Good morning, boneheads!
If you are a CBA purist, that’s what you need to do for the next couple of days preceding and going after July 1st. Salary dumps, moving dead contracts for picks and prospects, obvious ( and less obvious ) CBA circumvention moves, etc…Some already happened ( click here and here ), some are sure to come, especially after the Tavares Decision. And, as LB wrote here, there is no reason for Jeff Gorton not to join the fray with a large chunk of free Cap space being available.
I will be busy for the next few days as the end of June/beginning of July marks the big switch in teaching hospitals from one group of residents to another. Fresh, young doctors coming in requires a lot of extra presence to avoid possible mistakes. Will be working all weekend, but will certainly check in. Also, my old, reliable blog friends know when to alert me if some major trades/signings happen. I am not complaining, I actually happen to like this time of the year as it brings new challenges. Otherwise life becomes stale, similar to what happened to our favorite team last couple of years, eh… 🙂
331 responses to “Hold your nose and close your eyes”
What Jeff has to be careful of is the length of some of these deals that could be taken on – anything over 2 years and he could be impacting the cap just when they need to re-sign guys coming off entry level or RFA bridge deals.
Also, if he’s taking a breathing body (rather than a Hossa/Horton paper transaction) then he should be targeting guys that could at least fill a role this year, be that a 4th liner or a leader for Hartford.
For me, i’d take Cally or Hags back, but it may all depend on where the dominos fall after “the decision”
Go forward. No going back to the past.
Unless it helps us make our future better? ie. Cally -$2m, plus a 2nd rounder for a 7th rounder in 2022 ?
Continuing from the last post, it looks like Miami Pimp is still active on linkedin and social media. I only mention that because some people might have been worried. So you don’t need to worry about him, he just doesn’t like us anymore 🙂
Tax Free blocking Kravtsov, or Ronning, or anybody else. They need to move forward. They need to have, and let new leaders emerge.
Callahan would probably be healthy enough to play 25 games max. And if he’s on the table, WE have the power. not Stevie Y. I would want Callahan + good prospect (Raddysh?) for an R3. Along the lines of when Lawson Crouse was packaged with the bloated corpse of Dave Bolland for a 3rd rounder.
And when I say Callahan might play 25 games – I meant that as “he won’t be THAT big a roadblock”
Rob, you’re assuming he liked us in the first place? lol
No thanks to Callahan!
If you can get Raddysh, go for it. It would still be defeating the purpose of the current team. You can’t get next years 2nd from them, they already have that.
Though – that Sheary trade has currently set the salary-dump trade return market at “NOTHING.”
I’ll go you one better in a potential deal with TB. I’ll take Cally and Raddysh (or another suitable prospect) and agree to remove the condition on the 2019 pick they owe us – in other words it stays a 2nd round pick even if TB wins the Cup. If I am in a good mood, I’ll be nice and toss them a 7th round pick in 2020. If Stevie doesn’t like it, good luck trying to dump Cally’s contract.
Same thing goes for Chicago (Hossa) and Toronto (Horton). If you want me to take those contracts off your hands, you are going to pay dearly. If not, c’est la vie, and I will sit and enjoy my cap space until I am ready to break the bank on an UFA.
I’m with BDL. This isn’t about taking trash to occupy cap space. If JT goes to Tampa give me Ondrej Palat. Plays the perfect style of hockey and plays a position of need. If JT goes to Toronto same thing- make an offer for Kadri. One of the most underrated centers in the east. Hockey trades not salary dumps. we may be rebuilding but we sure as hell aren’t the AZ Coyotes.
Now the sour sallies will come out to yell at me…”no no we aren’t getting Palat. why would be agree to come here?!”
The only good thing I’ll say about a Grabner return is that he still has the speed we valued from him and if blizzard treats lines him up next to Hayes and it works then we have most of our two best lines back in the mix to some extent from the previous two seasons. for the right price it makes sense I suppose..
I agree with moving forward; bringing in a former Capt on his last legs does not mesh with that approach.
Very curious how much input AV had on personnel decisions. Brass seemed to choose players to fit his top 12 style so upcoming RFA decisions and how they fill out the bottom 6 will provide some insight.
.
Just happy there are fresh eyes looking at this roster. What? Same mngt team in place who mufffed it up? Never mind…
I just finished reading a story on Patrick Eaves at The Athletic. I knew he was having issues this year, but never realized the extent of his health problems.
https://theathletic.com/410476/2018/06/27/patrick-eaves-on-his-life-changing-illness-and-the-road-to-recovery/
Ville Meskanen may be a pleasant surprise if we have any luck at all. kid’s stood out a bit among these prospects.
Wicky may have broken the blog but the AV era broke many a bonehead. Coos and SN for starters…
Crazy stuff with Eaves. Guillain-Barre syndrome and all those auto immune diseases are scary stuff.
Remember when Boo Nieves was going to be our 4th line center?
James – Alive and Kicking , excited for the new kids on the block; just bothered any lack of accountability- breeds complacency and prevents winning!
Grabner was awesome when we were paying him to be a PK specialist and he was one of our top scorers. Grabner will not be awesome when we are paying him as one of our top scorers, and he’s a PK specialist.
Don’t laugh, Tom. as of now you have Howden, Chytil or Andersson and need at least one of them to crack the lineup this fall if Boo isn’t going to be “haunting” us again this year…
see what I did there?
Not that any sort of serious disease and/or illness isn’t scary, but there’s definitely something especially frightening about auto-immune disorders. Your own body is basically rejecting you.
Not sure why brass was scared off by Boo.
No to grabner
Sather: “accountability? What’s that something the Dracula puppet on Sesame Street sings about?”
And no to AHL players like boo, vinni, gilmour, etc
Agree on Grabner, Dave.
Wicky stop complaining! AND good morning, sir.
Good morning to you
I’m not complaining, just vehemently disagreeing
😉
i saw 6 ships come sailing in, sailing in, sailing in…….
Interesting how Meskanen was the the main topic today of the Post and Newsday. It is kind of funny how that happens a lot among hockey and baseball writers. I exclude the other two main sports because I don’t follow training camps and Spring training as religiously as I do the Rangers and Mets.
I guess I would make a lousy sportswriter because I’d be bugging everyone as to what does Lindbom being drafted in the 2nd round say about the future of Huska and Wall – the stuff that interests me, but perhaps not the average fan.
If Miami is still kicking, eff him. 🙂
Mickey Callaway is going to have a nervous breakdown. And no one deserves it more.
Sheary was a good trade for which the Sabres gave up virtually nothing, in return for taking on Matt Hunwick, and freeing up the cap space for the Pens to waste $3.5m x 5years on a 3rd pair D because he’s Skidney’s buddy…..
LOL better get used to AHL players being in the mix, Wick. Especially with how it’s looking on the free agent front.
Maybe we can score the 1st overall pick next year so Gordie can race up to the stage all smug and confident and select Edgar Rybokov from Hockey Punks Vilnius. Then give Sather a smug wink as if to say “let one of these other morons select Hughes. They clearly don’t scout Europe as hard as we do”
no ufas please
it’s a rebuild
we should be used to AHL players by now, the amount we’ve trotted out in recent seasons – Holland, Nieves, Carey, McLeod…..just to name a few
I am re-reading Gare Joyce’s “Future Greats and Heart-Breaks” which deals with his spending time with scouts (2006 and 2007) and “bird-dog” scouting with Columbus. He sat in on their prospects interviews for the 2006 Draft. It is a good read if you are into the drafting process – which I am.
I had forgotten that one of the 2007 draft-eligibles that caught his eye was Alexei Cherepanov. I am going to further torture myself and try and contact him to see how good of an NHL player he would have been.
speaking of which:
https://nypost.com/2018/06/27/rangers-have-taken-the-european-route-in-recent-drafts/
BTW, forgot to mention that one of the players Joyce speaks to is Big Game Brass – who was the Blue Jackets 1st round pick.
^^ my favorite part is that Clark says flat out they would have taken Kravtsov even if Zadina was still on the board.
I absolutely loved the Cherepanov pick.
James, this is the same organization that had Ryan Gropp as the 6th best forward in the entire 2015 draft.
If NYR can trade for Barzal to center Gropp, he may still reach his potential…
Just as a quick look – here’s the 2015 draft.
We drafted Gropp at #41 – scroll down beyond #41 and see if you can find anyone of note? For all our criticism of the pick, there’s not many NHL games played once you drop beyond round 1
http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/draft/nhl2015e.html
Rangers purchase rights to Irving Mieskeit from the Jewish Defense League.
Doodie: 10:21= sarcasm
10:23= how are you still surprised by these things? I wasn’t trying to make a joke earlier. Even with the first overall pick I think Clark would take someone other than Hughes next June.
Roughly 700 players in the NHL and maybe 400 actually good enough to play effectively. Buttman wants to add another team. Talk about diluting the Scotch!
There’s only been two seasons since that draft. Most 2nd round plus players don’t start making significant impacts until 3+ years. From that 2015 class, I expect Sprong, Greenway, Chlapik, Cirelli, Simon, Terry, and Gaudette to play full, or nearly full seasons with their NHL clubs. Also, at some point I expect Kaprizov to be a full time NHLer and possibly also Saarela.
And that’s just the forwards and doesn’t account for the ones that I don’t know about (i.e., I only know Saarela because he was a Rangers selection)
You didn’t like Greenway at all.
I didn’t like him compared to a lot of other players, but I definitely would have taken him over Gropp, who was so obviously the product of Barzal that it blows my mind that they wanted him in the 2nd round.
yes i know it’s off season but still
Colin Stephenson
@ColinASteph
Greetings from prospect camp, where Olof Lindbom is not skating, because of a minor groin strain.
Just browsing through those draft sheets for the last 7/8 years on hockeydb.com and you can see how anything outside of round 1 is a complete crapshoot.
Of the 1st rounders before 2016, 70% or more have reasonable NHL careers in terms of games played, whether they fulfilled their potential in terms of scoring who knows?
2nd rounders even in a really good year 50%, but more like 25% make it. However in the last 3 drafts hardly anyone outside of the first round has even played in the NHL (yet), guess thats a development thing with them taking longer.
Over the years you occasionally drop on a 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th rounder and wonder why teams passed on him but who knows why at the time?
These guys below we could have drafted in the years we lost our 1st/2nd rounders trading for vets for a cup run:
Palat – 7th round 2011
Gaudreau – 4th round 2011
Pageau – 4th round 2011
Andrew Shaw – 5th round 2011
We drafted JT Miller (1st round) Steven Fogarty (3rd), Michael St Croix (4th), Shane McColgan (5th), Peter Ceresnak (6th) that year…..
Rust – 3rd round 2010
Klingberg – 5th round 2010
Jesper Fast – 6th round 2010
We picked McIlrath (1st) , Christian Thomas (2nd), Andrew Yogan (4th), Jason Wilson (5th), Randy McNaught (7th)
In 2014, we picked Brandon Halverson when Brayden Point or Vikrot Arvidsson were still on the board, or even our goalie of the future Igor Shestyorkin!
MSG explores spinning off sports teams
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-06-27/madison-square-garden-explores-spinoff-of-knicks-rangers-teams
Seeing some Komorov to Ranger rumors out there
https://www.sny.tv/rangers/news/rangers-reportedly-in-talks-with-leafs-forward-leo-komarov/283312964
as bobbyo said
10:48AM: Leo Komarov is reportedly in talks with the Rangers on a potential multi-year deal. (The Fourth Period)
Larry Brooks wrote a few days ago that Komarov would fit as the kind of free agent that the Rangers are looking for.
Komarov,31, is finishing a four-year deal with the Leafs that had a cap hit of $2.95 million.
He had 7 goals and 12 assists for the Leafs in 74 games last season and has 52 goals and 70 assists in 327 career NHL games.
UK, you’re missing the bigger picture here. It’s not just that Gropp was a bad pick, it’s that they said he was the 6th best forward in that entire draft!
Haven’t seen Zuuuuc in Norway yet, but, he is so revered here there are statues of him everywhere.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/qpKhg4YxcAAW3zmG8.
A sixth rounder who averages 7 goals per SEASON and turns 32 in January and was kissed on the cheek by Marchand.
What’s not to like?
At least Grabs could show us some defense along with his speed. What can Vesey do? Over-rated.
Gropping at straws
Darren Dreger
Verified account
@DarrenDreger
As per Joe Resnick, agent for Rick Nash, Rick remains undecided on playing next season and will forego the July 1st signing period.
Either Nash is retiring or he needs a new agent because that doesn’t sound good for business.
Nash may do a spinorama and decide to play
The more I hear on Nash the more I suspect he’s going to retire before his brain is dripping out of his ears like JR..
well done, Coos.
I hated the cheraponov puck then, hate it now.
Puck=pick
Komarov. Now there’s an effective pick up..All we need now is another 7th dman to split time with Kampfer.
Wicky still urinating on a dead guy because he didn’t take the body enough while he was alive. : D
OK That comment was borderline even for me. No disrespect meant to Cheraponov or Wicky..
Russelll Crowe says that Nash has a beautiful mind.
Don’t leave home without it.
‘A mine is a terrible thing to waste.’ – Henry Comstock
alive wire
Gnash mind your own business!
Komarov that’s just great this organization is a train wreck!
Gord Clark “Who’s this Hughes kid everyone’s talking about?”
For ships and giggles, I looked back at the ISS Draft Guide for 2007. I didn’t remember, but they rated Cherepanov as the 4th best player in the Draft with the biggest question being the lack of a transfer agreement between the NHL and Russia. They compared his style of play to Alexei Kovalev. Then again while saying (correctly) that Angelo Esposito was the most overrated player, they did compare his style of play to Pierre Turgeon. Woof – they couldn’t have been more wrong.
I find reports on three of favorite future former Rangers. They listed Ryan McDonagh at #19 and his comparable was … Dan Boyle!?! Kevin Shattenkirk was #27 (John-Michael Liles) and Brendan Smith was #54 (No comp). Surprisngly, they had P.K. Subban rated #94 – talk about being off the board in an assessment.
I wonder if Shatty is going to do us much good this season. He sure won’t be much help in teaching the newbies how to play defense.
Thanks for the link on Eaves story Anthony. Fantastic read.
Tavares for Rent, 12 Million Per. Must present coupon.
Nash may come out of the corner this season. (Not to be confused with coming out of the closet.)
Can someone explain to me what Leo komorov at close to 3 mil for 2 years would do
Cheap 4th line pest to guide the children. Just what Gorton and Quinn want.
no problem with Komorov , 4th liner brings something different …have not had an agitator in some time
James, isn’t kadri just another non-1st line center?
How would 3 mil be consider “cheap” for a 4th liner
Glass got killed on blogs for his salary which I believe was 1.45 mil/year
Pete if you wanna see him that way sure
Komerov will give you the occasional goal, cregg, I liked Glass for what he was, but his type was available for half that price.
I’m still in shock over the draft and now rangers interested in komerov, sheesh!!!
Not to pee in the corn flakes of Ranger Nation but rumor (not sure how substantiated) that Rangers May acquire Justin Faulk from Carolina
Komarov-Boo-Beleskey…the KBB line?
Something in rangerland smells like Darth Sather.
Whiskey bottles and brand new cars..oak tree you’re in my way…
Gorton had better be careful. If we can’t compete, not too out of line to say that Dolan may finally order Slats to lower the boom
Repost cause original in moderation bad word musta snuck in
Also…is komerov the “physical” 4th liner you want on a team if he’s the type of player that will let greasy Marchand lick him with zero retaliation?
If he quickly punched Marchand in the face and went apesh*t
beating him to a bloody pulp for that offense trying to get away from linesman I would have more respect for him
Take on Steve mason contract 1 Yr 4.1 back up hank. Ask for trouba who needs a new deal make an offer
On the Rangers app they have a highlight of Ty Ronning pulling a Malik in the shootout. Awesome!
This kid oozes skill, hard work and shooting. Idolizes st louis no surprise. NHL pedigree. Fell in draft due to size but he looks solid. I think he can pan out
Thing Rangers take on a bad contract but everything on hold for Taveres
England = tankers
not to beat a dead horse…
but about this losing culture thins. You never did explain James how the Avalanche had the worst record in years and improved by 47 pts this year. they also smoked the Rangers.
I found this article that I totally agree with. I have played hockey all my life. Every year is a new year, a new team. Its just poor talent.
There’s No Such Thing As A Losing Culture
https://www.diebytheblade.com/2017/11/23/16695312/theres-no-such-thing-as-a-losing-culture
And Coos, about that dilution of talent. There are so many more hockey players today. Texas, Florida. Arizona. These kids would skate circles around the 80’s Oilers. Just watch an old game. These guys were skating in slow motion, and half of them couldn’t skate backwards. I think the world can produce another 50 NHLers.
I just watched all of the videos from training camp. I don’t know how these prospects are going to produce, but I am excited for a new season. I hope Quinn doesn’t bench these kids when they make a mistake, but let them learn. That’s what all the experts praised Gallant for this postseason.
I expect some hard knocks this year. At least it wont be with an expensive Wade Redden or Boogaard.
Depending on the $$$ I’m fine with kamorov. Still want Roussel though.
At half his salary, have no issue with beleskey on team.
Tomb
It looks funny because it’s in standard def.
😉
Tomb, beat away. Nothing better to discuss for a few days lol. I never said there was a losing culture in Colorado though. If you brought it up I didn’t mean to avoid a question.. With that said, here are some thoughts on the Avs- The Avs lost Varlamov early on in the year, Barrie was beat up and their star player didn’t have a break out season like he did this past. Just because a team has a losing record doesn’t mean they have guys with the wrong attitude or a lack of work ethic.
I agree with you 100% that every year is a new year. That doesn’t mean much when it comes to guys who have questionable work ethic as individuals. Zuccarello may be a saint in the eyes of the casual fan but I for one have questioned his giddy-up and back checking for the majority of his career. I didn’t know much about Namestnikov but I sure didn’t like what I saw from him as an individual in his final 20-whatever games here. Didn’t think much of Buch’s hustle when he wasn’t in the mood to have it either. So yeah, I think if you have enough guys with that particular problem you risk it rubbing off on guys that are new to the league. Maybe not permanently but that’s getting too deep into it.
And having played until the point that life wouldn’t allow me to anymore- I have seen it in younger guys from time to time. But that’s more to do with maturity back then. If you never had to deal with it in a teammate you’re lucky.
Hey, it’s KOMAROV, you foreigners 😃
Incidentally, Komar in Russian means mosquito. So, yes, he’s a pest no matter how you look at it.
And so yeah I guess it’s just a play on words in my mind. If you prefer to call it bad players rubbing off on players then that’s fine. I wasn’t advocating the concept of a “losing culture” as much as stating reasons why I wasn’t a fan of having Namestnikov or for that matter Zucc around during a rebuild
Well, Carp says pump the brakes on the KomArov rumors 🙂
Agree with most of what James said
Though I still like zucc so we differ there
Great point. Just cause the avs had losing record I’ve never pegged them as a team with losing culture. Ships fall where they may sometimes
What teams have had losing culture past decade or so?
Carolina, buffalo, Arizona, Vancouver , Panthers (but now on upswing)
Edmonton before mcdavid
Toronto was in it before Babcock
Calgary before Johnny hockey
Atlanta before recent wpg success
Teams that were in the doldrums for long stretches and only a smattering of offbalabced talent
You’re allowed to have a losing record but the effort to improve and the belief that you can win needs to endure
I’ll take my chances with the eighty Oilers.
I liked the 03-04 Doldrums.
EIGHTIES Oilers
Hello all still living in a hotel..feel like Kevin Stevens in St.Louis…has Nash gotten better yet?
Off The Boardie Gordie is responsible for the front desk calling my room to report an old man wheezing…
When you work in Edmonton, you get up oily.
Kevin Stevens was a crack winger.
Kevin Where’s My Power Forward Pipe Stevens
He got caught in an East St. Louis motel diddling a protestant,
Get Rid of Kevin “Helen” Hayes…Everytime he goes over the boards I hear the Mr.Softee Song
and please get rid of Mika The DJ Zibanabad
Thank You.
Kid looks good in blue!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BklP1BYjTvg/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=106dgctq4gylg
Reaves, The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Lucic) and Tavares.
Per brooks
Rangers targeting Ryan reaves from Vegas come Sunday.
Ryan Reaves, anyone?
https://nypost.com/2018/06/28/rangers-eyeing-veteran-golden-knights-bruiser-in-free-agency/?utm_source=twitter_sitebuttons&utm_medium=site%20buttons&utm_campaign=site%20buttons
Once a Knight is enough.
I guess Cody McLeod wasn’t in their long term plans after all.
Reaves, Komorov and AV’s former son 4th line from hell?
I have no problem with them signing Ryan Reaves.
McLeod at least gave his 100%, (when AV let him), more than can be said for some others.
Everyone couldn’t stand McLeod why would Reeves be better
keep ufas to 2 years as part of the rebuild
I have no problems with Reaves either. 2 year contract. Someone has to watch these kids’ backs. Or at least make them feel someone is. Besides, when was the last time a Ranger won a fight?
I don’t think everyone hated McLeod
Did they sign komirov yet?
😉
Get rid of the couch
I sign some guys to 3 year deals to have some available exposures to expanding teams.
I just wanted to type that
I’d love Komarov.
Komar = mosquito.
Wouldn’t be awesome you know what after much consideration the rangers sent me a text and I’m staying in NY our new captain JT
No issue reaves just not more two years
I happen to like Ryan Reaves. However – there’s no way we get him for any less than 2 years and $2m per. Not that money and cap space will be tight around here for the foreseeable future.
Enforcer is a dying, if not dead, breed. And Tanner Glass was borderline useless as a “deterrent.”
But I’m thinking this is different. First – this is a new coach. AV, for as much as he loved playing Glass, did not encourage his deterrent to “deter.” He didn’t encourage anybody to deter. Something tells me Quinn will be different.
Second – we could have double-digit rostered players that have less than 2 seasons under their belts. Opposing players would love to take liberties. This ties into point #1, where we have a coach that won’t punish his players for “deterring.”
So there may actually be a place for Ryan Reaves here
Reeves and Komorov, or Rousell make a ton of sense. Not only do you want Reeves to look after the kids, you want guys to lead the way in the straight ahead game Quinn wants to play.
Exactly BDL. I think some of us almost forget that there’s a new coach and a new style of play here.
The way a lot of these guys were deployed previously under the old coach is irrelevant.
Ryan Reaves was a good fit on three pretty good teams over the last few years. He’s able to play the game. McLeod wasn’t the strongest skater, had some mileage on him and was being phased out in Nashville. Big difference. More to it than labeling guys “enforcers”
I like your thinking, DaveB., 9:39.
I am OK with Reaves. The heck with Komarov, who is on a steady decline. Roussel would be a better add than Komarov.
As I said a few days ago, Reaves and Shattenkirk are friends from their St.Louis days.
Was at my son’s summer hockey practice earlier. Heard a rumor that the Rangers were considering Doug Weight as an assistant. No idea what the source is or how valid it is.
1 or 2 year deal is fine for reaves, but wonder how much they have to overpay to get him to come here?
—/
James, kadri is a fine player but in my opinion just not noticeably better than their two current “top” centers and not like Toronto would dump him or even do a direct one for one swap. i wouldn’t do that either as need to get a young winger or righty D if they trade Hayes or Mika.
Love bringing in the heavy vets; Reeves can skate and bang, Komarov plays a nasty game and Rousseau would be icing on cake and truly moving on from AVs Ice Capades at MSG
Plus, Komarov speaks four languages ad will be able to communicate with Kreider.
* (help teach Kreider)
Captain Kreider and the Mighty Quinn’s!
No problem adding Reaves and money shouldnt be an issue as we have tons of cap space and apparently no plans to blow money on big name UFA’s. If we have to pay $2m for 3yrs to get him thats fine, he can skate so he’s no waste of a roster spot like McLeod was.
As for anything else – Kreider looks like he’s being groomed to be THE Captain
My guess it costs more than 2m/yr to him to forego going to a contender and maybe even close to 3. Hope to be wrong tho
Good morning, boneheads!
Pete, money shouldn’t be an issue this year. It’s the length of contracts. Team is officially rebuilding/retooling/restarting, and they will have to overpay to attract players they want. They have the cap space. So long as by the time they are ready to compete those contracts are not on the way, it’s ok.
Taveras decision day coming soon.
If Tavares doesn’t announce his return to Brooklyn by midnight tomorrow, he’s gone elsewhere. 8-year contract will not be allowed after that. He can still sign with them on July 1st, but it will be 7 year deal.
Circus show. Always bothers me for some reason. Do you think he already knows where he wants to play? Why wait until the very last moment? Tell his home team whether you’re returning or going elsewhere.
He may truly be conflicted,ILB. Maybe I’m off base but he’s not really a high profile “look at me” kind of star. I’m sure there’s a lot more to it than we realize.
OR maybe he does know and he’s just being a tool….
James, kadri is a fine player but in my opinion just not noticeably better than their two current “top” centers and not like Toronto would dump him or even do a direct one for one swap
I’ll give you that, Pete. I think he has a bit more of an edge to him than either of our current centers but I guess there’s enough center depth at this point to look at other positions to add to.
Marty Brodeur was a “heavy” vet…So was Keith Tkachuk..
Another point of curiosity- if the Rangers don’t trade for Justin Faulk or sign a free agent Dman to add to the mix does it mean they have intentions of retaining the services of Brendan “burger n pie” Smith?
JamesG Reeves and McLeod’s stats very similar don’t really see huge difference other than Reeves being a few years younger. Reeves is gonna cost more after playoffs …Rangers have cap room but if they are going to overpay rather it be for Rousel much better player who can play same type of role and penalty kill
Idk that it’s about points with those guys or that point production is grounds for comparison, BobbyO.
I look at it more as being able to play the game. Obviously you need bottom six guys that can skate and play. McLeod didn’t look like he could do that very well once he came here. Roussel would be fine as well.
As for overpaying and all that-Unless they aren’t signing ANYone they’ll have to pay more than other teams which at this point is fine. They just need to avoid term. . And just as a side note I’m not convinced they’re going to spend much on a veteran back up when Georgiev is probably the better option than most of them anyhow. Hank doesn’t need to start 60+ games this season.
BobbyO- Roussel and Reaves aren’t mutually exclusive. Roussel plays third/occasionally second line minutes. If I were to choose between the two of them, I’d choose Roussel. For many reasons, one of them is keeping Wicky’s household very happy. 🙂
Roussel= Wicky’s cousin..
Wicky’s cousin > AV’s son
just differ on opinion of Reeves skill set at probably a much higher price. Understand angle not going long on term but extra cap space will provide Gorton more value now and at deadline if he needs it. All in on Roussel though
I wonder how much of the Tavares thing is the agent trying to milk every possible dollar?
Wouldnt be surprised to see the price north of $12.5 per by the end of it, it’ll be like an auction
Is Tavares a Ranger yet?
I’ve not seen much of Komarov, but i like what Roussel and Reaves bring and if we have to overpay i’d rather it was an overpayment of 500-750k to a 4th liner for 3 years than $2-3m for a “top 6” winger who’s looking for a last payday and to top someones WBM.
One has to be realistic on the meaning of overpaying too. Ryan Reaves, 31, never made more than $1.125M in his career. What do you think he’s going to cost? Roussel, 28, finished his 4-year deal with AAV $2M, and his last year salary was $2.4M.
Reaves will probably be asking for 2M after playoff performance and fact this is probably last contract
$2m would not be a problem, depends on the length but i’ll bet he’ll be holding out for 3 yrs or more
As for Tavares, i’m saying San Jose – if he was re-signing with the Isles i think we’d have heard by now.
Wahlstrom will have to find someone else to feed him pucks if he’s going to stick it to the Rangers for years to come!!
I feel like most of the “enforcer” types the Rangers sign usually get overpaid. Remember when they gave Brashear 2 years at 2.8 million and let Orr walk?
As for skill set, we can agree to disagree but I just want to point out that g/a/p aside, there’s definitely more ability in Reaves’ game than in the likes of McLeod. Cody is 34 years old and hasn’t played more than 30 games a season since 2015. Reaves is a guy that teams have slotted into their lineup every night pretty consistently and can play a bit of hockey while not slowing his linemates down. Not saying he’s gonna score 15 goals. Just that he can actually play the game on a fourth line which is something you need. He’s also a few years younger
Roussel is the guy they should target which means he is not on their radar! Why sign the younger player wirh more upside it’s not the Ranger way?
San Jose is an interesting choice. They still have a window ( 2 year? ) to win it all. But their core players are getting old. So in a few years Tavares is potentially looking at another rebuild
It appears this July we will be talking bottom 6 only.
If I’m JT I’m going to Tampa!
I’m not convinced Dallas is going to let Roussel go without a fight.
ilb, you’d be surprised – outside of Jumbo Shrimp, Burns and Pavelski they’re all his age. Burns is 33 but could play a few more years and they’ve a lot of guys in their early 20’s
https://www.capfriendly.com/teams/sharks
❤️roussel❤️
I agree with ilb, not sure Dallas let’s him go.
I also think the sharks are the Tavares destination if he doesn’t go back to the fishies.
Think JT is going to Tampa
Why go to a team with a chance to win when you can play in the Big Apple instead?
Tampa will have to perform a major salary dump to fit him in. And even more so after next season.
The Penguins will probably find a way to circumvent the cap and sign JT.
If Reaves signs here, I’m gonna say he’ll be making $2M per year, on a 2-year deal. Potentially 3 year deal – but hopefully Gorton sticks to his guns and has as many expiring contracts going into the 2020 offseason. We need to have as clean a slate as possible for when we’re ready to make some noise again.
Theoretically – I’d be happy with Reaves @ $2m. Much happier at $1.75M, but he’s an UFA who’s played reasonably well and deep into the playoffs for the past few seasons.
Have they traded the couch yet?
Why go to a team with a chance to win when you can play in the Big Apple instead?….
Said every aging overpaid veteran UFA in the early 2000s..
I don’t think they’ll go after a free agent top 6 winger, but if they did, i think jvr should be the target.
He can score a chunk of goals without needing a top playmaker to do it.
Plus JVR has more initials.
If JT goes to Tampa they’ll have to part ways with Palat and Tyler Johnson. That’s just a guess but Stamkos, Tavares, Point down the middle is kind of ridiculous.
If JT goes to SJ they’ll probably let Thornton walk and trade Pavelski who is ready to hit the decline stage IMO. Sounds like Wilson is about to lock Couture up long term which would give them a pretty impressive 1-2 down the middle with Kane in the mix and a bit more time with Burns. Good balance there. But in general teams obviously still building their roster with the focus being strength at center.
Sloth love chunk!
ilb, if they get rid of Callahan, Johnson, and Girardi, they will be well on their way.
https://www.facebook.com/nyrangers
Development camp is streaming live on the Rangers’ facebook
Since everybody are Tavaresguessing, let insert my nickel… I thing if he would be really willing, as he states, and is concern about his fishers team, he would not taking his decision (which I’m absolutely sure he’s already made) to the last minute, giving his team so needed time to prepare and plan for next season, considering literally epic “game changing” influence and ripple effect of it. Oh, and I believe Isles offer is generous enough, not to mention unique 8 years. So, all is pointed on him to sign with other team, most likely with Toronto – his native town, soon-to-be contender and his wife’s (rumors are) future working place.
no way jumbo joe is leaving san jose with JT. take a one yr deal prob 4 mil and try and win
would love to see JT go home and play with leafs. IM COMING HOME TELL THE WORLD IM COMING HOME
still believe like i thought all year 70-30 returns to isles. if he leaves if i were him pick tampa
something to watch tyler johnson no trade clause kick in july 1st. if JT signs there expect yzerman move him quickly
also predicting a ranger trade by tomorrow with the RFA GROUP.
is trouba a ranger yet
No, and Trouba is not going to be a Ranger.
way to start the weekend on a down note, Anthony 🙂
I think Yzerman has to move Callahan regardless of Tavares. I think with the guys he’s going to have to pay JT just puts them over the top as far as needing to move some guys they probably would prefer to keep
Could see Montreal clamoring for Tyler Johnson if Yzerman moves him. Unless they trade for Ryan O’reilly which I think they will. Buffalo will come down on their asking price before they have to pony up the 7.5 he’s going to be owed.
hoping there’s a pleasant surprise trade/signing by the Rangers. It’s getting to be a tired act having to roll my eyes and mutter “unreal” everytime they bring someone on board.
My sauces confirming Tavares was seen trying on Ranger Jersey in Dick’s Sporting Goods this morning!
I’m Yippeee for JT!
My sauces confirming Tavares was seen trying on Ranger Jersey in Modells Sporting Goods this morning!
I’m Yippeee for JT!
✅ Notify me when we are Cup contenders
James – Gotta be reasonable. If we are going to swing for the fences at least let us get Connor McDavid! 🙂
We’re Cup Contenders, Papa! All you have to do is hop in the passenger seat and set the flux capacitor to October of 1993
https://media.giphy.com/media/ZAELiNYQW2Tzq/giphy.gif
No good, Ant. We’ll just have to overpay him to come here. ::malicious grin::
Doodie- getting rid of Callahan, Johnson, and Girardi gets them through this season, not counting replacements. Next year- Kucherov, Point, Gourde, McDonagh, Stralman are up for a renewal. Some will get a tremendous increase.
I think teams look at buchevnic as having a lot of upside
He may be a valuable trade chip
I don’t mind him here but wouldn’t be too heart broken to move on. His streaky play with questionable defensive motivation may not be the “character” we are looking for.
These are not the droids we seek
Stralman and McDonagh probably don’t come back (especially McDonagh), Coburn is gone for sure, they probably move Killorn and possibly also Miller if they need to.
In other words, this season they will be a STRONG contender, years 2-3 will be a step back, but in like 4 years, they will probably be really strong again.
As for this season, I’m already counting the replacements as being on the roster. Johnson’s replacement is Tavares, Callahan didn’t play 75% of the season, and replacing him as well as Girardi is addition by subtraction at this point.
doodie
reports on mcdonagh and tampa expected to announce a new deal and that cooper loves him. expect mac need be on tampa once dust is settled prob by august