As a 1st rounder, sure. You can't justify him being drafted ahead of some other players. You just can't, but that's not his fault is it?
He's excelling at being a top pairing guy in the minors, he's 22 and brings tools you can not teach or find easily. Which still makes him an asset. Personally I don't have much doubt he'll make it as a 5-6 d-man at the least, someone that brings some nasty play and who can actually sticks up for teammates.
Lets not forget we have a righty opening at the end of next season with Boyle leaving, and maybe sooner if we move him or injuries. A cheaper contract could even help his cause.
As a 1st rounder, sure. You can't justify him being drafted ahead of some other players. You just can't, but that's not his fault is it?
He's excelling at being a top pairing guy in the minors, he's 22 and brings tools you can not teach or find easily. Which still makes him an asset. Personally I don't have much doubt he'll make it as a 5-6 d-man at the least, someone that brings some nasty play and who can actually sticks up for teammates.
Lets not forget we have a righty opening at the end of next season with Boyle leaving, and maybe sooner if we move him or injuries. A cheaper contract could even help his cause. - MatzCT
I think he can turn into a Kevin Klein by the time he hits his prime in terms of impact. Not exactly a game breaker but a solid guy who plays to his strengths and can eat up 18 minutes a night quietly and effectively.
Location: I would rather see a dudes hairy balls than his hairy feet-Jimbro Joined: 12.13.2013
Mar 31 @ 3:46 PM ET
- 21peter
Sorry to tell you this peter but your posting privileges have now been revoked for becoming a season ticket holder. Please see Jan at the front desk and return your Ranger fan credentials.
As a 1st rounder, sure. You can't justify him being drafted ahead of some other players. You just can't, but that's not his fault is it?
He's excelling at being a top pairing guy in the minors, he's 22 and brings tools you can not teach or find easily. Which still makes him an asset. Personally I don't have much doubt he'll make it as a 5-6 d-man at the least, someone that brings some nasty play and who can actually sticks up for teammates.
Lets not forget we have a righty opening at the end of next season with Boyle leaving, and maybe sooner if we move him or injuries. A cheaper contract could even help his cause. - MatzCT
The problem is that Boyle's contract is not up until next season, and if McIlrath doesn't make the big club out of camp next September than he will be subject to waivers. So, basically, barring trade, the Rangers will have to place him on the roster next year (probably as a 7th defensemen) or lose him for nothing.
When viewed in that light, whether he can eventually be a 5th or 6th defensemen for someone down the line, he isn't much of an asset for the New York Rangers, in that they either trade him for a middling pick this summer (at best), put him on the team as a 7th defensemen next fall, or expose him to waivers, which he is highly unlikely to pass through.
Sorry to tell you this peter but your posting privileges have now been revoked for becoming a season ticket holder. Please see Jan at the front desk and return your Ranger fan credentials. - mdw7413
The problem is that Boyle's contract is not up until next season, and if McIlrath doesn't make the big club out of camp next September than he will be subject to waivers. So, basically, barring trade, the Rangers will have to place him on the roster next year (probably as a 7th defensemen) or lose him for nothing.
When viewed in that light, whether he can eventually be a 5th or 6th defensemen for someone down the line, he isn't much of an asset for the New York Rangers, in that they either trade him for a middling pick this summer (at best), put him on the team as a 7th defensemen next fall, or expose him to waivers, which he is highly unlikely to pass through. - Pete V
McIlrath is an RFA this summer, my guess is he'll be resgined at a cheaper hit for 2 years. He'll either make it as a 7th d at the least or spend another year in Hartford. The waiver wire loss is a possiblity they'll have to deal with. Boyle will be 39 next season and it wouldn't surprise me if he was moved regardless of the no movement clause. Expecting him to play 82 games is probably not realistic either. I'm not sure we can afford $25+ million on 6 dmen and still have to sign 5 forwards?
McIlrath is an RFA this summer, my guess is he'll be resgined at a cheaper hit for 2 years. He'll either make it as a 7th d at the least or spend another year in Hartford. The waiver wire loss is a possiblity they'll have to deal with. Boyle will be 39 next season and it wouldn't surprise me if he was moved regardless of the no movement clause. Expecting him to play 82 games is probably not realistic either. I'm not sure we can afford $25+ million on 6 dmen and still have to sign 5 forwards? - MatzCT
On your last point, all six of the Rangers defensemen are signed through next year, and Boyle has a not trade clause, so short of Boyle waiving, I don't see the Rangers shedding any salary on defense next year, because none of the remaining five are likely to get traded.
On your last point, all six of the Rangers defensemen are signed through next year, and Boyle has a not trade clause, so short of Boyle waiving, I don't see the Rangers shedding any salary on defense next year, because none of the remaining five are likely to get traded. - Pete V
They are going to trade him. If he is coming along as is suggested they may get some value back. The thing I've read time and time again is he doesn't skate well enough to AV's liking, maybe his skating suits another coach better.
McIlrath is an RFA this summer, my guess is he'll be resgined at a cheaper hit for 2 years. He'll either make it as a 7th d at the least or spend another year in Hartford. The waiver wire loss is a possiblity they'll have to deal with. Boyle will be 39 next season and it wouldn't surprise me if he was moved regardless of the no movement clause. Expecting him to play 82 games is probably not realistic either. I'm not sure we can afford $25+ million on 6 dmen and still have to sign 5 forwards? - MatzCT
In a brief tweet exchange, Carp made the suggestion to convert him to a forward and let him work the boards and forecheck. Thoughts?
They are going to trade him. If he is coming along as is suggested they may get some value back. The thing I've read time and time again is he doesn't skate well enough to AV's liking, maybe his skating suits another coach better. - Blueshirts4ever
The Rangers got a 2nd round pick for Bobby Sanguenetti. Maybe they can get a similar return for McIlrath if he is unlikely to be in the Rangers near term plans.
In a brief tweet exchange, Carp made the suggestion to convert him to a forward and let him work the boards and forecheck. Thoughts? - Blueshirts4ever
I actually said the same thing a few weeks back. Try to convert him to a fourth line winger, so Sather doesn't feel the need to overspend every year on a fourth line tough guy.
The Rangers got a 2nd round pick for Bobby Sanguenetti. Maybe they can get a similar return for McIlrath if he is unlikely to be in the Rangers near term plans. - Pete V
a 2nd and a 6th, the 6th turned out to be Jesper Fast
