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 like it.

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.
- Pete V

At this point have they anything to lose? You spent a first round pick on him, you might as well exhaust every option you have. We complain how the Rangers can get pushed around. If it doesnt work, you can trade him. The downside would be if you traded him after a failed attempt to convert him as a forward, he will lose value.

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.
- Pete V

right now, Dylan McIlrath has got to work real hard if he is going to become the next Dale Purinton

right now, Dylan McIlrath has got to work real hard if he is going to become the next Dale Purinton
- jimbro83

Ouch

Ouch
- Blueshirts4ever

Purinton played 181 NHL games. I don't know if anyone can definitely say McIlrath will play as many.

right now, Dylan McIlrath has got to work real hard if he is going to become the next Dale Purinton
- jimbro83

Jimbo killing RangerDanger's boners today

Purinton played 181 NHL games. I don't know if anyone can definitely say McIlrath will play as many.
- jimbro83

Not too high on him I gather? Lol

Not too high on him I gather? Lol
- Blueshirts4ever

I really have no idea. I have no reason to be high on him. And the only thing I know is that the Rangers keep passing up on him when they need a defenseman.

I would love absolutely LOVE to be wrong though.

Jimbo killing RangerDanger's boners today
- TPC

right now, Dylan McIlrath has got to work real hard if he is going to become the next Dale Purinton
- jimbro83

You're right. Listen, I want nothing more than this kid to turn out to be a good NHL defensemen, but there comes a time where it's just not good enough to be good in Hartford. He was drafted in 2010. And, let's be honest, the few games he has played in New York, he has been underwhelming at best. There are a lot of players that are good Junior players. There are a lot of players that are good AHL players. It eventually needs to translate.

I really have no idea. I have no reason to be high on him. And the only thing I know is that the Rangers keep passing up on him when they need a defenseman.

I would love absolutely LOVE to be wrong though.
- jimbro83

I feel the same way. If the Rangers were high on him I feel like he would have made the team. Maybe he has improved but like we said. Unless Boyle is gone, what role is he going to have?

I feel the same way. If the Rangers were high on him I feel like he would have made the team. Maybe he has improved but like we said. Unless Boyle is gone, what role is he going to have?
- Blueshirts4ever

Here is the way I feel about it. It's good to be patient with prospects. But, eventually your mindset changes from "this is a guy that's a great prospect and will make the team" to "If this guy makes the team it will be a pleasant surprise." My mindset has changed.

Here is the way I feel about it. It's good to be patient with prospects. But, eventually your mindset changes from "this is a guy that's a great prospect and will make the team" to "If this guy makes the team it will be a pleasant surprise." My mindset has changed.
- Pete V

Well everyone seems high on Skjei, I just don't see how McIlrath will even get a shot for at least another full year after this one.

Well everyone seems high on Skjei, I just don't see how McIlrath will even get a shot for at least another full year after this one.
- mdw7413

If Skjei signs tomorrow, and another Dman gets hurt. The Rangers would throw him in there before McIlrath. Wouldn't surprise me one bit.

If Skjei signs tomorrow, and another Dman gets hurt. The Rangers would throw him in there before McIlrath. Wouldn't surprise me one bit.
- Blueshirts4ever

Yup. Unfortunately the only game I actually got to watch Skjei play in was on ESPN recently the NCAA tourney. I forget who they were playing but the whole team played like crap and Skjei did not stand out at all.

Pretty bad idea imo
- rangerdanger94

Works very well in our pro sports here.

Here is the way I feel about it. It's good to be patient with prospects. But, eventually your mindset changes from "this is a guy that's a great prospect and will make the team" to "If this guy makes the team it will be a pleasant surprise." My mindset has changed.
- Pete V

But what's your mindset on Lindberg?

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

That's why I originally said, there's a spot for him after next season, he'll be 24 then no Boyle on the books. Who knows what they'll do next year with Boyle, injuries happen, he'll be 39. There will be a need for a cheap right dman even next season, at least in a limited role.

Someone correct me but McIlrath's cap hit is close to $1.5 mil with bonuses. So calling up $600k defensman ahead of him now makes some sense to save $$.

Yup. Unfortunately the only game I actually got to watch Skjei play in was on ESPN recently the NCAA tourney. I forget who they were playing but the whole team played like crap and Skjei did not stand out at all.
- mdw7413

Skjei is probably the 2nd best defenseman in the NCAA. Top pairing potential who's been compared to McDonagh in play style.

But that's what makes the playoffs so special and such a different animal. of course we are hearing this from a Pens fan
- mrn22

From an Australian where our pro sports use a system that rewards consistency. We used a system similar to yours for rugby league & nearly everyone hated it. Now we use top 4 bottom 4 & it's so much better - for the top teams they get an easier passage to the final but anyone can still win if they are good enough.

Imagine win the Presidents trophy & go out 1st round (pretty ridiculous).

Hey - Pens are great! rags are overachievers.

Edit:can we have your coach?

I feel like someone's been drinking too much Foster's.

Skjei is probably the 2nd best defenseman in the NCAA. Top pairing potential who's been compared to McDonagh in play style.
- rangerdanger94

Yeah, I've heard all the reports, just sucked for me the only game I actually get to watch the whole team poop the bed. The Fasching kid though reminded me so much of Hayes.

From an Australian where our pro sports use a system that rewards consistency. We used a system similar to yours for rugby league & nearly everyone hated it. Now we use top 4 bottom 4 & it's so much better - for the top teams they get an easier passage to the final but anyone can still win if they are good enough.

Imagine win the Presidents trophy & go out 1st round (pretty ridiculous).

Hey - Pens are great! rags are overachievers.

Edit:can we have your coach?
- Aussiepenguin

How on earth did you become a hockey fan living there? It fits tho because Crosby is the equivalent of a Joey up here. That's right, sid is like a baby kangaroo

I feel like someone's been drinking too much Foster's.
- bodiva88

That's such an overrated beer

How on earth did you become a hockey fan living there? It fits tho because Crosby is the equivalent of a Joey up here. That's right, sid is like a baby kangaroo
- Slimtj100

we never miss the chance to take any shot at Crosby. I always took him for a platypus