I think next year we’re talking about making a deep playoff run, not floundering in the standings. I think this team is finally piecing it together and by next year we should be a playoff bound team with a few rounds in us.
- nyrangers9479

I don't think it's impossible, but I think realistically we aren't making a deep playoff run next year. I think the Flyers and the Blackhawks are the only two teams I can remember missing the playoffs and then making it as far as the conference finals the following season. Even Sid's Pens had to make the playoffs once and lose in the first round before they made it to the final the following season.

I don't think it's impossible, but I think realistically we aren't making a deep playoff run next year. I think the Flyers and the Blackhawks are the only two teams I can remember missing the playoffs and then making it as far as the conference finals the following season. Even Sid's Pens had to make the playoffs once and lose in the first round before they made it to the final the following season.
- 2sticks1puck

'
I think anytime you get in, you got a chance to go far

even Columbus last year, swept Tampa and that next round vs Boston was some really tough games that could have gone wither way

'
I think anytime you get in, you got a chance to go far

even Columbus last year, swept Tampa and that next round vs Boston was some really tough games that could have gone wither way
- jimbro83

In my book, being competitive and perhaps winning a round and making a deep playoff run are two different things. I think next year should be fun, and I don't think that our team with improving young players and a superstar player like Panarin will be an easy out for anyone. I just think if we miss the playoffs this year, the idea that suddenly we are in contention for the cup is kind of improbable.

Anything can happen in the playoffs, but chalk happens far more often than not. When the Kings won it all as a 8 seed that's more than exception than the rule.

Since they’ve shown no loyalty to pretty much any player, maybe they buy Hank out. I think that’s possible. With that, they could tell him and then maybe he waives clauses. Buy out saves 3 mill if I did cap friendly correctly haha

It could end ugly for Hank

In my book, being competitive and perhaps winning a round and making a deep playoff run are two different things. I think next year should be fun, and I don't think that our team with improving young players and a superstar player like Panarin will be an easy out for anyone. I just think if we miss the playoffs this year, the idea that suddenly we are in contention for the cup is kind of improbable.

Anything can happen in the playoffs, but chalk happens far more often than not. When the Kings won it all as a 8 seed that's more than exception than the rule.
- 2sticks1puck

I'll never not believe once game 1 of a playoff round starts that we don't have a chance to win it

I'll never let that one remaining little kid sports fan part of me still left die

Since they’ve shown no loyalty to pretty much any player, maybe they buy Hank out. I think that’s possible. With that, they could tell him and then maybe he waives clauses. Buy out saves 3 mill if I did cap friendly correctly haha

It could end ugly for Hank
- Slimtj100

the only thing is that the buyout doesn't have a whole lot of bang for the buck

Hank's cap hit is 8.5 mil next year

his buyout cap hit is still 5.5 million, is 3 million savings worth the negativity of a Hank buyout? I dont think so

the only thing is that the buyout doesn't have a whole lot of bang for the buck

Hank's cap hit is 8.5 mil next year

his buyout cap hit is still 5.5 million, is 3 million savings worth the negativity of a Hank buyout? I dont think so
- jimbro83

If it means keeping ADA, give me all the negativity

I don't think it's impossible, but I think realistically we aren't making a deep playoff run next year. I think the Flyers and the Blackhawks are the only two teams I can remember missing the playoffs and then making it as far as the conference finals the following season. Even Sid's Pens had to make the playoffs once and lose in the first round before they made it to the final the following season.
- 2sticks1puck

I agree. I was hopeful at the start of this season that IF a lot of things went optimally, we could make the playoffs. But, even then I didn't think we could make much noise. More of a lesson on how to improve for next year.
Now, that is unlikely. The optimist in me is ready to just push my same hopes back one year and that next season we have grown enough to be top 8 in the East.

If it means keeping ADA, give me all the negativity
- nyrangers9479

do you think the Rangers would want that negativity to save 3 million, that's the question...

you always exclusively only look at things through your own eyes

do you think the Rangers would want that negativity to save 3 million, that's the question...

you always exclusively only look at things through your own eyes
- jimbro83

I know I would mutiny if it happened and I doubt I'm the only one.

If it means keeping ADA, give me all the negativity
- nyrangers9479

That is the biggest reason to consider it. But, I still doubt they would walk down that path.
But, to play devil's advocate...
With his foundation, the modelling, advertisements, etc., Hank is a businessman now as much as an athlete. Maybe it's possible to have a series of conversations and pitch him some sort of role with the organization that leads to him giving up the last year of his contract. Maybe. Time will tell, I guess. I wonder how much of a thing this is for the people involved? It could just be fan's daydreaming.
I seem to remember Reggie Lemelin went straight from the Bruins net to Director of Scouting, or something like that.
...but, he stunk!

do you think the Rangers would want that negativity to save 3 million, that's the question...

you always exclusively only look at things through your own eyes
- jimbro83

Hank may force their hand, hence the ugliness. Every penny will matter

Who’d be negative? The fans? Seems like the majority are done with him

Hank may force their hand, hence the ugliness. Every penny will matter

Who’d be negative? The fans? Seems like the majority are done with him
- Slimtj100

just in general, buying him out and not letting him have a goodbye tour

there's no way to twist it that it wouldn't be ugly

just in general, buying him out and not letting him have a goodbye tour

there's no way to twist it that it wouldn't be ugly
- jimbro83

That’s why they need to have a serious conversation with him. Transparent and honest. This is what we NEED to do for the org, sorry Hank but your time is up😬 you waive clauses or be bought out🤷🏻‍♂️

That’s why they need to have a serious conversation with him. Transparent and honest. This is what we NEED to do for the org, sorry Hank but your time is up😬 you waive clauses or be bought out🤷🏻‍♂️
- Slimtj100

I just dont think the buyout saves enough money to make it worth it

the thought of having Shattenkirk and Lundqvist next year taking up 12 million in cap space due to buyouts, I just dont think they'll do it

definitely hope they are talking to him about retiring or accepting a trade, but I think a buyout is something that wouldn't be considered

just in general, buying him out and not letting him have a goodbye tour

there's no way to twist it that it wouldn't be ugly
- jimbro83

Well they didn't let McDonagh on the ice during the jersey ceremony.

That’s why they need to have a serious conversation with him. Transparent and honest. This is what we NEED to do for the org, sorry Hank but your time is up😬 you waive clauses or be bought out🤷🏻‍♂️
- Slimtj100

Retire, ur owed 4.5 next year (cap hit is 8.5) and we’ll hire you as (whatever, idc what) for 4.5 million. Done.

Well they didn't let McDonagh on the ice during the jersey ceremony.
- mdw7413

I still couldn't believe they did that

That’s why they need to have a serious conversation with him. Transparent and honest. This is what we NEED to do for the org, sorry Hank but your time is up😬 you waive clauses or be bought out🤷🏻‍♂️
- Slimtj100

Can you name even one career long player on any major team that was bought out? This isn't Brad Richards or Shattenkirk. Don't give me they did it to Girardi. Girardi is not even close to the same level as Lundqvist. He is the lone reason they were competitive sometimes. He is a top 5 Ranger for sure, maybe even top 3. If he won a cup here you could arguably call him the greatest player to wear the sweater simply because he might end up being a lifer.

We can talk about it all day I just don't see it happening. Hank waiving and going to a contender is more likely to be honest.

Well they didn't let McDonagh on the ice during the jersey ceremony.
- mdw7413

(frank) McDonagh.

Can you name even one career long player on any major team that was bought out? This isn't Brad Richards or Shattenkirk. Don't give me they did it to Girardi. Girardi is not even close to the same level as Lundqvist. He is the lone reason they were competitive sometimes. He is a top 5 Ranger for sure, maybe even top 3. If he won a cup here you could arguably call him the greatest player to wear the sweater simply because he might end up being a lifer.

We can talk about it all day I just don't see it happening. Hank waiving and going to a contender is more likely to be honest.
- JRR1285

agreed

Retire, ur owed 4.5 next year (cap hit is 8.5) and we’ll hire you as (whatever, idc what) for 4.5 million. Done.
- nyrangers9479

If they buy him out they likely ruin the relationship.

Can you name even one career long player on any major team that was bought out? This isn't Brad Richards or Shattenkirk. Don't give me they did it to Girardi. Girardi is not even close to the same level as Lundqvist. He is the lone reason they were competitive sometimes. He is a top 5 Ranger for sure, maybe even top 3. If he won a cup here you could arguably call him the greatest player to wear the sweater simply because he might end up being a lifer.

We can talk about it all day I just don't see it happening. Hank waiving and going to a contender is more likely to be honest.
- JRR1285

We found JRR's Kreider

Can you name even one career long player on any major team that was bought out? This isn't Brad Richards or Shattenkirk. Don't give me they did it to Girardi. Girardi is not even close to the same level as Lundqvist. He is the lone reason they were competitive sometimes. He is a top 5 Ranger for sure, maybe even top 3. If he won a cup here you could arguably call him the greatest player to wear the sweater simply because he might end up being a lifer.

We can talk about it all day I just don't see it happening. Hank waiving and going to a contender is more likely to be honest.
- JRR1285

Colorado did it to Forsberg. Ottawa sold EK for what seemed like at the time pennies on the dollar. I think the Brent Seabrook buyout is coming down the pike real soon and he is probably a borderline HOF

I agree with you though, I don't think the team has it in them to buyout Hank regardless of what happens.

Colorado did it to Forsberg. Ottawa sold EK for what seemed like at the time pennies on the dollar. I think the Brent Seabrook buyout is coming down the pike real soon and he is probably a borderline HOF

I agree with you though, I don't think the team has it in them to buyout Hank regardless of what happens.
- 2sticks1puck

well the Karlsson thing is not comparable because there was some bad locker room stuff there

there's never been anything bad in the Rangers-Lundqvist relationship ever

they are going to let him dictate how this ends, there is just no way around it