Fair point about stamkos, however there have been plenty of other players that have developed later. He still is only 21. Not saying i wouldn't deal him in the right deal though
- bonzo11

We trade him and he turns out to be great, we keep him and he'll be a bum. tough situation.

That's what the Assistant Coach is for, arranging for the boos and ..., without the head man knowing. Maybe we should fire that guy.
- Pete V

you know me to well.

Do we really know how Torts deals with the players?

I think we just assume based on how he deals with the media.

On 24/7 he had that one good yell vs the Blues, but other than that he didn't seem to treat the players poorly.
- Rags2Riches

Part of me is just venting, Alex, but I do have a little bit of a love hate relationship with Torts. I think he is a great coach, but there are times I just get sick of listening to the guy, in that he can be such a tool. I know he cares about his players, and I know he's a good man, but you just wonder whether those guys ever get sick of him to.

My question is, does he have a softer touch that can loosen this team up a little. Maybe they are having a difficult time playing as favorites coming into the year, and not living up to expectations.

Part of me is just venting, Alex, but I do have a little bit of a love hate relationship with Torts. I think he is a great coach, but there are times I just get sick of listening to the guy, in that he can be such a tool. I know he cares about his players, and I know he's a good man, but you just wonder whether those guys ever get sick of him to.

My question is, does he have a softer touch that can loosen this team up a little. Maybe they are having a difficult time playing as favorites coming into the year, and not living up to expectations.
- Pete V

I don't know if he needs to loosen up in the carrot-and-stick approach, again, because I don't know what he actually does.

I do think he needs to loosen up in his game plan to allow for a more open, back and forth kind of game in certain situations. Make it more of a fun game, than a harsh, grinding, playoff style game. I think that would make players better.

Again, I like the system in general, but if you aren't scoring, change it up a bit to get 'em rolling and then come back to it when you have confidence.

Gotcha, Bonzo, and I am not saying I would deal him for a bag of pucks. I don't think we are really that far off, except that I think I have a lower opinion of Kreider than most.

Although I will say this, I wanted the Rangers to draft him. He was the guy that I wanted during that draft.
- Pete V

I understand wht you are saying. It would certainly be hard not to include him if it meant O'reilly. I'm just wary of trading him so early in his career. I still believe he will be a very solid top six forward. He has the assets to do so imho.

Good night, Gents. Sleep well, and enjoy moving back into playoff position.

Good night, Gents. Sleep well, and enjoy moving back into playoff position.
- Pete V

Just 6 points behind first place with a game in hand.

Just 6 points behind first place with a game in hand.
- Rags2Riches

We have games in hand on a lot of the teams in front and behind us in the standings. That is one positive thing. Really hope Nash is ready to play Saturday. Im out as well, take care guys

Just 6 points behind first place with a game in hand.
- Rags2Riches

And may your dreams be filled with Slats trading Brad Richards to the Red Wings for Pavel Datsyuk, who will play two highly successful remaining contract years with the Rangers, and then move back to the motherland just in time for the Rangers to sign Evgeny Malkin as a UFA in the summer of 2014.

But seriously guys, some scuttlebutt in Detroit that Datysuk could potentially be available if things continue on a downward trend for the Wings.

And may your dreams be filled with Slats trading Brad Richards to the Red Wings for Pavel Datsyuk, who will play two highly successful remaining contract years with the Rangers, and then move back to the motherland just in time for the Rangers to sign Evgeny Malkin as a UFA in the summer of 2014.

But seriously guys, some scuttlebutt in Detroit that Datysuk could potentially be available if things continue on a downward trend for the Wings.
- Pete V

I would trade my first unborn child for Datsyuk. Rangers have to start looking at a shakeup trade; none of the younger players either. Only veterans that are untouchable to me are Hank, Nash and Callahan.

As much as I really like Girardi, think of the return for a rock solid defenseman, in his physical prime.

Again, I like Girardi here but this team needs a shakeup, in my opinion.

I would trade my first unborn child for Datsyuk. Rangers have to start looking at a shakeup trade; none of the younger players either. Only veterans that are untouchable to me are Hank, Nash and Callahan.

As much as I really like Girardi, think of the return for a rock solid defenseman, in his physical prime.

Again, I like Girardi here but this team needs a shakeup, in my opinion.
- MidnightMarauder

he only becomes available if Mcilrath is ready. So I would bet that Girardi is here for the rest of the season.

he only becomes available if Mcilrath is ready. So I would bet that Girardi is here for the rest of the season.
- tomburton99

You are right, believe me I am not counting on Girardi being dealt and I would be fine with him remaining here.

But I absolutely don't want to see the Rangers trade away any of the youth on the roster. Who, out of the vets on the team, would you be ok with them trading? Veterans that actually are still very good hockey players and would give the rangers a nice return, of course. We all obviously would pop champagne if Boyle, for example, got shipped out of here.

You wouldn't be able to get more than a new Zamboni for Boyle though.

If the Rangers remain inconsistent, up until the deadline, I feel a big shakeup deal is needed to wake this friggen team up a bit.

You are right, believe me I am not counting on Girardi being dealt and I would be fine with him remaining here.

But I absolutely don't want to see the Rangers trade away any of the youth on the roster. Who, out of the vets on the team, would you be ok with them trading? Veterans that actually are still very good hockey players and would give the rangers a nice return, of course. We all obviously would pop champagne if Boyle, for example, got shipped out of here.

You wouldn't be able to get more than a new Zamboni for Boyle though.

If the Rangers remain inconsistent, up until the deadline, I feel a big shakeup deal is needed to wake this friggen team up a bit.
- MidnightMarauder

Who can we trade that has value, is not a kid, and wouldn't kill our chances for this season? Generally teams trade picks/prospects/youth for the established player, not the other way around. And we are not going to sell.

In theory, I agree with you. Maybe Slats can pull another one out of his hat.

Who can we trade that has value, is not a kid, and wouldn't kill our chances for this season? Generally teams trade picks/prospects/youth for the established player, not the other way around. And we are not going to sell.

In theory, I agree with you. Maybe Slats can pull another one out of his hat.
- Rags2Riches

Kings dealing Johnson and a first for Carter got them over the hump. At the time it was a very risky move but we all know it paid off.

I know the team doesn't have a first in the upcoming draft and it will be tough to try and pull a big deal without affecting the criteria you identified. But I really don't think this team can remain intact and start to roll. Something's gotta give.

Who can we trade that has value, is not a kid, and wouldn't kill our chances for this season? Generally teams trade picks/prospects/youth for the established player, not the other way around. And we are not going to sell.

In theory, I agree with you. Maybe Slats can pull another one out of his hat.
- Rags2Riches

Gaborik?


I would trade him long before I would trade Girardi. If you ever do trade Girardi give us a call because i would absolutely love to have him.

Gaborik?


I would trade him long before I would trade Girardi. If you ever do trade Girardi give us a call because i would absolutely love to have him.
- canadianpenfan

Although he isn't tearing it up this year, he is the team's leading goal scorer. On a team with major offensive issues, especially with their best forward currently injured, they can't afford to deal Gaborik.

I like Girardi a lot but something has to be done and I don't want to see any youth shipped out. Girardi is not old, only 28, and I think he is great but he is the only player I can think of that would bring back serious value and wouldn't cripple the team if he was dealt.

Kings dealing Johnson and a first for Carter got them over the hump. At the time it was a very risky move but we all know it paid off.

I know the team doesn't have a first in the upcoming draft and it will be tough to try and pull a big deal without affecting the criteria you identified. But I really don't think this team can remain intact and start to roll. Something's gotta give.
- MidnightMarauder

If they aren't on a roll by the deadline, then yes, I agree. I would try to trade Richards for two players (one of them being a 2nd line center caliber).

Then you can go Gabby-Stepan, Nash-New Center, and have an additional forward to play with.

That assumes anybody wants Richards' contract.

If they aren't on a roll by the deadline, then yes, I agree. I would try to trade Richards for two players (one of them being a 2nd line center caliber).

Then you can go Gabby-Stepan, Nash-New Center, and have an additional forward to play with.

That assumes anybody wants Richards' contract.
- Rags2Riches

and assmuing richards wants to be traded. that whole NMC makes it harder for him to be traded.

How would you feel about riding out the season, exiting in the first round, and trying again next year.

It is a shortened season and I think we can afford to give it another shot with the group we have, given a full camp, preseason, 82 games, etc. Add some depth players in the offseason.

If it doesn't work by that trade deadline, make that impact move and trade some expiring contracts (Gaborik, Girardi, Boyle) and get some younger players/prospects/picks. Buyout Richards in the summer, sign a big free agent. Draft a goaltender in the first round. That helps the cap, gives us a fresh start, extends the window.

and assmuing richards wants to be traded. that whole NMC makes it harder for him to be traded.
- tomburton99

Yeah, good point, never mind. See above post for my new philosophy lol

Although he isn't tearing it up this year, he is the team's leading goal scorer. On a team with major offensive issues, especially with their best forward currently injured, they can't afford to deal Gaborik.

I like Girardi a lot but something has to be done and I don't want to see any youth shipped out. Girardi is not old, only 28, and I think he is great but he is the only player I can think of that would bring back serious value and wouldn't cripple the team if he was dealt.
- MidnightMarauder

Yea I like Gaborik, I just like Girardi more. I respect his game.

How would you feel about riding out the season, exiting in the first round, and trying again next year.

It is a shortened season and I think we can afford to give it another shot with the group we have, given a full camp, preseason, 82 games, etc. Add some depth players in the offseason.

If it doesn't work by that trade deadline, make that impact move and trade some expiring contracts (Gaborik, Girardi, Boyle) and get some younger players/prospects/picks. Buyout Richards in the summer, sign a big free agent. Draft a goaltender in the first round. That helps the cap, gives us a fresh start, extends the window.
- Rags2Riches

I can deal with a fresh start next season; as long as some vital moves are made. A bust this year and nothing done in the offseason will seriously annoy me to no end.

How would you feel about riding out the season, exiting in the first round, and trying again next year.

It is a shortened season and I think we can afford to give it another shot with the group we have, given a full camp, preseason, 82 games, etc. Add some depth players in the offseason.

If it doesn't work by that trade deadline, make that impact move and trade some expiring contracts (Gaborik, Girardi, Boyle) and get some younger players/prospects/picks. Buyout Richards in the summer, sign a big free agent. Draft a goaltender in the first round. That helps the cap, gives us a fresh start, extends the window.
- Rags2Riches

GETZLAF and yes I just yelled it.

If he goes to market, the Rangers have to consider buying Richards out and take a serious run at that big animal from Anaheim.

GETZLAF and yes I just yelled it.

If he goes to market, the Rangers have to consider buying Richards out and take a serious run at that big animal from Anaheim.
- MidnightMarauder

Maybe. I think we would benefit more from adding supporting role players, as opposed to another big name. Let Richards figure it out, Nash will only get better, Gabby seems to be amazing every other year, so figure a 40 goal season. Then Stepan, Hagelin, Kreider, Miller are improved. Callahan is Callahan.

Get a guy who is a top 6 forward and you can have 3 legit scoring lines. Boyle, Pyatt and Powe on the 4th line.

If we just replace Richards with Getzlaf, we have the same problem, especially if it takes time for him to adjust.

Maybe. I think we would benefit more from adding supporting role players, as opposed to another big name. Let Richards figure it out, Nash will only get better, Gabby seems to be amazing every other year, so figure a 40 goal season. Then Stepan, Hagelin, Kreider, Miller are improved. Callahan is Callahan.

Get a guy who is a top 6 forward and you can have 3 legit scoring lines. Boyle, Pyatt and Powe on the 4th line.

If we just replace Richards with Getzlaf, we have the same problem, especially if it takes time for him to adjust.
- Rags2Riches

I agree with everything you just said, except when you typed the words Boyle and next year. He has to go, really doesn't do anything out there except take terrible penalties and never gets into a scoring position, ever. Just a completely useless hockey player.

Brad Richards will not get bought out, that's nothing but a wet dream. Too many years left on his contract and too much money, naturally. He looks as ineffective as every other free agent big name bust that has ever made their way to MSG.