Good morning, Boneheads!
That was a great win, and a necessary one because of how they’ve recently played against the teams well below them in standings. Plus, it was a solid game defensively. Plus, it was against the Devils. I’m sure I told you my story on why, and how much I dislike the Devils. But now I’m starting to almost feel bad for them. Almost. I saw one Blackhawks jersey behind the glass last night. Which was one more than Devils’ jerseys. They have a young, promising team, but they still can’t get more fans rooting for them than for NY in their own building. Mickey Mouse is right.
A few random thoughts.
- Let’s get this one out of our way. Someone mentioned it yesterday, so I’ll give you my opinion since I know the country very well. What’s going on across the ocean is affecting every single NHL player from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, or any other country from the former USSR. It’s on their mind daily, and it’s affecting their lives here. They want nothing to do with this war, and despite some media saying otherwise about some of them, nothing to do with this lunatic.
- Many points separate these two teams for a reason, and it finally showed last night from the get-go. Men against boys. Until Trouba makes a rare boneheaded mistake and it ended up in their net. 1-0
- So Braden Schneider nails Jesper Boqvist, who was coming out of his zone watching the puck, with a clean, Troubaesque hit. Boqvist, at 6-0 and 180, looked like a midget comparing to Schneider. The goal scorer, Yegor Sharangovich immediately challenges Schneider and takes a beating. I was thinking that even if Sharangovich ( who didn’t return after this ) had an assist it shouldn’t have counted as a Howe’s hat trick because it wasn’t really a fight, it was a butt whooping.
- The refs, by the way, got this one right with 2-5-10 given to Sharangovich.
- Speaking of Howe’s hat tricks. I don’t think we knew Schneider had it in him. I am going to say that I do not think his teammates knew he had it in him either. At least it looked that way seeing their reaction to this fight. ( Gotta love Goodrow’s face, lol!) This youngster is more than solid defensively, he showed he can add some offense already, and now we know he is not a push over by any means. He’s going to be a stud. And probably with a few Gordie’s along the way.
- I’m an old timer, I know. But it’s hard to believe that seeing this kid hit and fight like that didn’t pump his teammates up. They evened the score on the ensuing PP.
- The bumper play. I keep saying they should utilize it more often. Having R handed Strome helped, but it worked mainly because the Devils stink defensively. Kreider, being almost behind the goal line, was no threat to score. Nor he could pass to anyone else for scoring opportunity but Strome. I think they should do it with Panarin passing from the R boards to Strome for one timer while the opponents have to worry about him either passing down low to Kreider for deflection, or across the ice to Mika for one-timer.
- The second period almost put me to sleep. There wasn’t much. Primarily because our boys didn’t give the Devils any space in the middle zone. Copp has been a good addition, no question. But he’s been prone to too many penalties that seem unnecessary. Something he needs to be aware of.
- You can see a ton of frustration on Fox’s face. Even when he was hooked by Zacha leading to another PP his face showed frustration, “c’mon, man, I can’t make many plays as it is..” I hope our experienced guys and his coach talk to him often about how normal and expected this all is. They need him to be at his best, along with Shesterkin, to make some noise in the playoffs.
- How many goals like that one has Kreider scored this season? On PP and ES? That requires good hands and hours of practice. You know what else this requires? To have Artemi Panarin on your team so he can place this puck exactly where you want it.
- I thought Georgiev was pretty solid when they needed him. Devils had their chances in the third, but he stopped what had to be stopped.
- Hank and I had a very similar heart surgery not long ago. Except he looks much, much better than I do. Maybe it’s because he’s got around a quarter of century on me? Or is it I who have it on him? 🙂
- Quick. You have an opportunity to take two players from NJ. One can be either Hughes or Hischier, and another one from the rest of their lineup. I’m taking Hischier and Wood.
- They have 4 points up on Pittsburgh and are 2 points behind Carolina, who has a game in hand. They play Thursday against Crosby, and have two more games against Carolina. All at home. Just saying…
203 responses to “Rangers-3, Devils-1”
Thx, ilb.
Hoping Miller was taking notes on Schneider’s performance, but doubtful.
I’m with you on Hischier & Wood.
Pray for peace.
I take Hughes and Ty Smith there
I’m taking Mercer, and Hughes.
I think Hischier is going to end up much better two way center than Hughes. By a margin. In fact, I believe Hischier will be in the conversation for Selke on yearly basis for years to come. I also question Hughes’ sturdiness.
Thanks ilb on the Russian invasion affecting the players, I mentioned it yesterday as well. Huges is an amazing talent but fragile. I take Hischier and Bratt.
I think Hughes will put up much better offensive numbers
I thought Hughes was invisible last night.
Copp is averaging a penalty and a point a game. Most, if not all, are tripping penalties; too much reaching and mostly in Ozone or Neutral zone.
Schneider makes Trouba dispensable just like Laffy makes Kreider dispensable when the time comes.
Boy George needed that game more than anyone else.
Hughes needs to be coached up, no question about that, but skill/upside, he’s better than Hirscher.
Eli,
Bratt is a good choice. He’d be my third. Mercer is a heck of a player.
Boom!
Great photo too of the Club of Authority 😉 Photo credit Robert Sabo
https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/04/rangersschneider.jpg
Bdl
I like Mercer to, Bratt is just relentless.
Ilb #7 and #13 Hischier, agreed. No comment on your blue hair 😉
I went to the game in Newark last night. First time since right before COVID-Feb 2020. Lots of Ranger apparel and Potvin sucks chants. I tried to explain it to my wife who doesn’t follow hockey. It’s not easy to do. A really solid defensive effort. The Devils had a spurt at the beginning of the second but Georgie made a couple of saves when he had to. The Rangers looked like the Devil cup teams once they had the lead. Pretty boring but effective. And Schneider gave his Scott Stevens imitation except Stevens never had to fight. After the Lloyd Braun goal they completely took the air out of the ball. Except Bread who with 5 minutes left refused to dump it in form the blue line and turned it over. He forces a lot o f passes but completes some that no one else can. Can’t blame Georgie for the one he gave up after Trouba coughed up a fur ball. I was a little disappointed to not see Hughes play, but, his absence obviously helped the Rangers. Off to the Frozen Four in Boston tomorrow for the first time since 2019.
If Schneider ever hit Hughes with the hit he put on Boqvist Hughes might not return a month.
SN – I like Laffy and hope he continues to improve. But he ain’t close to replacing Kreider and definitely want to see a season of 30g with defensively responsible play before thinking about moving on when contract makes that possible.
The cap will also be going up around that time and Kreider’s contract will then look small relatively speaking.
ORF a write-up on the Frozen4 would be great if you have it in you!
GG on Kakko and Roonster:
I believe it was in this past off-season or at the beginning of the season we discussed which of the 4 vet contracts would be the easiest to replace in house with less $$$$ players but still some sort of on ice reasonable replication…due to winger depth it was Kreider, then Schneider made Trouba next, it got dicey with Meeka and Panarin due to lack of centre depth with Meeka and the crazy Panarin skill set.
Panarin did in fact set a new season high in assists last night, I think his previous high was 63 or 64.
I think it’s important to remember not only for the vet guys but some of the young guys haven’t played an 82 game season in a few years or at all due to the previous couple being shortened.
Jamesgeau
Am I the only one that would like to see a couple of the d men get a couple games in a row off before the playoffs?
If the Rangers beat the dirty birds tomorrow night I will run naked down my hallway 😉
Fox needs a nap.
St Pete
Lol…please just tell us about it, no picture or video proof is needed.
😉
was also at the game. very enjoyable.
the Schneider hit and subsequent pp (and goal) was the big play.
I think he’d be harder to replace than Laf.
agreed Wicky on resting the d. especially 23 and 55.
The Kreider/Trouba decisions are a few years down the road before they have to be made. The now decisions is about Strome, and Copp (thinking the nickname for Copp should be Clancy. From, ok Clancy, take the boys and surround the house).
55 dollars all in for seat in the corner in lower bowl.
I would attempt to sign both. It would definitely take some cap gymnastics to do it, but I would try.
Kreider’s career high in points prior to this season was 53. It would be so cool to see him get more goals this season than his previous career high in points!!!
Drive to 55!!!!
You use the D depth to do it. Nemeth, and Lindgren would have to go. Meaning that Robertson, and Jones replace them.
tomorrows game is on espn plus
so i’ll be watching frozen 4.
Copp has a Philip Danault feel about him.
i think kakko and chytil would be gone as well
Bdl
That would be a very good scenario if they could do it…that goes back to a lot of convos around here during the season about those cap gymnastics that you speak of.
It would seemingly spell the end of Chytil, Nemeth, and at least one of kakko or Lindgren (if not both).
Ha, you guys type faster!
👍
Copp also has Danault like contract feel about him also…so enjoy him while you can .
For me, Kakko would be a bridge to far.
And yes, clearly Chytil would be gone as well. I didn’t think that needed to said😁.
Lmao bdl x2
I stay away from the board for a few hours and come back to see BDL advocating for Jones as a top 6 dMan. Cats and dogs living together!
Who would you pair with Fox in that scenario? Dare I say Schneider?
I am advocating for keeping Strome and Copp. Jones is just collateral damage.
Well you obviously pair Tinordi (signed for next year) with fox. Jones will have been traded by next season in a deal where he is a “sweetener” to get a team to take on the Chytil contract.
😉
Meaningless STAT alert. In 30 games in Hartford, Niks is a minus 10.
Nils is a minus 10.
So niks and nils are a minus 20 combined?!
WOW!!!
😉
I agree with your bottom line (though the unstated collateral damage is dumping a resurgent Chytil, which I would be hesitant to do). Is Drury open-minded enough to think that Lindgren is going to start showing the wear and tear of playing like he does and move him before it becomes evident? I’ve read that he likes Jones a lot so there’s also that.
A resurgent Chytil?! 1 point in 5. 1 goal in 16.
I had the same thought yesterday about keeping both Strome and Copp. Granted, it was after Strome’s goal and before Copp’s penalty, but still 🙂
Figure around $10.5M-$11M for both of them.
Lindgren 6’1, 195, just turned 24. Plays a tough game, yes, but what makes everyone think he’s so fragile? He’s a Black&Decker Dude.
They should be thinking about keeping Vatrano especially since he will be cheaper
Great write-up, ILB. Very Carp-esque! I thought it was Wood who manhandled Fox early down low, and I was hoping Trouba or someone would have laid him out. But great win. Another come-from-behind win. First place is indeed in sight!
Man, am I ever impressed by Hank. Head Coach material to be sure, if he ever decided to go that way.
If Lindgren’s 6’1”, then Trouba is 6’6”
Said he lost 15-20 lbs before last season to be quicker
Looks 5’11” 180 lbs; love his game and attitude but wonder how he holds up in playoffs
They all lie.
It starts in High School. Everyone’s looking for a scholarship. 5’10 guys become imaginary 6’1. Steroids and HGH can give you the weight, not the height.
Ilb
If you go by the consensus estimate here of around 13 mil left for 4 or 5 guys…copp and strome probably take 11 mil….you’ve addressed the other 2 top 9 centres but still need kakko (or his spot), the nemeth spot (he’s not back in the $13 mil scenario), and one more 12/13 forward.
If the Lindgren scenario is what happens you get an additional 3 mil to use but need to fill that spot obviously as well.
In other news, Vitaly Kravtsov is currently 2nd on his team in playoff scoring, with 6 goals and 3 assists (2 game-winners, and 4 PP goals).
KAM $925. Why he’s here and will be through next season. You get what you pay for.
I sign Frankie V before Copp and Lindgren is last on any list of players to move to free up cap space. Only signing Copp if Strome is gone and even then, I’d still shop around a bit first given assets (prospects, picks).
Looks like a referee hit by the puck….Clowns. Both uniform and the team
One other interesting Kravtsov STAT, he leads the Rangers in quitting on the team. He’s done it twice. One more than Andersson.
Georgie seems to feed off of whatever the state of play is in front of him. If they are giving the puck away or just being clowns defensively, he gets twitchy and over-thinks/reacts too slowly.
how did he quit on the team if he wasnt on the team?
Devils mistake last night was not taking enough point shots on Georgie
Ok, he quit on the organization. Better?
See that Panthers comeback…again…last night. Insane scoring ability. Get pucks and bodies to the net is all you have to do.
Probably wasn’t happy about Goatboy making squad ahead of him especially since he was banged up in pre-season. He’s still young cost controlled RW that can score so while we are all fretting over cap space maybe he should still be a consideration going forward
Next time Gordie needs to draft a Ukrainian
There is no quit in them
Panthers entertaining but that type of hockey aint gonna work very long in playoffs
I don’t think there are any Ukrainian players in the NHL at the moment. I also believe the last one to play in NY was Fedotenko.
Fedotenko was solid
Agreed w Wicky. The numbers may flux a bit north and south depending on the cap but at the end of the day this team needs to have Copp (or similar) and Strome (or similar). If some don’t care for one or both players then just think of the roster spots instead of the names.
Point is they need both 2C and 3C to remain filled. If not by them then by players of at least equal value.
They’ve been short on a center with versatility since the letter went out. Maybe before. So something has to give sooner or later.
Just my two cents but it really seems like Georgiev is at his best when Shesterkin is injured or “slumping”.
Makes you wonder if there’s a mental thing there about being a number 1.
Will be interesting to see if he’s a starter wherever he goes this summer.
The better Kravtsov plays, the better our chances to have another team to pay a “fair price” for him…. rather than rakes us over the coals and give us nada for him… is all I’m saying.
I don’t know why do many people think Kakko should go to save money. With the injury and the way he played this season before he’s barely due a raise on a bridge contract. You most definitely keep him around and see what happens unless you’re using him as the centerpiece in a blockbuster trade for either a center or another right wing. Just my 2 cents.
Btw, I forgot to mention last night, for all you guys who think it’s time for the Potvin sucks chant to go away, I hear the whistle at every if not every other Panther game I go to and I love screaming it out. That chant is universal the world round. I wouldn’t be surprised if they whistled it at rugby matches in Australia. May it never go away as far as I’m concerned. I’ve been yelling it for almost 50 years and I hope I get the chance to do it for another 50.
Ev
Nobody cares about the Panthers.
Be curious what true market value would be for Crapsoft, Nils, Chytil and Kakko.
I’m with CCCP, I think there’s very little chance he ever plays for the Rangers, given the way he gave the organIzation the finger and decided to not go to Hartford. He’s a foolish kid who thought he was playing the long game. Had he just accepted going down, played hard, he probably would’ve been back down with the big boys only a few weeks later and be going to the playoffs!
Key phrase is “foolish kid” …organization should not be holding a grudge..if they can get good value meaning a young cost controlled forward (RW or C) that can help them win terrific but if not he should get another shot to stick…its not like they have alot of RW options coming. Manage the asset …not like Jughead
They can clinch a playoff birth if they win tomorrow and the Fishsticks lose in regulation to Hurricanes on Friday.
How can they clinch a playoff spot when the Isles are catching them?
Was Schneider named captain yet?
Ev
I don’t think anyone just wants to get rid of kakko and he will not cost a lot (most estimates are around the current Chytil deal range), it’s just about where to save $$$ to address centre issues/holes and the best position to do it at.
Organizational depth is on wing (left more than right but on wing nonetheless) and on D.
Therefore, kakko (due a raise…whatever amount it may be) and Lindgren ($3 mil) are the two most bandied about names due to low cost, in organization replacements theoretically available to allow $$$$ to be used at the other two top 9 centre positions.
Movement clauses prohibit larger $$$ contracts being part of the convo for this summer.
Consider this. Rangers overtake the Canes, fishchumps overtake the Craps.
St Pete
Lol
In that scenario, the Islanders would play Florida.
The only thing the Islanders are doing in Florida in May is playing golf.
I thought it was funny Chuckleheads.
Don’t call me a Chucklehead, Chucklehead! 🙂
So my wife had to see her orthopedist this am. Turns out he is a team doctor for the Devils. He has a couple of new patients after last night’s game. He says Sharangovich is not a fighter and made a bad decision last night based on the idea that he had to stand up for his teammate. The odd thing to me is that Boquist seems to be ok and was getting up and skating away.
Sharon no flinch
I guess the orthopedist also treats lumps
coos
Sorry Bonehead didn’t me to offend, or did I?
ORF: good thing HIPAA doesn’t apply to team doctors. Or something. Hope the doc doesn’t get in trouble for blabbing.
THE 3 goals to 50 who woulda thunk it?
Giannone: “Tonight’s between-period guest is a new addition to the Ranger family, Braden Schneider. Braden – it’s rare that we get a chance this season to talk to you between periods, and since we have you here, what every Ranger fan would like to know is, what do you think of K’Andre Miller?”
“Uh, I guess he’s pretty good, you know…”
Lots of comeback when you always allow the the first goal. Just kidding.
The doctor gave no information about what his injury was. Didn’t even say “upper body.” He told us less than the teams usually do. No HIPPA problem.
My brother in law’s personal pilot says he often flies Glen Sather around and Sather enjoys his more than occasional Vodka Martini.
Shaken or stirred?
The Elvis Martini – all shook up.
Best reportage yet from Mollie.
Nice uniforms the Caps have on. I thought St Patricks day was acouple of weeks ago. I guess it is another way to seperate fans from there cash.
Are we pulling to Tampa or the Caps tonight? I am pulling for the Caps to push Long Island 2 points closer to Bethpage Black.
Caps
isles fans have big mouths and very arrogant
If the Caps go 8-5 the rest of the way, they eliminate the Fishsticks even if the Fishsticks go unbeaten.
just can’t see any way we could or any reason why we try and sign both strome and Copp. And the idea of walking away from kakko to do so is silly. Lindgren likely will be a cap casualty in the future, but not for this reason.
Smart play is moving on from strome and keeping copp if the $ is reasonable and you have a plan to replace him as 2C in the next couple years (as he can likely be a good 3C as he ages, while Strome could not).
Pete let me re-word my original post. DO you really think they could lose either of Strome and Copp and not be right back to needing a center?
Not really sure what the problem is with the Isles making a late push. They’re not making the post season so really they’re just an aging roster costing themselves a better spot in the draft.
I’m sure in the event the organization chose to go that route to address other roster needs at the expense of kakko, they would trade him and not just “walk away” lol.
Watching the caps and lighting.their goaltenders stink. Whoever plays fla in the first round had better play defense.they will score a ton of goals.
Caps defense is not very good
Do any of you have any insight into Ronney and Kappos injuries. How lo g has it been? 2 months. I know i am exaggerating but it feels like forever. I could understand if they blew out a knee.but both have upper body injuries. I mean even if you broke a bone;should`nt it heal bu now. Just asking because it is frustrating.
james they need to get a real 2C in my opinion and don’t think strome is the guy (as you well know) and be a leap of faith to trust Copp in that role given his career and injury history to date. So not advocating they walk away from both and do nothing, but rather they find a way to get a legit 2C that is not one of them or as i said they keep Copp at the right price while also acquiring a rising 2C via a trade who can take over for Copp in a couple years at latest.
wick, issue is don’t think kakko has a ton of value on the market and moving him doesn’t really create much cap space as he isn’t making anything currently and isn’t in line for a big raise.
And also don’t think locking up two more non-elite centers in their late 20s to significant contracts is a path to success, especially with other players who will need raises in the coming years amidst a cap that isn’t really rising for another couple years at best
Did someone break the blog? No posts since last night?
Strome is a 2C and Copp is a 3C and they are not gonna be able to afford both so you try like hell to re-up Strome and hope he doesn’t push north of 5.5M … Trading for a legit 2C is a pipe dream. You either bring in an older depth center or trade for a young center that could turn into 2C
Good morning, boneheads!
Too early to worry about next season. I did a rough estimate, and it looks very difficult but not impossible to keep both Strome and Copp. Some youngsters will be required to step in (both forwards and D), and they won’t be able to retain some of the other rentals. Plus, Blais’ future in NY would be tenuous. I am going to say that i wouldn’t do it at the expense of Lindgren, as some are suggesting. That will make their L side either questionable or too unexperienced. If not both. But that’s why Drury gets paid big bucks.
frozen 4 today. 5 pm espn2; 8:30 pm espnu
rangers not on normal tv
I’m not trying to get on Pete’s case or anyone else’s. I just feel maybe there’s a bit of an unrealistic expectation among a good amount of our fan base sometimes when it comes to this stuff. I personally do not expect Drury or any GM to turn water into wine.
I read these phrases like “young rising player” or “cost controlled young center” “legit 2C” and I interpret it to mean an upgrade from Strome at less or equal cost for the forseeable future. And now Copp is in the mix and it seems like there may be a storm on the horizon among the fan base with him too. I hate to inform those who don’t know it but teams that have cost controlled “rising centers” are teams that usually DRAFT those players. They didn’t go out and fleece a GM with mediocre prospects to get them. It’s just not a realistic point of view in my eyes.
I’m not sure where they go after this season and to be honest I’m beginning not to really care what they decide to do as long as Drury turns it into a contending team. As we’ve said with redundancy this is because of Gorton and his side kicks not seeing a need for centers in their re-tool approach.
ILB, I think Lindgren is part of that conversation because his contract has some weight to it. RR2 is finally running out of people to trade:)
Exactly…not the name of the player that matters, it isn’t. It’s the cap and the on ice production vs $$$$. It’s depth within the organization and players that can be used for similar or better production on ice at a lower cost to create the ability to address roster holes elsewhere.
We’ve been saying it to for over two years now Wick. I don’t get the Strome hate. It can’t seem to be reasoned beyong people just not liking the player or wanting a different look based on preference.
It’s been the longest tenured debate on RR2. He works great with Panarin, the production is there, he’s a good teammate bla bla bla.
Those who aren’t fans of him say yeah but we can’t commit the money to someone his age….then bring up a guy the same age as an alternative solution.
Or they say “he sucks at faceoffs”….then clamor for guys who don’t have any more success at the dot…
In general the only options if you walk away from him are an upgrade that’s going to cost a lot more money or a downgrade that will play up with the hope that they produce like a top six by being along side Panarin…Which is what Strome gets a bad rap for to begin with…smh..
And don’t forget James that Jughead could have locked up Stromeo for 4.5 or 5M for multiple years last contract solving alot of these problems
You are trying to fill 3 top 9 forwards spots that produce…
7-12-19 currently 2.3 mil
5-9-14 currently 925k but needing an increase
16-30-46 currently making 4.5 but needing a raise
Plus a bottom pair d man and a 4th line/extra forward
All for roughly 13 mil
It’s not just about finding a player (players) that fit in financially but you need to find guys that produce at a similar rate or better because you can’t take multiple positional steps backwards on a team already behind in its vet player window thanks to the hedgehog.
Right, and if we take a look at the names that Strome’s production is in line with, it becomes pretty obvious that he should stay but again, I say that more so because it benefits the name on the front of the sweater not because I want Ryan Strome to be a Ranger.
I am not a believer in
A. Drury NEEDS to go out and find the next Brayden Point hiding on someone’s roster so he can go get him for Ty Ronning and Nils
OR
B. Let’s just trade for someone who is 33 playing 3C somewhere and buy two years so maybe someone becomes available that makes sense to trade for.
Strome is going to just cost you money. Copp as well. Trade for Scheflie/Miller, is going to cost you prospects, and then eventually money. This is why fans talk about young, cost controlled centers James. You are not wrong that they are hard to come by.
You know guys that don’t want to take a step back at some positions next year because of cap issues…guys named Kreider, Meeka, Trouba, and Panarin. Guys that understand they are a blood clot, conky, weird leg injury, or Putin hit squad away from missing a lot of time or having there career end prematurely…folks remember a guy by the name of sauer…here one day, career over the next.
You’ve got an owner that realized he put a lot of his money on some vet players in their primes that just sat around collections points while the previous regime wasted those years not making the complimentary player moves necessary to improve the team and give the high dollar investment players the window at the appropriate time…it’s 3 years behind.
So, the time to develop this guy or that guy in a spot in the top 9 for a few seasons should be gone. Doesn’t mean you can’t have a young player in those positions, frankly because of the cap you might have to, but they have to be productive there…and that’s going to cost in $$$ or assets or both.
Doesn’t matter the names of the other two top centres, but they can’t both produce like Chytil, one needs to produce at a minimum like strome and the other needs produce at a better rate than Chytil and that top 9 winger needs to produce at a better rate than kakko (yes, I understand injuries and less games etc but it doesn’t change the need). Plus 2 depth players…all for 13 mil.
The center situation is why the “resurgent Chytil” failing to develop is a killer.
Jeff – for what it’s worth, I believe Rooney has a fractured thumb, as a friend of mine saw him at MSG with a cast covering his thumb and forearm. As for Kakko, rumor has it that he had wrist surgery, though I have no sources to confirm that. Here is hoping they are back soon so the Rangers “playoff lineup” can start playing together in their proper roles and establish some chemistry before the more important season begins.
Just because I have a minute to do nothing for once I’ll point out a few guys within +/- 5 points of Strome
RNH
Danault
Seguin
Bennett
Zegras
Trocheck
Horvat
O’Reilly
Barzal
PDL
Clearly you have a list of shiny names there. Some older, some younger, some not having their best seasons but at the end of the day look at their age, their production and their salary and it should be pretty cut and dry. There are obviously some upgrades there as far as defensive capability, playable toughness, faceoffs.
The center situation is also why some outside the box thinking may be in order. I said many years ago that I thought Kreider should/could play center. Maybe you move him there. He’s a much better D player now than he was when I first suggested it, and he does take quite a few faceoffs. Another outside the box thought is, making Lafrenière a center.
I’m fine spending assets to fill the positions…if it takes nils, Jones, Kravtsov, and a first or kakko and assets etc to get a centre that scores on average 60 points a season and he’s 24 and you can lock him up for 5 or 6 years at 4 mil per…great, spend those assets. Then sign another guy that scores 40 plus points per season for another $4 mil to round out the 3 centres…I don’t care about the names or the assets spent, i care about the cap and the vet window.
Bdl
Or you know we could stop trying to put square pegs in round holes and stop trying to make two positions weaker by taking players from their strongest positions and playing them in their not as strong positions because they are good players at their original ones and you know…just get actual centres despite what it may cost in blocked assets.
But hey, everything is on the table
they screwed up with things like shatty signing. and several guys on roster with hefty cap hits and not much on ice help. staal with 1 eye etc. henrik in latter few years. buyout hits were necessary but killers.
and not drafting centers.
and flat cap due to covid.
Wicky,
My point being, they are in a very difficult position at center going forward. The simplest, and probably smartest move, short term, is re-signing Strome.
BDL,
Outside the box thinking is a good thing but I for one think this season should have taught us a lesson about how the organization feels about that kind of approach. In theory a player should be willing and able to play different positons, but where they’re at their best or most comfortable matters a bit too.
Alex
Absolutely…a lot of mistakes in the past and some good luck and finds as well.
We all hindsight is 20/20 this thing but the focus now should be on the current window and cap and I’m sure it is for drury, who did a good job with his adds at the deadline and I’d think potentially laid some groundwork for something in the off-season as well.
But it does bring up a good point again about what may be neccessary to balance out this roster. Instead of “let’s make Kreider a RW. Let’s make Kreider a center” maybe outside the box thinking is more like “let’s explore the trade value for Kreider since he’s 30 just hit a career high in goals and the team is cash strapped while looking to fill other spots and have a first overall pick waiting in the wings to play LW1″…But saying that just makes people mad
They have drafted 4 centers in the middle rounds the last 2 years. The Swedish center, I have no idea how he is doing. They drafted Vierling in 2020. He has been for the most part mediocre. Scoring more lately. In 2021, the drafted Jayden Grubbe, and Ryder Korzac. Korzac is having a big year. Grubbe is a much different kind of center. Bigger, more rugged. Offensively his season has been disappointing. The last few weeks he has heated up. He was also coming off major knee surgery.
James,
That makes me mad because the idea is to get better, not worse.
Bdl
I don’t disagree with you at all re strome. I’ve been saying it for quite a while. He’s not my first pick or my seventh pick, nor is he my ideal choice but it works with him whether we like it or not and it could be a lot worse than him.
I just don’t know how short term he would be from a contract point. If he signs he’s minimum of 5 years I’d think at whatever his cap hit would be and I’d guess a move clause of some sort. I think he’s fine as a third line centre down the road especially if you want a third line that can contribute offencively with some regularity.
Use as many blocked assets as needed to get another centre that fits the cap requirement for the next 6 years for the other centre, preferably one that will be at capable and contributing top 6 centre soon but that instantly doubles the Chytil output in that spot at a minimum.
Wicky,
Not against trading blocked assets at all.
Bdl: if you are hellbent on not using Resurgent, you still have 4 guys who’ve played center (assuming you cannot sign one of Copp and Strome) – Rooney, Goodrow, Copp/Strome, and Zibanejad. Of course, injuries happen (but I think Brodzinski has also played center). I’d hesitate to put Lafreniere in yet another position. Maybe Kreider but he seems to be doing ok at LW this year.
Said this before but you empty the cupboard for a young center like a Cozens Or Roy ..not sure teams would bite and fans would cry about what Drury had to give up but that’s the move
BDL, I think it depends. And first let me say, I don’t think they’d do it and I’m not saying “trade him trade him!” but we’re just having a discussion here. If it were a hockey trade it doesn’t make them worse per say, just different. They are in a whole other place now than they were a year or two ago in regards to having some character guys in the locker room. We can debate it although I don’t think it’s realistic at this particular time.
Bobby- 1oo% spot on IF a player like that became available on a team where a GM felt that a fair return would be the likes of what’s in said cupboard…
When a guy that averages 20-22 goals and 40 ish points over the 8 “meat years” of his 10 year career, then in his 10th year with a new coach and system becomes Jonathan cheechoo…well, he’s overpaid at 6.5 per in all other years but his career year he’s a bargain price. Simply based on the fact folks don’t want to pay a centre 5.5 per that scores 50-60 points a year with the rangers pretty much solidifies he’s not a bargain at 6.5 per in his “normal” years.
So to james’ point, if he’s cheechoo for the length of his contract it’s a steal, if it’s based on his history, let’s enjoy the ride but think realistically and logically about more career average years to follow and and some point it may be tome to move on due to cap reasons (not unlike Trouba down the road as well).
Hope (which is not a plan) for the best, plan for the worst.
James it’s a big if but maybe it’s possible if Buffalo thinks they have adequate center depth and a package of young players for one young player would accelerate things…Vegas would be more of a situation where they could bring in cheap NHL ready players with upside for several positions for cap purposes
BDL, nice work on having that info re: centers. But here’s my question- are any of them NHL ready? Or even at the same level of readiness as the likes of Nils, Jones, K’Andre Miller, Hunter Skinner or Matthew Robertson? Because those are the young playes that are here or seem to be closest and not one of them is a forward let alone a center. We’ve all talked about it before, there were players passed up in favor of all these defensemen that could be making all of this stuff less tricky for Drury at the moment.
Wicky
Exactly. Which is why it’s fair to ask if striking while the iron is hot/Kreider is at what will be his highest value from here on out (or are we going for 60-12-72 next year? lol) is a fair question given the overall state of the roster.
Korczak will be 20 in September. Likely to be in camp?
Don’t see Rooney as higher than a 3C excepting an emergency. Actually wouldn’t mind seeing him get time at 3C if/when he’s on ice again prior to playoffs.
I just think there are options out there and more than one way to skin the proverbial cat.
Whether it’s keeping a guy or two at the centre position in house with new contracts or bringing one or two centres in from outside the organization, it’s most likely going to cost a young player/asset or two (or more) to do it.
Bobby, maybe things like that will occur or maybe they won’t. But Drury doesn’t really have the luxury of time since Strome and Copp are both pending UFAs. At some point you have to figure that Drury is doing his job and making those calls if that were the case. But there’s room for serenipity in the discussion I guess!
Is someone passing a crack pipe around today? Kreider is not waving his NMC the next two seasons after signing a below market deal to stay in NY.
Wicky is blocked for animal cruelty.
James
I know, Its been brought up in the past and brunchers get all upset about even mentioning Kreider and turn it into the “so and so hates Kreider” narrative immediately when as you’ve correctly pointed out, it’s a valid and honest point about a player in a hard cap league having a career year in his 10th season as a 30 year old.
I don’t know a single person on here that dislikes him in the least.
#drivefor55
If you think that’s cruel, you haven’t seen anything yet 😉
Well considering what Drury was able to do at the deadline without moving anything more than Barron and a few picks, I’d be interested to see what he could do with these prospects that are blocked in this organization. Especially Nils who clearly isn’t going to have much of a shot at this point.
My interpretation re guys like Kreider and Trouba were later on once clauses became “modified”…at least that was my meaning.
Uh-uh James…now look what you’ve done…it’s starting
Mimosa time
Beezle, it’s just a hypothetical discussion (with a lot of emphasis on a CLEAR understanding that people get ants in their pants when it’s brought up)
can’t average out all 10 years for kreider. certainly not the rookie year. and 3 other years were 63 games or less. i think an expected season for him at this point is 28 goals and 55 points. add in his speed and net presence and he’s not overpaid in a normal year.
Strome and Copp are 28 and this is their last shot at a big contract ….don’t expect any discounts or that both will be here next season
Lmao mimosa time. I was about to say..Don’t look now but Beezle has a box full of bagels and a quiche in his hands 🍾 🍾
The cap is projected to go up a mil per year through I think 24-25, if they can improve the roster and maintain the cup window through then while retaining all the vets on bigger deals currently, then drury should win a gm if the year award or two between now and then and we should all be enjoying at least one Cup win!!
Ok I can see it beginning to fall apart now. Wicky, BDL- Thank you both for providing a normal, drama-lacking hockey convo. It was a refreshing lol
Alex
8 meat years excluding his first and current career year…injuries are injuries and they happen.
“Qualifying” years or using a career year and not a partial etc is diluting the stats and contorting them.
I didn’t do the exact numbers just ball parked it. Point is made in his “normal” ranger point production and contract vs strome’s normal ranger production and contract.
Just making a fair assessment.
It may be easier to upgrade at RW and then find a cheaper, but unexciting center. Said winger could offset some of the weakness of whomever fills the Stromeo void by being capable of taking face offs and playing a 200′ game.
Not ideal but could be a bridge for a couple seasons until cap and trade clauses are more flexible.
James
Yeah, thanks to everyone that had a logical convo with valid points all around. It’s clearly brunch time and sensitivity is high, some folks have had their daily flova scotia dose.
Be good kids and have a great rest of your day!
James that sounds like too many carbs. Bagels and some homemade chicken soup.
The downstream vet moves do nothing about the center need right now. A moot straw man with no relevance now.
CK20 Ave last 5 years
1.3 Goals/60
2.6 pts/60
Obv above that this season but teams sign vets to a long term deal you hope they maintain those numbers before the movement clauses kick in which looks like it could be the case based upon this season.
Wicky
you yourself said it’s not just about points in analyzing other players. even players you wanted to come here.
i’ve always maintained that kreiders play in the dirty crease area led to many goals where he blocked the goalies view we scored but he didn’t even get an asst.
and now he’s on pk as well. he’s also a workout freak and passes that on to the next generation. another reason I and many others want him to wear the C
the “rookie year” he played 23 games. last year season was shortened and started in january. looking at second half of his career to date it certainly appears that he’s a 28 goal guy in a normal year.
Tossing this out there (and ducking) –
Lets say the Craps hold off the NYI for that last spot and are one and done in the playoffs. Would you try to get Wilson figuring Caps will finally be looking to rebuild? $5.16 per.
Yes.
James,
In order of likelihood of making it to the NHL,
Korzac
Grubbe
Vierling.
I think we are all overlooking the fact that the Hedgehog and ORBG addressed the center position by drafting Andersson and Chytil both brilliant selections!
I guess I broke the blog with my 1:07 post.
ESPN The Masters. The Tiger Woods Show. Anyone else playing? Guess not.
Bob Hyland, All-Pro upon coming over to the Giants from Green Bay, told me this funny anecdote: He asked for 50 thou per and the GM told him “We don’t pay Centers that kind of money.”
Game tonight is only on ESPN+. Do any of you even have it? I don’t because all Rangers games are blacked out in my area anyway. Hope I can still watch the stream on nhl66
Alex
I’m going to try and make this quick (it probably won’t be lol) and I apologize but I’ve got a busy afternoon and weekend ahead so this will be my last comment on this whole thing.
Kreider has scored over 25 twice (28 both times) until this season, he’s been over 50 points twice(52 and 53) until this season. He has intangibles absolutely and I believe in those intangibles greatly (just like I do with other players)…none of that changes the fact of his goal and scoring being an absolute aberration this season at this point in his career. Everyone’s stats get affected by injuries and shortened seasons, folks love his skill set me included. I also am honest enough and realistic enough to admit while he has honed his skill at deflections, this is not a unique skill set we don’t see on a nightly basis from many other nhl players (compared to a skill set like Panarin or fox that is more “unique”). Kreider absolutely excels at what he does but deflections aren’t unique. As I said numerous times, he’s having a career year, enjoy the ride I am. If he has 4 more years like this or close to it, he’s a bargain, if he’s back to 23 goals snd 43 points the next 4 years, he’s overpaid, not a bad player in the least, just overpaid.
Kreider was brought up by someone else and I don’t disagree with what they pointed out, no one hates Kreider or thinks he sucks. It’s about depth, cap, move clauses, etc. Kreider, like any other player should be able to be discussed without a group of people here getting all “bothered” because he’s a legit topic. No matter what he does this season, he was nicknamed the enigma long ago for a reason and this season is an absolute aberration until proven otherwise (ie more seasons above what his previous 8 have been).
Regarding intangibles, I absolutely think they matter, I’ve never said otherwise. My “concern” if you will regarding strome (a centre) vs Kreider (not a centre but the example) is strome averages 50-60 points over his ranger tenure and makes 4.5 per and likely will need mid 5s to stay AND folks say so what that he wears an “A” or has chemistry with the arguably top winger on the team and other intangibles and don’t want to pay him mid 5s but then turn around and say those things absolutely do matter for a winger that makes more than the centre will make and up until this season, scored at best equal in points some seasons.
Its the hypocrisy of some that is garbage, not either player.
It’s been stated multiple times on this thread by multiple people, no one is running kakko or Kreider or Lindgren off the team, reality is that all three at some point could be moved for the right reasons and legitimately so. The over blown butt hurt responses and immediate posting of manipulated or partial stats to try to fit a certain defencive narrative by some is to a point comical. It becomes very combative at a point as well though (and at some point seems to just inflammatory and trying to instigate after multiple other people have had a calm, normal convo on the same subject), and that is not what this place is about nor should it be. This isn’t the athletic cesspool comment section.
There was a genuine good hockey convo here this morning with multiple participants and multiple valid points about several options and potential paths that could be taken.
Folks should enjoy that.
I tried to address your specific comment as well as the overall convo and my perception of it.
Hopefully I was successful.
Have a great rest of the week and weekend!
Lol…definitely not short and depending on your reading speed…maybe not quick…
Apologies
Quick my foot…
JP . P impersonating Wicky
Or Vice versa
Hope the can sign Strome but for all the concerns about 3 or 4 seasons from now the window to win is RIGHT NOW; not in in 2026.
NYR has 8 of their best players in their prime (Bread, Mika, Kreider, Trouba, Strome, Goodrow, Shesty, Fox) with Motte, Lindy, Copp probably right at career production peak.
Given cap constraints starting next season; now may be the best opportunity to go far in playoffs.
How is Wilson in the Room? Is he liked? Never read anything in this regard.
I sure don’t AT ALL like him. Hard-nosed is one thing, but I see some sadism in his game.
Calhob – NHL66 seems to be the most reliable one out there. If it stutters and freezes too much try StreamEast. BestSolaris good too. Miss the old Reddit days for this stuff.
Joe LaCava, Tiger Woods’ caddie with the NYR t-shirt under the overalls.
The Wick didn’t have time to write a short comment!
Tiger with a 71; crazy
Thanks wrh
I read Wicky’s post and had to go back and read it again. I forgot what he wrote in the beginning when I got to the end!
I like most of the players on the team and have always like the enigma. Funny, but something about him just looks different to me this year.
I have my favorites, but truth be told. I really don’t care that much who wears the jersey as long as they’re crushing the enemy and taking no prisoners!
My nephew, who was 16 at the time, suggested they should draft Cozens over Kakko. He also wanted them to trade for Copp prior to this season. Maybe he should be Assistant GM.
BW – Winston Churchill once sent a very long letter to an associate and at the end, added: “Sorry this missive was so long. I hadn’t time to make it shorter.” (Tribute to the art of self-editing) 🙂
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