Good Morning Guys, James here. This is going to be a long one but I would advise you all to read it from top to bottom…. First off, thank you for your patience and for those of you who reached out offering concern and appreciation we want to say thank you. Unfortunately, those who have just rolled their eyes during this hiatus are going to have to roll a little longer because on behalf of ILB, Wick and C3 some things are going to get addressed before we move on to the fun stuff. This should have been done a while ago but some of us are blind optimists. There are two regular posters that haven’t been welcomed here in a while and a lot has been made of it at various times. While most of you do not care about this stuff there are enough people who do and have had the wrong idea so it’s getting addressed once and for all. One poster who joined us mostly at night was asked on several occassions not to talk politics here. Not only did he persist but he became resistant and persisted under various screen names and added vulgarity and profanity to his efforts and so after I brought it to everyone’s attention he was blocked. The other poster had several run ins with myself, with ILB and with Wicky. He had been in and out of participation for a while and approached ILB and I in March/April of 2020 demanding we allow politcal and world event coverage discussion on the blog. We simply weren’t willing to do it and he made his own decision to leave for a while. Upon coming back he was posting what we as a group felt were inflamatory remarks trying to get a rise out of some of us. He was posting the same comments word for word at the Athletic and after considering his history here and persistence in contributing little other than fires that had to be put out, it was agreed upon that we would block him. Since then someone (or more than one someone) has been coming onto the blog with various IP addresses and usernames posting questionable comments at times. They or someone else have been posting at the Athletic under Wicky’s username and it’s been going on for weeks now. People who attempt to cause chaos and want to make this blog about more than hockey are just not welcomed here. So he’s going to stay blocked.
Speaking as someone who has been here since the Same Weinman blog days, I can tell you I think it sucks any time it comes to having to prevent someone from participating. Despite what you may think none of us want to prevent people from contributing or make this community any smaller after years of seeing good knowledgable fans leave. To address one more concern that someone had- Yes, there are four of us for a small blog community but that’s because while we post often, none of us have the ability to maintain, moderate, update etc on a regular basis or around the clock and this is the type of garbage we deal with behind the scenes. No one is looking to rule with an iron fist. But this is the stuff that goes on and there are only so many efficient ways to deal with it other than not giving a damn. And unless you live under a rock, you know by now that ILB had open heart surgery several weeks back and needs time and support before he’s 100% again. While he’s asked that I don’t make this all about him (Doctor Modesty as usual)I will just say that none of you have any idea how important this place is to him (or us) or the things he does to keep it going for all of us. The rest of us are here to reduce his stress while discussing the team we love. So even if you aren’t our biggest fans, you should consider giving him the respect of accepting our roles.
From now on there are going to be a couple of changes. There isn’t going to be any more public issues made of things. If there is a problem or someone wants to discuss something that they’re unhappy about, they can email us or ask to be emailed and it will be sorted out one on one or with all of us at once. We will not have outbursts or comments that “poke” at people taking place for everyone to see or deal with anymore- especially in the midst of days that should spark great conversation. Politics, profanity (written or linked from social media), personal attacks- it’s not getting tolerated nor will we partake in any of it ourselves. If you take that as some kind of freakish control thing or authoritarian effort then it’s unfortunate and I would suggest focusing on hockey talk to move on from your disgust. But I promise you, if you bring it to the comment section you’re going to get blocked until it’s worked out the right way. There’s a time and a place for some of that stuff but it’s not here and certainly not now. Finally, we decided that the comment section will be closed overnight to prevent a lot of the drivel and from any of us having to play catch up from the night before. Still ironing out the time but assume for now that it’ll close up around midnight and re-open around 6am. Speaking as someone that loves this place, I hope you are all willing to help us keep it alive by preventing this type of thing from happening again.
Now…Ryan Reaves is a Ranger, Chytil is making 2.3 million per and Smith-Deangelo is a defensive pair in Carolina. Plus Drury’s offer to Buffalo for Eichel is weak. Let the chaos ensue…
186 responses to “We’re Back. But First…”
Foist!
Jeez, leave you guys alone for 5 minutes and……
Thanks to all of you for keeping this place going.
Sign me up this place is an Oasis for me being exiled to the south for the love of family. I agree James the Drury offer Eichel is real weak, but I think it does leave the door open for an another add? And let’s all hope Reaves has some gas left in the tank!
If trading for Reeves did not set off the soft fans, extending him for a year like they did yesterday, will have them go bonkers.
I have always said, for years, even when Carp et al claimed that Slats no longer had input, that he would never ice a team sans muscle and without at least one serious enforcer. Calzone Chris, it now appears, agreed with him. Why was he not consulted or his opinion sought?
Rangers go from light weight team to a heavy hitting team in one year! Been lurking this blog since Carp…
As BDL said, thanks James, Wick, C3 and ILB for keeping this place going and dealing with the putting out of fires that come with it.
Coos-Drury was the GM of Hartford and the Assistant GM. I imagine he voiced his opinion, but Gorton and JD had the final say.
I will be unable to post my thoughts today, moving the in-laws, but I will check it when I get the chance. ilb, James, Wicky, and C3 thanks for all you do! The Minx has Spoken! Go Rangers!!!
Tom – But Asst. GMs should be consulted even in Little League. They bragged about this guy for seasons going so far as to state that he was coveted by multiple organizations for GM. And they either disregarded his opinion or didn’t ask.
Possibly, Gorton saw that they were grooming Drury for his job and so kept him at a distance.
Dysfunctional
Agree Coos and obviously I have no way of knowing what Drury’s opinion was about this stuff over the past few years. I’m going to guess,(hope?) he was smart enough to recognize there was a problem but Gorton and JD disregarded Drury’s opinion. Drury wasn’t going to publicly disagree with his boss. I’m giving Drury the benefit of the doubt on this one.
I, for one, am happy to have our little corner of the interwebs back up and running.
Kept checking the past few days for new posts/comments to be turned back on.
To those that moderate and keep this place going, thank you. This place is a sanctuary for me amidst the chaos that is my life.
Camping this week so internet was spotty so was late to everything.
Glad this got back up and rolling. It’s a big part of my rangers fandom and there isn’t a place that can come close to meeting what I get out of this community
I wrote an email to send to Ilb but given his health I didn’t want to be a nuisance. So James, wick 3Cp and ILb….thank you.
There are so many loyal fans here. Please don’t allow the few to ruin it for the rest of us.
Friedman reporting that he’s hearing Nick Ritchie to the Leaves. 2 x $2.5.
Onto hockey. Holy cow. When the season ended and you said we could have Goodrow and Reaves (and blais and tinordi as a 7th) I wouldn’t have believed it
Reaves for a 3rd rounder only goes to show Pepe JR for a 4th was the going rate. I guess I overvalue these guys
I’m confused about JD’s guillotine-ing. I think he’d agree with Slats and Drury about the roster but was loyal to Gorton and refused to contradict him or axe him. Admirable but childish.
Top 6 will be fine. Only loss is Buch which stinks but is the name of the game in a salary cap world
I’m glad Kreider and strome and the rest of the top 6 won’t have to carry the burden that the bottom six are hired to do
Seems there are a lot of bodies for 12 spots so a trade may be in the works
Otherwise, guys are going to have to earn the right to dress
You guys have no idea what it took to bring this place back.
So, you’re welcome 🙂
Ukrainians still welcome this time?
my guess is JD didn’t like the re-emergence of Slats/Dolan power couple and maybe thought it was a sign of increased involvement/interference going forward? Agreed that shortsighted move and also must be depressing going back to Columbus to start all over again in a place most players seemingly don’t want to play.
Indifferent on adding Reaves, but ideally not an everyday player and his play has definitely slipped so not someone who should really be out there if/when we make them playoffs. Adding a year to his deal before his first game did seem very unnecessary tho as he isn’t gonna get better going forward
Glad to have the place back, so danke!
Thanks to you all who continue to keep this place running and sorry you had to deal with the nonsense.
Coos
There’s no other way 😉
My son still thinks something big is going to happen I guess we shall see.
Think only if Buffalo change their tune StPete as really no reason Drury should budge at the moment. And i’d be hesitant to move both Kravtsov and Chytil in such a deal as that would be the end of our young offensive depth. i’d trade another defenseman (like Robertson?) before doing that and i’d be in no rush to do that either
Buffalo is just an awful organization.
Pete-i wasn’t wild about the Reaves trade when it broke,(would have preferred Ritchie), but it’s grown on me. I agree that he probably won’t play every day player.
yea i just think it’s two years too late to get him. Don’t think it hurts us unless Barron isn’t gonna get a shot as a result
Hey guys, I don’t post here often, but I check in and read posts and comments every day. I have also been around since the Sam Weinman days.
Most of you guys are way more knowledgable than me and I come to hear about different players and trade talk and reactions. Thanks for everyone who keeps this going. It’s always a few rotten apples that mess things up for everyone.
Can’t wait to see the opener against Washington! And I still don’t want Eichel.
We have half the team with skill and half the team with grit ans size, with some players having a nice mix of both. I have good feelings…
Welcome back. Glad to be reading about my favorite team again.
Would not mind going into next year with this team. Jack Eichel is still a big NO.
As a reader who rarely posts, thanks to all you guys and for all you do to keep it going and keep it hockey.
Glad we are back and thanks to those who keep the blog running even though it is a thankless task. I whole heartedly agree we should stick to hockey here. We spent the night in the hospital with my brother in law who was medevacked there after having a heart attack. It gave me a reminder of what ILB has been through recently. So it was great to have the diversion of the blog back this am.
That Ranger Cap opener may be along night with a full score sheet. If you are working that game you should make sure you have a clean riot pad and a sharp pencil before you hit the ice. There is no truth to the rumor that the Caps are signing Ogie Oglethorpe and Tim McCracken for that game.
Thank you guys for keeping this place running. I felt lost the last two days, I think I developed multiple personality disorder talking to myself.
But we’re closed 12 to 6? All my best ideas come from 12 to 6. In all honesty, that’s a really smart idea.
Scarier and scarier with Eichel each day that passes and more is revealed.
West Coast closes at 9?
I am starting to think Ted Nolan put a curse on the Sabres after he got blackballed. Maybe Hasek is involved somehow.
Drury and gorts seemed to be pretty tight and on good terms at traverse city. The two of them were standing together when I first introduced myself to drury for the 1st time, and I let drury know that i always looked back on that 2012 ECF against the devils and felt if he was still able to play, he’d have scored 2-3 goals in that series that put us in the finals that year.
Drury goes ‘well thanks but 11-12, (looks over to at gorts and laughs) I don’t know if you guys could have afforded me that year’ and they both got a really laugh out of it.
Honestly I think all these changes were coming this summer under gorton and JD. People have been looking to this summer and the amount of dead cap hits and space that they’d have since they bought out shattenkirk
The issue is putting it off until the free agency money came in, it cost them their job before they got there
ORF
All the best to your brother. Hope he’s already on the mend
https://twitter.com/friedgehnic/status/1421451518004416518?s=21
Minx is too old to be moving pianos. Hell, he’s too old even to be playing pianos.
With Krejci going back to the Czech Republic, add the Bruins to the list of teams looking for a top 6 center.
I wonder if the Rangers could be a part of a 3 team deal where the other team gets Eichell and the Rangers wind up with William Karlsson,(Vegas) or something similar with another team that wants Eichell. Buffalo would get assets from the Rangers and to a lesser extent from the third team.
Probably not good to go into this season with neither top 6 center under contract for the following year and no one coming up to fill that void. I’m glad that the myth of Chytil being a top 6 center is beginning to fade.
coos
I’m supervising the move, I’m a former Hockey Ref remember?
well after listening to that podcast i’d get the disc replacement and hard to see trading for him and insisting he get the fusion surgery…of course insurance would be more expensive (if at all obtainable).
Not lost on this group, but whether we get Eichel or someone else, that is only one or two top 6 centers we need to resolve by next offseason. Obviously they can’t afford both Eichel and Mika unless Mika takes a lot less than is being reported he wants, and suboptimal to actually commit to both Mika and Strome longterm.
Until he is traded, would say Chytil is still very much in the longterm conversation for 2C, but would have no issue having him play top 6 wing or rotate between wing and center on the third line with linemates of Goodrow and Kreider/Barron
Thanks to the 4 Musketeers for keeping this place running. I have to admit that, even though the Rangers are still a flawed roster, it will be refreshing to watch them not have their assens kicked by Washington and the Islanders.
Pete-From Brooks’ most recent article:
“Chytil’s skill set, at least at this point, does not include the ability to distribute the puck as a center or, from that perspective, to make his linemates better. He seems to be more suited to NHL life as a power winger, using his size, strength and skating to get to the front of the net from the wall.”
A lot of us have been saying this for years. I guess the question is what do Drury and Gallant think?.
I’ll chime in as well and say thanks to the guys that keep this going and glad you’re back. Been here since the Sam days and check in every day. Ranger fan since the 70’s so like some you, have seen a lot. I haven’t posted in ages, while I appreciates everyone’s opinions and arm-chair analysis I just but got tired of being jumped on for my hockey opinions by a couple of “regulars” who didn’t agree (I have no problem with disagreement, just didn’t like the insulting way it was done). Hopefully we can keep it civil.
So here’s my take. If the Ritchie numbers are right (2yrs x $2.5M), that’s a miss by Drury. Would have rather had him than Goodrow at $3.6 for 6yrs, and he’s 3 yrs younger.
The Rangers are set to win 2 extra fights and miss the postseason. Let’s go! 🙂
Blue, in a vaccum you may be right, but not sure it was known Richie wasn’t going to be qualified by the Bruins until after Goodrow signed. Of course he could have also still signed Richie instead of Reaves, but maybe figured too much $ given the logjam at wing that already exists.
Think Goodrow will be fine for 2-3 seasons at least, but for sure overpaid and not looking to him for scoring, if we are we got bigger problems
GC
I really hope you (and others who feel/felt the same way) start posting more.
We spent time away to make sure we did this right and not as a half assen venture (all kidding aside) and gave full disclosure about the operation, which everyone deserves.
Good to see you and some other folks adding to the discussion.
FWIW, I wanted to change the name of the place though to “chytil’s haven”…obviously, epic fail 😉
That the Eichel camp continues to play this out in the press speaks a lot to the type of person/team mate he is. Look if you didn’t want to be in Buffalo for the long term, why did you sign that contract? Oh.. to get the Benjamins up front? OK.
I’m on E3’s throne so I can squeeze this in.
BCBlue I here ya but Goodrow is better get than Richie.
Avatar test
Beezle, maybe no other team will let him get the surgery he wants, but i wouldn’t just be quiet if i were in his shoes now. That organization has been a hot mess his whole tenure and that can be true and he can still be a less than ideal teammate (no idea there).
✔️
tom, thus far Chytil hasn’t looked ready to play center yet for sure. But he is still just 21, so not ready to say he never could do so. I also have no doubt he can do well as a scoring winger so fine with that route too
Maybe Eichel signed that contract because the management promised that things would get better? Six years into his contract and they are still nowhere.
You also have to take into account that NY wasn’t where Ritchie wanted to be….
In 20 games last season Kravtsov showed himself to be a more promising winger than Chytil has during his stints on the wing. He also played with more willingness to get dirty – something only seen grudgingly with Chytil.
Chytil is a very large gamble right now – if you now make him a wing project and it fails, he will have no trade value. If you are successful, you might have a second line wing. Isn’t that what we already have in Kakko (who in theory will eventually be first line)?
Why do NYR need a wing project when they have a natural winger in Kravtsov that already has significant training time (KHL, AHL) and appears willing to go to the net and be engaged in the corners?
Moving Chytil is in his best interest and the team’s. Kravtsov may not pan out long term either but I’ve seen enough of Chytil not to want to gamble another 80+ games.
Honestly, where would he play? If there are no more moves..there’s already a logjam at wing it seems.
Pete and CCCP – you don’t drag it through the press. That is rule number one, two and three. As to what Buffalo did or did not promise to do – he is getting compensated with 10M per season. Again, suck it up and make a better decision on your next contract and make the best of it in the mean time.
I had the strangest dream this place was shut down for a few days. Ilb was gone, James was gone, Wicky was gone. Even 3CP. E3 didn’t use the can. Nobody had any opinions on Mika vs. Eichel, and I have no idea if Gauthier was re-signed.
E3 not on the can would free up a lot of Superfund cleanup money 😉
I like to think of myself as an irregular.
I think a lot of folks lose sight of the overall situation. This “significant shift” would not be necessary had Gorton started balancing the roster a few seasons ago. Instead of guys like Blackwell, dig, fast, Haley, etc being thrown in here or there and shuffled about…band aids for a serious injury…just put the right guys in there to begin with and with consistency in contract length and improve where necessary. We all have named the names that would have been fits and available time and time again over the past 3 years, some here now.
Eat more fibre, that will make you regular.
Chytil is one of those guys like Drouin or Galchunyuk a few years ago that a team that’s desperate for a top 6 center might trade for and just hope for the best. Beezle-i don’t disagree with any of your 12:00. He’s the first guy I offer up in a trade. He just doesn’t fit here.
They haven’t fundamentally changed the top 6 at all. You’re sliding up Kakko or Kravtsov in place of Buch. They’ve rebuilt the bottom 6, which was needed. I honestly didn’t realize Reaves was already 35 until they got him. I’m more interested in his hits and forecheck than his fists.
Gravy
Agreed, we don’t think they’ve changed it anyhow (the top 6) unless a guy we are all thinking is going to be bottom 6 they plan on using as a top 6 guy.
FWIW Reaves is 34. Turns 35 in January, but yeah. Same difference.
Reaves can still be of some use and seems like a well liked teammate, but he is already past his expiration date on the ice, which is why the second year seems dumb at this point. However, Slats is gonna Slats.
i’m excited to watch Kravtsov play, but haven’t seen enough of him to know yet what he is at the NHL level in any regard, but especially not offensively.
Chytil at worst will be a guy you can give middle 6 minutes and pp time too and will get you 20 or more goals. Not looking for him to kill penalties.
And I for sure trade him in a deal for a locked up top 6 center, but until that happens I fully expect him to be in the top 9 on opening day and same for Kravtsov (as he very much could be moved still as well).
No one they have acquired to date is a top 6 quality player in my opinion and definitely not above Kreider (who i think starts top 6 on either wing)
Question is, is moving Kreider to a top 6 right wing, as many of us have suggested, considered an adjustment to the top 6?
Or is he considered top 6 already?
I’ll say this about Reavo:
While he may not be the catalyst to spring us to a long post season run, at the least…he’ll be wildly entertaining.
At his best, he along with Goodrow will help to “pull others into the fight.”
Yes, the ultimate goal is to bring home a cup. But in the interim, we could use a little entertainment along the way, no?
I’m personally pumped to see a more juiced up Rangers squad. It’s been since maybe the year we made a cup run that we’ve had a squad with a set as “big as the building.”
Craig
Most excited I’ve been for a rangers team in a long time!
fair question, Wick. In my mind right now (in random order) top 6 is Laf, Mika, Panarin, Strome, Kreider and Kakko.
Third line being Chytil, Krav and Goodrow (but could put Kreider here and move one of Chytil or Kravtsov up)
Fourth line being Rooney and rotation of Barron, Blais and Reaves.
And rightfully so, Wick!
Bottom line…. People can say all they want about “Wilson breaking this team” or “living in their heads rent free.” But, to be sure…. He along with the other teams that used to find our boys to be easy to play against will know unequivocally that those days are over.
When you play our boys now, big boy pants will be required.
The opener against Washington is going to be a fracas….a bruhaha of majot proportions. Or….it will be anticlimatic and nothing of note will happen. I think that covers all the bases.
Back to Eichel……for crying out loud…..NOOOOOO. The guy is going to have disc replacement surgery….and you need to trade a ton of prospects for him. Really really hard pass.
Remember when Marchand just grabbed Panerin from behind by the benches and wouldn’t let go? Remember when no one on the Rangers did anything about it?
Those days are DONE!
Pagnotta just said that its us vs the Isles trying to land Tarasenko…. Whyyyyyyyy! Oh, Sather…. That’s why. Always have to have the shiny toy……
Interesting re tarastinko. Makes more of a winger depth issue if acquired and not sure what that does about top 6 mix…
Hey that rhymes…top six mix!!!
I mentioned this to Wicky previously, but the one year extension for Reeves was necessary. You commit to him. This way he can commit to the Rangers. If you no what I mean.
With that Ritchie signing, dubas is trying to do his best Brisebois imitation
Seriously….. somebody PLEASE explain to me WHY the geniuses that run the show think that trading for Tarasenko…. a WINGER, which we don’t need, with a chewed up shoulder is the way to go. I just don’t get it!
Maybe the price is cheap? When that happens sometimes you have to act, regardless of position.
BDL,
Are we talking Salary retention?
And again….. he’s coming off of 2 shoulder surgeries.
Is Olga banned!!!??
I don’t know Craig. I don’t think trading for him makes sense either, but maybe they just want to dump him. Maybe it’s an offer the Rangers can’t refuse.
I’ll believe it when I see it
Unless the rangers know something about tarasenko that we don’t. Healthy and has a desire to play and live in NY the rest of his career and is willing to sign an extension at like 3m a year.
I don’t buy it
The thought of getting him STINKS of Sather/Dolan…..
This isn’t 2014-2018 Tarasenko….. Makes zero sense. They need a center or two, not him.
Thinking about it just a little more. Maybe it’s a situation where the blues have to give tarasenko away with assets like some of these other teams have had to do.
Is this the last year of his deal? If the rangers are backing off eichel until it gets sorted with the league and he has his surgery and all that. The rangers will have about 10.5 m in cap space to play with
Ok I dont wanna get into the drama….but I HAVE TO KNOW…whos using multipul names??? Whos changed names? Been confused for years…Wicky , James or cccp or whom ever knows anything emailme @ gregxxxory@gmail.com
Thanks!!
Been reading since Zuccarello signed. Zucc is long gone but have not been able to get over the crush with the Rangers. Too many obligations to make a proper long distance relationship work, but still I find time to read this blog irregulary. Thanks to all you that contributes. Please help keep it open!
RAAAAAAANGERS LETS DO THIS!!!!
Blog is back in town . 🎵 Blog is back in towwwwwn!!
Here they come , boys in the bright white sports blog…honkin at all the girllsss!!
he has 2 yrs left and $7.5m/yr cap hit, so St. louis is gonna have to eat salary where ever he goes.
Frankly it would make zero sense to move Buch (which I think was the right move) and then acquire Tarasenko as it locks up a top 6 spot for two years instead of one. Not to mention Tarasenko also makes Buch look like Reaves.
Thx for all u guys do …was going a bit crazy…almost went to brunch ..the ship is righted !
From CCCP’s video, are we to infer that Reaves is NOT the Strong, Silent type? 🙂
Very happy to see that Dolan and Slats, (like me and a ton of fans) were distressed and disgusted by
1. Our repeatedly dispirited showings versus the Long Island Fish.
2. Complacency in the face of ongoing muggings and assorted felonious assaults.
Bobby! Look away from the mimosas!
If Krav gets traded there’s going to be a lot of pain in the Scottsdale household.
Greg let’s leave it alone. Thx
https://twitter.com/artemyeet/status/1421525755733884928?s=20
Glad to see all of you guys back today. We appreciate you too even if it isn’t always obvious..
My thoughts on Reavo:
While a lot of Rangers fans clearly have been upset about this move, I think it’s being misunderstood a bit due to the Tom Wilson hype.
Reaves isn’t a spring chicken, but this move was about more than the fourth line role he will play. Craig referenced it earlier a bit. This is a guy who has never been afraid of anyone in this league. Has never backed off, steps in for his teammates, steps up when called out by the opponent.
He’s played on the line, crossed the line, and he’s a playoff tested veteran. This isn’t like having Cody McLeod suit up for a tough game because someone took liberties with the team and he’s going to go have a staged fight to make someone “answer the bell”. Reaves has swagger in his game and his personality. Think what you will about some of the questionable moments he’s had on the ice but this is a guy with a ton of character and leadership who means a lot to his teammates and who is well respected in the locker room. He knows what Gallant expects and Gallant clearly wanted him here.
So it’s not about fighting Wilson or Matt Martin. He’s the type of guy that can take a younger guy like Kakko or Chytil and say “look brother, you’re 6’1 and 200+ lbs. You don’t have to be afraid to throw it around at that guy. Because that guy May be tough but you throw your weight at him and he’s going down just like anyone else”…THAT is what’s been missing and THAT is worth having him here until he’s pushing 37 years old.
I usually dont have anything to add about players when I write ,
Im the cheering section!!!
WOOOOOHOOOOOOOO LETS DO THIS!!!
Reaves AND Goodrow …are we in goon heaven!! Wicky must be so proud , question is…do we have that crease clearing defensman ?are you happy with whats developing?
James, thats exactly why we got Willard Reaves son!! I watched Reaves father run wild carring the football in the CFL for the BlueBombers. Legend , classy and solid. If our guy is like his dad…look out! Best new pick up!
Liked the other moves better than Reaves… for playoff success anyway but not like they overpaid . 4th line is gonna be banging
Seems like maybe a newer generation of fans hopped on board during the AV era and really don’t have a solid grasp about what it takes to win in this league. They know those teams and the stuff the NHL keeps the spotlight on.
These are the ones very upset with what the Rangers have done. They see articles about advanced stats and read into players who aren’t high scoring skill forwards and they think they understand a player’s value.
These are comments I see..Rebuild is being destroyed. The team is being dismantled. They’re trading all these assets.
What has Drury given up? He traded Buch and Howden. He let Smith go and Blackwell went in the expansion draft.
No one is dismantling anything. They’re literally the same team we saw this past season except they traded Buch for Blais and swapped Smith for Nemeth. They got a 13th forward (Dryden) and a 7th D (Tinordi) that take no crap, add some muscle and can protect the less physical and the young kids in games where they need someone to do so.
Have people not taken note of the scrambling other teams are doing to fill holes with these types of players? Or do they think Dougie Hamilton and Jack Eichel are the only prizes out there?
Tampa has lost important pieces. So have Pittsburgh, Columbus, Toronto, Boston and Buffalo. The Rangers have added the types of guys they’re all looking for. And somehow Drury is being destroyed for his actions?
Again, not about Wilson. The Rangers were already a better team than Washington last year. Now they just won’t get pushed around by them or anyone else in the NHL.
I’m on the can
Oh lord it’s a stinky
Rangers will make a deep run this season.
I see dead people
Only problem with me about Reaves is that, like Wilson, he seems evil and psychopathic. But, he’s OUR psychopath!
Reaves will be the fan favorite 30 seconds into his first shift. That’s a fact and it’s irrefutable.
James, will agree the hand wringing and sky is falling proclamations about trading Buch are absurd, just as it was when they moved Zuc.
And was all for adding a guy like Goodrow even if I would have preferred a cheaper and younger version, but it’s not a contract i’ll worry about that much in the near term. And Blais is seemingly worth a shot, but won’t care it all if he isn’t in the lineup at the end of the day.
But acquiring Reaves at his age and level of play isn’t anything more than Slats scratching an itch he hasn’t ever been able to resist in NY. You want to play him against the Caps or Isles great, but otherwise I’d hope Barron is still given a fair chance as he has the potential to have a much greater impact on this team winning games versus Reaves at this stage in his career.
And heaven forbid we make the playoffs, thats when this version of Reaves should be a healthy scratch, just as he was several times this year for Vegas after the first round.
Guys just wanted to say I’m glad to see this back. That was a rough few days without being able to read everyone’s thoughts and get news on the team. Thanks for all that you guys do and put up with.
I’m happy with everything Drury has done so far. Liked Buch, but it makes sense with the other guys we have who should be ready to step up. This will be a much tougher team to play against and the team is much better because of balance than they were before. Can’t win every game by 10 goals so need the type of players that they signed.
A big question this upcoming season will be can Kakko, Kratsov and Laffy score? I think used properly they will. If not….ughhhh
Reaves hits and hits and hits…..not just a fighter…..and he’s a forechecking monster. Gallant knows how to maximize his utility and I don’t think he’ll be a scratch come playoff time.
FIRE SATHER!
I waited for days to post that.
Rich the thing of it is that they are getting more of an opportunity now. Can’t protect them in the lineup or use them sparingly forever. These are top 10 draft picks. If they can’t score we have much bigger problems than Goodrow and Reaves
Pete,
My hope is that you’ll be proven wrong by the on ice results and not my words.
I’m sure Montreal fans somewhere griped about the Perry signing last summer or proclaimed Edmundson to be nothing more than a 7th D who was “too slow” and road Parayko and Pitreangelo to a Cup. Josh Anderson? 5.5 million for an injury prone 4th liner? Lots of Habs fans on Le’ Ledge.
It seems as if intangibles are becoming an extinct concept. Or maybe I just overvalue them. We’ll see.
E3- exactly my point. This Rangers team is now big and heavy in addition to skilled. People think this was a knee jerk reaction because they’re not paying attention to what other teams are trying to do.
Again, not about defending themselves when someone gets hit. Now they are the ones doing the hitting and grinding down the opponent in addition to being able to score off the rush or on the PP.
What will be interesting is if fans take to this guys once they understand better what it is they offer to the team.
The way guys like Graves and Prust have always become fan favorites is how this should go. But with some of the points of view out there? Never know which way it goes.
Here is the thing about Reaves………..he was tremendous in the Vegas community and also in the locker room. His teammates will love him. And I hope is it OK to go here, but I bet he has a big impact on K’Andre Miller. Do I think Reaves will dress for every playoff game? No. But the guy can really skate for his size and he is a forechecking and hitting machine. We have seen that out here in the West for years. Gallant knows how to utilize him. DeBoer did not use him as effectively.
Did I mention if Gorton would have built the roster properly instead of guys like fast, Blackwell, dig, Haley….
I think this Ranger team now has the skill, grit, toughness, and mindset to be a real threat to win it all. That, and the Reaves trade will be a unifying force in the room and the young Ins know they have protection…..Staying injury free is key.
Whew, that break felt like an eternity. Thanks to ILB, Wick, James and C3 for finding a way to right this ship and for everything they, and others, have done to make this an ongoing half assen haven for us crazy Ranger fans. I’ve been around since Carp took over for Sam and rarely post. I’ve seen a lot of regulars depart and this latest scrum has motivated me to lace my skates up and join the fray. I love this place!
As for the line up changes made so far this summer, I always wonder about team chemistry. It’s easy to look at stats and a player’s profile and have a good idea of what to expect of a player but how will a player affect the team in the locker room, practices, on the road? A team spends more time practicing and in hotel rooms than actually playing the games. Who could have predicted the chemistry between Bread & Strome? While the majority of the team is intact, how will a few new arrivals affect the entire team? Not just in terms of lines or who’s scratched for a particular game but to the confidence and leadership of the collective group? That’s the biggest unknown I want to know.
TYM I agree with you completely and Miller was one of the guys I was thinking about when I posted about Reaves having influence so he’ll yes-say it.
A lot of these kids are inexperienced and don’t have the confidence away from the skill game. Quinn wasn’t a guy that could help with that part despite wanting them to play tougher hockey.
I like Ritchie’s game. I would have loved to have him too. But this was a good move and he’s going to have a positive influence on all of these guys..except maybe Mika
I think reaves needs to play as many games as possible regardless of regular or post season and it isn’t because of his fists.
A guy with expectations of a certain nature put on him may be a bit more hesitant to step into a fray with someone if he’s been a scratch for 18 games or treated like a bit of an afterthought. I think there were plenty of guys 30 years ago that would do that and be fine with it because that was the game and the role.
That type of game is not how the current nhl is and while some folks still use the enforcer term etc (and I think reaves fully acknowledges that part of his game) I think he also sees himself as a contributing player and one worthy of a continuos lineup spot not just a “uh oh, heavy opponent tonight, let’s put reaves in”.
Obviously speculation on my part but, Vegas’ and reaves’ games both looked off when he wasn’t a constant game participant (less of an issue when gallant was coach vs the bore).
I read that some feel the reason for Nemeth was to have another Swede to play with and mentor Lundqvist. I always felt the Rangers should have done something like that with Kakko. Acquire a Finnish guy to help mentor such a young kid in a different country and culture.
James, the sentiment is right, just think Reaves looked like he lost a step or two this last playoffs and he didn’t look to be much of a help when he was out there and why he was scratched a few times (not to mention the suspension). Little doubt he is a beloved teammate and will continue to be here. I also don’t think Mtl fans were upset bringing in Perry after seeing what he did with Dallas in the playoffs the year before, but Perry is very different type of player from Reaves as I am sure you know
Would be great if I am wrong about his play because I do think Gallant will play him regularly, just like AV played Glass regularly, even when it wasn’t always best for winning.
Still plenty of time for things to change, but is Barron or Blais the extra forward then? Or will Barrón start in hartford absent another winger being traded
And Wick, Gorton did try and bring Reaves here three years ago, he just didn’t want to come (can’t say i blame him at the time either).
Pete
He did, he offered him the exact same contract and term Vegas did (so reports said). Perhaps Gorton should have went slightly higher or a year longer…but I digress
Dang it…hedgehog haven would have been even better!
My guess is Reaves was just happy in Vegas, so doubt another year would have changed. Maybe another $1m or $2m would have, but Reaves is already overpaid as it is, so glad Gorton didn’t
Ok Pete, sounds great.
ha, i won’t talk badly about your favourite anymore!
No one has said anything about Lafrenière
folks are all certainly entitled to their opinions on him though, he’s a 1OA pick so I’m sure there’s a lot of them.
Plenty of time for Lafrenière in my book.
I think we’re all gonna be surprised at what Blais adds this former Cotton Candy Crew?
St Pete
Ditto
Nice to see everyone back.
I had planned on writing to ilb, James, and Wicky personally – but I think you guys host a real great blog where I personally learn a lot, relax, and even laugh.
I wish a speedy and uneventful recovery to The Captain, and I thank you guys for doing all that you do hosting this place. 🙂
Is Ritchie a Ranger yet?
Thanks admiral, but it’s a trap!
Evander Kane’s wife Anna posted on her Instagram that the Big E has been betting on Sharks games and throwing them to make $. He made her sell her diamond ring to buy formula for the baby while he was partying in Europe. Yikes.
@Wicky :
A trap? I could only imagine!
Evander : one helluva guy!
San Jose is about to have some extra cap space.
Calhob’s 9:44a and GCBlue’s 11:21a posts took most of the words right outta my mouth. Been pulling for NYR since the days of Orland Kurtenbach. Thanks to the moderators for their efforts. Speedy recovery wishes to ilb.
Wicky – use the sand wedge.
The ice melts and all these new, unknown creatures crawl ashore .
Nice to have the Bar back open. Thanks Ilb, James, Wick & CCCP. That Gin joint across the street is a real dive.
I watch a lot of Vegas games and I believe TYM’s 4:16 comment hits the nail on the head. Reaves is a team first guy & should have a big impact on the mindset of the yutes. It’s a NYR culture change, right. In a physical sport he’ll be a good instructor in the team & individual toughness category. IMO his prior relationship with Gallant will help a lot. One downside, he’s been known to hit the MGM brunch scene.
Smith Stepan Fast
Skjei DeAngelo
Raanta
Too bad NYR could have had their 1C for 1.35M.
Pete,
Have to be reasonable when it comes to the eye test. Come playoff time players are playing hurt, they’re playing hard and sometimes it isn’t’ pretty. Can’t be concerned about age when the youngest team in the league signs ONE 34 year old. It’s why I get a big chuckle out of this stuff about “you need to find the 22 year old Goodrow and the 20 year old Reaves etc etc”. I don’t have anthing against it I mean that’s what Ottawa is doing and in a few years they will start to be good after being bad for nearly 10 years. NY took a different path the moment they decided to bring in Panarin and Trouba. The youngest team in the league was also the softest team in the league and now they have a couple more guys in their late 20s and one guy who is 34. That’s the reality of it. Some people don’t like it which is fine. But to be concerned about it? That to me just seems a bit overboard.
@TYM
I see you beat me to that tasty bit of Kane news.?
https://www.si.com/hockey/news/evander-kane-accused-of-gambling-on-his-own-games
Hmm. Posts now just disappear without any notification, Statni Bezpecnost at work/play?
And really as far as ice time and deployment and line combos and all that- they hired a coach let’s see what he does with it. Gallant rolls four lines and believes in bigger roles for kids that handle the responsiblity of bigger roles. The Kakkos Kravtsovs Barrons and Chytils will see playing time. If they don’t it’ll be because they’re not handling it well. Opportunity is there though.
First time in his career Step hasn’t had to hold out to be agreeable on a contract.
‘You’ll never make it, kid, skating in sand as you do.”
“Been here 11 years, bub. And counting.”
New Canes logo
https://i.ibb.co/m9B1QrZ/FB-IMG-1627776084659.jpg
Coos, you can email me or any of the other guys if you want to discuss your 7:48pm post.
Would love your input on the goalie frenzy taking place around the league as well since you and I had some of the same views on NYT goalies this season.
Rangers trying to become the Lightning, the Canes trying to become the Rangers, The Lightning looking more and more like the Canes and the Islanders will probably be the next Cup champs
Wilson is going to pinch a loaf at center ice the first time Wilson lines up on his wing and Reavo comes out with last change.
Scoop the poop, chicken coop, Betty Boop, F-troop, pinky ball on the stoop, Get on the John B Sloop, see how the main sail sets.
Boyeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeese
you used the word concerned twice in your post, I never did!
Tampa showed the right way to do it when acquiring Coleman and Goodrow in their mid-20s and on relatively cheap contracts and then letting them go when they want bigger $. Blais is an example of that strategy for what it’s worth. We can handle Goodrow’s contract even when it inevitably goes south in the tail end, so no concern for me
And to your point maybe Reaves was banged up and will be effective again, certainly not rooting against him and much prefer to have him here than Howden and Blackwell!
Pacifist Pete has lately become a Neanderthal. 🙂
Everyone seems delighted with our new muscle beach approach. A year ago , there were just 3 or four of us promoting that route.
That R/W/B Canes logo is very funny.
What’s funny about it?
Rangers south?
Calhob,
Or they could use a ranger logo in canes colours lol
Laffy Zbad Cockoh
Bread Stromeo Kravstov
THE Goodrow Barron
Blias Rooney Reavo
Cheadle gets traded
Ike traded for cheadle, zack Jones, and a #2….Stromeo to somewhere for somebody
Laffy Ike Cockoh
Bread Zbad Kravstov
THE Red Barron Goodrow
Blias Rooney Reavo
To trade the inevitable kings ransom that the Sabres expect for Eichel will set back everything that they have done to this point…especially this off season.
However, I doubt very much Drury gives a rats patut about anything we think.
Having said that I think I am right.
Gambling or not, Evander Kane appears to be in the running for both Husband and Father of the Year.
I think Drury has drawn his line in the sand and at this point is just waiting for the situation with Buffalo and Eichel to work itself in the Rangers favor. There’s no rush on Drury’s part.
I am surprised they haven’t signed Ritchie.
In before the inevitable ‘last call/ last post of the night’ tradition begins tonight
Goodnight Moon.
Rich you may think your right. But I know I’m right.
What are we talking about?
It’s my understanding Jpp….that all of us are actually right. It cannot be any other way. Never mind of course what I just wrote is chaotic nonsense…..that makes sense…doesn’t it….wait what are we talking about?
If Evander Kane is throwing games to win bets on the Sharks to lose, then how did he generate a half million gambling debt? He can’t even cheat correctly…
Last call!!!!!
A one bourbon a one scotch a one beeeer!
Well done cregg thorogood!
Alright chucklefaces….you don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here!
Have a great night everyone!