That's true, but it also applies to the Kings, as well. Plus, they've got $20 million in cap space and another $10 million coming off the books each of the next 2 years! If they decide to be players in the trade market, I could see them outbidding or driving the price up for the Rangers. Just a thought as we see how things play out.
- WineryDog

Very true, but that cap relief is not from one or two players...it's virtually half the team coming off the books. So, it's not that great. We'll see though.

I kind of think the other way a little bit. Not that I want a huge trade but with the uncertainty in the cap going forward maybe now is the time to try a pry a player the Rangers really want away from the team. The fear of a flat cap and uncertainty in future income for teams may make them more eager to move someone now
- TPC

The fact that they got Kakko and next will be Lafreniere, I don’t think they wanna throw away next year at all. I think they do something bold. If you think about the talent they have, they could actually contend next season. It’s not outlandish. They were playing flat out awesome prepause

I get that. My question would be: how do the Rangers fit them under the cap both A) now and B) down the road if it's a long term deal they're acquiring? Unless the trade is a no brainer, or for a player with a short contract, I'm not seeing anything that really makes sense for them to get.
- WineryDog

This is why Gorton gets the big bucks

But moving players like ADA, Strome could help in that. Or maybe Hank leaves or they can find a trade partner in Smith could help as well.

I just want Gorton to get creative cause this offseason may be a great time to make another sneaky great move like the Zib trade 4 years ago

I get that. My question would be: how do the Rangers fit them under the cap both A) now and B) down the road if it's a long term deal they're acquiring? Unless the trade is a no brainer, or for a player with a short contract, I'm not seeing anything that really makes sense for them to get.
- WineryDog

The tough decisions they have make are Deangelo and Strome. Keep or trade either. I think both are gone, for different reasons. That’s money used elsewhere right there

I get that. My question would be: how do the Rangers fit them under the cap both A) now and B) down the road if it's a long term deal they're acquiring? Unless the trade is a no brainer, or for a player with a short contract, I'm not seeing anything that really makes sense for them to get.
- WineryDog

Rangers cannot make a big trade. They will need at least an extra $5M available in a little over a year to sign Mika to an extension before his one year before UFA season hits. Add that and all the ELC's coming to an end...need $$$.

The fact that they got Kakko and next will be Lafreniere, I don’t think they wanna throw away next year at all. I think they do something bold. If you think about the talent they have, they could actually contend next season. It’s not outlandish. They were playing flat out awesome prepause
- Slimtj100

Yea to me the huge Kreider, Panarin and Trouba deals in the last 14 months kind of pointed to the rebuild being over. kakko and Laf put that a little more in overdrive. I am not saying trade it all to win now but really want Gorton to get creative and I think he has the assets to really add to this core.

Yea to me the huge Kreider, Panarin and Trouba deals in the last 14 months kind of pointed to the rebuild being over. kakko and Laf put that a little more in overdrive. I am not saying trade it all to win now but really want Gorton to get creative and I think he has the assets to really add to this core.
- TPC

I agree. People don’t think they’re contenders yet, I beg to differ. They’re are young, but uber talented already. Playoffs aren’t unlikely

I agree. People don’t think they’re contenders yet, I beg to differ. They’re are young, but uber talented already. Playoffs aren’t unlikely
- Slimtj100

I think the organization feels the same. Have a gut feeling if the Rangers miss the playoffs next year Quinn could be gone

I agree. People don’t think they’re contenders yet, I beg to differ. They’re are young, but uber talented already. Playoffs aren’t unlikely
- Slimtj100

Playoffs are likely, but I don't see a deep run next season. Mostly stand pat with the current roster for the season until we free up cap space by losing Hank, Staal and Smith.

I think the organization feels the same. Have a gut feeling if the Rangers miss the playoffs next year Quinn could be gone
- TPC

That we agree on.

I think the organization feels the same. Have a gut feeling if the Rangers miss the playoffs next year Quinn could be gone
- TPC

I don’t get the Quinn dislike really. He had them clicking like the Harlem globetrotters in feb and March. Even last year they overachieved a bit I thought. I still have faith in Quinn. Next year will tell a lot tho

Very true, but that cap relief is not from one or two players...it's virtually half the team coming off the books. So, it's not that great. We'll see though.
- mames11

Actually, they get $9 million off the books next year for the Phaneuf and Kovalchuk buyouts and $11 million off the books the year after in Carter and Brown. So, they've got major room to make moves plus a ton of assets and picks, as well.

That we agree on.
- Fenrir

Plus I am with you don't buy anyone out. I think they will either be traded or just let walk after next season. So I am not worried about them affecting the future cap

I don’t get the Quinn dislike really. He had them clicking like the Harlem globetrotters in feb and March. Even last year they overachieved a bit I thought. I still have faith in Quinn. Next year will tell a lot tho
- Slimtj100

The defense was still a tire fire all year...maybe that was Ruff. This season will really tell

That we agree on.
- Fenrir

I doubt it. Nearly half of the team are rookie/second year players. Though, if Torts is available

The defense was still a tire fire all year...maybe that was Ruff. This season will really tell
- TPC

I don’t get that either. Guys that suck like Staal and Smith suck because they suck lol not because of Ruff. Lindgren Deangelo and Fox were out of this world most the season. They’re young, better D coverage from players comes over time. Trouba just needs a better partner

The defense was still a tire fire all year...maybe that was Ruff. This season will really tell
- TPC

Pretty excited for a new D coach. Now we'll find out how much of that was Quinn.

I don’t get that either. Guys that suck like Staal and Smith suck because they suck lol not because of Ruff. Lindgren Deangelo and Fox were out of this world most the season. They’re young, better D coverage from players comes over time. Trouba just needs a better partner
- Slimtj100

Also agree with this.

I don’t get that either. Guys that suck like Staal and Smith suck because they suck lol not because of Ruff. Lindgren Deangelo and Fox were out of this world most the season. They’re young, better D coverage from players comes over time. Trouba just needs a better partner
- Slimtj100

You sir, have earned yourself a nice, new scratch-and-sniff sticker! Well said.

Also agree with this.
- Fenrir

In two years. If you have a D like this...we are in very good shape

An addition like Chychrun for example. He’s not old by any means and we have the pieces to get someone like him.

Chychrun-Trouba
Lindgren-Fox
Miller-Nils

Having two rookies together could be scary, but you can insulate them some by 10-15 mins a night for example, and the other 4 play a lot.

I do think the org would like to add a solid D over a center this off-season, if it’s just one. Trade the D prospects like Robertson and Jones.

I don’t get that either. Guys that suck like Staal and Smith suck because they suck lol not because of Ruff. Lindgren Deangelo and Fox were out of this world most the season. They’re young, better D coverage from players comes over time. Trouba just needs a better partner
- Slimtj100

Like I said I don't know what it was, just wasn't good enough all year. Why I think this year will be a big test for Quinn.

You sir, have earned yourself a nice, new scratch-and-sniff sticker! Well said.
- mames11

Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while
Hopefully it smells like bacon!

Like I said I don't know what it was, just wasn't good enough all year. Why I think this year will be a big test for Quinn.
- TPC

I think Quinn gets two more years at least. He signed 5 years? I forget

you know who a stop gap guy could be on the left side on defense?

Kulikov

he's a UFA, former teammates with Trouba, probably get him for like 2 years 6 mil and expose him in the draft

he actually had pretty solid possession stats this past season if you are into that sorta thing

you know who a stop gap guy could be on the left side on defense?

Kulikov

he's a UFA, former teammates with Trouba, probably get him for like 2 years 6 mil and expose him in the draft

he actually had pretty solid possession stats this past season if you are into that sorta thing
- jimbro83

SHAME ON YOU!!!

Seriously, though...not a bad idea. Unless Smith is a gonner, then this cannot happen.