It would be nice if Kakko was ready to take on top 6 minutes with Buch out...but I don't think he is ready
- TPC

Maybe you roll Fast on the 1st and Kakko on the 2nd? I get that it's not ideal, but I think those guys can at least absorb the minutes than someone who was basically playing in the AHL all year. I think Gaut will be solid, but it's going to take time to build him up.

the Skjei trade is fantastic, but the reality is that they gave the team they are chasing for that last playoff spot a defenseman capable of playing 20+ minutes a night and forced themselves to replace him with Brendan Smith or Libor Hajek

And I wouldn't change it for the world
- jimbro83

I hope Hajek pans out. Rykov seems to be hurt a lot but would like to see him slot in. Everyone banking on Miller to take that role in a year or two

I like exactly what the Rangers did. They didn't give up on the playoffs (although maybe they weakened their hand by trading Skjei), but they still did what is best for the future of the team. The way I look at this year, hopefully it will be a fun couple of weeks, but we are playing with house money to a certain extent. If they make the playoffs, that would be awesome. If they don't, well, that was what was kind of expected and they are positioned well to develop into a long-term contender by what they have done over the last couple of years.

Next year, however, will be a year that I expect them to take a significant step forward.
- Pete V

I was very happy with how they handled this. If they had done what we all expected and traded Kreider, Fast and Skjei... we would set ourselves back like 2 years trying to groom and pick up guys to fill in.

The question is, where do we go from here? Im hoping the offseason does Kakko well and hes ready to take on a bigger role next year. However I think were 1 bonafide stud away on offense to really compete for the cup.

Jan Levine you are an Excellent Hockey Writer and I'm so glad you represent my favorite Hockey Team.

Thanks so much for all your hard work.

All of us appreciate your efforts!

Jan Levine you are an Excellent Hockey Writer and I'm so glad you represent my favorite Hockey Team.

Thanks so much for all your hard work.

All of us appreciate your efforts!
- VinnyP

thank you Jan!

Jan Levine you are an Excellent Hockey Writer and I'm so glad you represent my favorite Hockey Team.

Thanks so much for all your hard work.

All of us appreciate your efforts!
- VinnyP

^^^
+1

thank you Jan!
- jimbro83

_{Yes, I know that's not how you pronounce Jan's name...}

Not sure why we're thanking you Jan, but you do great work. I always enjoy reading your pieces.

I was very happy with how they handled this. If they had done what we all expected and traded Kreider, Fast and Skjei... we would set ourselves back like 2 years trying to groom and pick up guys to fill in.

The question is, where do we go from here? Im hoping the offseason does Kakko well and hes ready to take on a bigger role next year. However I think were 1 bonafide stud away on offense to really compete for the cup.
- aecliptic

I think so much depend on how they deal with the Hank situation. If they are able to shed that salary somehow, I think they will be buyers in the trade market this summer, trying to acquire another big time forward that will really accelerate things. They have the assets to make that type of move now, but if Hank's $8.75 million is still on the books, that options is off the table.

Jan, is one of your family members named Vinny?

I think so much depend on how they deal with the Hank situation. If they are able to shed that salary somehow, I think they will be buyers in the trade market this summer, trying to acquire another big time forward that will really accelerate things. They have the assets to make that type of move now, but if Hank's $8.75 million is still on the books, that options is off the table.
- Pete V

Absolutely, thats why I made the hypothetical thought if Kane became available, and swapped Hank and Kane (not in a physical trade but $ on the books).

The other one I really really (frank)ing want is Barkov, he becomes a FA in 2 years.

Absolutely, thats why I made the hypothetical thought if Kane became available, and swapped Hank and Kane (not in a physical trade but $ on the books).

The other one I really really (frank)ing want is Barkov, he becomes a FA in 2 years.
- aecliptic

yep, he becomes a UFA at the same time Zibinajed does

_{Yes, I know that's not how you pronounce Jan's name...}

Not sure why we're thanking you Jan, but you do great work. I always enjoy reading your pieces.
- eichiefs9

Steve Kournianos
@TheDraftAnalyst
·
13m
In theory, Rangers can help eliminate Canes & Leafs from the playoffs, and in turn the Leafs and Canes could win the draft lottery.

If Carolina wins a top-3 pick, it goes straight to the Rangers because of Brady Friggin Skjei.

This could be Kurvers-Niedermayer all over again.

Maybe you roll Fast on the 1st and Kakko on the 2nd? I get that it's not ideal, but I think those guys can at least absorb the minutes than someone who was basically playing in the AHL all year. I think Gaut will be solid, but it's going to take time to build him up.
- 2sticks1puck

I'd like to see:
Kreider - Zib - Kakko
Panarin - Strome - Fast
DiGuiseppe - Chytil - Gauthier
Lemieux - Howden - McKegg?

ADA-Trouba
Lindgren - Fox
Staal - Smith

I realize Staal - Smith isn't ideal, but playing sheltered minutes they should be fine. I don't think it's smart to pull Lindgren away from Fox just yet. I also think Buch being out for a couple games is a perfect opportunity to reward Kakko for his better play lately.

Steve Kournianos
@TheDraftAnalyst
·
13m
In theory, Rangers can help eliminate Canes & Leafs from the playoffs, and in turn the Leafs and Canes could win the draft lottery.

If Carolina wins a top-3 pick, it goes straight to the Rangers because of Brady Friggin Skjei.

This could be Kurvers-Niedermayer all over again.
- jimbro83

I think its highly doubtful this happens, but holy hell it would be magnificent

Thanks for the kind words. Much appreciated. And no, as far as I am aware of, do not have a relative named Vinny

Absolutely, thats why I made the hypothetical thought if Kane became available, and swapped Hank and Kane (not in a physical trade but $ on the books).

The other one I really really (frank)ing want is Barkov, he becomes a FA in 2 years.
- aecliptic

Rumor is Florida to cut $10 mil in salary for next year

Rumor is Florida to cut $10 mil in salary for next year
- airjan23

I did see that

I don't know if next season Rangers are in any position to take advantage of it though

I don't wanna rush to off season ever, but it's much better chance that Rangers will be using these two first rounders as opposed to trading one like they did last June

It may sound crazy but to make the playoffs, this is the time to play Henrik. Historically a big game performer - essentially named the #3 and would love nothing more than another moment in the sun before hanging them up. I'd give him the chance. Worst case scenario he comes up short and comes to a realization that helps the team next year.

I did see that

I don't know if next season Rangers are in any position to take advantage of it though

I don't wanna rush to off season ever, but it's much better chance that Rangers will be using these two first rounders as opposed to trading one like they did last June
- jimbro83

I also don't think they should just shell out big money via FA or even trades. Let 2021 end and see what you have and where to spend it. Trouba, Panarin, Kreids, and eventually Tony will take up significant space

I hope Hajek pans out. Rykov seems to be hurt a lot but would like to see him slot in. Everyone banking on Miller to take that role in a year or two
- nyrangers2

I hope he doesn't get stuck with the Pack. He was awful down there last year, but as soon as they brought him up he was fine

I hope he doesn't get stuck with the Pack. He was awful down there last year, but as soon as they brought him up he was fine
- mdw7413

Agreed, but he was bad this year in the NHL. Needs to improve

It may sound crazy but to make the playoffs, this is the time to play Henrik. Historically a big game performer - essentially named the #3 and would love nothing more than another moment in the sun before hanging them up. I'd give him the chance. Worst case scenario he comes up short and comes to a realization that helps the team next year.
- fourtrax23

he's gonna have to play, 4 games in 6 days starting tonight

my guess is he plays in Philadelphia

I did see that

I don't know if next season Rangers are in any position to take advantage of it though

I don't wanna rush to off season ever, but it's much better chance that Rangers will be using these two first rounders as opposed to trading one like they did last June
- jimbro83

For all the talk over the years that ARI should be moved, FLA is the franchise that's the biggest embarrassment. They have a couple of real genuine star players and are routinely run like a beer league team, from the ownership on down. Viola OK'd the signing of Bobrovsky to an atrocious contract and then went out and spent top-dollar on Quenneville and now he's telling Tallon that he has to effectively gut the team to save money.

Giving Trocheck away for peanuts gets them about halfway to that, alleged, $10M number. Matheson stinks, but if they could also give him away for free that'd get them there. Otherwise....I have no idea how they're going to accomplish that. Yandle has a full NMC. Stralman can veto a trade to half the teams in the league and is old and overpaid anyway. They can't/won't move Ekblad. They're going to be in the basement for a long time.

For all the talk over the years that ARI should be moved, FLA is the franchise that's the biggest embarrassment. They have a couple of real genuine star players and are routinely run like a beer league team, from the ownership on down. Viola OK'd the signing of Bobrovsky to an atrocious contract and then went out and spent top-dollar on Quenneville and now he's telling Tallon that he has to effectively gut the team to save money.

Giving Trocheck away for peanuts gets them halfway to that, alleged, $10M number. Matheson stinks, but if they could also give him away for free that'd get them there. Otherwise....I have no idea how they're going to accomplish that. Yandle has a full NMC. Stralman can veto a trade to half the teams in the league and is old and overpaid anyway. They can't/won't move Ekblad. They're going to be in the basement for a long time.
- eichiefs9

I have been to several games down there because I have family down there and it's definitely a weak fanbase

fans of other team's who have relocated down there go to see their teams play there

Tampa has a great fanbase of their own, the Panthers do not