Jan Levine: What is the Rangers' biggest need? Identity, 2nd line center or top-pr. LHD Does my view match yours?

Top pair partner for Trouba should be the priority. This player will see more ice time than the 2nd Line Center AND make one of your top paid players better.

Top pair partner for Trouba should be the priority. This player will see more ice time than the 2nd Line Center AND make one of your top paid players better.
- TommyGTrain

LHD maybe more of a need in the immediate future, but long term, another top center is clearly the biggest need

the prospect pipeline on the blueline is way better than the situation at center ice

It's clearly the 2C. Alot of teams can get by with an OK defense group, it's almost impossible to win without good center depth

LHD maybe more of a need in the immediate future, but long term, another top center is clearly the biggest need

the prospect pipeline on the blueline is way better than the situation at center ice
- jimbro83

Listening to JD yesterday on NHL radio.

Clearly, he’s in love in with depth the organization has accumulated on defense. Also, he defended the Johnson signing, by talking about how effective a penalty killer he was for the Pens, and was endorsed by J. Martin, and it’s only one year.

If he and Gorton are getting ready to do something significant to upgrade the center position, he’s keeping it close to the vest. Although, he did say they feel they have enough talent stockpiled to make a move if one presented itself.

Listening to JD yesterday on NHL radio.

Clearly, he’s in love in with depth the organization has accumulated on defense. Also, he defended the Johnson signing, by talking about how effective a penalty killer he was for the Pens, and was endorsed by J. Martin, and it’s only one year.

If he and Gorton are getting ready to do something significant to upgrade the center position, he’s keeping it close to the vest. Although, he did say they feel they have enough talent stockpiled to make a move if one presented itself.
- OLDSCHOOL#6

Oldschool, thanks. If anyone has a link to that interview, please post it here. I didn't get a chance to listen to it yesterday.

All are important, no doubt. Team identity is the most important.

While individual players can aid in a team succeeding, team identity can quite literally win you games. I would not limit this to the bottom-6, either. This is a full roster need. From Panarin all the way down to the 7th d-man, they need to build a culture that is predicated on speed, toughness, sound positioning and defense.

They have the offensive side of the game figured out, now they just need to balance things out with being difficult to play against through team identity.

Listening to JD yesterday on NHL radio.

Clearly, he’s in love in with depth the organization has accumulated on defense. Also, he defended the Johnson signing, by talking about how effective a penalty killer he was for the Pens, and was endorsed by J. Martin, and it’s only one year.

If he and Gorton are getting ready to do something significant to upgrade the center position, he’s keeping it close to the vest. Although, he did say they feel they have enough talent stockpiled to make a move if one presented itself.
- OLDSCHOOL#6

yeah, I think next offseason is where they make a move

but they also have a heavy duty Zibinajed extension staring them in the face and Shesterkin's next contract

If anyone is interested, Adidas is selling Liberty hoodies. Use the code Bringjoy for 40% off

https://www.adidas.com/us/pullover/GQ5844.html

If anyone is interested, Adidas is selling Liberty hoodies. Use the code Bringjoy for 40% off

https://www.adidas.com/us/pullover/GQ5844.html
- airjan23

Not a fan. They look cheap.

yeah, I think next offseason is where they make a move

but they also have a heavy duty Zibinajed extension staring them in the face and Shesterkin's next contract
- jimbro83

On the plus side, Smith and Johnson's contracts come off the books.

On the plus side, Smith and Johnson's contracts come off the books.
- Fenrir

yep, and the Hank and Shatty buyouts are much less

yep, and the Hank and Shatty buyouts are much less
- jimbro83

I think we will be in good shape financially in a few years. Also don't see any buyouts in the near future, although that Trouba contract might be a candidate.

I think we will be in good shape financially in a few years. Also don't see any buyouts in the near future, although that Trouba contract might be a candidate.
- Fenrir

I disagree. I like what he brings. But who knows with the uncertainty right now.

Where the (frank) is MDW? He get the rona or something?

I disagree. I like what he brings. But who knows with the uncertainty right now.
- JRR1285

if they ever buy out Trouba it wouldn't be for like 4 years, that's like a lifetime away right now

Where the (frank) is MDW? He get the rona or something?
- JRR1285

there isnt much to talk about, I was was watching a 2021 mock draft and I just was made aware that a 3rd Hughes brother, Luke Hughes, a defenseman is projected to go very high, likely top 5 pick

Owen Power from Univ of Michigan, big monster LHD is projected 1st overall

if they ever buy out Trouba it wouldn't be for like 4 years, that's like a lifetime away right now
- jimbro83

That's what I meant, I like him too. His is currently the likely future buyout if these kids pan out as hoped and there is a salary crunch.

Finnish center for Kakko? or a towering LHD

do these look like dresses?

do these look like dresses?


- jimbro83

I disagree. I like what he brings. But who knows with the uncertainty right now.
- JRR1285

I like what he brings, too. Is he a little over paid? Sure, but he definitely completes the blue line and plays his roles well. It would be great if his offensive production increased, but with Fox and ADA there just isn't a need for him to do that.

I'm curious, what do people think his contract should actually be? $7.0? $7.5? Less term?

I like what he brings, too. Is he a little over paid? Sure, but he definitely completes the blue line and plays his roles well. It would be great if his offensive production increased, but with Fox and ADA there just isn't a need for him to do that.

I'm curious, what do people think his contract should actually be? $7.0? $7.5? Less term?
- Bean_Dip

I think the only reason these are questions is due to the emergence of Fox and ADA. Trouba is not severely overpaid whether its term or AAV.

Where the (frank) is MDW? He get the rona or something?
- JRR1285

- mdw7413