Jan Levine: Rangers' top offseason questions - my initial list, looking for your views We start with 20

1) Should the Rangers waive, buy out or trade Barclay Goodrow?
Yup
2) Is Jacob Trouba in the team's plans for the 2024-25 season?
Hopefully no, but if we have to we have to.
3) Which of the team's free agents - if any - would you bring back?
4) Is Patrick Kane 2.0 a viable option?5) Who should New York add as a free agent, both up front and on the back end?
6) What are the optimal defensive pairs?
7) Have the Glimmer Twins' postseason struggles soured you on their status on the team?
8) Are you comfortable with Filip Chytil playing a key role? Is he a center or a winger? if a center, should he center the third line?
I'd like to see him progress a bit, I think if not this year coming up then maybe it's time to move on.
9) Has Artemi Panarin's late playoff struggles brought back bad memories of his 2022 and 2023 struggles or did his dominant regular season provide enough air cover?
I guess I look at it like this. He's got two more shots at it. If not probably wont be back when his contract expires.
10) Should the Rangers extend Alexis Lafreniere long term now, and if so, for how long and what kind of salary?
I think so, I think I'd go 7 years -- hoping he can break a point per game pace this year and put up even more points in the playoffs but he'll need his linemates help.
11) Are you comfortable with Zac Jones as the sixth d-man or should New York add a veteran blueliner?
12) Where are you penciling Will Cuylle in the lineup? Is he the third line right winger?
For now, still real early on him, if he's a guy we're ever blaming we have bigger problems. Let him cook.
13) Will Brennan Othmann be given a REAL chance to make the squad this summer or will the Rangers opt to not rush the youngster?
I think if we have to let him play another season in the AHL it wouldn't be the worst thing. Would like to see him be more dominant there.
14) Are the Rangers built to compete for the Stanley Cup or did last year's struggles against the Panthers and late versus the Canes sour you on their hopes? What about compared to Florida?
Feels like there was a missing piece last year for sure. Defense as a whole looked a little rough/banged up. Hoping for positive progress.
15) What is the biggest weakness on this team that needs to be fixed for them to be a true Cup contender? 5x5 scoring? The inability to break cleanly out of their zone? Defensive lapses?
Yep you answered them in the question, all of them haha
16) How do you want the third and/or fourth lines to look? Do they need to be a traditional bottom-six or should the third line be more of a scoring line?16) Who would you have targeted in free agency given the minimal cap space available?
17) Is K'Andre Miller, in the final season of his two-year deal, worth a long-term contract? Would you sign him to an extension in January with the cap rising?
18) Is Ryan Lindgren, Dan Girardi 2.0? Is that comparison and concern over how the Warrior's body will break down limiting your contract offer to him? Does he need to be moved?
I'd keep him another year or two for sure. But if it keeps breaking down then sure we move him.
19) Are you giving Braden Schneider a 2-3 bridge deal worth $2.5-3 mil or going long term?
Depends, would be take 5 years 4 million per? Or am I lowballing him? Also some of those contracst this summer were wild.
20) The key question may surround Igor Sehsterkin's next deal. How much % of the cap is too much before you walk away?
Seems like he wants 13%, that seems wild.

Jan Levine: Rangers' top offseason questions - my initial list, looking for your views
We start with 20
- airjan23

Also from a retweet from Jan on the old twitter machine. Capfriendly is no longer friendly...

Also from a retweet from Jan on the old twitter machine. Capfriendly is no longer friendly...

- evitageN

I just checked out puckpedia and it’s the same concept. It’s pretty good once you get used to it.

Also from a retweet from Jan on the old twitter machine. Capfriendly is no longer friendly...

- evitageN

I can’t believe they didn’t thank TJ amongst the people they thanked

I just checked out puckpedia and it’s the same concept. It’s pretty good once you get used to it.


8) Are you comfortable with Filip Chytil playing a key role? Is he a center or a winger? if a center, should he center the third line?
- Slimtj100

I like Puckpedia better- Thanks!!

Rangers could really use rebound seasons from Zib and Chytil. We could go from suspect up the middle to strong up the middle in a Mississippi minute.

As usual, great job Jan. Thank you for all you do. To me Question #22 is the most important question. I am totally disgusted with Drury. The way he has handled both of the Goodrow and Trouba situations is utterly ridiculous. He has destroyed our Team chemistry because our locker room will never be the same next season. It's sad because we had a good thing going.

I took a week off as some of you guys suggested, and I still feel the same way. Drury needs to be fired immediately.

Dolan will give him 1 more season, this coming year only. Not only will this team not win the Cup, I think they don't even qualify for the playoffs next year. Drury knows he's on borrowed time, so don't be shocked if he mortgages the Rangers future for the present.

As usual, great job Jan. Thank you for all you do. To me Question #22 is the most important question. I am totally disgusted with Drury. The way he has handled both of the Goodrow and Trouba situations is utterly ridiculous. He has destroyed our Team chemistry because our locker room will never be the same next season. It's sad because we had a good thing going.

I took a week off as some of you guys suggested, and I still feel the same way. Drury needs to be fired immediately.

Dolan will give him 1 more season, this coming year only. Not only will this team not win the Cup, I think they don't even qualify for the playoffs next year. Drury knows he's on borrowed time, so don't be shocked if he mortgages the Rangers future for the present.
- VinnyP

Most importantly, thank you Jan! The time you take to put together these blogs doesn't go unnoticed. We really appreciate you.

Vin, I hear your frustration. Let's unpack this a bit though. Who were you interested in during the UFA period that we could have signed to the contract that they did? Sure, we may have missed on 2-3 good deals. However, we don't know if NYR was even an option in the first place.

Destroying the team chemistry is a tough thing to say when no one is in that locker room. At the end of the day, this is a business and the NYR have to improve (by everyones standard including yours) to take the next step and get over the hump. These were the only viable options to make it happen. I do agree with you that the Trouba situation was botched. But Goodrow, its just business. Score more than 1 goal in a season and you may still have a job here

Lastly, I couldnt disagree more about not making the playoffs. Can you name the 8 teams that are going to make it over them? For the record, they are tied (with CAR)with the 3rd best odds in the East on FanDuel. With the Devils ahead of them which I don't understand

As usual, great job Jan. Thank you for all you do. To me Question #22 is the most important question. I am totally disgusted with Drury. The way he has handled both of the Goodrow and Trouba situations is utterly ridiculous. He has destroyed our Team chemistry because our locker room will never be the same next season. It's sad because we had a good thing going.

I took a week off as some of you guys suggested, and I still feel the same way. Drury needs to be fired immediately.

Dolan will give him 1 more season, this coming year only. Not only will this team not win the Cup, I think they don't even qualify for the playoffs next year. Drury knows he's on borrowed time, so don't be shocked if he mortgages the Rangers future for the present.
- VinnyP

I don't get this when it comes to Goodrow

do you still want them to be stuck with a 3.4 million cap hit for him the next 3 seasons?

Most importantly, thank you Jan! The time you take to put together these blogs doesn't go unnoticed. We really appreciate you.

Vin, I hear your frustration. Let's unpack this a bit though. Who were you interested in during the UFA period that we could have signed to the contract that they did? Sure, we may have missed on 2-3 good deals. However, we don't know if NYR was even an option in the first place.

Destroying the team chemistry is a tough thing to say when no one is in that locker room. At the end of the day, this is a business and the NYR have to improve (by everyones standard including yours) to take the next step and get over the hump. These were the only viable options to make it happen. I do agree with you that the Trouba situation was botched. But Goodrow, its just business. Score more than 1 goal in a season and you may still have a job here

Lastly, I couldnt disagree more about not making the playoffs. Can you name the 8 teams that are going to make it over them? For the record, they are tied (with CAR)with the 3rd best odds in the East on FanDuel. With the Devils ahead of them which I don't understand

Say what you want about Goodrow, he had a terrible season but I would assume it is difficult to play with a broken jaw, which he played through playing in 80 games, which is pretty amazing since he was supposedly eating thru a straw.

He showed up in the payoffs scoring 6 goals, which is more than both Panarin's (5) and Zibby's (3) and only 2 behind CK20 (8), getting about 8 minutes a game less and no PP time and of course playing with better players.

I don't get this when it comes to Goodrow

do you still want them to be stuck with a 3.4 million cap hit for him the next 3 seasons?

- jimbro83

I think its funny that you continue to bash Goodrow and his 3.4 mil cap hit but he showed up in the Playoffs almost scoring as many goals as Panarin and Zibby COMBINED in limited playing time, but yet they dont see your wrath.

I think its funny that you continue to bash Goodrow and his 3.4 mil cap hit but he showed up in the Playoffs almost scoring as many goals as Panarin and Zibby COMBINED in limited playing time, but yet they dont see your wrath.
- Brukie

I was actually somebody who defended Goodrow more than anyone else


but it was an absolute gift to get rid of him and his cap hit the next 3 years without buying him out

very good try though Brukie!

Say what you want about Goodrow, he had a terrible season but I would assume it is difficult to play with a broken jaw, which he played through playing in 80 games, which is pretty amazing since he was supposedly eating thru a straw.

He showed up in the payoffs scoring 6 goals, which is more than both Panarin's (5) and Zibby's (3) and only 2 behind CK20 (8), getting about 8 minutes a game less and no PP time and of course playing with better players.
- Brukie

That's all great. But at the end of the day, it's just business. That money is better utilized elsewhere. And you can continue to complain about 10, 93, and 20...but they're not going anywhere. So it's a moot point.

The pop-ups on this site are getting out of control. Never experienced a pop-up on my iPhone other than here. Can read for 20-30 seconds and get redirected to some Norton, McAfee or Spectrum spam. Anyone else?

That's all great. But at the end of the day, it's just business. That money is better utilized elsewhere. And you can continue to complain about 10, 93, and 20...but they're not going anywhere. So it's a moot point.
- NYR11

I think he just wanted to start an argument with me directly and forgot completely about the "making sense" part of it

The pop-ups on this site are getting out of control. Never experienced a pop-up on my iPhone other than here. Can read for 20-30 seconds and get redirected to some Norton, McAfee or Spectrum spam. Anyone else?
- TC88

yep, on the phone it sends me to McAfee, on the computer in Chrome it sends me to Norton

- jimbro83

Hopefully Puck Pedia can fill their large shoes

Hopefully Puck Pedia can fill their large shoes
- airjan23

back in the old days remember nhlnumbers.com?

I believe puckpedia is the one who bought them out

The pop-ups on this site are getting out of control. Never experienced a pop-up on my iPhone other than here. Can read for 20-30 seconds and get redirected to some Norton, McAfee or Spectrum spam. Anyone else?
- TC88

That NYI loser chiefs let us know about the “brave” browser the other day. DL that one and it works fine

Love that TJ just popped up as a potential friend in FB since Nick has been more active on here... Gotta love how the Internet stalks you

the theory that the Rangers won't make the playoffs next year because Panarin isn't great in the playoffs is funny

1) Should the Rangers waive, buy out or trade Barclay Goodrow?
Yup
2) Is Jacob Trouba in the team's plans for the 2024-25 season?
Hopefully no, but if we have to we have to.
3) Which of the team's free agents - if any - would you bring back?
4) Is Patrick Kane 2.0 a viable option?5) Who should New York add as a free agent, both up front and on the back end?
6) What are the optimal defensive pairs?
7) Have the Glimmer Twins' postseason struggles soured you on their status on the team?
8) Are you comfortable with Filip Chytil playing a key role? Is he a center or a winger? if a center, should he center the third line?
I'd like to see him progress a bit, I think if not this year coming up then maybe it's time to move on.
9) Has Artemi Panarin's late playoff struggles brought back bad memories of his 2022 and 2023 struggles or did his dominant regular season provide enough air cover?
I guess I look at it like this. He's got two more shots at it. If not probably wont be back when his contract expires.
10) Should the Rangers extend Alexis Lafreniere long term now, and if so, for how long and what kind of salary?
I think so, I think I'd go 7 years -- hoping he can break a point per game pace this year and put up even more points in the playoffs but he'll need his linemates help.
11) Are you comfortable with Zac Jones as the sixth d-man or should New York add a veteran blueliner?
12) Where are you penciling Will Cuylle in the lineup? Is he the third line right winger?
For now, still real early on him, if he's a guy we're ever blaming we have bigger problems. Let him cook.
13) Will Brennan Othmann be given a REAL chance to make the squad this summer or will the Rangers opt to not rush the youngster?
I think if we have to let him play another season in the AHL it wouldn't be the worst thing. Would like to see him be more dominant there.
14) Are the Rangers built to compete for the Stanley Cup or did last year's struggles against the Panthers and late versus the Canes sour you on their hopes? What about compared to Florida?
Feels like there was a missing piece last year for sure. Defense as a whole looked a little rough/banged up. Hoping for positive progress.
15) What is the biggest weakness on this team that needs to be fixed for them to be a true Cup contender? 5x5 scoring? The inability to break cleanly out of their zone? Defensive lapses?
Yep you answered them in the question, all of them haha
16) How do you want the third and/or fourth lines to look? Do they need to be a traditional bottom-six or should the third line be more of a scoring line?16) Who would you have targeted in free agency given the minimal cap space available?
17) Is K'Andre Miller, in the final season of his two-year deal, worth a long-term contract? Would you sign him to an extension in January with the cap rising?
18) Is Ryan Lindgren, Dan Girardi 2.0? Is that comparison and concern over how the Warrior's body will break down limiting your contract offer to him? Does he need to be moved?
I'd keep him another year or two for sure. But if it keeps breaking down then sure we move him.
19) Are you giving Braden Schneider a 2-3 bridge deal worth $2.5-3 mil or going long term?
Depends, would be take 5 years 4 million per? Or am I lowballing him? Also some of those contracst this summer were wild.
20) The key question may surround Igor Sehsterkin's next deal. How much % of the cap is too much before you walk away?
Seems like he wants 13%, that seems wild.
- evitageN

Thank you for providing an example of exactly what Jan specifically asked us not to do. And first in the comments, too. #Commitiment.

That NYI loser chiefs let us know about the “brave” browser the other day. DL that one and it works fine
- picklerick

Thank you for providing an example of exactly what Jan specifically asked us not to do. And first in the comments, too. #Commitiment.

- Tonybere

Wasn’t gonna be the one to say it