Toughness like a brawler --- no.
But a TREMENDOUS leader and a Top 5 defensive Center in the league. I would use the word gritty, which this team certainly needs.
He would be the best captain this team has had since Messier.
- TommyGTrain

Agree there. He’s 30 already though, not sure that’s who we’re looking to add.

Agree there. He’s 30 already though, not sure that’s who we’re looking to add.
- nyrangers9479

Yes, and his age is the only possible reason why he might be made available in a trade.
He is under contract for 2 more seasons so we will still be getting quality play out of him.

Toughness like a brawler --- no.
But a TREMENDOUS leader and a Top 5 defensive Center in the league. I would use the word gritty, which this team certainly needs.
He would be the best captain this team has had since Messier.
- TommyGTrain

Ehhhhhhh. Im not sure hes got Messier-size balls though. Messier had a huge ego, and backed it up.

Toughness like a brawler --- no.
But a TREMENDOUS leader and a Top 5 defensive Center in the league. I would use the word gritty, which this team certainly needs.
He would be the best captain this team has had since Messier.
- TommyGTrain

https://giphy.com/gifs/freeform-xwzTOgweS0jE9uL8A1

This has been stated a couple times recently. We have until June 1, 2022
Lots of time.
- Tonybere

Oh Yeah, Lots of Time, Im sure Nils is thinking the same way.

Funny how everyone wants to include him in a trade, yet if he doesnt sign, he controls his own destiny!!

Oh Yeah, Lots of Time, Im sure Nils is thinking the same way.

Funny how everyone wants to include him in a trade, yet if he doesnt sign, he controls his own destiny!!
- Brukie

Dude, you gotta chill out.
I wasn't suggesting we wait until next May. You were saying it had to happen yesterday or we lose his rights. They have weeks before we should start being concerned, IMO.

Oh Yeah, Lots of Time, Im sure Nils is thinking the same way.

Funny how everyone wants to include him in a trade, yet if he doesnt sign, he controls his own destiny!!
- Brukie

Fox got traded to CAR right? Other teams trade for guys hoping they’ll sign there, obviously if he’s signed the value increases.

this was written a month ago:

Opportunity awaits NY Rangers prospect Nils Lundkvist, who's expected to sign for 2021-22

Vincent Z. Mercogliano
NHL Writer

With Adam Fox emerging as a legitimate Norris Trophy contender, K'Andre Miller making the transition to the NHL look easy and Zac Jones winning an NCAA title, the New York Rangers' collection of young defensemen have provided plenty of talking points in 2021.

Consider this a friendly reminder about Nils Lundkvist, who should add to the infusion of blue-line talent before 2022 begins.

The 20-year-old Swede had another stellar season with Luleå, which came to an end in Tuesday's Game 7 loss to Skelleftea in the Swedish Hockey League quarterfinals. Lundkvist contributed two goals in Saturday's Game 5 win while averaging close to 25 minutes of ice time per game in the series.

He carried a similarly heavy load in the regular season, posting 32 points in 52 games played while ranking 12th in the league in ice time at 21:24 per game and fifth in shots on goal with 156. His 14 goals led all SHL defensemen and tied for Luleå's team lead.


It all adds up to a stellar European career for the No. 28 overall pick from the 2018 NHL Draft. His 78 career points (30 goals and 48 assists) and 14 goals this season are both the most in SHL history by an under-21 defenseman.

With little left to prove in Sweden, the time is nearing for Lundkvist to move to the final proving ground — the NHL.

Rangers associate general manager Chris Drury told the USA TODAY Network in March that the organization is planning to sign him "as soon as we can," which general manager Jeff Gorton reiterated last week.

the Rangers intend to have Lundkvist begin his entry-level contract in 2021-22. The goal is to have him participate in training camp with an opportunity to win a roster spot.

The competition will be stiff, with Jones, Tarmo Reunanen, Braden Schneider, Matthew Robertson and Hunter Skinner among the prospects already under contract. But Lundkvist may have the best odds to break camp with a role in the lineup.

He's considered the most advanced young defensemen (excluding established NHLers such as Fox and Miller) — with the highest upside to boot.

"We're all very excited about where he's at in his development and what he's been able to accomplish in the SHL," Drury said. "We think he's a terrific prospect for us."

'A steady climber'
Drury described Lundkvist as "a steady climber since we drafted him," with scouts widely impressed by the growth in his game the last two seasons.


His originally perceived strengths — "He's always had terrific offensive instincts," Drury said — have exceeded expectations. He's a puck-mover and a playmaker, with what Drury described as "good sense" and an innate ability "to figure things out all over the ice."

This season, his shot became a more noted threat to go along with his high-end feel for the offensive side of the game.

Henrik Stridh, Luleå's defensive coach, pointed to shooting as one of Lundkvist's top areas of improvement.

"It got better last season, but even better this season," he said. "He’s finding the net more and putting the puck into the net more. He’s a threat on our power play, but also at five-on-five from the blue line. It’s become a much quicker shot, but he doesn't have to take all of his power to get the puck through. He can have a quick release and find the net."

The potency of Lundkvist's slap shot and one-timer explains how he led all SHL defensemen in goals, including eight on the power play. Stridh also called Lundkvist "one of the top D in the league" at joining the rush.


Those skills should make him a point-producing defenseman in the NHL, but what's helped convince the Rangers that he's ready is his commitment to "playing the whole sheet," Drury said.

"He certainly has grown a lot playing in his own zone and being a reliable defender in all situations," he added. "His growth in that area has been great."


Listed at 5-foot-11, 187 pounds, the questions surrounding Lundkvist have always focused on his ability to defend and handle the physicality of the best league in the world.

Stridh stressed his improved strength, coupled with the confidence to engage opponents.

"He’s coming out quick and using his body much more than he used to do," he said. "He's improved his defensive game by playing his stick on the puck, but also then using his body to make a break on that play. Last year, he was a little bit softer in our own end, struggling a little bit with the physical game. But I think this season he's up on a high level on the physical game. ... He’s not a big size guy, but he’s clever."

Next steps
No one expects Lundkvist to have the same impact as Fox, but there are some obvious parallels in their playing styles.

"Adam’s obviously a pretty special player and is having a terrific season here and keeps growing by leaps and bounds — but there are some similarities, for sure," Drury said. "The size, the right-shot defenseman, the sense, the skill, the ability to make plays when it doesn't look like there's an option available. They do both kind of find a way to get it done."

The Rangers top-four defensemen have been solidified this season, with Fox continuing his partnership with Ryan Lindgren while Miller has formed a mostly successful pairing with Jacob Trouba. But with the contracts expiring for veterans Brendan Smith and Jack Johnson, the competition for the bottom pair should be wide open.


It's possible the Rangers bring in another vet (plus 30-year-old Anthony Bitetto has one year left on his contract), but the onus will fall on one or two of the recently signed D prospects to fill those vacancies.

"That's the plan: To have them all come to Ranger training camp, tryout, put their best foot forward and we'll go from there," Drury said.

Barring a trade, whoever doesn't make the cut from the group that should include Lundkvist, Jones, Schneider, Robertson, Skinner and Reunanen (and don't forget Libor Hájek) will be ticketed for AHL Hartford, which Drury noted they'll all be eligible for.

Lundkvist is positioned as the leader of the pack, especially if he's able to showcase his talent for the Swedish National Team at the IIHF World Championships this spring.

Stridh believes he has a "good chance" of making the team, adding, "If he gets that opportunity, he'll show everybody what he's able to do."

If he does, it could serve as the final springboard on his path to New York.

"He’s as ready as he maybe could be," Stridh said of Lundkvist's potential NHL opportunity. "Starting as the No. 5 or No. 6 (defensemen), it’s perfect for Nils. He’s done that before. He did that when he came up to our pro team in Luleå. He started as No. 7 and worked his way up. It took him three months and then he was on the top-two D pairs. I think that’s a perfect road for Nils to make a long NHL career."


Vincent Z. Mercogliano is the New York Rangers beat reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Read more of his work at lohud.com/sports/rangers/ and follow him on Twitter @vzmercogliano.

I definitely thinks Nils is going to be good, but the question is do we need another puck moving defenseman on the smaller size or a shut down and more physical guy in Schneider. The last spot on the right comes down to Schneider or Nils and I’m picking Schneider. That’s not to say Schneider is better, I just think he’s more of what we need over Nils.

Craig Morgan
@CraigSMorgan
·
10h
Rick Tocchet interviewed for the New York Rangers vacant coaching position yesterday.
Also hearing that he will interview for the Buffalo Sabres' job on Thursday, and likely for the Columbus Blue Jackets' job at some point this week.

I definitely thinks Nils is going to be good, but the question is do we need another puck moving defenseman on the smaller size or a shut down and more physical guy in Schneider. The last spot on the right comes down to Schneider or Nils and I’m picking Schneider. That’s not to say Schneider is better, I just think he’s more of what we need over Nils.
- nyrangers9479

and you were happy JD got fired


https://youtu.be/IEKGTIX40G8?t=353

I want so badly to see a 3rd pairing of Robertson and Schneider.

and you were happy JD got fired


https://youtu.be/IEKGTIX40G8?t=353
- jimbro83

I never once said that

I never once said that
- nyrangers9479

tell me you didn't blow balloons and put out party hats around the house thinking JD and Gorton getting fired was the door for Tony D to come back

PLEASE

I want so badly to see a 3rd pairing of Robertson and Schneider.
- aecliptic

not saying you are, but people seem quite ready to dismiss Zac Jones already

I know he looks ridiculously tiny, but I think he can play

this was written a month ago:

Opportunity awaits NY Rangers prospect Nils Lundkvist, who's expected to sign for 2021-22

Vincent Z. Mercogliano
NHL Writer

With Adam Fox emerging as a legitimate Norris Trophy contender, K'Andre Miller making the transition to the NHL look easy and Zac Jones winning an NCAA title, the New York Rangers' collection of young defensemen have provided plenty of talking points in 2021.

Consider this a friendly reminder about Nils Lundkvist, who should add to the infusion of blue-line talent before 2022 begins.

The 20-year-old Swede had another stellar season with Luleå, which came to an end in Tuesday's Game 7 loss to Skelleftea in the Swedish Hockey League quarterfinals. Lundkvist contributed two goals in Saturday's Game 5 win while averaging close to 25 minutes of ice time per game in the series.

He carried a similarly heavy load in the regular season, posting 32 points in 52 games played while ranking 12th in the league in ice time at 21:24 per game and fifth in shots on goal with 156. His 14 goals led all SHL defensemen and tied for Luleå's team lead.


It all adds up to a stellar European career for the No. 28 overall pick from the 2018 NHL Draft. His 78 career points (30 goals and 48 assists) and 14 goals this season are both the most in SHL history by an under-21 defenseman.

With little left to prove in Sweden, the time is nearing for Lundkvist to move to the final proving ground — the NHL.

Rangers associate general manager Chris Drury told the USA TODAY Network in March that the organization is planning to sign him "as soon as we can," which general manager Jeff Gorton reiterated last week.

the Rangers intend to have Lundkvist begin his entry-level contract in 2021-22. The goal is to have him participate in training camp with an opportunity to win a roster spot.

The competition will be stiff, with Jones, Tarmo Reunanen, Braden Schneider, Matthew Robertson and Hunter Skinner among the prospects already under contract. But Lundkvist may have the best odds to break camp with a role in the lineup.

He's considered the most advanced young defensemen (excluding established NHLers such as Fox and Miller) — with the highest upside to boot.

"We're all very excited about where he's at in his development and what he's been able to accomplish in the SHL," Drury said. "We think he's a terrific prospect for us."

'A steady climber'
Drury described Lundkvist as "a steady climber since we drafted him," with scouts widely impressed by the growth in his game the last two seasons.


His originally perceived strengths — "He's always had terrific offensive instincts," Drury said — have exceeded expectations. He's a puck-mover and a playmaker, with what Drury described as "good sense" and an innate ability "to figure things out all over the ice."

This season, his shot became a more noted threat to go along with his high-end feel for the offensive side of the game.

Henrik Stridh, Luleå's defensive coach, pointed to shooting as one of Lundkvist's top areas of improvement.

"It got better last season, but even better this season," he said. "He’s finding the net more and putting the puck into the net more. He’s a threat on our power play, but also at five-on-five from the blue line. It’s become a much quicker shot, but he doesn't have to take all of his power to get the puck through. He can have a quick release and find the net."

The potency of Lundkvist's slap shot and one-timer explains how he led all SHL defensemen in goals, including eight on the power play. Stridh also called Lundkvist "one of the top D in the league" at joining the rush.


Those skills should make him a point-producing defenseman in the NHL, but what's helped convince the Rangers that he's ready is his commitment to "playing the whole sheet," Drury said.

"He certainly has grown a lot playing in his own zone and being a reliable defender in all situations," he added. "His growth in that area has been great."


Listed at 5-foot-11, 187 pounds, the questions surrounding Lundkvist have always focused on his ability to defend and handle the physicality of the best league in the world.

Stridh stressed his improved strength, coupled with the confidence to engage opponents.

"He’s coming out quick and using his body much more than he used to do," he said. "He's improved his defensive game by playing his stick on the puck, but also then using his body to make a break on that play. Last year, he was a little bit softer in our own end, struggling a little bit with the physical game. But I think this season he's up on a high level on the physical game. ... He’s not a big size guy, but he’s clever."

Next steps
No one expects Lundkvist to have the same impact as Fox, but there are some obvious parallels in their playing styles.

"Adam’s obviously a pretty special player and is having a terrific season here and keeps growing by leaps and bounds — but there are some similarities, for sure," Drury said. "The size, the right-shot defenseman, the sense, the skill, the ability to make plays when it doesn't look like there's an option available. They do both kind of find a way to get it done."

The Rangers top-four defensemen have been solidified this season, with Fox continuing his partnership with Ryan Lindgren while Miller has formed a mostly successful pairing with Jacob Trouba. But with the contracts expiring for veterans Brendan Smith and Jack Johnson, the competition for the bottom pair should be wide open.


It's possible the Rangers bring in another vet (plus 30-year-old Anthony Bitetto has one year left on his contract), but the onus will fall on one or two of the recently signed D prospects to fill those vacancies.

"That's the plan: To have them all come to Ranger training camp, tryout, put their best foot forward and we'll go from there," Drury said.

Barring a trade, whoever doesn't make the cut from the group that should include Lundkvist, Jones, Schneider, Robertson, Skinner and Reunanen (and don't forget Libor Hájek) will be ticketed for AHL Hartford, which Drury noted they'll all be eligible for.

Lundkvist is positioned as the leader of the pack, especially if he's able to showcase his talent for the Swedish National Team at the IIHF World Championships this spring.

Stridh believes he has a "good chance" of making the team, adding, "If he gets that opportunity, he'll show everybody what he's able to do."

If he does, it could serve as the final springboard on his path to New York.

"He’s as ready as he maybe could be," Stridh said of Lundkvist's potential NHL opportunity. "Starting as the No. 5 or No. 6 (defensemen), it’s perfect for Nils. He’s done that before. He did that when he came up to our pro team in Luleå. He started as No. 7 and worked his way up. It took him three months and then he was on the top-two D pairs. I think that’s a perfect road for Nils to make a long NHL career."


Vincent Z. Mercogliano is the New York Rangers beat reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Read more of his work at lohud.com/sports/rangers/ and follow him on Twitter @vzmercogliano.
- jimbro83

Yes I read the article also, what im saying is that most want to throw Nils with a trade because we are loaded on the right side. Im sure Nils and his agent realize this and will want some assurance that he wont be traded. If they cant give him that assurance I doubt he will want to sign.

and you were happy JD got fired


https://youtu.be/IEKGTIX40G8?t=353
- jimbro83

Well, Gorton doesn't have to worry about Schneider "using it against him in contract negotiations" anymore.

not saying you are, but people seem quite ready to dismiss Zac Jones already

I know he looks ridiculously tiny, but I think he can play
- jimbro83

He falls deeper into that pool Nils is in. Small mobile defender. We dont need more of them, and lets not forget, Schneider was averaging over a ppg in the WHL for whatever thats worth.

Yes I read the article also, what im saying is that most want to throw Nils with a trade because we are loaded on the right side. Im sure Nils and his agent realize this and will want some assurance that he wont be traded. If they cant give him that assurance I doubt he will want to sign.
- Brukie

There is no evidence to support this, merely speculation.
Just because he might not play in NY, he won't have any interest in being in the best league in the world?
I think there's a good chance you are mistaken here.

Yes I read the article also, what im saying is that most want to throw Nils with a trade because we are loaded on the right side. Im sure Nils and his agent realize this and will want some assurance that he wont be traded. If they cant give him that assurance I doubt he will want to sign.
- Brukie

it's not like we drafted a kid in Nils Lundkvist who never wanted to play in the NHL

he was at the draft, he hugged his family just like any other when their name gets mentioned, it was his dream to play in the NHL just like any of them

and chances are, he probably thinks he's better than anyone the Rangers have

not saying you are, but people seem quite ready to dismiss Zac Jones already

I know he looks ridiculously tiny, but I think he can play
- jimbro83

I don't think any of us are ready to dismiss any of these prospects, Jim.
But the fact remains that we have about 8 guys projected to be top 4 defensemen. The Rangers don't just need to figure out who will be the best, but also what the best group of 6 will be. From there, trades will happen. There is no other possibility.
We are going to move a couple players that could become VERY good on another team. End of story. Just need to make sure they get what they need out of the trades.

I don't think any of us are ready to dismiss any of these prospects, Jim.
But the fact remains that we have about 8 guys projected to be top 4 defensemen. The Rangers don't just need to figure out who will be the best, but also what the best group of 6 will be. From there, trades will happen. There is no other possibility.
We are going to move a couple players that could become VERY good on another team. End of story. Just need to make sure they get what they need out of the trades.
- Tonybere

I actually think Jones will be important to us. If we are going to get that high end 2C, we probably are going to have to trade someone projected to be one of our top guys and having Jones able to step in and fill that void is pretty invaluable.

I don't think any of us are ready to dismiss any of these prospects, Jim.
But the fact remains that we have about 8 guys projected to be top 4 defensemen. The Rangers don't just need to figure out who will be the best, but also what the best group of 6 will be. From there, trades will happen. There is no other possibility.
We are going to move a couple players that could become VERY good on another team. End of story. Just need to make sure they get what they need out of the trades.
- Tonybere

I think just trying to speculate now with Drury in charge of everything what is most important to him as opposed to what seemed most important to JD and Gorton

the quietest guy in the draft room when they pulled off the Schneider move was Drury

Drury has spoken multiple times about Lundkvist, and I also imagine he was instrumental in getting Zac Jones here ahead of when everyone thought the Rangers would.

I don't know that I necessarily believe that with Drury in charge now Robertson and Schneider rank above Jones and Lundkvist simply because they are bigger and more physical

if JD and Gorton were still here, I think it would be the case a lot more

I think just trying to speculate now with Drury in charge of everything what is most important to him as opposed to what seemed most important to JD and Gorton

the quietest guy in the draft room when they pulled off the Schneider move was Drury

Drury has spoken multiple times about Lundkvist, and I also imagine he was instrumental in getting Zac Jones here ahead of when everyone thought the Rangers would.

I don't know that I necessarily believe that with Drury in charge now Robertson and Schneider rank above Jones and Lundkvist simply because they are bigger and more physical

if JD and Gorton were still here, I think it would be the case a lot more
- jimbro83

Ok, but the fact that he didn't have a visible reaction doesn't mean he won't realize the benefits of a D corp that exhibits well rounded strengths over replicas of the same player. That is just a different sort of speculation.
Drury stated he wants everyone in camp so they can base their decisions on ability and competition. Until then,...

I think just trying to speculate now with Drury in charge of everything what is most important to him as opposed to what seemed most important to JD and Gorton

the quietest guy in the draft room when they pulled off the Schneider move was Drury

Drury has spoken multiple times about Lundkvist, and I also imagine he was instrumental in getting Zac Jones here ahead of when everyone thought the Rangers would.

I don't know that I necessarily believe that with Drury in charge now Robertson and Schneider rank above Jones and Lundkvist simply because they are bigger and more physical

I think it's also important to note that Winnipeg swept the Oilers in part due to how well Pionk played. The days where bigger is better doesn't really apply anymore. Besides, we already have Trouba and Lindgren that provide some grit back there. I don't think Miller will develop into a push over either.

if JD and Gorton were still here, I think it would be the case a lot more
- jimbro83