except Lindgren
More takeaways than all other D (tied with Miller)
More blocked shots than any other D
More hits than any other D
+- after only Fox and Miller
and he allegedly had a broken ankle.
So the coaches probably didn't think Ruhwedel was going to outproduce Trouba as much as the fans hate him and Jones would have been a disaster IMO. If they didn't think Ruhwedel was going to outplay a healthy Schneider, when an injured Trouba was still better than Schneider and Lindgren, etc.
One thing Rangers fans while looking for their boogeyman also don't mention is the last couple games of the series, Barkov invisible offensively, Tkachuk invisible offensively, Verhaeghe invisible offensively, Reinhart invisible offensively - none of those 4 even had a point in the last couple games - the pivotal games 5 and 6. Those were their top 4 scorers during the regular season. Igor was awesome, of course and that's a lot of the story, but the Rangers didn't lose this series because of their D IMO. they lost because they scored 5 goals in 5 games of the series. they scored 5 in the other game alone, but 5 goals in the other 5 games is why they lost and a lot of that falls on the power play.
You're a smart hockey fan, so I feel like you already know this and maybe you're just dug in on the Trouba thing, but an inability for the defense to a) prevent zone entries at will by the opposition and b) effectively handle puck retrievals and move the puck out of their own zone with possession absolutely is a contributing factor to why the Rangers struggled to score goals. And I feel like Trouba plays a significant role in that. It's not just him. The powerplay failed too. Both things are true. Trouba also wasn't the only defensemen that struggled (though he does make more against the cap than all of them besides Fox). This has been acknowledged. But you're going to have to give me something more than blocked shots, hits, and a lack of giveaways because he's just flipping the puck out to safety constantly to tell me why he's actually better than the perception right now. Pretty clear downward trajectory he's on at the moment
Dumping and chasing out of the zone, while better than not exiting the zone and having defensive zone turnover, is much worse than possession exits or passing exits. It was also playing into Florida's strengths since they have more that do a good job doing the dirty work of grinding for pucks on the boards. you are right that not having zone exits is the number one reason they lost.
@vzmercogliano
Kakko was pretty honest in his self evaluation. Said Lavi told him he’d play with 20/93 over the summer, “But all those games we played together, it never worked out that well. If you're playing those minutes, you have to score some goals.”
Will he be back? “We’ll see.” #NYR
1:39 PM · Jun 4, 2024
I want Kakko back but suspect he'll be dealt.
Quote:
Vince Z. Mercogliano
@vzmercogliano
Kakko was pretty honest in his self evaluation. Said Lavi told him he’d play with 20/93 over the summer, “But all those games we played together, it never worked out that well. If you're playing those minutes, you have to score some goals.”
Will he be back? “We’ll see.” #NYR
1:39 PM · Jun 4, 2024
I want Kakko back but suspect he'll be dealt.
I would love to see Kakko back on a top 6 line where the C doesn't only have eyes for his LW.
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and they needed PP success to win the series. It was one of my keys going in.
Also, lol, no one wants to hear this, but by almost every quantitative measure, so not the "he stinks" or "he's a turnover machine", Schneider (for example) was worse than Trouba or as bad, except for PIMs. Miller was worse in most stats, Lindgren and Gus worse than Trouba in most and Fox worse in many.
For the playoffs Trouba compared with the other Rangers D
More points than all except Fox
Tied with Miller for most goals
Fewer giveaways than all D except Lindgren
More takeaways than all other D (tied with Miller)
More blocked shots than any other D
More hits than any other D
+- after only Fox and Miller
and he allegedly had a broken ankle.
So the coaches probably didn't think Ruhwedel was going to outproduce Trouba as much as the fans hate him and Jones would have been a disaster IMO. If they didn't think Ruhwedel was going to outplay a healthy Schneider, when an injured Trouba was still better than Schneider and Lindgren, etc.
One thing Rangers fans while looking for their boogeyman also don't mention is the last couple games of the series, Barkov invisible offensively, Tkachuk invisible offensively, Verhaeghe invisible offensively, Reinhart invisible offensively - none of those 4 even had a point in the last couple games - the pivotal games 5 and 6. Those were their top 4 scorers during the regular season. Igor was awesome, of course and that's a lot of the story, but the Rangers didn't lose this series because of their D IMO. they lost because they scored 5 goals in 5 games of the series. they scored 5 in the other game alone, but 5 goals in the other 5 games is why they lost and a lot of that falls on the power play.
You're a smart hockey fan, so I feel like you already know this and maybe you're just dug in on the Trouba thing, but an inability for the defense to a) prevent zone entries at will by the opposition and b) effectively handle puck retrievals and move the puck out of their own zone with possession absolutely is a contributing factor to why the Rangers struggled to score goals. And I feel like Trouba plays a significant role in that. It's not just him. The powerplay failed too. Both things are true. Trouba also wasn't the only defensemen that struggled (though he does make more against the cap than all of them besides Fox). This has been acknowledged. But you're going to have to give me something more than blocked shots, hits, and a lack of giveaways because he's just flipping the puck out to safety constantly to tell me why he's actually better than the perception right now. Pretty clear downward trajectory he's on at the moment
I'm not dug in on anything. NYR fans for some reason more than most fans love to find a single person to blame.
Hockey is not that game even though some of the fans on here won't be happy until it's unanimous and everyone blames one guy.
I pointed out the Rangers scored a combined 5 goals in 5 games of the series and that's is why they lost. If you want to twist that lack of scoring to pin it on one defenseman out of three pairs of D struggling with his puck retrievals and breakouts, then go right ahead, but it doesn't make me dug in, it makes you hockey illiterate.
Trouba absolutely contributed to the loss, just like all the D did and the forwards all did I seriously doubt the outcome would have changed for the better (even a little) had Ruhwedel or Jones replaced Trouba. In fact you probably see some points from the FLA top 4 in the last two games without him.
If any of you guys are the types to believe you can win Powerball, I have a pie in the sky dream for you that solves the #1 C issue....Leon Draisaitl is a UFA after next season and the Oilers might very well be unable to retain him.
How on earth they make that happen, I have no goddamned idea, but reach for the stars!
That's just, like, your opinion, man.
They played very well with Jones in the lineup over Trouba. No, it wasn't the playoffs, but it did happen.
I've continued to emphasize over and over for the last three days that Trouba is not the only player or defensemen that struggled. The loss does not fall solely at his feet, and as a whole I didn't like the way the entire defense played. So you're either intentionally twisting my words or just playing ignorant. Either way, it's tired. If you don't understand how a defense that struggled to move the puck (the entire group, not just one player!) contributed to a lack of goal scoring, then maybe you're not the hockey authority you clearly think you are.
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Trouba absolutely contributed to the loss, just like all the D did and the forwards all did I seriously doubt the outcome would have changed for the better (even a little) had Ruhwedel or Jones replaced Trouba. In fact you probably see some points from the FLA top 4 in the last two games without him.
That's just, like, your opinion, man.
They played very well with Jones in the lineup over Trouba. No, it wasn't the playoffs, but it did happen.
The dude abides.
Trouba never looked the same after returning from the IR.
Sure, he’s never been fleet of foot or had quick hands but we’ve seen him light people up and we never really did see much of that if at all. He was too busy chasing and running around.
I agree with the previous poster who asked what he was doing on the Bennett goal. Running out to the blue line and whiffing on a check, especially while being compromised, was so unnecessary.
If any of you guys are the types to believe you can win Powerball, I have a pie in the sky dream for you that solves the #1 C issue....Leon Draisaitl is a UFA after next season and the Oilers might very well be unable to retain him.
How on earth they make that happen, I have no goddamned idea, but reach for the stars!
More attainable might be someone like Stamkos or even Crosby. How awesome would that be? lol. Crosby as a Ranger. I know they're both significantly older than Draisaitl, but both would be the Rangers 1C in 2024-2025.
I don't seem EDM dealing Draisaitl, but who knows, stranger things have happened I guess.
@NYP_Brooksie
To clarify. Trouba’s ankle was healed by the start of the playoffs. He never said he played on a broken ankle during the playoffs.
1:57 PM · Jun 4, 2024
If his ankle was truly broken, I question how healed he could have been given that he came back in the regular season after only three weeks. He certainly didn't look good after he came back.
@NYP_Brooksie
To clarify. Trouba’s ankle was healed by the start of the playoffs. He never said he played on a broken ankle during the playoffs.
I don't think it's one-sided but obviously it helps playing with someone like Kucherov. Stamkos has become a beast on the dots, and was a multiple Richard winner before Kucherov even became his teammate.
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Stamkos, I wonder how much he's buoyed by playing with Kucherov.
I don't think it's one-sided but obviously it helps playing with someone like Kucherov. Stamkos has become a beast on the dots, and was a multiple Richard winner before Kucherov even became his teammate.
If we traded Zibanejad, Stamkos would obviously replace him on the PP on the dots.
Certainly possible. I was wondering what Canada will do for the 4 nations and Olympics. So much talent, do they keep players like Stamkos and Crosby who were thought of as shoe-ins in prior INTL events or go with more of a youth movement.
Also, I think there is a better chance Crosby gets traded than Draisaitl does.
though both are steep long shots to be moved IMO.
If Sully left I think there was a better chance Crosby goes too, but the new GM (Dubas) could decide to abandon the "let's cling to the old core" approach that Hextall was married to.
If any of you guys are the types to believe you can win Powerball, I have a pie in the sky dream for you that solves the #1 C issue....Leon Draisaitl is a UFA after next season and the Oilers might very well be unable to retain him.
How on earth they make that happen, I have no goddamned idea, but reach for the stars!
Well you want to go real crazy, Rangers are going to have $19.6 million of space opening up right when McDavid enters free agency.
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Because he can't block a trade, unlike many others on the roster, he remains an excellent defensive forward, and he still has enough skill that you can project him blossoming as a scorer. Gives him more trade value than other possibilities.
If any of you guys are the types to believe you can win Powerball, I have a pie in the sky dream for you that solves the #1 C issue....Leon Draisaitl is a UFA after next season and the Oilers might very well be unable to retain him.
How on earth they make that happen, I have no goddamned idea, but reach for the stars!
Well you want to go real crazy, Rangers are going to have $19.6 million of space opening up right when McDavid enters free agency.
lol. The Oilers have 4 players under contract for that season (2026-2027.) They have a projected $67M in cap space.
I think this SCF could play a big role in what happens next for both Draisaitl and McDavid (captain obvious?)
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Well McDavid is going to get sick of disappointing Alberta and will want to crush the hearts of NY'ers instead!
I think this SCF could play a big role in what happens next for both Draisaitl and McDavid (captain obvious?)
Oh yeah, completely agreed. If you want to keep the NYR hope alive, you root for the Panthers.
Allaire will continue to serve as the organization’s director of goaltending, but the well-respected 60-year-old has opted to no longer serve as the club’s goalie coach on a day-to-day basis, according to a source.
ESPN’s and NHL Network’s Kevin Weekes was the first to report the possibility of Allaire scaling back.
This was Allaire’s decision as he wraps up his 20th year with the Rangers, who plan to lean on him during their process of finding a new goaltending coach.
NY Ppst - ( New Window )
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The Rangers’ goaltending guru, Benoit Allaire, is scaling back his workload.
Allaire will continue to serve as the organization’s director of goaltending, but the well-respected 60-year-old has opted to no longer serve as the club’s goalie coach on a day-to-day basis, according to a source.
ESPN’s and NHL Network’s Kevin Weekes was the first to report the possibility of Allaire scaling back.
This was Allaire’s decision as he wraps up his 20th year with the Rangers, who plan to lean on him during their process of finding a new goaltending coach.
NY Ppst - ( New Window )
I wonder if Valiquette would consider the position
I'm so sick of hearing about 1994. Win another Cup.
Link - ( New Window )
Very well done, I thought, with the focus being on the whole Steven McDonald story.
Mike Keenan did not look good. Not sure if he’s battling something or if he just hasn’t taken good care of himself.
My favorite Ranger of all-time, Brian Leetch, has gained more than a few lbs as well.
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Tonight at 9
Very well done, I thought, with the focus being on the whole Steven McDonald story.
Mike Keenan did not look good. Not sure if he’s battling something or if he just hasn’t taken good care of himself.
My favorite Ranger of all-time, Brian Leetch, has gained more than a few lbs as well.
Leetch looked like he lost a battle with a bee
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In comment 16530825 Anakim said:
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Tonight at 9
Very well done, I thought, with the focus being on the whole Steven McDonald story.
Mike Keenan did not look good. Not sure if he’s battling something or if he just hasn’t taken good care of himself.
My favorite Ranger of all-time, Brian Leetch, has gained more than a few lbs as well.
Leetch looked like he lost a battle with a bee
More like a nest of bees!