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.