Yakupov seems to have a bad case of Russianitis. I can see him "retiring" if he gets his panties in a bunch.
- Cptmjl

Kovalchuk Jr. perhaps? Too bad because both are fun offensive players to watch.

Still think that both the Islanders and Rangers make the playoffs. This division is really bad.

Columbus, Carolina, New Jersey, Philadelphia and Washington are all bubble teams, at best.

Penguins, Islanders and Rangers--not in any exact order--should be the three, from this division, that make it.

The Atlantic Division, by all rights, should have five playoff teams this season. Boston, Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto and Detroit should all get in the playoff dance.
- MidnightMarauder

and i will take my chances against a divisional foe in a 7 game series than to play one of those teams....

The only players that shouldn't be available in any trade conversations here are: Hank, McDonagh, Callahan and that's it. To acquire a player like Yakupov, every other player should be available...every...single...other...player.
- MidnightMarauder

Stepan????

Stepan????
- DONMURDOCH14

Once upon a time, CK was on that list....

At some point NHL teams are going to stop drafting Russians bc of the question about their desire to play here. It seems like more than any other group, Russians seem to be more homesick than the others....
- Blueshirts4ever

They're flakey. Unfortunately it's a stereotype that fits. There were probably more than a few teams that would've passed on him if they had the first overall that year.

Kovalchuk Jr. perhaps? Too bad because both are fun offensive players to watch.
- MidnightMarauder

They are some of the most talented hockey players on the planet. Kovalev was one of the most talented players I've seen play the game and I've been a hockey fan since the seventies. The problem was you had to catch him on a night when he was actually in the mood to play.

Stepan????
- DONMURDOCH14

Agreed on that as well.

and i will take my chances against a divisional foe in a 7 game series than to play one of those teams....
- Blueshirts4ever

Leafs, Canadiens and Senators don't scare me. Detroit--perhaps the intimidation factor--and of course Boston are two teams that I could see the Rangers getting mopped up by.

Stepan????
- DONMURDOCH14

He's not untouchable but he is very valuable, yes.

He's not untouchable but he is very valuable, yes.
- MidnightMarauder

If Stepan became involved in a deal for Getlaf, Perry, Malkin etc he would be sent packing immediately. I think what the Rangers are missing is one top flight center or goal scorer. The defense is there and the goaltending is obviously one of ,if not the best in the league.

He's not untouchable but he is very valuable, yes.
- MidnightMarauder

I would not trade Stepan for this kid. No way.

They are some of the most talented hockey players on the planet. Kovalev was one of the most talented players I've seen play the game and I've been a hockey fan since the seventies. The problem was you had to catch him on a night when he was actually in the mood to play.
- Cptmjl

These rumors in the media about YAk whether true or false will certainly hurt his trade value. Edmonton is best to hold on to him for another year or two.

He's not untouchable but he is very valuable, yes.
- MidnightMarauder

Stepan is better than Yakupov. Right now easily. For Jordan Eberle or Taylor Hall, The Oilers can have Stepan. Not for Yakupov.

Stepan is better than Yakupov. Right now easily. For Jordan Eberle or Taylor Hall, The Oilers can have Stepan. Not for Yakupov.
- tomburton99

Exactly. I never said Stepan is untouchable but in a trade for Yak he is untouchable. as I'd rather have Step than Yak until Yak proves otherwise.

Leafs, Canadiens and Senators don't scare me. Detroit--perhaps the intimidation factor--and of course Boston are two teams that I could see the Rangers getting mopped up by.
- MidnightMarauder

Canadians Sens, shouldn't be too tough come playoff time. Teams I hate facing are Boston and Pitt. Detroit is a team Isles seem to beat all the time (no idea why). Toronto just may be the team that goes all the way this year. They have offense decent defense and good goaltending. Highly underrated.

Stepan is better than Yakupov. Right now easily. For Jordan Eberle or Taylor Hall, The Oilers can have Stepan. Not for Yakupov.
- tomburton99

Oilers need D and a goaile. They have 21 goals for, but a crazy 32 against in seven games. I doubt they would look for Krieder or Stepan in any deal. Most likely Del Zotto, Talbot (perhaps?), and a pick for someone like Yakupov.

Oilers need D and a goaile. They have 21 goals for, but a crazy 32 against in seven games. I doubt they would look for Krieder or Stepan in any deal. Most likely Del Zotto, Talbot (perhaps?), and a pick for someone like Yakupov.
- mames11

Staal or Mcdonagh will need to be involved for Yak a former first overall (whether warranted or not) No way MDZ and Taalbot

Staal or Mcdonagh will need to be involved for Yak a former first overall (whether warranted or not) No way MDZ and Taalbot
- mighty13duck

I am not so sure. Oilers want a ton for the kid, but he does only have half a NHL season of experience and is having trouble cracking the lineup today. Kid's trade value isn't as high as some think.

Staal or Mcdonagh will need to be involved for Yak a former first overall (whether warranted or not) No way MDZ and Taalbot
- mighty13duck

Talbot

Oilers need D and a goaile. They have 21 goals for, but a crazy 32 against in seven games. I doubt they would look for Krieder or Stepan in any deal. Most likely Del Zotto, Talbot (perhaps?), and a pick for someone like Yakupov.
- mames11

I think the Oilers need wingers, along with defensemen and a goalie, which the Rangers cannot help them with, Talbot has no value.

Hemsky will be gone after the season if not sooner. I think Kreider or Hagelin would be players they would like, their speed would be insane on that ice surface.

Remember when Slats supposedly had a handshake deal to acquire Steve Stamkos from the Lightning, and then TB ownership blew it up. I am not saying that Yakupov will be Steve Stamkos, but if he is available right now, because he is going through some struggles, there is some signicant upside in trying to acquire him. Is their downside, of course, but the Rangers haven't had a stud young offensive player in forever, so it may be worth the risk.

Remember when Slats supposedly had a handshake deal to acquire Steve Stamkos from the Lightning, and then TB ownership blew it up. I am not saying that Yakupov will be Steve Stamkos, but if he is available right now, because he is going through some struggles, there is some signicant upside in trying to acquire him. Is their downside, of course, but the Rangers haven't had a stud young offensive player in forever, so it may be worth the risk.
- Pete V

Id give up any of Staal/Mdz/Girardi and any of Kreider/McIlrath/Skjei/Allen and a first for Yak. Kids going to be an absolute stud

Remember when Slats supposedly had a handshake deal to acquire Steve Stamkos from the Lightning, and then TB ownership blew it up. I am not saying that Yakupov will be Steve Stamkos, but if he is available right now, because he is going through some struggles, there is some signicant upside in trying to acquire him. Is their downside, of course, but the Rangers haven't had a stud young offensive player in forever, so it may be worth the risk.
- Pete V

yep

I would not trade Stepan for this kid. No way.
- mames11

In that deal for Nail is the deal I was relating to. I wouldn't mind shipping MDZ off in a deal to get some scoring. Of course, to a western division team if possible.

Id give up any of Staal/Mdz/Girardi and any of Kreider/McIlrath/Skjei/Allen and a first for Yak. Kids going to be an absolute stud
- WayneY

Take Staal off that list and I'd be okay with that...and no 1st either. One d and a forward. Yakupov is soooooooo unproven still.