Capuano just led team USA to a medal. What a miscalculation.
I really feel like this is sarcasm, but I'm afraid it is just a completely, imbecilic comment instead.
Purely out of empathy. To have to endure the darkness of that long rebuild. Winning the lottery twice, having a Norris candidate and a Hart candidate only want to play for your team, then compound it by hiring Gallant. Just brutal for the fanbase. Capuano could've turned the culture around.
there isn't an available coach I'd rather have. The only odd part is Rangers initially interviewed him about a month ago. Thought the hold up was seeing what playoff coaches would shake loose, and I'd have to think that is still ongoing? Or does NHL typically move quickly with that stuff as soon as teams are eliminated in playoffs? So I am assuming Carolina, Boston, Winnipeg, Pitt coaches are all returning?
Far and away the best coach available. He has a proven track record, he helps develop young players and his teams were gritty and hard to play against. Gallant himself was a pain in the fucking ass when he was on the Red Wings.
He led the Vegas Golden Knights to the Stanley Cup in their inaugural season with a crappy roster and led a somewhat pedestrian Panthers team to the best record in their division in 2015. That team had a nice blend of veterans (they had Jagr and Jussi Jokinen) and youngsters (like Barkov, Ekblad, Trochek and Huberdeau) much like what the Rangers have now.
The only con is that he's been fired unceremoniously by two different teams despite his successes. The Panthers literally fired him, kicked him off the bus and made him call his own taxi. There's something there (perhaps an attitude issue?), but I don't think it's ever been concluded what.
turned Florida around, went to the SCF with the Vegas expansion team and won gold with a medicore Canada squad this year. He seems to get the best out of his players.
I am curious why he has a 3 year shelf life in places tho, its odd with the success he has.
RE: I thought they were going to wait and see If Brind'Amor shook free
Even if he did, IDK if Rod would come to NYC and frankly, I don't even know if Rod would be an upgrade over Gallant. If he does shake loose, I'd imagine he would join his former teammate Ron Francis in Seattle.
Until checking just now, hadn't realized that gtt350
lives in Vegas, so his input has to be factored. The ostensible concerns surrounding Gallant are that he wore out his welcomes with franchises quickly despite some success on the ice. In the various hockey threads that have addressed this, NYR and SCPlayoffs, I don't think there's been any insight shed on why this occurred. Salary demands, control demands, behind the scenes discontent by key players???
Based on not much at all, my worry is that here's a veteran coach, doing things his proven way, and maybe it comes across as a rude dunk in a pool of ice cold water. Is that what this young team--youngest in the NHL--needs? Perhaps.
I was...was struck by this line in NYT story this AM: NYT Sports has shrunk like crazy but still carries the torch for the NBA (good writers, Mark Stein, Scott Cacciola) but virtually ignores the NHL. But finally some coverage on the SCP: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/13/sports/hockey/nhl-new-york-islanders.html and this quote that I found insightful and relevant to the Rangers even as the article is all about the Islanders:
Quote:
In the summer of 2018, the Maple Leafs pushed aside their general manager, Lou Lamoriello, to make room for Kyle Dubas, a wunderkind who has assembled a startling level of individual talent that has yet to lead the team to a playoff-round victory. Lamoriello was approaching his 76th birthday at the time, and though he had been free to stay with the Leafs — “at my leisure,” as he put it — the Islanders co-owner Scott Malkin pushed hard to bring him on board.
“Out of respect, I talked to Scott,” Lamoriello said. “I was impressed with his vision and his commitment.”
I think the text that I bolded is highly relevant to NYR--and God, forbid, maybe Dolan has it right?--there is a world of talent on and yet to be unveiled on NYR, but they show as much capability against Playoff tested teams as the Leafs have. So pj's response above is relevant, and for months I've been pushing notion of re-casting the roster to broaden its strengths even if it means capping a bit of its upside. No, Brett, it doesn't mean Eichel. (: So, maybe Gallant, who seems a no nonsense coach is the guy if Drury can swing a couple of deals to lend some ballast to the roster.
No matter what, this off-season and 2021-2022 regular season are pivotal for this franchise.
That's exactly what the Rangers need - add a couple Corey Perry, Eric Staal (again), Wayne Simmonds, Nate Thompson, Connor Sheary, etc. and the kids don't have to play with their head on a swivel, you get some leadership, experience, and grit. And they're cheap.
That usually comes with older players a lot easier than younger players unless you're trading 1st round picks and prospects for Matthew or Brady Tkachuk.
Did you have some player in mind?
The players I had in mind are Chara and Ovechkin. I do not want players who I perceive have one or two more years of playing time.
This is the roster he took Vegas to a cup final with.
That's exactly what the Rangers need - add a couple Corey Perry, Eric Staal (again), Wayne Simmonds, Nate Thompson, Connor Sheary, etc. and the kids don't have to play with their head on a swivel, you get some leadership, experience, and grit. And they're cheap.
That usually comes with older players a lot easier than younger players unless you're trading 1st round picks and prospects for Matthew or Brady Tkachuk.
Did you have some player in mind?
The players I had in mind are Chara and Ovechkin. I do not want players who I perceive have one or two more years of playing time.
those two you wouldn't sign?
I'd sign Chara, his contract with the Caps was 800k. He is probably going to retire, but if not, he's the exact type of player you want to sign. Instead of filling the bottom of the roster with Di Guisseppe and Rooney or overpaying Lemieux - get guys who add a dimension you don't have - experience, grit, leadership.
Ovi will get a lot of cash, even at his age - he is not someone I'd sign either - for the Rangers.
RE: This is the roster he took Vegas to a cup final with.
I remember post draft thinking that might be the worst team in NHL history (in fact I think I posted that on here).
They have 2 3rd lines and 2 4th lines. I liked their D, but not that much and a goalie who had been at best inconsistent in recent years.
Gallant deserves a ton of credit for getting that team to play so well and achieve so much.
Like others, it's a mystery to me too how he wears out his welcome so quickly but who cares? You're not marrying the guy if he duplicates his success for 2 - 3 years and then wears out his welcome you replace him and at that time the Rangers youth will be entering the early stage of their primes.
And that's not actually the team he took to the cup finals
turned Florida around, went to the SCF with the Vegas expansion team and won gold with a medicore Canada squad this year. He seems to get the best out of his players.
I am curious why he has a 3 year shelf life in places tho, its odd with the success he has.
The Billy Martin effect...maybe he wears out his welcome?
Great hire - Gallant did a great job in LV and got screwed w/ politics
after the McPhee/McCrimmon transition (which from what I'd heard was messy). There's no way to minimize Gallant's accomplishments establishing that team's culture and identity to this day.
How anyone ever fits with Dolan is always an unknown but as a NYI fan I was hoping they'd hire someone other than Gallant.
From what I've read and heard about Gallant's two exits,
Apparently with Florida, the issue was that the minority owner put a heavy emphasis on analytics and he and the analytics department would text Gallant during periods to try to get him to play certain players and not others. Gallant was obviously resistant of the micromanaging and the communication in-between periods and that was all she wrote.
With Vegas, apparently the owner had a hard-on for Pete Deboer so when he shook loose, Vegas had to have him.
That's exactly what the Rangers need - add a couple Corey Perry, Eric Staal (again), Wayne Simmonds, Nate Thompson, Connor Sheary, etc. and the kids don't have to play with their head on a swivel, you get some leadership, experience, and grit. And they're cheap.
That usually comes with older players a lot easier than younger players unless you're trading 1st round picks and prospects for Matthew or Brady Tkachuk.
Did you have some player in mind?
The players I had in mind are Chara and Ovechkin. I do not want players who I perceive have one or two more years of playing time.
those two you wouldn't sign?
I'd sign Chara, his contract with the Caps was 800k. He is probably going to retire, but if not, he's the exact type of player you want to sign. Instead of filling the bottom of the roster with Di Guisseppe and Rooney or overpaying Lemieux - get guys who add a dimension you don't have - experience, grit, leadership.
Ovi will get a lot of cash, even at his age - he is not someone I'd sign either - for the Rangers.
I will admit that you know a lot more about hockey players than I do. I looked up these players and here are their ages
Corey Perry. 36
Wayne Simmons - 32
Eric Staal - 36
Nate Thompson -36
Connor Sheary - 29
Normally, I would add Simmons and Sheary because of their younger ages. I want no part of Staal, although I admit I haven’t seen him play the last two years. Thompson and Perry are desirable. . Chara is 44 years old. No way. I was surprised that Ovechkin is only 35 years old.
I am confident Drury and his staff know about the type of hockey players they need. This should be a good off season for the Rangers.
on the Rangers. Tough, mean, some skill and has always had his teammates backs. We need a couple guys with some mean streaks. Tough to find that skill set with some actual hockey talent, but it's not impossible.
on the Rangers. Tough, mean, some skill and has always had his teammates backs. We need a couple guys with some mean streaks. Tough to find that skill set with some actual hockey talent, but it's not impossible.
Gallant was a big proponent of Ryan Reaves when he was with Vegas. Wouldn't surprise me if he was on Drury's radar.
turned Florida around, went to the SCF with the Vegas expansion team and won gold with a medicore Canada squad this year. He seems to get the best out of his players.
I am curious why he has a 3 year shelf life in places tho, its odd with the success he has.
Gerard Gallant has not had a sub .500 record in any season as a head coach since his time with Columbus (2003-04 to 2006-07).
Don’t know if Rangers had any interest in Capuano but…
on the Rangers. Tough, mean, some skill and has always had his teammates backs. We need a couple guys with some mean streaks. Tough to find that skill set with some actual hockey talent, but it's not impossible.
I've always wanted him on my team too - and he picked TOR over MTL. Probably thought he was picking the team with a better chance to win. Like Joe Thornton did (though MTL wasn't interested in Jumbo Joe).
At the age a lot of the free agent veterans are at - that's their thought process - if they have options - can they win.
I think the Rangers have a lot to offer for these cheap veterans.
I'd redo the bottom of the roster (outside of any other changes they make) with players like that.
Capuano just led team USA to a medal. What a miscalculation.
I really feel like this is sarcasm, but I'm afraid it is just a completely, imbecilic comment instead.
Purely out of empathy. To have to endure the darkness of that long rebuild. Winning the lottery twice, having a Norris candidate and a Hart candidate only want to play for your team, then compound it by hiring Gallant. Just brutal for the fanbase. Capuano could've turned the culture around.
on the Rangers. Tough, mean, some skill and has always had his teammates backs. We need a couple guys with some mean streaks. Tough to find that skill set with some actual hockey talent, but it's not impossible.
I've always wanted him on my team too - and he picked TOR over MTL. Probably thought he was picking the team with a better chance to win. Like Joe Thornton did (though MTL wasn't interested in Jumbo Joe).
At the age a lot of the free agent veterans are at - that's their thought process - if they have options - can they win.
I think the Rangers have a lot to offer for these cheap veterans.
I'd redo the bottom of the roster (outside of any other changes they make) with players like that.
And he can talk shit with the best of them. So entertaining. (I used to talk all kinds of yang back in my college days, especially when I was playing well - of course). My son is a college HWT wrestler and doesn't say a word no matter how much he's working someone. 6'2" 250 pounds and he never shows any emotion.
I'm 45 now and I can't even really live vicariously bc of his temperment. But I love to see it on the ice.
Vegas' owner has a strange affection for Pete DeBoer and was determined to hire him when he became available. Florida was about a clash between him and their new GM, who wasn't the guy who hired him.
There are only 11 coaches who have been with their teams for more than two years. NHL coaches don't last long and I think Gallant's dismissals were a bit idiosyncratic.
Sources have told The Post that Gallant — who had also been interviewed for the post in Columbus — was offered and accepted the job without meeting Garden chairman Jim Dolan.
Vegas' owner has a strange affection for Pete DeBoer and was determined to hire him when he became available. Florida was about a clash between him and their new GM, who wasn't the guy who hired him.
Gallant and DeBoer hate each other too - so that had to hurt.
Not saying they will win
The cup but will be a dangerous team.
Quinn was not an NHL coach
JD and Gorton signed Tony D and then banned him. That got the team off to a rocky start. U either sign or let hm walk. Signing him and then dismissing him was the ultimate sign of poor management,
Then getting rid of guys like Lemieux who added toughness
Dolan did the right thing in cleaning out the stables. Rangers young talent will thrive under Gallant
How will Drury and Gallant ever overcome losing a talent like Brendan Lemieux - who's got 7 times as many career penalty minutes as points. And during his best season in the NHL, still had nearly 10 times as many PIM as points.
Yes, Lemieux was not a difference maker on the score sheet except for PIM, but I think what Vanzetti is saying is that trading Lemieux was symptomatic of a Gorton/JD mindset that toughness on the ice doesn't count for much.
Further to the bold face text on Lamoriello's hiring by NYI (and what TOR has not achieved with all its talent) is this from The Athletic on the Gallant hiring. As much as we are tempted to be intoxicated by all the talent and skill on or to be on the roster, at this time it's not balanced to compete and win when it counts, even if one must account for maturation and greater savvy:
Quote:
Yes, everybody — Davidson, Gorton and Quinn included — knew the Rangers need to add hardness to their makeup. And yes, as we see now, teams much more complete, much beefier and more experienced and legitimate than the Rangers are having all sorts of fits handling the way the Islanders play. But I digress.
Gallant’s charge will be to change some of that makeup, as he did with a heavier expansion team in Vegas in ’18. He will need Drury’s help in finding players with different skillsets (you could say, in some cases, less skill) in order to transform the roster. And Gallant (and Drury) will have to do it in a timely fashion now that the owner has made known his dissatisfaction with the process and the culture under the previous regime.
The problem with that expectation is that this Rangers roster — the youngest in the NHL for most of last season — is not the Golden Knights roster in any way, shape or form. This Rangers roster was not nearly difficult enough for opponents. It was soft, and that’s not a knock directly at the players but rather a byproduct of the since-fired front-office team building from the talent pool that drafts and trades provided.
Yes, Lemieux was not a difference maker on the score sheet except for PIM, but I think what Vanzetti is saying is that trading Lemieux was symptomatic of a Gorton/JD mindset that toughness on the ice doesn't count for much.
I never said this team doesn't need to become more balanced and grittier. Of course there are holes in the roster. This team was a work in progress and anyone who believed they were ready to contend for the cup this season was fooling themselves. But some folks equate goonery-types with grit and toughness.
Dealing Lemieux is somehow emblematic of failed roster building? Come on. Lemieux's a net negative in all phases of the game. Claiming the DeAngelo situation is a failure ignores the fact that DeAngelo put up 50+ pts as a defenseman last season on a team that didn't have much maturity on the BL. No one knew knew he was that big of an asshole. No one envisioned Fox to be a Norris finalist in just his second season. His and Miller's emergence made DeAngelo's antics less palatable and expendable. His deal isn't ideal, but it isn't a back-breaker.
The point is to get better in all phases of the game. Cup contending teams are deep, disciplined and cohesive. If we plan on contending, we can't afford to give minus players 10+ minutes of burn a night for the sake of toughness. Every player on this roster needs to get tougher. It's a mentality as much as anything else.
Must-listen if you want to get excited about Gallant
We were shocked to see him go.
I will certainly be following the Rangers
I really feel like this is sarcasm, but I'm afraid it is just a completely, imbecilic comment instead.
Quote:
Capuano just led team USA to a medal. What a miscalculation.
I really feel like this is sarcasm, but I'm afraid it is just a completely, imbecilic comment instead.
Purely out of empathy. To have to endure the darkness of that long rebuild. Winning the lottery twice, having a Norris candidate and a Hart candidate only want to play for your team, then compound it by hiring Gallant. Just brutal for the fanbase. Capuano could've turned the culture around.
I think the Rangers interviewed others but didn't let it leak.
While Gallant coached his team to the gold medal in the same tournament.
He led the Vegas Golden Knights to the Stanley Cup in their inaugural season with a crappy roster and led a somewhat pedestrian Panthers team to the best record in their division in 2015. That team had a nice blend of veterans (they had Jagr and Jussi Jokinen) and youngsters (like Barkov, Ekblad, Trochek and Huberdeau) much like what the Rangers have now.
The only con is that he's been fired unceremoniously by two different teams despite his successes. The Panthers literally fired him, kicked him off the bus and made him call his own taxi. There's something there (perhaps an attitude issue?), but I don't think it's ever been concluded what.
Quote:
Capuano just led team USA to a medal. What a miscalculation.
I really feel like this is sarcasm, but I'm afraid it is just a completely, imbecilic comment instead.
He was being sarcastic. He's an Islanders fan
I am curious why he has a 3 year shelf life in places tho, its odd with the success he has.
Even if he did, IDK if Rod would come to NYC and frankly, I don't even know if Rod would be an upgrade over Gallant. If he does shake loose, I'd imagine he would join his former teammate Ron Francis in Seattle.
Based on not much at all, my worry is that here's a veteran coach, doing things his proven way, and maybe it comes across as a rude dunk in a pool of ice cold water. Is that what this young team--youngest in the NHL--needs? Perhaps.
I was...was struck by this line in NYT story this AM: NYT Sports has shrunk like crazy but still carries the torch for the NBA (good writers, Mark Stein, Scott Cacciola) but virtually ignores the NHL. But finally some coverage on the SCP: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/13/sports/hockey/nhl-new-york-islanders.html and this quote that I found insightful and relevant to the Rangers even as the article is all about the Islanders:
“Out of respect, I talked to Scott,” Lamoriello said. “I was impressed with his vision and his commitment.”
No matter what, this off-season and 2021-2022 regular season are pivotal for this franchise.
That's exactly what the Rangers need - add a couple Corey Perry, Eric Staal (again), Wayne Simmonds, Nate Thompson, Connor Sheary, etc. and the kids don't have to play with their head on a swivel, you get some leadership, experience, and grit. And they're cheap.
That usually comes with older players a lot easier than younger players unless you're trading 1st round picks and prospects for Matthew or Brady Tkachuk.
Did you have some player in mind?
The players I had in mind are Chara and Ovechkin. I do not want players who I perceive have one or two more years of playing time.
Quote:
to satisfy those roles?
That's exactly what the Rangers need - add a couple Corey Perry, Eric Staal (again), Wayne Simmonds, Nate Thompson, Connor Sheary, etc. and the kids don't have to play with their head on a swivel, you get some leadership, experience, and grit. And they're cheap.
That usually comes with older players a lot easier than younger players unless you're trading 1st round picks and prospects for Matthew or Brady Tkachuk.
Did you have some player in mind?
The players I had in mind are Chara and Ovechkin. I do not want players who I perceive have one or two more years of playing time.
those two you wouldn't sign?
I'd sign Chara, his contract with the Caps was 800k. He is probably going to retire, but if not, he's the exact type of player you want to sign. Instead of filling the bottom of the roster with Di Guisseppe and Rooney or overpaying Lemieux - get guys who add a dimension you don't have - experience, grit, leadership.
Ovi will get a lot of cash, even at his age - he is not someone I'd sign either - for the Rangers.
I remember post draft thinking that might be the worst team in NHL history (in fact I think I posted that on here).
They have 2 3rd lines and 2 4th lines. I liked their D, but not that much and a goalie who had been at best inconsistent in recent years.
Gallant deserves a ton of credit for getting that team to play so well and achieve so much.
Like others, it's a mystery to me too how he wears out his welcome so quickly but who cares? You're not marrying the guy if he duplicates his success for 2 - 3 years and then wears out his welcome you replace him and at that time the Rangers youth will be entering the early stage of their primes.
but same point - no one looks at that roster as thinks playoff team, let alone cup finalist.
I am curious why he has a 3 year shelf life in places tho, its odd with the success he has.
The Billy Martin effect...maybe he wears out his welcome?
How anyone ever fits with Dolan is always an unknown but as a NYI fan I was hoping they'd hire someone other than Gallant.
With Vegas, apparently the owner had a hard-on for Pete Deboer so when he shook loose, Vegas had to have him.
Quote:
In comment 15286330 pjcas18 said:
Quote:
to satisfy those roles?
That's exactly what the Rangers need - add a couple Corey Perry, Eric Staal (again), Wayne Simmonds, Nate Thompson, Connor Sheary, etc. and the kids don't have to play with their head on a swivel, you get some leadership, experience, and grit. And they're cheap.
That usually comes with older players a lot easier than younger players unless you're trading 1st round picks and prospects for Matthew or Brady Tkachuk.
Did you have some player in mind?
The players I had in mind are Chara and Ovechkin. I do not want players who I perceive have one or two more years of playing time.
those two you wouldn't sign?
I'd sign Chara, his contract with the Caps was 800k. He is probably going to retire, but if not, he's the exact type of player you want to sign. Instead of filling the bottom of the roster with Di Guisseppe and Rooney or overpaying Lemieux - get guys who add a dimension you don't have - experience, grit, leadership.
Ovi will get a lot of cash, even at his age - he is not someone I'd sign either - for the Rangers.
I will admit that you know a lot more about hockey players than I do. I looked up these players and here are their ages
Corey Perry. 36
Wayne Simmons - 32
Eric Staal - 36
Nate Thompson -36
Connor Sheary - 29
Normally, I would add Simmons and Sheary because of their younger ages. I want no part of Staal, although I admit I haven’t seen him play the last two years. Thompson and Perry are desirable. . Chara is 44 years old. No way. I was surprised that Ovechkin is only 35 years old.
I am confident Drury and his staff know about the type of hockey players they need. This should be a good off season for the Rangers.
Gallant was a big proponent of Ryan Reaves when he was with Vegas. Wouldn't surprise me if he was on Drury's radar.
I am curious why he has a 3 year shelf life in places tho, its odd with the success he has.
Gerard Gallant has not had a sub .500 record in any season as a head coach since his time with Columbus (2003-04 to 2006-07).
-- Rick Carpiniello
Mike Kelly has been with Gallant almost everywhere, so I bet he'll join the Rangers as well
I've always wanted him on my team too - and he picked TOR over MTL. Probably thought he was picking the team with a better chance to win. Like Joe Thornton did (though MTL wasn't interested in Jumbo Joe).
At the age a lot of the free agent veterans are at - that's their thought process - if they have options - can they win.
I think the Rangers have a lot to offer for these cheap veterans.
I'd redo the bottom of the roster (outside of any other changes they make) with players like that.
Quote:
In comment 15286329 Diversify yo bonds said:
Quote:
Capuano just led team USA to a medal. What a miscalculation.
I really feel like this is sarcasm, but I'm afraid it is just a completely, imbecilic comment instead.
Purely out of empathy. To have to endure the darkness of that long rebuild. Winning the lottery twice, having a Norris candidate and a Hart candidate only want to play for your team, then compound it by hiring Gallant. Just brutal for the fanbase. Capuano could've turned the culture around.
Is he still living in Garth's basement?
Quote:
on the Rangers. Tough, mean, some skill and has always had his teammates backs. We need a couple guys with some mean streaks. Tough to find that skill set with some actual hockey talent, but it's not impossible.
I've always wanted him on my team too - and he picked TOR over MTL. Probably thought he was picking the team with a better chance to win. Like Joe Thornton did (though MTL wasn't interested in Jumbo Joe).
At the age a lot of the free agent veterans are at - that's their thought process - if they have options - can they win.
I think the Rangers have a lot to offer for these cheap veterans.
I'd redo the bottom of the roster (outside of any other changes they make) with players like that.
And he can talk shit with the best of them. So entertaining. (I used to talk all kinds of yang back in my college days, especially when I was playing well - of course). My son is a college HWT wrestler and doesn't say a word no matter how much he's working someone. 6'2" 250 pounds and he never shows any emotion.
I'm 45 now and I can't even really live vicariously bc of his temperment. But I love to see it on the ice.
Having said that Gallant is a good hire.
Guess that's good,since Rickles used to call people "hockey pucks!"
I hope it's not true and that he turns out to be a long term solution.
NY Post - ( New Window )
Gallant and DeBoer hate each other too - so that had to hurt.
A little less than what I make, not bad.
The cup but will be a dangerous team.
Quinn was not an NHL coach
JD and Gorton signed Tony D and then banned him. That got the team off to a rocky start. U either sign or let hm walk. Signing him and then dismissing him was the ultimate sign of poor management,
Then getting rid of guys like Lemieux who added toughness
Dolan did the right thing in cleaning out the stables. Rangers young talent will thrive under Gallant
Quote:
Less than what Uncle Larry predicted
A little less than what I make, not bad.
So greedy, you wouldn't even take a pay cut to coach the Rangers. selfish bastard.
Legend.
Further to the bold face text on Lamoriello's hiring by NYI (and what TOR has not achieved with all its talent) is this from The Athletic on the Gallant hiring. As much as we are tempted to be intoxicated by all the talent and skill on or to be on the roster, at this time it's not balanced to compete and win when it counts, even if one must account for maturation and greater savvy:
Gallant’s charge will be to change some of that makeup, as he did with a heavier expansion team in Vegas in ’18. He will need Drury’s help in finding players with different skillsets (you could say, in some cases, less skill) in order to transform the roster. And Gallant (and Drury) will have to do it in a timely fashion now that the owner has made known his dissatisfaction with the process and the culture under the previous regime.
The problem with that expectation is that this Rangers roster — the youngest in the NHL for most of last season — is not the Golden Knights roster in any way, shape or form. This Rangers roster was not nearly difficult enough for opponents. It was soft, and that’s not a knock directly at the players but rather a byproduct of the since-fired front-office team building from the talent pool that drafts and trades provided.
I never said this team doesn't need to become more balanced and grittier. Of course there are holes in the roster. This team was a work in progress and anyone who believed they were ready to contend for the cup this season was fooling themselves. But some folks equate goonery-types with grit and toughness.
Dealing Lemieux is somehow emblematic of failed roster building? Come on. Lemieux's a net negative in all phases of the game. Claiming the DeAngelo situation is a failure ignores the fact that DeAngelo put up 50+ pts as a defenseman last season on a team that didn't have much maturity on the BL. No one knew knew he was that big of an asshole. No one envisioned Fox to be a Norris finalist in just his second season. His and Miller's emergence made DeAngelo's antics less palatable and expendable. His deal isn't ideal, but it isn't a back-breaker.
The point is to get better in all phases of the game. Cup contending teams are deep, disciplined and cohesive. If we plan on contending, we can't afford to give minus players 10+ minutes of burn a night for the sake of toughness. Every player on this roster needs to get tougher. It's a mentality as much as anything else.
An hour long - ( New Window )