With Artemi Panarin signed, the focus turns to the cap implications and what New York might do the rest of the summer. In addition, line combinations are a major topic of discussion. Last, for some reason, questions have been raised by several as to whether David Quinn is the right coach for this team.
Panarin contract:
We expected much of the salary to be in signing bonuses - look for that to be a major topic of conversation for the next CBA - and we were correct. Of the $81.5 million in the overall deal, $74.5 of it is in bonuses. But the full NMC is a bit disconcerting, but that may have been why Panarin was willing to leave money on the table. We expect Panarin to be excellent for at least 2-3 years, good for 2-3 years and then the last two years, who knows. To have a full NMC in the last two years means that the Rangers will potentially have dead cap space at the end of the contract, which isn't ideal.
Cap implications:
This is what I what wrote yesterday:
Of the $8,769,391 remaining under the cap, per the above, the majority of that, possible $7.5-8 million will go to Jacob Trouba. In order to sign Brendan Lemieux, Pavel Buchnevich and Anthony Deangelo, salary must be cleared. This could mean dealing Chris Kreider, who is slated to make $4.625 million this season, though that won't be enough, Vlad Namestnikov, making $4 million, and/or Ryan Strome, at $3.1 million are clearly at risk, The same can be said be said for possible buyouts of Kevin Shattenkirk at 6.65 million for two more seasons or Brendan Smith, $4.35 mil for the same term length, though I think it's more likely that Smith goes rather than 'Kirk. Marc Staal, at $5.7 mil for two more years, also could be in play, though like several others, his NMC makes him difficult to move. Lots of chatter will be the norm for the next several weeks, since unless someone like Staal is going on LTIR for the season, cap room must be freed up to sign everyone. Look for arbitration to be elected for at least one of the RFA, opening up the second buyout period.
Nothing has changed in the past day. I expect John Davidson and Jeff Gorton to take their time before making any decisions. If any of the RFA elect arbitration, then the second buyout window is in play. At which point, the discussions on Smith or maybe 'Kirk (less likely) and Staal (even more unlikely) will pick up in earnest. In addition, New York could go 10% over the cap during the summer before making a decision, though that would force the team's hands and leave them in difficult negotiating position.
Line combinations:
I wrote this yesterday:
New York has a hole at the 2c. For now, that spot likely be filled by Ryan Strome. However, in the future, Filip Chytil or possibly Kappo Kakko could get a chance. In the future, if the Rangers want to keep Chytil and/or Kappo at wing, finding someone for that spot will be a major key. Moving forward, figuring out the lines will also be key. But if Kreider (headed to unrestricted free agency next summer) or Pavel Buchnevich (now a restricted free agent with arbitration rights), remain, that allows the kids time to grow. In the future, New York will need to determine if keeping as both is redundant with the presence of Panarin, Kappo, Kravtov and Chytil. Though, having one or two of those on the third line lengthens the lineup substantially.
This is how I would go Opening Night, presuming Kreider is not dealt, Namestnikov is traded plus a defenseman is bought out:
Panarin-Zibanejad-Buchnevich
Kreider-Strome-Chytil
Kakko-Howden-Kravtsov
Fast-Nieves-Lemieux
Andersson the extra center/winger as is McKegg. My rationale for this alignment is starting Kakko and Kravtsov on the third line takes some of the pressure off them to start the season. Panarin's presence does the same, but allowing each winger to get his feet wet without carrying the roster/offense enables both players to settle in at their own pace. If one or both excel, then they can be moved up the lineup. In addition, Kakko and/or Kravtsov could see second line power play time.
if Kreider is dealt, then the returning asset could end up in the top-six. If not, and presuming Namestnikov isn't dealt, then we could see the below, though I am open to your thoughts. I could see lots of movement and the potential for Chytil etc. to see time at center, even though to me, that's not the best use of the current roster. Leaving Kravtsov and Kakko at wing, at least for now, rather than center is how New York should go. Attempting to shift them outside their true comfort zone, which is wing, immediately could restrict their growth. Maybe in the second half of the season or in year 2, once both have settled in, I could see using them as the 2c, but not immediately.
Panarin-Zibanejad-Buchnevich
Lemieux-Namestnikov-Chytil
Kakko-Howden-Kravtsov
Fast-Andersson-Nieves
Howden is best suited as the 3c, as Is Andersson. This is a big season for Andersson, as he should hopefully get a chance to play a full time role this season. If he gets the chance and doesn't run with it, then we may have a wasted draft pick. For him to receive that opportunity, he may fill the 3c or possibly the 4c over Nieves, with Nieves or possibly McKegg at wing.
Yes, I know some have advocated trading for Ryan Nugent Hopkins, but please explain how New York is fitting in six million per season? Because even if Kreider is moved in that trade, the Rangers take on $1.3 million in the deal. Let's say Edmonton wanted Shattenkirk or Smith, that still wouldn't free up enough room and Alexandar Georgiev wouldn't provide enough of an incentive for the Oilers to make that kind of deal, not even close. I too would like Nikita Gusev from Las Vegas, but he wants $4 million a year and the Knights are up against the cap. I saw the proposed deal to get Paul Stastny, which would provide the Blueshirts the #2C they need, but adding him and Gusev means adding on over $10 mil in salary, which also is untenable given the current cap situation New York is in.
David Quinn:
Can someone please explain to me why the questions about Quinn being the right coach for this team? What was seen last season that makes people believe he may not be the correct person to lead this team forward? I would love to see what others are seeing or perceiving that I missed.
As was said in the blog related to Quinn: "Work hard or sit! He held everyone accountable and they played with a lot of heart. Add some talent (done) and I think the sky is the limit." I saw nothing last season that makes me believe he isn't the right person for the job now and in the future. Maybe you can argue he didn't bench certain veterans, aka Marc Staal, when warranted but he held nearly all players, up and down the lineup, rookie and veteran, accountable and benched them in-game or for a game in the press box when their play evidenced this should be the case.
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