Jan Levine: Rangers top-25 questions, list updated with a few more spots remaining Thanks for the assistance to date...

2) If Quinn is not back, who should take over as coach? Gallant first choice, Tocchet second.
3) With Mika Zibenajed a free agent after next season, would you start contract negotiations now, and if so, what type of deal would you offer in terms of years and dollars? 5 years, 8.75m per
4) Pavel Buchnevich is an RFA with arb rights after next season, what would you do with him? Re-sign him long term or deal for a second line center? Trade him for an upgrade at center, his value wont get any higher than it is now, we gotta cash in.
5) New York is in the market for toughness and more physical play, where are you slotting that player in? If in the top-six or top-nine, who is in danger of losing his spot and why? Im going for bottom-six guys. Crouse, Martinook, Reaves, Goodrow

6) Is Jack Eichel still your primary target at center or has his neck injury coupled with the reported high ask from Buffalo and his $10 million salary changed your tune? I want nothing to do with Eichel, injury aside the money he and Zib would be making could make it difficult to resign Fox, Kakko, Kravtsov.
7) If Eichel is not the target, do you make a proactive move to try and acquire Aleksander Barkov or wait to see if he becomes a free agent after next season? If Gabriel Landeskog is not re-signed by Colorado, are you making him a priority this offseason? Barkov would be my pipedream, the cost would be hefty in players and a contract. For the same reason as Eichel, I find it very difficult that Barkov and Zib can be on the same team without it hurting us somewhere down the road financially. My ideal move would be for Elias Lindholm, hes cost controlled for another few years buying us time. The next guy Id consider is Tomas Hertl, he will be due a new contract but it wont be nearly as hefty as Eichel or Barkov. Dvorak and Trochek are other guys to potentially consider although I prefer Dvorak for the 3rd line.
8) Vincent Trocheck is.a free agent after the 2021-22 season, given how his game has rebounded, could he be an option if Eichel and Barkov are not acquired or signed? See previous question.
9) Have you seen enough of Flip Chytil at center to determine he is not a fit there, even as a 3C, or did his play before the wrist injury and post-COVID after effects provide enough interest to give him one more shot? Hes not a natural center and its obvious. The kid is definitely a talented player, but hes not a center. Furthermore, hes soft and terrible on faceoffs. For someone on the 3C, this is our playoff line, the line we build momentum from and doing those little things are a big deal. We gotta have someone who is good on faceoffs and physical. They dont need to be a scoring threat, but they arent shy about being aggressive to the net and shooting. Boone Jenner is my ideal fit for this spot, as well as previously mentioned Christian Dvorak.
10) Was Kaapo Kakko's sophomore season a disappointment or did the progress he showed - especially late - raised your expectations for next season? On the defensive side of the puck hes a stud. His hockey IQ is very high, however his aggressiveness on the forecheck is a bit lackluster. I want to see him use his size and make those power moves to the net. I think he will round out to be a solid NHLer, I dont think he will be a superstar though.

12) What will happen to ADA? Is there any circumstance where he could return? (TommyGTrain - but pretty clear the answer on this one is he won't be back. That was made very evident in the column by Larry Brooks that ADA's time with the Rangers - despite the "regime change" is over.) Buyout, nothing else makes sense.
13) What grade would you give Alexis Lafreniere's rookie campaign? Is he viewed as a top-line left winger for next season? What are his main areas of work this offseason? I give LaFreniere a B- on the season. It was a really tough season to enter into as a rookie, compounded with the rough start the Rangers had due to players recuperating from COVID. At no point during the year did he look like he didnt belong, he was making the smart and simple plays as he got used to the NHL. The end of the year when playing with Zib his talent and skills were very visible. The only thing he needs to do is work on his power skating and get a bit quicker.
14) Which veteran d-man do you want to be acquired or signed this offseason (within reason)? (have seen names such as Alec Martinez and Erik Cernak suggested) If Brendan Smith is brought back, do you still want another d-man added? None, I want Smith resigned on the cheap. Robertson and Schneider should be brought up.
15) Depending on who is lost in the expansion draft, are you comfortable with two-thirds of the fourth line coming from Colin Blackwell, Kevin Rooney and Morgan Barron next season? Where do you slot Barron in, third line center? This will be fully dependent on what the Rangers do with their "blockbuster" trade. If they make a move for Eichel or Barkov, then I fully expect Barron to slot into the 3C eventually because long term they cant afford any contracts beyond the upcoming year. I like Blackwell's hustle, but I would sell high on the scoring, this is definitely a blip. Im ok with Rooney on the 4th line, but as previously stated, we need grit.

16) Do you bring back Alexandar Georgiev as the back up goalie, try and re-sign Keith Kinkaid to be the back up or sign another free agent goalie? I would trade Georgiev in the right deal. Its a contract we cant afford to have on the books in 2022.
17) Will Nils Lundkvist sign an ELC and come over to North America? (TommyGTrain) I dont think it matters, I have a feeling his rights will be traded.
18) Is a Captain needed, and if so, who should wear the C on his chest? (musicnutz) (Does Ryan Lindgren's three year, $3 mil AAV extension add his name to the mix?) Not Kreider. I dont think Lindgren will factor in. They either give it to Trouba, Zib or lets just go with the inevitable and give it to LAF.
19) Are you protecting Brett Howden from the expansion draft, and even if he is, does he have a guaranteed spot in the lineup next season? (musicnutz) Absolutely not. He has no spot on the team next year.
20) Presuming Adam Fox, Jacob Trouba, K'Andre Miller, Zak Jones, Ryan Lindgren are your top-five next season, how are you modifying the d-pairs or does it depend on who is #6? Zak Jones would start the year in the AHL if it was up to me. I would resign Brendan Smith, followed by a call up of Robertson and Schneider.
20) Which one or two of the young ones do you look to lock up for a longer-term deal now? The only player on an ELC that I would lock up long term right now is Fox.

21) If the Rangers stay in their current spot in the lottery, do you trade the pick for immediate help or start to build up the future pipeline? Ideally Id trade it.
22) What would be a successful season in your eyes? Making the playoffs, advancing, a long run? Making the playoffs.

The predicted contract for Landeskog per Evolving Hockey is 7 years at $8.8M per.

Kudos to aecliptic getting his homework assignment in early!

Kudos to aecliptic getting his homework assignment in early!
- TommyGTrain

lmao, I was bored.

lmao, I was bored.
- aecliptic

You do know they will be tacked in individuals blogs or are you new to this endeavor?

You do know they will be tacked in individuals blogs or are you new to this endeavor?
- airjan23

Can I just take the final exam now and take the rest of the semester off?

Some surprising results in the games today:

1) Boston eliminating Washington in 5 games

2) Olilers blowing a 4-1 lead and ultimately losing 5-4 in OT. What is going on here? If they get swept ( a VERY real possibility ), will they be forced to blow the team up? What a mess!

3) Carolina having trouble with Nashville

4) U.S CRUSHING Canada 5-1 in the mens World Championship tournament despite losing our goalie to injury early in the game!

Can I just take the final exam now and take the rest of the semester off?
- aecliptic

Sure, enjoy

Some surprising results in the games today:

1) Boston eliminating Washington in 5 games

2) Olilers blowing a 4-1 lead and ultimately losing 5-4 in OT. What is going on here? If they get swept ( a VERY real possibility ), will they be forced to blow the team up? What a mess!

3) Carolina having trouble with Nashville

4) U.S CRUSHING Canada 5-1 in the mens World Championship tournament despite losing our goalie to injury early in the game!
- TommyGTrain

1) Ovi a free agent, Shultz, Dillon and Jensen making. combined $10.4 million. Wash in a heap of cap trouble. Rask was brilliant this series.

2) Stupid penalty by Archibald turned the table. Great play by Dubois on game-winner, tying up the Oilers D man stick to give Ehlers a clear view

3) Who would have thought? Saros has come up big when needed and Kunin was huge today.

4) Love it

If Winnipeg sweeps, maybe Nugent-Hopkins isn't that keen on resigning with Edmonton. He might not want to spend the rest of his career in McDavid & Draisaitl's shadows since that team always seems to disappoint

Now with Ovie and Big Z UFA Sather/Drury should make a strong push to sign them both

If Winnipeg sweeps, maybe Nugent-Hopkins isn't that keen on resigning with Edmonton. He might not want to spend the rest of his career in McDavid & Draisaitl's shadows since that team always seems to disappoint
- ELew11

Want absolutely no part of RNH

Now with Ovie and Big Z UFA Sather/Drury should make a strong push to sign them both
- Buckweet

You will have Kuzy and like it!

You will have Kuzy and like it!

- HenryHockey

Too much baggage --- don't want to bring that into the locker room.

You will have Kuzy and like it!

- HenryHockey

Under no circumstances do I want Kuzy here. If it came down to keeping Strome or getting Kuzy, I would MUCH rather keep Strome.

If Winnipeg sweeps, maybe Nugent-Hopkins isn't that keen on resigning with Edmonton. He might not want to spend the rest of his career in McDavid & Draisaitl's shadows since that team always seems to disappoint
- ELew11

Nope, not the kind of player we need.

Some surprising results in the games today:

1) Boston eliminating Washington in 5 games

2) Olilers blowing a 4-1 lead and ultimately losing 5-4 in OT. What is going on here? If they get swept ( a VERY real possibility ), will they be forced to blow the team up? What a mess!

3) Carolina having trouble with Nashville

4) U.S CRUSHING Canada 5-1 in the mens World Championship tournament despite losing our goalie to injury early in the game!
- TommyGTrain

1. Since Trotz left the Caps havent been the same. The defensive game has been lackluster compounded with the inexperienced netminders. However thats not to take away from the Bruins, they play tough hockey. Difficult team to matchup with cause every line hits and backchecks.

2. Never ceases to amaze me how inept the Oilers are with all that talent.

3. Nashville has always had a decent squad, in a similar fashion to CAR. I do feel CAR is a bit overrated if you just look at the team on paper, however they play a great team game which makes them difficult.

4. This means the US hockey development is/has somewhat caught up with Canada.

I agree that my top two coach candidates are Gallant or Tocchet, I'd be happy with either

some long time fans may look at Tocchet as a Bryan Trottier type hiring because of how hated Tocchet was back in the day but it's not a good comparison, Tocchet is actually considered a commodity and has head coaching experience.

if they are looking to give this team some balls, Tocchet's a good start

1. Since Trotz left the Caps havent been the same. The defensive game has been lackluster compounded with the inexperienced netminders. However thats not to take away from the Bruins, they play tough hockey. Difficult team to matchup with cause every line hits and backchecks.

2. Never ceases to amaze me how inept the Oilers are with all that talent.

3. Nashville has always had a decent squad, in a similar fashion to CAR. I do feel CAR is a bit overrated if you just look at the team on paper, however they play a great team game which makes them difficult.

4. This means the US hockey development is/has somewhat caught up with Canada.
- aecliptic

Much more than in the past, but don't forget these are left over rosters

I agree that my top two coach candidates are Gallant or Tocchet, I'd be happy with either

some long time fans may look at Tocchet as a Bryan Trottier type hiring because of how hated Tocchet was back in the day but it's not a good comparison, Tocchet is actually considered a commodity and has head coaching experience.

if they are looking to give this team some balls, Tocchet's a good start
- jimbro83

I guess it all comes down to what his binder looks like.

1. Since Trotz left the Caps havent been the same. The defensive game has been lackluster compounded with the inexperienced netminders. However thats not to take away from the Bruins, they play tough hockey. Difficult team to matchup with cause every line hits and backchecks.

2. Never ceases to amaze me how inept the Oilers are with all that talent.

3. Nashville has always had a decent squad, in a similar fashion to CAR. I do feel CAR is a bit overrated if you just look at the team on paper, however they play a great team game which makes them difficult.

4. This means the US hockey development is/has somewhat caught up with Canada.
- aecliptic

They can’t fill out a roster. Teams like EDM and TOR are the exact reason u can’t build around multiple 10 mil+ players. Playoffs are all about depth and the Oilers are a 1 line team. WPG was able to shut down and concentrate on McDavid and Draisaitl and not worry about anyone else on that roster. I’m not starting a Draisaitl trade thing here but I really believe they’d be a better team if they traded him for a HAUL.

This is just for argument sake and no way would I do this, but let’s say EDM decided to trade Draisaitl, the return from the Rangers (only using them bc that’s our team) would look something like this:

Buch Kakko Chytil Nils Jones 2021 1st

Is EDM better with that and filling out their lineup? Or just Draisaitl.

This is just for argument sake and no way would I do this, but let’s say EDM decided to trade Draisaitl, the return from the Rangers (only using them bc that’s our team) would look something like this:

Buch Kakko Chytil Nils Jones 2021 1st

Is EDM better with that and filling out their lineup? Or just Draisaitl.
- nyrangers9479

This is just for argument sake and no way would I do this, but let’s say EDM decided to trade Draisaitl, the return from the Rangers (only using them bc that’s our team) would look something like this:

Buch Kakko Chytil Nils Jones 2021 1st

Is EDM better with that and filling out their lineup? Or just Draisaitl.

Thats a pretty good trade proposal.