As good as Barkov is, I kind of expect Lafreniere to be better.

And if down the line Barkov makes it to becoming a UFA, certainly give him a call.
- jimbro83

Kind of tough to compare. I can't wait to see what Lafreniere can do, but Barkov is a number 1 center who is probably top 10 in the league probably closer to top 5

Plus one of the handsomest guys in the NHL

Kind of tough to compare. I can't wait to see what Lafreniere can do, but Barkov is a number 1 center who is probably top 10 in the league probably closer to top 5

Plus one of the handsomest guys in the NHL
- mdw7413

Every photo of Barkov looks like he just farted.

Every photo of Barkov looks like he just farted.
- jimbro83

Carpet bombed and he is the only one who knows

Carpet bombed and he is the only one who knows
- mdw7413

Barkov’s career does give some hope that Kakko can develop into a very productive player.

Barkov has similar statistical rookie season as Kakko did. Didn’t really become elite until 3rd season.

Getting used to North American hockey for these European guys takes some time.

Barkov’s career does give some hope that Kakko can develop into a very productive player.

Barkov has similar statistical rookie season as Kakko did. Didn’t really become elite until 3rd season.

Getting used to North American hockey for these European guys takes some time.
- jimbro83

Exactly, why I don't want to give up on any of these guys to early. I still think Chytil will surprise people. We have seen some of the skill he has.

Exactly, why I don't want to give up on any of these guys to early. I still think Chytil will surprise people. We have seen some of the skill he has.
- mdw7413

With 2 yrs and cost control, Im fine with letting it roll with Chytil and see what happens. He needs to show improvement in the defensive zone and on the dot.

With 2 yrs and cost control, Im fine with letting it roll with Chytil and see what happens. He needs to show improvement in the defensive zone and on the dot.
- aecliptic

Both things that come with time and understanding of the game. I have no doubts he will improve in both areas the older he gets.

Both things that come with time and understanding of the game. I have no doubts he will improve in both areas the older he gets.
- Bean_Dip

It would be nice to have an interchangable 2C/3C depending on who is riding the hot hand and skating better.

Think we'll get a Hank decision by end of next week. After next Friday, Frolunda will only have two more preseason games remaining. You'd figure if he chooses to play in the SHL, he'd want to get a game or two in before the season starts (9/19/2020).

Didn't Lemieux screw Domi's sister?


- KreiderBomb

This was the first thing i thought of when Domi was floated as a trade candidate

Think we'll get a Hank decision by end of next week. After next Friday, Frolunda will only have two more preseason games remaining. You'd figure if he chooses to play in the SHL, he'd want to get a game or two in before the season starts (9/19/2020).
- mames11

That's an interesting observation, wonder if Hank has been talking to them.
I don't see him being a starter there unless their current goalie sucks.
In fact, I don't see him being a backup either (like our current situation), unless they feel he is owed a nostalgic final season.

It would be nice to have an interchangable 2C/3C depending on who is riding the hot hand and skating better.
- aecliptic

You mean like Strome/Chytil?

Chityl needs to find someone other than Brad Richards to help him with faceoffs...Kris Draper, Lindros, Nieuwendyk, Fedorov, etc. Brind'Amour would be my top choice but I don't think he is going to be willing to help

Let Chityl center the wonderboy and Kakko and see what happens. Should at least be fun to watch

Chityl needs to find someone other than Brad Richards to help him with faceoffs...Kris Draper, Lindros, Nieuwendyk, Fedorov, etc. Brind'Amour would be my top choice but I don't think he is going to be willing to help

Let Chityl center the wonderboy and Kakko and see what happens. Should at least be fun to watch
- Maskdman3

👍

You mean like Strome/Chytil?
- Bean_Dip

Would love for Chytil to work on faceoffs during the off-season.

Chityl needs to find someone other than Brad Richards to help him with faceoffs...Kris Draper, Lindros, Nieuwendyk, Fedorov, etc. Brind'Amour would be my top choice but I don't think he is going to be willing to help

Let Chityl center the wonderboy and Kakko and see what happens. Should at least be fun to watch
- Maskdman3

He's working with Richards?
Isn't Messier in the organization? Work with him.

He's working with Richards?
Isn't Messier in the organization? Work with him.
- Fenrir

Yeah the Rangers brought in Richards to help the team with faceoffs https://nypost.com/2019/1...to-help-fix-faceoff-woes/

I don't remember Richards being particularly good at it and clearly Chytil isn't doing any better. Only thing I really see stopping a player like Chytil from being a C instead of a W is his performance in the dots. The potential pay difference and ability to stay on a team that currently has donut lines with holes down the middle though is huge.

If it were me, I would beg some of these former pros who were faceoff wizards to work with me while the playoffs are going on. Last year on an ELC during a time when Henrik, Staal, and Smith are coming off the books and some tough decisions will have to be made...if Chytil comes out and wins even 45% of his draws next season instead of the dismal 38% he's been averaging it could make all the difference in the world in terms of his future in NYC and his next contract

Yeah the Rangers brought in Richards to help the team with faceoffs https://nypost.com/2019/1...to-help-fix-faceoff-woes/

I don't remember Richards being particularly good at it and clearly Chytil isn't doing any better. Only thing I really see stopping a player like Chytil from being a C instead of a W is his performance in the dots. The potential pay difference and ability to stay on a team that currently has donut lines with holes down the middle though is huge.

If it were me, I would beg some of these former pros who were faceoff wizards to work with me while the playoffs are going on. Last year on an ELC during a time when Henrik, Staal, and Smith are coming off the books and some tough decisions will have to be made...if Chytil comes out and wins even 45% of his draws next season instead of the dismal 38% he's been averaging it could make all the difference in the world in terms of his future in NYC and his next contract
- Maskdman3

Wasn't Matt Cullen really good?

And you're right about Richards. Career numbers hover right at 50%. He shouldn't have that job.

Regarding the lineup configurations, I'm still hoping that some of those players are NOT back due to a potential trade for Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. I would even be willing to part with Chytil to make that happen.

Regarding the lineup configurations, I'm still hoping that some of those players are NOT back due to a potential trade for Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. I would even be willing to part with Chytil to make that happen.
- js10

Haven't looked up any figures, but I believe salaries involved would pretty much have to wash out. I don't think EDM can take on salary any more than we can.

Wasn't Matt Cullen really good?
- JRR1285

He was decent...but if the NYR were serious about fixing this problem I would call Zenon Konopka...guy was close to 60% if I remember correctly. Additionally, part of the NYR problem in the dots may be a tenacity element that a guy like Konopka could certainly help solve.

Regarding the lineup configurations, I'm still hoping that some of those players are NOT back due to a potential trade for Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. I would even be willing to part with Chytil to make that happen.
- js10

No thanks. RNH is basically Strome who will be paid UFA money. Not giving up a 20yr old with possible 2C potential just to acquire a more expensive version of another player we already have

No thanks. RNH is basically Strome who will be paid UFA money. Not giving up a 20yr old with possible 2C potential just to acquire a more expensive version of another player we already have
- Maskdman3

RNH has one year left at $6 mil and then he is a UFA. Has been better suited to the wing and will want big $ in a year.

He was decent...but if the NYR were serious about fixing this problem I would call Zenon Konopka...guy was close to 60% if I remember correctly. Additionally, part of the NYR problem in the dots may be a tenacity element that a guy like Konopka could certainly help solve.
- Maskdman3

He does have the percentage but only played in like 350 games. They need someone with a more convincing resume.