Jan Levine: NYR fall 4-3 to FLA, prior concerning signs rear their ugly head again Back to back rough losses

I know this might sound crazy, coming from a Kings fan, but the way the Kings have been playing this season, they will probably be on the outside looking in at the playoffs once again. The window for our vets and our prospects are not overlapping at this point and it looks like our rebuild is going to take even longer than expected. The Rangers have $10M like you said and need help at forward. What if Kopitar was available at the trade deadline? He has a 7 team trade list, and if the Rangers were on that list, what do you think the Rangers would give up to get him? He has two more years on his contract so you're looking at 3 playoff runs with him as you 1a/1b center.

I know this might sound crazy, coming from a Kings fan, but the way the Kings have been playing this season, they will probably be on the outside looking in at the playoffs once again. The window for our vets and our prospects are not overlapping at this point and it looks like our rebuild is going to take even longer than expected. The Rangers have $10M like you said and need help at forward. What if Kopitar was available at the trade deadline? He has a 7 team trade list, and if the Rangers were on that list, what do you think the Rangers would give up to get him? He has two more years on his contract so you're looking at 3 playoff runs with him as you 1a/1b center.
- MoWolfe1134

The problem is fitting in that salary. If LA ate half his salary, which could have to be for the year and the next two seasons, that definitely means Ryan Strome is gone with Kopi sliding into the #2 center. In addition, as you intimated, the cost to acquire would be huge, but New York and others would be all over Kopi if available.

Given the Kings center pipeline, New York would have to offer a wing, likely Othmann, a blueliner, such as Zac Jones or more, and a first round pick. That probably would not be enough for LA to move Kopitar, though his production has declined lately.

While Hajek has fairly been a whipping boy in the past I've actually been impressed with what little we've seen from him. He was obviously in a little over his head last night being paired with Fox and having those assignments but he's looked solid and is starting to add a little snarl. It's just too bad for him we're so deep on D, but if he can progress a little more makes trading another D prospect for a top 6 forward even easier.

The problem is fitting in that salary. If LA ate half his salary, which could have to be for the year and the next two seasons, that definitely means Ryan Strome is gone with Kopi sliding into the #2 center. In addition, as you intimated, the cost to acquire would be huge, but New York and others would be all over Kopi if available.

Given the Kings center pipeline, New York would have to offer a wing, likely Othmann, a blueliner, such as Zac Jones or more, and a first round pick. That probably would not be enough for LA to move Kopitar, though his production has declined lately.
- airjan23

See I don't think the return on Kopitar would be that high. I think he could be had for either K'Andre Miller or Kakko, and a 1st. If you want salary retained, then the price goes up. These are just my own ideas, you don't have to entertain them but I was wondering from a Rangers fan's perspective. Thank you.

See I don't think the return on Kopitar would be that high. I think he could be had for either K'Andre Miller or Kakko, and a 1st. If you want salary retained, then the price goes up. These are just my own ideas, you don't have to entertain them but I was wondering from a Rangers fan's perspective. Thank you.
- MoWolfe1134

Just for reference, we are incredibly light at RW so I doubt we’d ever trade kakko without replacing him

Seeing that record difference between playoff teams and non playoff teams is pretty alarming. Really want to see them make a statement these next 2 verse Tampa

Seeing that record difference between playoff teams and non playoff teams is pretty alarming. Really want to see them make a statement these next 2 verse Tampa
- TPC

Narrator: “they didn’t”

Seeing that record difference between playoff teams and non playoff teams is pretty alarming. Really want to see them make a statement these next 2 verse Tampa
- TPC

Tampa down 6-2 to FLA going into the 3rd

Tampa down 6-2 to FLA going into the 3rd
- MeanestOfTimes

9-3 final. Not sure if we’re lucky to play them off a back to back, or unlucky because they will clearly be pissed off.

9-3 final. Not sure if we’re lucky to play them off a back to back, or unlucky because they will clearly be pissed off.
- TC88

Leaning towards the latter.

Crazy the Panthers had 7 even strength goals. That takes the Rangers what, 2 weeks of normal play?

9-3 final. Not sure if we’re lucky to play them off a back to back, or unlucky because they will clearly be pissed off.
- TC88

Well, if Vasilevski is still out on the Covid protocol, you guys might light them up, too.

Tampa is ripe for the picking. Finish them. Vasy is out, Elliot is out, and their backups are not NHL ready.

Well, if Vasilevski is still out on the Covid protocol, you guys might light them up, too.
- Ratsreign

Maybe, but the whupping your team gave them should be a motivating point for them tonight

See I don't think the return on Kopitar would be that high. I think he could be had for either K'Andre Miller or Kakko, and a 1st. If you want salary retained, then the price goes up. These are just my own ideas, you don't have to entertain them but I was wondering from a Rangers fan's perspective. Thank you.
- MoWolfe1134

For me, I don't see this as a fit. Unless Kopitar would he happy as a 3C (doubtful), and also unless we could fit him in capwise without moving Strome (we can't), then acquiring Kopitar doesn't solve our problems. Especially when you talk about Kakko as part of the return. We don't need a new 2C. We need a LW with skill and/or a 3C. And one without term.

Tonight is a must win game for me. Have to take advantage of Tampa playing back to backs with AHL level goalies

For me, I don't see this as a fit. Unless Kopitar would he happy as a 3C (doubtful), and also unless we could fit him in capwise without moving Strome (we can't), then acquiring Kopitar doesn't solve our problems. Especially when you talk about Kakko as part of the return. We don't need a new 2C. We need a LW with skill and/or a 3C. And one without term.
- Tonybere

I think we have plenty of LWs. RW is a much bigger need for me

I think we have plenty of LWs. RW is a much bigger need for me
- TPC

oh we know you're completely satisfied with what he have LW

I think we have plenty of LWs. RW is a much bigger need for me
- TPC

Maybe Kravs gets his head out of his ass and return to NYC after KHL season ends. Time for Drury and player development personnel to step up and blow a little smoke up his ass and let him know that if he shows it on and off the ice he will get his chance

I think we have plenty of LWs. RW is a much bigger need for me
- TPC

poop. I totally meant RW. Didn't even notice my mistake until you posted.

His last interview he said he wants out of NY and a fresh start on another NHL team. He supposedly had issues with Drury. Kinda sucks that the guy he had the issues with, holds the cards for his future.

His last interview he said he wants out of NY and a fresh start on another NHL team. He supposedly had issues with Drury. Kinda sucks that the guy he had the issues with, holds the cards for his future.
- Brukie

I don't pay attention to the NYR scouts but after this and the lias issue, I'm hoping theyve been replaced

oh we know you're completely satisfied with what he have LW
- Mtlca66

How can you not, one is tied for 4th in the league in goals and the other is top 10 in the league in points. You connect the dots on who is who

poop. I totally meant RW. Didn't even notice my mistake until you posted.
- Tonybere

ahh makes sense

I don't pay attention to the NYR scouts but after this and the lias issue, I'm hoping theyve been replaced
- MeltingPlastic

I feel like that was 100% Gord Clark. He always seemed to think he knew something that no one else in the room did. I believe he is still on the scouting staff, but no longer the director.