Down 2-0. No altitude issues. Home crowd. If Tampa doesn’t show up for this one, the Rangers lost to a bunch of chumps. Agree JBytes.
tomk19
No Point in warm-up.
Olga Folkyerself
Tampa’s got ’em right where they want them.
Upstate Ranger
Pointless?
tomk19
The NHL ads where they play “The Times, They are a Changing” and players pass the Cup to guys from other teams, with big smiles on their faces as they give up the cup, makes zero sense.
Have you noticed Jackson never commits to a decision?
TYM
Can someone answer this question for me…….Igor is 2 inches shorter than Vasilevskiy. Why are Vasy’s leg pads each one foot longer and why is he one foot wider than Igor?
Apparently, Colorado aren’t so fast and unbeatable at sea level.
Olga Folkyerself
Tampa: “you’re in our house now!”
CraigWeather
Colorado doing their best NYR impersonation against Tampa…..except they don’t have Shesty to keep it close.
St Pete Eli
Colorado has issues in net and the dolts know it.
Eddie J
You’re right, Wick. I don’t think it WAS as close as it ended up being. I agree about Mick. I thought he was going to have his best finish of his young career. He’ll get there, though. He’s still young and improving. I’d love to see him drive for Ferrari someday!
TYM
If Colorado allows this volume of good chances against they will lose. Their goaltending is sub-par.
Old Ranger Fan
Tampa took a punch and got off the canvas. We’ll see on Wednesday how the AVs respond.
Olga Folkyerself
It’s gonna be an interesting game 4.
simonkimbrell
They’re still playing hockey?? I thought the season was over??
bobbyo2019
Game last night was alot closer than the score….Vasilevsky made some saves…Kuemper did not…think Avs stay with Francouz
bobbyo2019
Game last night was alot closer than the score….Vasilevsky made some saves…Kuemper did not…think Avs stay with Francouz
bobbyo2019
game was closer than score…Kuemper was awful….think they have to stay with Francouez rest of series
Jeff
Never like to see a player hurt,but. Kucherov hits players all the time with sticks to the back and legs and gets very few penalties. Usually like yesterday the player who he hits gets the retaliation call. Therefore I was not feeling that sorry when he went out of the game.
I wonder if the altitude in Denver makes that much of a difference for visiting teams. Knew Tampa would have a push back;but Avalanche did not look like the same team. As others have said game 4 will be interesting. Would like to see Avalanche close out this series in 5. The longer it goes the goaltending will be in Tampa’s favor.
Beezle
No shocker that TB gets the calls last night. I did not think the offsides was conclusive, at least not in the sense of overturning the visible onsides call of an unobstructed linesman who was less than 3 feet away. If they are going to be overturning these on what is at most a few mm then far better camera work is necessary.
Kucherov and Perry are punk garbage and it shocks me nobody has pounded them into the ice (repeatedly).
As usual, TB gets questionable calls yet does not get called for blatant penalties such as boarding. And they are total cry babies anytime they are touched.
Stamkos has perfected his acting career, or is he a magician the way he gets the refs to buy into some of his dives?
Watched with the Filthy friend and he was much of the same opinion. He’s also not really thrilled about the Torts hiring. “I really like his press conferences. Same with Rex Ryan. But not really wanting either as a coach”
CCCP
Post Sports+ – Inside The Rangers
Inside the Rangers’ decision tree on who would best fill the second-line center role.
Just over a week ago at the Rangers’ June 13 breakup day, Ryan Strome revealed he was awaiting direction on whether surgery would be necessary to address the pelvis injury that limited the center to 7:22 in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final, sidelined him for Game 4, again limited him to 8:46 in Game 6 (following a more typical 16:52 in Game 5) and generally reduced his effectiveness through the club’s final two series against Carolina and Tampa Bay.
Blueshirts general manager Chris Drury, perhaps laboring under the illusion that this kind of injury-related information must remain secret from a potential opponent in advance of an upcoming game that is not on the schedule, refused to respond on Monday when asked if a decision had been reached.
The Post, however, has been told by two individuals familiar with the situation that the impending unrestricted free agent is still hopeful surgery can be avoided and that there will be enough time this offseason for a rehab program to take care of the matter.
Strome — who recorded only three points (1-2) over 12 games the final two rounds after posting six points (1-5) against Pittsburgh — is behind Door 1, Andrew Copp is behind Door 2 and Unknown is behind Door 3 in the Rangers’ home version of “Let’s Make a Deal for a Second Line Center.”
Given the cap squeeze of which the GM will have to be mindful on every single deal and signing this offseason, the Blueshirts probably have a maximum of $5.5 million per to fill that spot. The length of the deal will, of course, be a significant issue as well.
At this stage, with Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, Chris Kreider, Barclay Goodrow, Adam Fox and Jacob Trouba owning contracts that run through at least 2026-27, the Rangers will have to be mindful of not locking themselves into so many long-term commitments that they won’t have roster space (or top-six space) for graduating prospects and their evolving kids.
Term would certainly become a significant factor for Strome, who mentioned last week that his three-year entry-level contract with the Islanders represented the longest deal of his career. Strome, who turns 29 on July 11, is coming off his third consecutive two-year contract.
If the team is comfortable with four years, would that be enough for Strome, who has been an exemplary Ranger since he was obtained as the luscious fruit of the Rick Nash-to-Boston trade tree via Edmonton for — again, this is always a side-splitter— Ryan Spooner?
Then there’s Copp. The final tally on the deadline deal to acquire him from Winnipeg puts it right up with some of the priciest rentals in recent NHL history, the cost ultimately equating to a first-rounder, a second-rounder and Morgan Barron.
The Rangers surely profited from the deal. Their 20 games of playoff experience and their comebacks from 3-1 down against the Penguins and 3-2 down against the ‘Canes may have greater value both in the short run and long term than owning the 30th-overall pick this July 7.
But at this point, Drury must approach that as a sunk cost, for better or worse. Meaning that the trade should have no impact whatsoever in the decision whether to extend the center/winger or allow him to hit the open market on July 13.
If the Rangers choose Door No. 3, Carolina’s impending unrestricted free agent Vincent Trocheck is likely the most interesting outside candidate for the second center job. Trocheck, who will also turn 29 on July 11, was the ‘Canes’ most consistently dangerous forward in the second round against the Rangers — Seth Jarvis was close behind — and he was so while playing with welcome truculence.
Trocheck is coming off a six-year deal with an annual cap hit of $4.75 million. The Rangers have approximately $10.13 million of net-cap space to accommodate a second-line center, Kaapo Kakko’s second contract, an additional forward, a backup goaltender, and likely two defensemen pending Patrik Nemeth’s future on Broadway.
COULD A SMALL INVESTMENT YIELD A BIG RETURN?
The signing of Sammy Blais to a one-year, $1.525 million extension that will usher the winger to unrestricted free agent eligibility in 2024, becomes much, much sweeter if No. 91 can earn a top-nine spot rather than a fourth-line role.
Blais, who suffered a season-ending knee injury after becoming a notable victim of P.K. Subban’s recklessness on Nov. 15, recorded four points (0-4) in 14 games after being acquired last summer in the seldom-discussed Pavel Buchnevich deal. He played his final three games on right wing with Zibanejad and Kreider. Blais had played six games earlier on the right with Filip Chytil and Alexis Lafreniere.
Right now, the 2022-23 shadow roster features Blais, Vitali Kravtsov and Kakko as top-nine candidates on the right side. The trio combined to score seven NHL goals last season.
Do you see why Drury would be foolish to slam the door on a potential Kravtsov return? Because a future second-rounder, or whatever the trade return would be for No. 74 if that’s the way this all plays out, sure isn’t filling a top-nine role next year.
Goodrow would ideally would be the club’s fourth-line center — a role he played only 16 times last season while playing on the top six 24 times — but if you add him to the candidates to play top-nine right wing, that’s another 13 goals to the mix for a whopping sum of 20.
bobbyo2019
Game was closer than score…Kuemper was awful…they should stay with Francouz
tomk19
Depending on the price, I think Trochek is a good option. Gallant had him in Florida, so I’m sure that will factor into the decision.
bobbyo2019
Trochek is probably gonna cost more than Strome or Copp
CraigWeather
It really sucks that we won’t likely be able to retain Frankie V. He’s a great fit and plays the type of style you need to win in the post-season with a wicked shot and quick feet to boot.
Bdl
The seldom discussed Buchnevich deal😂.
cooscoos
How in hell does Subban get away with threatening players’ careers with his dangerous specialty?
Bdl
Thanks 3CP. I’m assuming that is Brooks. For the first time, in the time that I have read him, Brooks seems to be guessing. He usually has strong information. This seems more like speculation, and there is a little frustration in the article. Brooks doesn’t seem to have a source close to Drury.
James G
Trying to put Tampa away is like trying to kill the killer in a horror movie.
St Pete Eli
James
In that case maybe Vasilevskiy needs a different mask?
Wicky
Bdl
It’s been said drury is a one of the stealthiest GMs in recent memory.
BW
Interesting article in that it considers Goodrow’s max value to be a 4c (rather than as a center or winger on a checking/shut down 3rd line) and does not address the – not totally far-fetched – idea that they roll out Chytil as 2c (where, I’ve been persuaded by BDL et al, he is more suited than as 3c – though BDL would like him to be 2c for Vancouver or Ottawa). If Chytil is a 2c and Goodrow is a 4c, you’re shopping for a 3c, which of course gives you more room to keep the kids over the next few years. Picture Leslie Neilsen peeking into the cockpit and saying to Chytil: “I just wanna tell you, good luck, we’re all counting on you”.
ilb2001
Good afternoon, boneheads!
Again, Trocheck or Kadri. Door 3, in other words. Each of them brings what they need in 2nd line Center. Trocheck is a good two-way center who is also a shooter. Kadri brings a physical element they lack in that position. So no preference for me. It’s all about the price and the length. Kadri is 3 years older.
ilb2001
Did Goodrow play 4th line minutes in Tampa? When they won two championships ?
BW
Is Goodrow best slotted as a center or a winger?
Wicky
I didn’t see Chytil mentioned in that article as a option for 2C behind any door. He certainly could be but he just wasn’t mentioned oddly enough.
Of course they talk about Goodrow being a centre and a 4th liner and he isn’t either so I’d take the whole thing with a grain of salt.
Wicky
Winger all day. Team is better with him at winger and it isn’t even close imo.
BW
That’s what I thought as well.
ilb2001
Goodrow was a part (R wing) of that fearsome third line along with Coleman and Gourde. But in NY he becomes a 4th liner? They must be really deep.
James G
Hard to justify a 3.6 million dollar 4th line center on a team with cap issues. Especially one who is more effective on the wing in the top 9. Larry better pace himself and his theories, it isn’t even the offseason yet.
James G
4C comes down to whether they keep one of Rooney/Motte and what happens with this European kid (27 y/0) they just signed.
I would think if they found a 3C and put him between Goodrow and Blais there’s your shut down line. Granted that means the “kids” have to sprinkled around the roster or the NHL…
James G
Need to see some pieces fall between now and 7/13 to get a better idea of what Drury’s plan is. I know there’s room to do some stuff but we don’t really know where the priorities lie. Kadri was the perfect fit at the time he left TO. Now it’s a tough call. Trocheck is a guy I’ve always liked. Almost as risky. Either guy would put up numbers with Panarin and add a missing element. Not sure what Drury prioritizes after watching them this season.
James G
OK back to the components of KERMA and hypofractionation
James G
Jamesgeau!
Bdl
If Chytil starts the season as the 2C, that means Strome, and Copp priced themselves out, Trochek was to expensive, and the trade market was a no go.
This means the team will take a step back, and if Drury thought the trade market was high in the summer, wait till he sees how much worse it is at the deadline when teams have Drury at their mercy.
This is a long winded way if saying, Chytil as the 2C is the worse case scenario.
cooscoos
‘Insiders’ relate that player X would prefer healing rather than surgery, all being equal including outcome. Duh! Wonder what the ‘outsiders’ have to say.
BW
James G: I thought it was odd that the article expressed cost-consciousness about Blais but blithely put a $3.6m salary on the 4th line.
BDL: your logic ineluctibly leads to the conclusion that Chytil has to go – he’s not a real 3c and not good enough to be a 2c.
bobbyo2019
Trochek and Kadri both are gonna be more pricey than Copp/Strome
ilb2001
My calculations (ready to be posted after the Cup is raised) actually allows to spend around $6M for a 2nd line center. With a bit of wiggle room for call ups and injuries.
Beezle
Caffeinated James is back!
cooscoos
Captain Blith, HMS Bounty
cooscoos
If we have wiggle room, let’s sign Elvis Merzjikins.
Bdl
If you think you believe in Chytil, but are not quite sure, you could sign a stopgap.
Bdl
An article I read, and I believe 3CP posted, estimates the Rangers to have a little over 13 mill to spend. Is this accurate Ilb?
tomk19
Guessing Kadri will be too pricey. How much would Trochek cost?
ilb2001
BDL, my calculations are just a tad below $10M. That’s with giving Kakko $2M and getting rid of Nemeth.
Old Ranger Fan
Cap Friendly has them at $11.9 MM available. $13MM may have them moving Nemeth, but, that’s not a given.
ilb2001
ORF-$11.9M is without Kravtsov, Rydahl and Schneider
Bdl
List of stopgap centers, if you want to give Chytil a chance at the 2C spot. The idea would be one year hold the fort guys, while you figure out if Chytil can handle it.
Statsny,
Stepan,
Janmark,
Jarkrok,
Turris,
Johansson,
and a value play, Maxim Mamim. Only 24 years old.
Wicky
Lol…not sure how many times the numbers have been posted or estimated here but it never ceases to amaze me at the continual request for them when the original “guesstimates” that folks started posting 3 and 4 months ago are pretty damn close
Wicky
I’m also curious about the reasons behind the reported number for the 2C spot changing from earlier in the season at around 6 mil (I believe at one point when the strome talks were “hot” it was 5.8 per what the organization wanted) to bow mid to high 4s to 5 mil per as their desired target.
Wicky
Did the kakko ask increase?
Wicky
Jamesgeau
Wicky
One of the original guesstimations…
At this point roughly $13.3 mil in cap space with 9 forwards, 5 D, and 2 goalers.
You are missing 2 top 9 centres and a top 9 winger and a 4th liner (or 13th forward if you consider hunt a top 12) a top 6 D and a 7. You have 13.3 mil to do it.
Wicky
That one included Blais at 1.8 and Rooney at 1.2. As well as Schneider and an unnamed backup for 1 mil.
Wicky
It would be 4.8 less if Chytil and Nemeth were added in and would obviously leave you needing one less d and forward in the above scenario.
Wicky
Followed up with this as a comparison
I think there are 8 nhl forwards under contract Kreider, Meeka, Panarin, Goodrow, hunt, laffo busto, Chytil, reaves
36.2 mil
Shesty
5.7 mil
Hedgehog fee
3.5 mil
6 nhl D with miller, Trouba, Lindgren, fox, Nemeth, and Schneider
24.85 mil
Wicky
Add in Blais at 1.6 and Rydahl at another 900k so 2.5 more to the forwards bringing them to 10 total and 38.7 mil
They have right around 10 mil if not a shade under at this point I think for 3 forwards, back up, and 7th d (based on 22 man roster)
The 2C spot and kakko being 2 of the 3 forwards.
Wicky
8.5 after Chytil and Nemeth from the original guesstimate 4 months ago while needing a d and forward less was pretty damn accurate considering the estimated 1.8 for Blais (take off the 1.2 for Rooney and replace in theory 900k for rydahl) and 1 mil for a goalie gives you another 2 mil or so to work with off of the original 8.5 estimation so 10.5 available for 3 forwards, 1 d, and backup and the same “key positions” still in question…
Damn good on the fly work folks, well done.
We don’t need no stinking spreadsheets and capologists.
Wicky
Jamesgeau x2.5
Wicky
Kravtsov is in none of those btw, so another forward less needed and 900k less available space
Admiral Akbar
Let’s just trade them all and blow this thing up already.
Loneranger
Great posting The Wick. I’ve a strong gut feeling Kavtsov is going to make the team. The altitude problems you guys were discussing might have some bearing on the Aves playing so well in Denver; when I’m there takes me 3-4 days to acclament myself. TB has a day. I’ve felt the Bronco’s always had a 3 -5 point homefield advantage. I don’t think this is over; TB is terribly banged up but they have a great work ethic; they hit hard and fore & backcheck their asses off. I think this may go 7. TB has better goaltending, period. As devout Ranger fans we should know what that means.
tomk19
Igor got the Vezina. Happy for him, but like Fox winning the Norris, his price tag on his next deal just went up. Regardless, it would have been high. At least we have a few years.
Nicolas Roy, RFA from the Golden Knights, could be an interesting option for the Rangers. Big, aggressive power center with scoring ability. Vegas might not be able to afford him.
My bad. You can’t vote for your own goaltender so BriseBois and Lamoriello must’ve pulled a strangers on a train.
CCCP
Shut up, Ev.
Wicky
Roy 👍👍
Eddie J
Okay. Maybe NOW we can chant, “Igor’s better!”. Congratulations, Igor.
St Pete Eli
What did the sushi say to the bee? Wasabee!
Old Ranger Fan
So in a few years they will have to find another few million for Igor.
Jeff
Nice to see Igor win for best goalie. Have a question i thought would be answered on breakup day. So Panerin was not injured. Let that set in for a moment. So does that mean that is what we will get from him in the playoffs going forward. If the answer is yes then we will NOT be winning a cup anytime soon. I know he talked about having to get better and he learned from the experience. But talk is cheap and his contract is not. Just a thought.
Bdl
Panarin was good. He needed to be great. Definitely a concern.
tomk19
Would love to see what Panerin could do in a playoff game with 2 healthy linemates, who bring skill, will and grit.
St Pete Eli
tomk19
The cap probably will prevent that from happening, Panarin will continue to be an issue. Prove me wrong Bread.
Gravy
LB didn’t return his ballot on time and has lost future voting privileges.
Panarin was good ordinary. He needed to be great better. Definitely a concern alarming.
Old Ranger Fan
So no secret ballot for those awards. It’s kind of embarrassing to get your ballot thrown out and have it announced publicly. And it wasn’t someone from Florida with a hanging chad.
118 responses to “It’s Go Time!”
Series: 2-1 after 3.
Down 2-0. No altitude issues. Home crowd. If Tampa doesn’t show up for this one, the Rangers lost to a bunch of chumps. Agree JBytes.
No Point in warm-up.
Tampa’s got ’em right where they want them.
Pointless?
The NHL ads where they play “The Times, They are a Changing” and players pass the Cup to guys from other teams, with big smiles on their faces as they give up the cup, makes zero sense.
McKinnon hasn’t scored yet this series
Another goal on blocker
high blocker side again.
This one is coming back
More great analysis from Dave Jackson
The league will do their best to keep this series close.
Have you noticed Jackson never commits to a decision?
Can someone answer this question for me…….Igor is 2 inches shorter than Vasilevskiy. Why are Vasy’s leg pads each one foot longer and why is he one foot wider than Igor?
TYM
Only the NHL can answer those questions for you.
One guy pulls a disappearing act between FOUR Avalanche players.
1-1 after 3.
Who’s restedand who’s rusty tonight?
Tampa stopped the bleeding. Let’s see where it goes from here.
Blocker
Kuemper how make some saves
EddieJ
Just finished it, really didn’t seem as close as it ended up being. Hate what happened to mick.
Apparently, Colorado aren’t so fast and unbeatable at sea level.
Tampa: “you’re in our house now!”
Colorado doing their best NYR impersonation against Tampa…..except they don’t have Shesty to keep it close.
Colorado has issues in net and the dolts know it.
You’re right, Wick. I don’t think it WAS as close as it ended up being. I agree about Mick. I thought he was going to have his best finish of his young career. He’ll get there, though. He’s still young and improving. I’d love to see him drive for Ferrari someday!
If Colorado allows this volume of good chances against they will lose. Their goaltending is sub-par.
Tampa took a punch and got off the canvas. We’ll see on Wednesday how the AVs respond.
It’s gonna be an interesting game 4.
They’re still playing hockey?? I thought the season was over??
Game last night was alot closer than the score….Vasilevsky made some saves…Kuemper did not…think Avs stay with Francouz
Game last night was alot closer than the score….Vasilevsky made some saves…Kuemper did not…think Avs stay with Francouz
game was closer than score…Kuemper was awful….think they have to stay with Francouez rest of series
Never like to see a player hurt,but. Kucherov hits players all the time with sticks to the back and legs and gets very few penalties. Usually like yesterday the player who he hits gets the retaliation call. Therefore I was not feeling that sorry when he went out of the game.
I wonder if the altitude in Denver makes that much of a difference for visiting teams. Knew Tampa would have a push back;but Avalanche did not look like the same team. As others have said game 4 will be interesting. Would like to see Avalanche close out this series in 5. The longer it goes the goaltending will be in Tampa’s favor.
No shocker that TB gets the calls last night. I did not think the offsides was conclusive, at least not in the sense of overturning the visible onsides call of an unobstructed linesman who was less than 3 feet away. If they are going to be overturning these on what is at most a few mm then far better camera work is necessary.
Kucherov and Perry are punk garbage and it shocks me nobody has pounded them into the ice (repeatedly).
As usual, TB gets questionable calls yet does not get called for blatant penalties such as boarding. And they are total cry babies anytime they are touched.
Stamkos has perfected his acting career, or is he a magician the way he gets the refs to buy into some of his dives?
Watched with the Filthy friend and he was much of the same opinion. He’s also not really thrilled about the Torts hiring. “I really like his press conferences. Same with Rex Ryan. But not really wanting either as a coach”
Post Sports+ – Inside The Rangers
Inside the Rangers’ decision tree on who would best fill the second-line center role.
Just over a week ago at the Rangers’ June 13 breakup day, Ryan Strome revealed he was awaiting direction on whether surgery would be necessary to address the pelvis injury that limited the center to 7:22 in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final, sidelined him for Game 4, again limited him to 8:46 in Game 6 (following a more typical 16:52 in Game 5) and generally reduced his effectiveness through the club’s final two series against Carolina and Tampa Bay.
Blueshirts general manager Chris Drury, perhaps laboring under the illusion that this kind of injury-related information must remain secret from a potential opponent in advance of an upcoming game that is not on the schedule, refused to respond on Monday when asked if a decision had been reached.
The Post, however, has been told by two individuals familiar with the situation that the impending unrestricted free agent is still hopeful surgery can be avoided and that there will be enough time this offseason for a rehab program to take care of the matter.
Strome — who recorded only three points (1-2) over 12 games the final two rounds after posting six points (1-5) against Pittsburgh — is behind Door 1, Andrew Copp is behind Door 2 and Unknown is behind Door 3 in the Rangers’ home version of “Let’s Make a Deal for a Second Line Center.”
Given the cap squeeze of which the GM will have to be mindful on every single deal and signing this offseason, the Blueshirts probably have a maximum of $5.5 million per to fill that spot. The length of the deal will, of course, be a significant issue as well.
At this stage, with Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, Chris Kreider, Barclay Goodrow, Adam Fox and Jacob Trouba owning contracts that run through at least 2026-27, the Rangers will have to be mindful of not locking themselves into so many long-term commitments that they won’t have roster space (or top-six space) for graduating prospects and their evolving kids.
Term would certainly become a significant factor for Strome, who mentioned last week that his three-year entry-level contract with the Islanders represented the longest deal of his career. Strome, who turns 29 on July 11, is coming off his third consecutive two-year contract.
If the team is comfortable with four years, would that be enough for Strome, who has been an exemplary Ranger since he was obtained as the luscious fruit of the Rick Nash-to-Boston trade tree via Edmonton for — again, this is always a side-splitter— Ryan Spooner?
Then there’s Copp. The final tally on the deadline deal to acquire him from Winnipeg puts it right up with some of the priciest rentals in recent NHL history, the cost ultimately equating to a first-rounder, a second-rounder and Morgan Barron.
The Rangers surely profited from the deal. Their 20 games of playoff experience and their comebacks from 3-1 down against the Penguins and 3-2 down against the ‘Canes may have greater value both in the short run and long term than owning the 30th-overall pick this July 7.
But at this point, Drury must approach that as a sunk cost, for better or worse. Meaning that the trade should have no impact whatsoever in the decision whether to extend the center/winger or allow him to hit the open market on July 13.
If the Rangers choose Door No. 3, Carolina’s impending unrestricted free agent Vincent Trocheck is likely the most interesting outside candidate for the second center job. Trocheck, who will also turn 29 on July 11, was the ‘Canes’ most consistently dangerous forward in the second round against the Rangers — Seth Jarvis was close behind — and he was so while playing with welcome truculence.
Trocheck is coming off a six-year deal with an annual cap hit of $4.75 million. The Rangers have approximately $10.13 million of net-cap space to accommodate a second-line center, Kaapo Kakko’s second contract, an additional forward, a backup goaltender, and likely two defensemen pending Patrik Nemeth’s future on Broadway.
COULD A SMALL INVESTMENT YIELD A BIG RETURN?
The signing of Sammy Blais to a one-year, $1.525 million extension that will usher the winger to unrestricted free agent eligibility in 2024, becomes much, much sweeter if No. 91 can earn a top-nine spot rather than a fourth-line role.
Blais, who suffered a season-ending knee injury after becoming a notable victim of P.K. Subban’s recklessness on Nov. 15, recorded four points (0-4) in 14 games after being acquired last summer in the seldom-discussed Pavel Buchnevich deal. He played his final three games on right wing with Zibanejad and Kreider. Blais had played six games earlier on the right with Filip Chytil and Alexis Lafreniere.
Right now, the 2022-23 shadow roster features Blais, Vitali Kravtsov and Kakko as top-nine candidates on the right side. The trio combined to score seven NHL goals last season.
Do you see why Drury would be foolish to slam the door on a potential Kravtsov return? Because a future second-rounder, or whatever the trade return would be for No. 74 if that’s the way this all plays out, sure isn’t filling a top-nine role next year.
Goodrow would ideally would be the club’s fourth-line center — a role he played only 16 times last season while playing on the top six 24 times — but if you add him to the candidates to play top-nine right wing, that’s another 13 goals to the mix for a whopping sum of 20.
Game was closer than score…Kuemper was awful…they should stay with Francouz
Depending on the price, I think Trochek is a good option. Gallant had him in Florida, so I’m sure that will factor into the decision.
Trochek is probably gonna cost more than Strome or Copp
It really sucks that we won’t likely be able to retain Frankie V. He’s a great fit and plays the type of style you need to win in the post-season with a wicked shot and quick feet to boot.
The seldom discussed Buchnevich deal😂.
How in hell does Subban get away with threatening players’ careers with his dangerous specialty?
Thanks 3CP. I’m assuming that is Brooks. For the first time, in the time that I have read him, Brooks seems to be guessing. He usually has strong information. This seems more like speculation, and there is a little frustration in the article. Brooks doesn’t seem to have a source close to Drury.
Trying to put Tampa away is like trying to kill the killer in a horror movie.
James
In that case maybe Vasilevskiy needs a different mask?
Bdl
It’s been said drury is a one of the stealthiest GMs in recent memory.
Interesting article in that it considers Goodrow’s max value to be a 4c (rather than as a center or winger on a checking/shut down 3rd line) and does not address the – not totally far-fetched – idea that they roll out Chytil as 2c (where, I’ve been persuaded by BDL et al, he is more suited than as 3c – though BDL would like him to be 2c for Vancouver or Ottawa). If Chytil is a 2c and Goodrow is a 4c, you’re shopping for a 3c, which of course gives you more room to keep the kids over the next few years. Picture Leslie Neilsen peeking into the cockpit and saying to Chytil: “I just wanna tell you, good luck, we’re all counting on you”.
Good afternoon, boneheads!
Again, Trocheck or Kadri. Door 3, in other words. Each of them brings what they need in 2nd line Center. Trocheck is a good two-way center who is also a shooter. Kadri brings a physical element they lack in that position. So no preference for me. It’s all about the price and the length. Kadri is 3 years older.
Did Goodrow play 4th line minutes in Tampa? When they won two championships ?
Is Goodrow best slotted as a center or a winger?
I didn’t see Chytil mentioned in that article as a option for 2C behind any door. He certainly could be but he just wasn’t mentioned oddly enough.
Of course they talk about Goodrow being a centre and a 4th liner and he isn’t either so I’d take the whole thing with a grain of salt.
Winger all day. Team is better with him at winger and it isn’t even close imo.
That’s what I thought as well.
Goodrow was a part (R wing) of that fearsome third line along with Coleman and Gourde. But in NY he becomes a 4th liner? They must be really deep.
Hard to justify a 3.6 million dollar 4th line center on a team with cap issues. Especially one who is more effective on the wing in the top 9. Larry better pace himself and his theories, it isn’t even the offseason yet.
4C comes down to whether they keep one of Rooney/Motte and what happens with this European kid (27 y/0) they just signed.
I would think if they found a 3C and put him between Goodrow and Blais there’s your shut down line. Granted that means the “kids” have to sprinkled around the roster or the NHL…
Need to see some pieces fall between now and 7/13 to get a better idea of what Drury’s plan is. I know there’s room to do some stuff but we don’t really know where the priorities lie. Kadri was the perfect fit at the time he left TO. Now it’s a tough call. Trocheck is a guy I’ve always liked. Almost as risky. Either guy would put up numbers with Panarin and add a missing element. Not sure what Drury prioritizes after watching them this season.
OK back to the components of KERMA and hypofractionation
Jamesgeau!
If Chytil starts the season as the 2C, that means Strome, and Copp priced themselves out, Trochek was to expensive, and the trade market was a no go.
This means the team will take a step back, and if Drury thought the trade market was high in the summer, wait till he sees how much worse it is at the deadline when teams have Drury at their mercy.
This is a long winded way if saying, Chytil as the 2C is the worse case scenario.
‘Insiders’ relate that player X would prefer healing rather than surgery, all being equal including outcome. Duh! Wonder what the ‘outsiders’ have to say.
James G: I thought it was odd that the article expressed cost-consciousness about Blais but blithely put a $3.6m salary on the 4th line.
BDL: your logic ineluctibly leads to the conclusion that Chytil has to go – he’s not a real 3c and not good enough to be a 2c.
Trochek and Kadri both are gonna be more pricey than Copp/Strome
My calculations (ready to be posted after the Cup is raised) actually allows to spend around $6M for a 2nd line center. With a bit of wiggle room for call ups and injuries.
Caffeinated James is back!
Captain Blith, HMS Bounty
If we have wiggle room, let’s sign Elvis Merzjikins.
If you think you believe in Chytil, but are not quite sure, you could sign a stopgap.
An article I read, and I believe 3CP posted, estimates the Rangers to have a little over 13 mill to spend. Is this accurate Ilb?
Guessing Kadri will be too pricey. How much would Trochek cost?
BDL, my calculations are just a tad below $10M. That’s with giving Kakko $2M and getting rid of Nemeth.
Cap Friendly has them at $11.9 MM available. $13MM may have them moving Nemeth, but, that’s not a given.
ORF-$11.9M is without Kravtsov, Rydahl and Schneider
List of stopgap centers, if you want to give Chytil a chance at the 2C spot. The idea would be one year hold the fort guys, while you figure out if Chytil can handle it.
Statsny,
Stepan,
Janmark,
Jarkrok,
Turris,
Johansson,
and a value play, Maxim Mamim. Only 24 years old.
Lol…not sure how many times the numbers have been posted or estimated here but it never ceases to amaze me at the continual request for them when the original “guesstimates” that folks started posting 3 and 4 months ago are pretty damn close
I’m also curious about the reasons behind the reported number for the 2C spot changing from earlier in the season at around 6 mil (I believe at one point when the strome talks were “hot” it was 5.8 per what the organization wanted) to bow mid to high 4s to 5 mil per as their desired target.
Did the kakko ask increase?
Jamesgeau
One of the original guesstimations…
At this point roughly $13.3 mil in cap space with 9 forwards, 5 D, and 2 goalers.
You are missing 2 top 9 centres and a top 9 winger and a 4th liner (or 13th forward if you consider hunt a top 12) a top 6 D and a 7. You have 13.3 mil to do it.
That one included Blais at 1.8 and Rooney at 1.2. As well as Schneider and an unnamed backup for 1 mil.
It would be 4.8 less if Chytil and Nemeth were added in and would obviously leave you needing one less d and forward in the above scenario.
Followed up with this as a comparison
I think there are 8 nhl forwards under contract Kreider, Meeka, Panarin, Goodrow, hunt, laffo busto, Chytil, reaves
36.2 mil
Shesty
5.7 mil
Hedgehog fee
3.5 mil
6 nhl D with miller, Trouba, Lindgren, fox, Nemeth, and Schneider
24.85 mil
Add in Blais at 1.6 and Rydahl at another 900k so 2.5 more to the forwards bringing them to 10 total and 38.7 mil
They have right around 10 mil if not a shade under at this point I think for 3 forwards, back up, and 7th d (based on 22 man roster)
The 2C spot and kakko being 2 of the 3 forwards.
8.5 after Chytil and Nemeth from the original guesstimate 4 months ago while needing a d and forward less was pretty damn accurate considering the estimated 1.8 for Blais (take off the 1.2 for Rooney and replace in theory 900k for rydahl) and 1 mil for a goalie gives you another 2 mil or so to work with off of the original 8.5 estimation so 10.5 available for 3 forwards, 1 d, and backup and the same “key positions” still in question…
Damn good on the fly work folks, well done.
We don’t need no stinking spreadsheets and capologists.
Jamesgeau x2.5
Kravtsov is in none of those btw, so another forward less needed and 900k less available space
Let’s just trade them all and blow this thing up already.
Great posting The Wick. I’ve a strong gut feeling Kavtsov is going to make the team. The altitude problems you guys were discussing might have some bearing on the Aves playing so well in Denver; when I’m there takes me 3-4 days to acclament myself. TB has a day. I’ve felt the Bronco’s always had a 3 -5 point homefield advantage. I don’t think this is over; TB is terribly banged up but they have a great work ethic; they hit hard and fore & backcheck their asses off. I think this may go 7. TB has better goaltending, period. As devout Ranger fans we should know what that means.
Igor got the Vezina. Happy for him, but like Fox winning the Norris, his price tag on his next deal just went up. Regardless, it would have been high. At least we have a few years.
Well-deserved.
Can it be anymore obvious that Lou Lamoriello and Julien BriseBois voted for their own goaltenders for the Vezina? 🤣🤣🤣
Islanders fans honestly believe Sorokin is as good or better than Shesterkin.
Glad to see shesty get that award!
Keenan Thompson: Congrats to Auston Matthews…..it is good to see the Leafs finally win something in Junk
June
McDavid was second in the Hart even though his team doesn’t make the playoffs without Draisaitl too. Smh
Ridiculous amount of fanboys for the guy
How is Tampa’s GM even in the same zip code as the GM award finalists, much less be one of them? Wtf did he do?!!
The team was worse! Smh
Jamesgeau
Drury had better win that award.
Nicolas Roy, RFA from the Golden Knights, could be an interesting option for the Rangers. Big, aggressive power center with scoring ability. Vegas might not be able to afford him.
My bad. You can’t vote for your own goaltender so BriseBois and Lamoriello must’ve pulled a strangers on a train.
Shut up, Ev.
Roy 👍👍
Okay. Maybe NOW we can chant, “Igor’s better!”. Congratulations, Igor.
What did the sushi say to the bee? Wasabee!
So in a few years they will have to find another few million for Igor.
Nice to see Igor win for best goalie. Have a question i thought would be answered on breakup day. So Panerin was not injured. Let that set in for a moment. So does that mean that is what we will get from him in the playoffs going forward. If the answer is yes then we will NOT be winning a cup anytime soon. I know he talked about having to get better and he learned from the experience. But talk is cheap and his contract is not. Just a thought.
Panarin was good. He needed to be great. Definitely a concern.
Would love to see what Panerin could do in a playoff game with 2 healthy linemates, who bring skill, will and grit.
tomk19
The cap probably will prevent that from happening, Panarin will continue to be an issue. Prove me wrong Bread.
LB didn’t return his ballot on time and has lost future voting privileges.
Here a link to the PHWA votes if you have time to kill: https://www.thephwa.com/2022/06/22/phwa-publishes-2022-nhl-awards-ballots/
Panarin was
goodordinary. He needed to begreatbetter. Definitelya concernalarming.So no secret ballot for those awards. It’s kind of embarrassing to get your ballot thrown out and have it announced publicly. And it wasn’t someone from Florida with a hanging chad.
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