Expansion Draft Contest

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Even though the last contest went poorly, I’m having another one. Whoever correctly guesses the most players selected by the Vegas Golden Knights will win a Rangers trading card prize package featuring classic Rangers from the 60s-90s. In the event of a tie, the first tiebreaker will be most correct answers from the Metropolitan Division, the second tiebreaker will be the most correct answers from the Atlantic, and the third tiebreaker will be the Central Division. After that, I am picking names from a hat.

You can find the protection lists here. The contest will run until 3 p.m. Tuesday, and chances are information will leak before then so it is in your benefit to wait a bit before making your submission. Good luck!

432 responses to “Expansion Draft Contest”

  1. wicky229 Avatar
    wicky229

    Booby
    Yeah, I only remember hits, fights, and francophone players…goalies aren’t that important anyhow;)

  2. cooscoos Avatar

    Let’s hope he gets off on the right foot.

  3. wicky229 Avatar
    wicky229

    Booby
    Just remember submit, stay alive, I will find you

  4. Booby Avatar
    Booby

    Well done, Coos.

  5. Alex Avatar
    Alex

    Richter was last goalie taken in expansion but he was ufa and signed here anyway

  6. oleosmirf Avatar
    oleosmirf

    The Nashville Predators selected Mike Richter in the 1998 expansion draft. Richter then became a free agent and signed back with the Rangers.

  7. CCCP Avatar
    CCCP

    Maybe that’s what will happen with Raanta? He’ll be selected, then becomes UFA, then signs back with us and then…. a Cup?!

    Obviously…

  8. Rob Avatar
    Rob

    Booby wins the contest. He is master of his domain.

  9. Eric-5th in metro Avatar
    Eric-5th in metro

    If Lindberg gets taken I sign brian Boyle back

  10. CCCP Avatar
    CCCP

    lol

  11. Eric-5th in metro Avatar
    Eric-5th in metro

    Then prust

  12. CCCP Avatar
    CCCP

    Then Fedotenko

  13. CCCP Avatar
    CCCP

    and next thing you know we find Torts behind the bench!

  14. cooscoos Avatar

    Slouching Torts Bethlehem

  15. Booby Avatar
    Booby

    Master of the house, keeper of the inn.

  16. aneirin Avatar
    aneirin

    Tort’s complaint to the ref

    The center cannot hold

  17. cooscoos Avatar

    The Widening Gyre

  18. cooscoos Avatar

    ‘The falcon cannot hear the falconer.’

  19. DaveB Avatar
    DaveB

    Anaheim gets Theodore to not take Vatanen or Manson? Thats actually a pretty stellar return for a club building from the ground up

  20. ilb2001 Avatar
    ilb2001
  21. James G Avatar
    James G

    If grrabner goes to Pittsburgh he’ll probably play with Two Cup Carl (Hagelin) they’ll be fun to watch out there together against the Staal-Holden pairing. Fun thoughts!

  22. James G Avatar
    James G

    ILB that’s one of the craziest things I’ve ever heard. Even Tom Poti didn’t have that allergy

  23. James G Avatar
    James G

    Perhaps a more accurate version is Bowman may be allergic to Hossa’s contract

  24. James G Avatar
    James G

    Eric I think that idea works for everyone except Brian Boyle..

  25. ilb2001 Avatar
    ilb2001

    I’d like to know what meds he’s taking that require “every few weeks” blood test. Immunosuppressants?
    Sounds like they’re going to LTIR him and avoid the infamous recapture penalty.

  26. DaveB Avatar
    DaveB

    They got his stats totally wrong. Maybe that’s how he’s done in Chicago?

    Weren’t certain players back in the 60s-70s breaking out in horrible rashes from their longhorns? For some reason Esposito comes to mind.

  27. DaveB Avatar
    DaveB

    It’s more than a shame that the NHL retconned these contracts at the last CBA. Yeah, they needed to handle cap circumvention and fast, but these old deals signed before the CBA (cough cough Richards) should’ve had some kind of grandfather clause. Teams will ALWAYS find a way to get out of them, but the damage is done to the player. A lot of guys signed these long deals with the intention of retiring on their terms, and wound up being humiliated in the end.

  28. James G Avatar
    James G

    “Nick Papageorgio from Yuma”

    “Hi Ryan Callahan from Tampa”

  29. ilb2001 Avatar
    ilb2001

    I agree, DaveB. I remember writing a guest blog on it a few years back. Awful. Pure bullying by Bettman, punishing the GMs, teams, and players after the fact for signing contracts that were totally within the rules of CBA.
    By the way, Chicago will avoid 4 year, $4.275M per year recapture penalty by placing him on LTIR.
    Speaking of bullying. Where is Wicky 🙂

  30. St Pete Eli Avatar
    St Pete Eli

    That would be funny, and also sad to watch James, Hags and Grabner skating rings around that pair. and watching AV chewing away behind the bench!

  31. DaveB Avatar
    DaveB

    Agreed ILB.

    Disappointed that the Rangers don’t have an exciting side-deal in place, according to reports. But strictly from an excitement standpoint. If we come out of the tunnel minus our backup goaltender, I think we’ve done better than most teams. Raanta is very good, but I have faith we’ll have an adequate replacement for him by opening night. And frankly, as an asset…he wasn’t getting us more than a 3rd.

  32. Bdl Avatar
    Bdl

    I’m glad Gorton didn’t panic and give away assets to protect replaceable players. Lose a player and move on.

  33. AnthonyM Avatar

    Kind of “convenient” that Hossa gets the “gunk” (that was they called the allergy back in the 1970s/1980s) when his contract calls for him to only get paid $1 million per year. After the J.R. Richard episode I have learned to never criticize an athlete when they are hurt/sick, but this one does not pass the smell test. You mean the equipment/uniform companies/NHL can’t figure something out – if they wanted to.

    If I can remember back in the day the allergies were a big problem. One of things they talked about as a cause was the sticks and whatever they were using to make them because players are the ones who work on their sticks.

  34. CCCP Avatar
    CCCP

    Hhmmmm… if he is allergic to *his* equipment, why don’t he borrow someone else’s then?

    BOOM! I’M HERE ALL WEEK! TRY THE GEFILTE FISH!

  35. ilb2001 Avatar
    ilb2001

    Exactly, BDL. No reason to give up an asset in order to protect what would be a bottom 6/back up. Also, props to Gorton for not being in a position to be forced to protect someone much more important.

  36. Gravy Avatar
    Gravy

    So are the picks going to be revealed team by team, with any trades announced along the way?

  37. Alex Avatar
    Alex

    not as replaceable as you think BDL

    unless its fast.

  38. tomb Avatar

    All of a sudden, Hossa is allergic to hockey.

    How convenient. His gear was hacked by the Russians.

  39. Rob Avatar
    Rob

    I read last night that GM GM picked his team yesterday and started calling a few guys to see if he could get them on a plane to Vegas to be onstage for the announcement. And since players and agents know there will probably be a decent leak of information today before the big reveal tonight. But who knows

  40. ilb2001 Avatar
    ilb2001

    Alex, they will lose someone they are going to miss. That includes Fast. Irreplaceable ( relatively speaking) players are all protected.

  41. UKRanger Avatar
    UKRanger

    So Hossa goes on LTIR, possibly ending his NHL career just as his salary drops to $1m per year. There’s absolutely nothing fishy about that at all

  42. wicky229 Avatar
    wicky229

    I think lindberg is a bit tougher to replace considering the “current” make up of the roster vs the other 3. I do agree that not giving up an asset is a good way to go though.

    I certainly hope gorton has a couple deals in place though to improve the roster by trading Stepan and hayes.

  43. Alex Avatar
    Alex

    i don’t think that players Vegas has on stage will be traded soon. Said another way if a guy Vegas is trading the next day he will not be there. Nor will be guys who go to Europe for the summer.

  44. DaveB Avatar
    DaveB

    I’m with you on that one Anthony. This was the year that Hossa was supposed to tearily walk away, still with skills that would be welcome on any team. But instead, the end of his career is “allergies.” It’s ignoble and humiliating.

    And think about the guys who did well to forecast exactly when they’d want to (or need to) hang them up – but will hang on for a few extra years as to not leave their clubs in cap recapture hell.

  45. wicky229 Avatar
    wicky229

    Not really any players protected or not that aren’t replaceable. A couple that are close, but none that are irreplaceable

  46. Bdl Avatar
    Bdl

    Alex,
    The toughest guy to lose would be Lindberg. Plays center, and still has upside. I know you like Grabner, but if they lose him it would be a short term hit. He’s as good as gone the following season. There are plenty of back up goalkeepers on the FA market if the were to lose Raanta. Agree that Fast would hurt the least.

  47. cooscoos Avatar

    Allergies are nothing to sneeze at.

  48. Booby Avatar
    Booby

    I really hope they take Raanta, but I don’t think they will, so please take Grabner. Would hate to lose either of the Swede’s.

  49. Bdl Avatar
    Bdl

    Lose Lindberg in the draft, and trade Stepan, and Hayes? That’s an awful lot of ice time for Zibanijad.

  50. DaveB Avatar
    DaveB

    Boo Nieves can center lines 2 thru 4

  51. DaveB Avatar
    DaveB

    Imagine this scenario:

    – Stepan and Hayes traded
    – Lindberg claimed
    – Klein decides to stick it out for another season
    – We acquire 4 more lefty dmen
    – Patrick Marleau for 6 years 33m

  52. Booby Avatar
    Booby

    That’s so Sathery.

  53. UKRanger Avatar
    UKRanger

    Apparently Marleau and Thornton are looking for 3 yr deals – any GM giving those out to 37 yr olds would be either mad or Slats in disguise

  54. Eric Avatar
    Eric

    Vegas signing RFA haula from minny. Won’t be taking dumba or scandella.

  55. Rick Carpiniello (@RickCarpiniello) Avatar

    Hi kids. Good to be back here. Those magnet ads wouldn’t let me comment for days.

    I think Gorton is gonna be trying to get a D-man from McPhee tomorrow. … Or in a three-way with Vegas.

    Methot?

  56. wicky229 Avatar
    wicky229

    I love bdl’ scenario at 10:15 where you lose Hayes (who plays centre half the time on his line) and stepan and get nothing back for them. Too bad in the NHL you can’t trade a player or two for another player or two.

    Or even more shocking…trade a centre for a…GASP…centre.

    Oh the horror 😉

  57. Alex Avatar
    Alex

    https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/medical-update-on-marian-hossa/c-290029810

    but he waits until salary drops to 1 million. i don’t think LTIR should be allowed which allows them to avoid cap recapture as ILB mentioned above.

  58. UKRanger Avatar
    UKRanger

    Carp – do you think he’d dangle Step to LVGK for Dumba/Vatanen/Manson/Methot?

  59. cooscoos Avatar

    Is there a Methot to his madness?

  60. Alex Avatar
    Alex

    Raanta or Grabner going will impact us in a big way this year. We seem to think good goalies grow on trees. I think Lindberg less so but would impact them before in year 2

  61. Alex Avatar
    Alex

    more not before

  62. CCCP Avatar
    CCCP

    Pass on Methot. He’s turning 33 today! No thank you.

  63. CCCP Avatar
    CCCP

    or 32…whatever. Still no thanks. GET ME DUMBA!

  64. Bdl Avatar
    Bdl

    Are you getting centers as good as Stepan, and Hayes? Because despite what Ranger fans think about them, they are very solid NHL centers. If you are looking to rebuild Wicky, by all means trade them away. But if you are looking to still be relevant, you better get two very good centers to replace them.

  65. UKRanger Avatar
    UKRanger

    No Methot, he’s older than Dan Girardi and the premise of buying him out was to get younger on the blue line

  66. cooscoos Avatar

    How Dumb can Dumba be when he has an MBA attached to his name?

  67. Bdl Avatar
    Bdl

    One more thing on Hayes. Before he got hurt, not only was he the teams best center, he was also there best forward. Be careful giving up on him.

  68. cooscoos Avatar

    Hayes, while competent, is underwhelming.

  69. DaveB Avatar
    DaveB

    Alex Tuch is the side deal to get Vegas to grab Haula instead of one of the dmen. Tuch is a very good prospect, and was one of the main guys mentioned last off-season as a Ranger target, the last time we all wanted to trade Stepan.

  70. Bdl Avatar
    Bdl

    Two guys to Vegas instead of one. I’d say the Minnesota GM did a great job.

  71. wicky229 Avatar
    wicky229

    None of us know what is actually going on. Now if lindberg is claimed, they might not move both Hayes and step if they don’t get a centre back. I would NOT move both if lindberg is claimed.

    Either way, I get. A 4th line centre via free agency. Thompson, if available, would be my choice.

  72. Gravy Avatar
    Gravy

    BDL is talking about centers and Wicky is talking about centres. I think that’s where the miscommunication lies.

  73. Bdl Avatar
    Bdl

    Wicky wants Nate Thompson. I think that is a tremendous downgrade.

  74. Eric Avatar
    Eric

    Home openers noon today.

  75. wicky229 Avatar
    wicky229

    Hayes and miller had mirror seasons performance wise, if we are going to laud Hayes and be hesitant about his departure, we should be saying the same about miller.

    They also shared the centre position on that line, so I’m not sure we are not being abut blinded by Hayes early season and forgetting the bouncing around of miller as well.

    I think miller has more upside than Hayes.

  76. wicky229 Avatar
    wicky229

    A downgrade from who bdl?

    We did not have a centre that could win vital draws and the guy that was beast at it was “lost” by the coach.

    Id much rather see lindberg at a 3C spot and a cost effective 4C that can win some draws.

    Doesn’t have to be Thompson, can be someone of similar cost, but I like his game and I think he would be a very good fit.

  77. ilb2001 Avatar
    ilb2001

    Alex, I think Chicago will definitely try to place Hossa on LTIR. The news are out there now for a reason. Including him needing a frequent blood test to monitor side effects of his medicine. The league’s medical team will have to try and overturn it, but it’s not going to be easy. He is well within the rules of a player who is”unable to perform his duties as a hockey Player”.
    Incidentally, if Hossa retires, not only Chicago gets hit with the recapture penalty, he also forfeits the rest of his pay. If he is on LTIR for 4 years, he is paid $1M per year.

  78. cooscoos Avatar

    JT is gritty by nature, but I think late season he was erroneously told to tone it down. Either that or he was hurting.

  79. Bdl Avatar
    Bdl

    Stepan
    Zibanijad
    Hayes
    Lindberg

    Zibanijad
    Hayes
    Lindberg
    Thompson

  80. ThisYearsModel Avatar
    ThisYearsModel

    The Chicago Blackhawks………masters of cap circumvention. It worked for Pronger and the Flyers, so why not? They get out from under a huge cap charge and Hossa sacrifices $1 Million per year for 4 years after having earned $40 Million.

  81. wicky229 Avatar
    wicky229

    I can’t wait to see actual player name suggestions from all the blog experts here.

    the trick is to sound like an expert without giving actual player names for the roster.

    I mean come on, heaven forbid you be wrong with your speculation on a blog that is available through someone’s time and hard work and supposed to be enjoyable lol

  82. wicky229 Avatar
    wicky229

    Id rather have the bottom quartet bdl

  83. UKRanger Avatar
    UKRanger

    The cap recapture penalty is something like $3.9m per year if Hossa retired so you can bet your a$$ Chicago will fight any attempt to label it cap circumvention – even if it is, as plain as day.

  84. wicky229 Avatar
    wicky229

    Bdl
    So you did not get a centre with step (judging from your post), so you improved the team in another area in his deal. So I definitely like the bottom 4.

  85. Bdl Avatar
    Bdl

    Hypothetically I gave you Faulk.

  86. wicky229 Avatar
    wicky229

    Obviously this is all speculation for me, I’m not an expert or insider like some of you, but if stepan rumours were true to Arizona what IF..,,

    Z pack
    Strome
    Lindberg
    Thompson

  87. wicky229 Avatar
    wicky229

    Ok, with the bottom 4 and Faulk is this team better?

  88. DaveB Avatar
    DaveB

    The effed up thing about cap recapture – The team signing the player to the contract is ALWAYS on the hook, even if the player is traded. If Shea Weber retires early in Montreal, Nashville gets the recapture. If he walks away in his intended retirement season (the first year he’s making $1M), Nashville gets a recapture penalty of over $6M. If he hangs on and retires, say, 1 year before his contract ends? A one-year penalty of TWENTY-FOUR MILLION.

    Lets just say if Shea Weber is super-bitter at Nashville, he has some cards up his sleeve.

  89. Eric Avatar
    Eric

    Hawks aren’t only team get out of recapture. Hopefully hossa gets well but yes perfect timing.

  90. ilb2001 Avatar
    ilb2001

    UK- I calculated $4.275M, could be wrong of course.
    TYM- Hossa sacrifices nothing. He gets paid on LTIR

  91. CCCP Avatar
    CCCP

    RE Hosaa

    Pics of didn’t happen!

  92. CCCP Avatar
    CCCP

    or*

  93. wicky229 Avatar
    wicky229

    If, again if, you move stepan and get strome and Murphy, you’ve addressed a centre and a Rd albeit not a 1st pair.

    You still have decent to above average forward depth to address a top Rd and pick up a 4C in free agency

  94. cooscoos Avatar

    Our D suffered last season perhaps not due to any Faulk of our own.

  95. AnthonyM Avatar

    What tasty treat comes to your mind when you think Philadelphia? That’s right – pizza-flavored ice cream!
    http://www.travelandleisure.com/food-drink/pizza-ice-cream-little-babys

  96. wicky229 Avatar
    wicky229

    I just think not moving step and getting another high contract with a nmc is a mistake.

    Team needs 1st line talent, righty NHL D, and centres…I think it’s a mistake if they do not address at least two of those needs.

  97. Bdl the expert insider😁 Avatar
    Bdl the expert insider😁

    Wicky,
    While I like the idea of getting Strome, there are still considerably weaker down the middle.

  98. Beezle Avatar
    Beezle

    Think losing Lindberg baby is the least damaging in the short term as Aunty is a competent backup we may need to start the year and Grabner can score goals (at least for half a season) and be disruptive and generally more versatile player. In the big picture, we can find another backup goalie or perhaps start grooming the HL successor.

  99. BobbyO Avatar
    BobbyO

    have a feeling if Hossa goes on LTIR that skin condition may become contagious

  100. ilb2001 Avatar
    ilb2001

    At some point they’ll need to find out if Nieves can play 4th line center, no?

  101. cooscoos Avatar

    We need to sign Boo Yousuck so Sam Rosen can explain away the chants.

  102. aneirin Avatar
    aneirin

    Circling and circling in a widening gyre
    The defense cannot hear the goaltender
    Wings fall apart, the center cannot hold
    Mere anarchy is loosed upon the rink
    The damned puck is loosed and in New York
    The ceremony of Stanley is lost
    The best lack all scoring, while the worst
    Are full of undeserved icetime.

    Glen Sather, The Twenty First Century Rangers.

  103. ThisYearsModel Avatar
    ThisYearsModel

    ILB–thanks for the correction. Right you are. Hossa wins, Chicago wins and the rest of the NHL loses.

  104. aneirin Avatar
    aneirin

    ‘The effed up thing about cap recapture’

    The guy responsible for the contract should be the guy feeling the pain.

    Karma baby

  105. ThisYearsModel Avatar
    ThisYearsModel

    COOS- Is his brother named Hey? If so, I think he iused to play in NJ.

  106. wicky229 Avatar
    wicky229

    Expert insider
    How are they weaker? On draws…no. Talent….no. Mobility…probably better, but certainly not worse. Cap space…better.

    Not trying to be snarky, I just don’t see how they are weaker.

    I always look for bang for your buck and cap flexibility (especially to take advantage of other teams that must “shed” quality players due to cap issues) in this hard cap era.

    Ie is the on ice performance difference justified by the salary difference.

    At least that’s the way I look at it.

  107. Eric Avatar
    Eric

    Home opener Thursday oct 5 vs Colorado. Nathan McKinnon as ranger vs his former team including Stepan and miller

  108. Bdl the expert insider😁 Avatar
    Bdl the expert insider😁

    Strome is unproven. Thompson is 33, coming off a season he played 30 games. While I think most of us believe that Lindberg could be a solid 3, he has never done it. That’s a lot of hope he does this, or hope he forsake that.

  109. Bdl the expert insider😁 Avatar
    Bdl the expert insider😁

    Wicky,
    Be as snarky (bully) as you like. I am enjoying the conversation. It’s boring to agree on everything. 😀

  110. James G Avatar
    James G

    I think Grabner may be their pick. Not a lot of veterans for 1.5 that scored close to 30 goals out there. McPhee knows better than to assume his best days are ahead. That said this league is about speed.
    I don’t consider Grabner irreplaceable but losing his speed would suck. He essentially replaced two Cup Carl’s speed that was missing the previous season.

  111. DaveB Avatar
    DaveB

    Nobody really eats the pizza ice cream like that. Solid place, little baby’s, though. They have a buttered popcorn ice cream that’s top 5.

  112. St Pete Eli Avatar
    St Pete Eli

    Why do I have this feeling that pitt, isles, devs, & filth come out of this weekend much improved. And the NYR’s end up getting fleeced?

  113. Alex Avatar
    Alex

    I have to wonder if Hossa will try to play in europe at some point. That alone should make the cap recapture reappear even if it disappears for a short while.

  114. Alex Avatar
    Alex

    Dave

    I don’t think it’s cut and dried regarding Weber

    First of all Philly signed him Nashville just matched it.

    Second I’m not sure Nashville was a cap max team so they could use some of those $ that they were under the cap max to reduce or eliminate the “cheating” that the cap recapture is addressing.

  115. Eric Avatar
    Eric

    Rangers in Toronto for leafs opener Saturday oct 7.

    0-2 start

  116. Alex Avatar
    Alex

    Eric you’re beautiful

  117. CCCP Avatar
    CCCP

    0-2 start…. another reason to fire AV 🙂

  118. DaveB Avatar
    DaveB

    Nah, no way the NHL tries extra-hard to hurt Chicago. Just like how they were totally fine with Philly getting LTIR cap relief on Pronger, while Pronger was employed by the league.

  119. DaveB Avatar
    DaveB

    Interesting Alex…

  120. wicky229 Avatar
    wicky229

    And no to methot man

  121. Alex Avatar
    Alex

    https://www.capfriendly.com/archive/2016

    example nashville was way under cap in 2015-16

  122. Wicky (blog bully and all around snarkist) Avatar
    Wicky (blog bully and all around snarkist)

    Id still like to see James Neal as a ranger

  123. Bdl the expert insider😁 Avatar
    Bdl the expert insider😁

    Wicky,
    😂

  124. CCCP Avatar
    CCCP

    Did you guys hear this? Canadians can now be fined or JAILED if they use wrong gender pronouns. Great times to be a Canadian!

  125. Wicky (blog bully and all around snarkist) Avatar
    Wicky (blog bully and all around snarkist)

    BDL
    Was the “😂” for my team building thoughts or the call sign change? 😉

  126. DaveB Avatar
    DaveB

    It would be so icky if we bought out Dan Girardi, only to replace him with Marc Methot.

  127. Bdl the expert insider😁 Avatar
    Bdl the expert insider😁

    Call sign.

  128. AnthonyM Avatar

    DaveB – Could understand it if Methot was on the final year of his contract because it would be a stopgap move. But Methot has two years at $4.9 million and you have to factor in Girardi’s dead cap space as well.

    I have feeling the next couple of days prior to the draft are going to be even more active than the Trade Deadline or the July 1 Free Agent Frenzy.

    What gets lost with Vegas and the draft was the way the NHL screwed the Golden Knights. Not only did they not get the first pick as an expansion team automatically, but they didn’t even get the first slot in the lottery. They were “seeded” third. For $ 500 million I would want to be at least seeded first, if not given the first overall pick. Failing that, I would have petitioned the league to enter the 2016 Draft and at least get a jump start on building my organ-eye-zation.

  129. Booby Avatar
    Booby

    Good article that gets a lot funnier if you read it aloud in Russian accent.

    https://theplayerstribune.com/vladimir-tarasenko-st-louis-blues-nhl/

  130. Alex Avatar
    Alex

    I think the league did fine by Vegas

    Less protected players plus teams did not really have long time in advance notice hence the no moves effect

    Look at the boatload of picks they are going to have in next few seasons

  131. aneirin Avatar
    aneirin

    Nope, don’t believe everything you read on the internet cccp. The bill (not law as yet) says that hate speech about ‘gender’ used in the commission of a crime can be taken into account during sentencing. Doesn’t make the actual speech a crime.

  132. AnthonyM Avatar

    The only problem is that every other an expansion team got to be pick first overall (obviously the years with two teams they went one, two). If I were going to invest as much as Foley did I would want every advantage I could get my hands on and that includes the first overall pick.

    This year it is not a huge deal because Patrick and Hischier are good players who might be great, but if this were 2015 or 2016 they would have lost out on the guarantee to bring in a franchise changer like McDavid, Matthews or even Laine.

  133. Wicky (blog bully and all around snarkist) Avatar
    Wicky (blog bully and all around snarkist)

    I love the draft, free agency, trade deadline…I find it intriguing

  134. CCCP Avatar
    CCCP

    Gets a lot funnier if you read it aloud in Russian accent?

    So now Russian accents are funny? What is that supposed to mean?

    That’s kinda racist. Don’t you think? 🙂

  135. AnthonyM Avatar

    It is even funnier if you read it with an Esa Tikkanen accent. Of course, you have to figure what that accent is and where it is from. To me he sounded like a Canadian trying to do a foreign accent, but the poor Canadian can’t figure out which accent to do. The old joke was they said that Tik spoke like six languages, but none of them were English 🙂

  136. Alex Avatar
    Alex

    Anthony

    Again I think Vegas is extremely well positioned with that three day window and teams protecting players they really don’t want to

    They are doing smart thing in spreading out the wealth over a few years

  137. Alex Avatar
    Alex

    I think even the Finns didn’t understand Tik

  138. Bdl the expert insider😁 Avatar
    Bdl the expert insider😁

    Wicky,
    AV would turn Neal into the Lady Byng winner.

  139. AnthonyM Avatar

    I guess I must be grumpy because the Devils and Flyers are picking one-two.

    BTW, it was good to see Carp pop in. I thought his boss had him dealt to Vegas so McPhee takes Matt Puempel in the Expansion Draft.

  140. Eric Avatar
    Eric

    Brooksie no raanta

  141. Booby Avatar
    Booby

    Please take Grabner.

  142. CCCP Avatar
    CCCP

    Bye Oscar.

  143. Booby Avatar
    Booby

    But Dreger thinks it’s going to be Lindberg. So…sh*t.

  144. Gravy Avatar
    Gravy

    Lindberg makes the most sense for an expansion team.

  145. Gravy Avatar
    Gravy

    Done. Miss you Oscar.

  146. Eric Avatar
    Eric

    Lindberg it is

  147. CCCP Avatar
    CCCP

    🙁

  148. CCCP Avatar
    CCCP

    Even more depleted at center now. I hope Gorton has a plan.

  149. ilb2001 Avatar
    ilb2001

    Yup. As expected

  150. CCCP Avatar
    CCCP

    This kinda sucks, actually…

  151. djtet Avatar
    djtet

    Vegas sends Oscar to Washington. Washington raises cup next year. 😉

  152. fivefinns Avatar

    First Oscar Madison’s wife threw him out now this…
    Good bye Oskie

  153. Wicky (blog bully and all around snarkist) Avatar
    Wicky (blog bully and all around snarkist)

    That sucks

  154. fivefinns Avatar

    Lindberg baby thrown out with the bathwater…you s*ck Bettman I can’t stand you

  155. Wicky (blog bully and all around snarkist) Avatar
    Wicky (blog bully and all around snarkist)

    Another way for the organization to cover for AV losing him on the bench…just send him away lol

    😉

  156. Wicky (blog bully and all around snarkist) Avatar
    Wicky (blog bully and all around snarkist)

    Question for youse

    Anyone think or heard if Nash will be dealt at some point?

  157. Rob Avatar
    Rob

    Lucky Lindy lands in Las Vegas

  158. Gravy Avatar
    Gravy

    Of course Montreal is apparently losing traffic cone Emelin.

  159. BobbyO Avatar
    BobbyO

    good luck Oscar…when is the Shattenkirk press conference?

  160. Gravy Avatar
    Gravy

    Wicky, I have not heard Nash’s name at all. I would think the only way he’s traded this year is at the deadline if they are out of playoff contention.

  161. Booby Avatar
    Booby

    Oscar was just rounding into form last season. Man, I wish they took Grabner.

  162. Rob Avatar
    Rob

    Wish it were Grabner

  163. CCCP Avatar
    CCCP

    Lindberg is gone.

    That’s has 0-3 start written all over it.

  164. Rob Avatar
    Rob

    Vibin’ Booby

  165. Eric Avatar
    Eric

    Rather have lost raanta

  166. Eric Avatar
    Eric

    Hopefully AV fired by Christmas.

  167. Gravy Avatar
    Gravy

    You could argue that Lindberg was the biggest surprises (on the plus side) in the playoffs as well.

  168. Rob Avatar
    Rob

    Wouldn’t you rather hope the Rangers win every game and the Cup?

  169. CCCP Avatar
    CCCP

    I’d rather we still have 30 teams.

  170. Bdl ( expert insider) Avatar
    Bdl ( expert insider)

    Two players entering the last year of there contract. A small checking 4th line winger who is injured, or a young center with upside. Must have been a tough choice for Vegas.

  171. fivefinns Avatar

    3C I agree 100% Bettman s*cks ..

  172. OhioRanger Avatar
    OhioRanger

    You guys do realize that having Fast, Grabner, and Raanta still on the team is actually a GOOD thing. Quality players rounding out a mostly quality team. What? Too soon, too sensible?

  173. Alex Avatar
    Alex

    Glad it’s not grabner

  174. James G Avatar
    James G

    Wick I love the nicknames today lol. I think it sucks to lose Oscar but essentially you’re replacing a 4th line center who netted 20 points. I feel like he can be replaced internally or you can sign a plug-a-hole guy like Bonino or a Campbell for the fourth line. Oscar had a big post season but he wasn’t going to be a top 9 forward this season. If anyone’s making that argument they’re over reacting about the situation a bit.

  175. Rick Carpiniello (@RickCarpiniello) Avatar

    Stop being sensible, Ohio. You’re supposed to be hysterically ranting and raving.

    FWIW, this was the choice/outcome for which the were hoping.

  176. Gravy Avatar
    Gravy

    Short term it was probably the best case. Long term remains to be seen.

  177. James G Avatar
    James G

    I’m glad it’s not Grabner as well, Alex. I think his speed is tougher to replace than Oscar’s attributes. Obviously you want to keep home grown potential and guys that get it done for you when it counts but again- the situation with the 4C is something probably filled a little easier

  178. James G Avatar
    James G

    IDK Gravy. I think as Rangers fans we tend to grossly overestimate guys on our roster when we lose them and undervalue some when they are here. If Oscar was a 35 point a year 4th line center that was a top 2 PK guy and or was winning 60+% of his faceoffs then yeah I think it’d be a huge loss. But the honest truth is he’s probably going to be a real nice depth player for most of his career and one that’s replaceable on this roster for the forseeable future.

  179. Gravy Avatar
    Gravy

    Definitely possible. But it’s at the expense of probably only one more year of Grabner, who will likely not repeat last year’s production.

    That said, we’ve maintained the attractiveness of our team.

  180. Cross Check Charlie Avatar
    Cross Check Charlie

    The lost a fourth line center with upside. Upside = might improve to be a third line center. Yawn.

    What’s the date for opening night again?

  181. Old Ranger Fan Avatar

    Maybe we find out now if there is a market for Raanta.

  182. CCCP Avatar
    CCCP

    Real tears will come when Oscar becomes regular in 20+/20+ goal/point department.

  183. James G Avatar
    James G

    100% right on Grabner’s production, Gravy. I’m probably the only Rangers fan that looked at his scoring as an extra added bonus to his speed and PK ability. If he scores 10 goals this season I’m fine with it as long as he provides the attributes he was originally signed for. Goal scoring should increase with Vesey and Buchnevich having better years along with what will hopefully be a healthier season from Nash.

  184. Booby Avatar
    Booby

    Disagree, Gravy. I feel that Lindberg was the most handsome player of the 4 exposed.

  185. Gravy Avatar
    Gravy

    Valid points. I hope that I’m wrong about him and Lindberg.

  186. Gravy Avatar
    Gravy

    Booby, have you seen Grabner’s abs?

  187. James G Avatar
    James G

    Carp, nice write up. I’m not sure which is older, your profile picture at the bottom or that photo of Beezer

  188. CCCP Avatar
    CCCP

    Gravy and Booby

    happy pride month 🙂

  189. James G Avatar
    James G

    Gravy and I are agreeing a lot lately. I’m sure it’s over as soon as we resume our fantasy hockey rivalry lol

  190. Eric Avatar
    Eric

    Lindberg beats rangers 3-2 on a short handed goal in January book it. Play develops after a shattenkirk turnover on pp at blueline. Rangers lose 5th straight fall to 5th in metro.

  191. James G Avatar
    James G

    LOL oh Eric. You poor tortured soul.

  192. Eric Avatar
    Eric

    Told you I will never see a cup again. Never ever.

  193. James G Avatar
    James G

    I think it’s time for a FRESH NEW POST…

  194. James G Avatar
    James G

    We’ll be the next generation holding the “Now I can die in Peace” signs, Eric.

  195. Booby Avatar
    Booby

    Yeah, Gravy, if you’re into that sort of thing. I prefer Oscar and his dreamy eyes that guide you into the window of his soul.

    I think I have to stop after this one.

  196. St Pete Eli Avatar
    St Pete Eli

    I will definitely miss Oscar, but I was certain he was gone to the crap tables! He will probably get flipped to pittsburg and win a cup next year. I’m just another tortured Ranger fan wondering how long a lifetime is.

  197. Eric Avatar
    Eric

    Exactly James. Though way things are going I’ll be gone or be priced out of my garden tix.

  198. Beezle Avatar
    Beezle

    OK Boneheads question for y’all

    What are you willing to pay per year on a 4yr deal for a 1C, 2C, 3C and 4C

  199. James G Avatar
    James G

    Eric, if you get priced out and there’s a game 7 at the Garden we’ll take up a collection to make sure we get you there

  200. CCCP Avatar
    CCCP

    What are you willing to pay per year on a 4yr deal for a 1C, 2C, 3C and 4C

    —————–

    They should all get league minimum.

  201. Alex Avatar
    Alex

    James agreed on Grabner. It’s not just the goals. The world class speed, smarts, pk, replace Hags quite well and we missed Hags dearly the year before.

    I would have been fine if Fast was selected, less so for the other 3. Grabner and Raanta would have bothered me the most. In Raantas case it’s based on concern on how Henrik will be after knee issue during the world championships. I feel very comfortable with Raanta in net.

  202. TomK Avatar
    TomK

    I agree that this was the best possible scenario. That said, is Oscar a Penguin yet?

  203. Alex Avatar
    Alex
  204. TomK Avatar
    TomK

    So Emelin goes to Vegas, but MTL still stuck with Yemelin?

  205. CCCP Avatar
    CCCP

    There’s a new post.