2016

Honestly this roster makes the most sense. Glass is just not good enough to play in the this league anymore. As far as "toughness" goes, we don't need a fighter, no one does. Kreider, Stalberg, Miller, Brassard, and Etem all over 200 pounds and willing to hit hard, Glass is useless. rarely does anyone run someone and if they do its usually not too bad and can be dealt with accordingly by anyone. Furthermore, Stoll can throw down if need be so if you need some "grit" while not losing ability to play the game, put Stoll in and give Etem, Fast, or Lindberg a rest. As for Defense, if this actually can fit under the cap then its fine, if they are worried about the cap and not being able to call anyone else up, then Mclrath should be traded. He is not an NHL defenseman, he is an AHL, Europe defenseman, it was a bad pick and its time to move on. He is too slow and untalented in anything else but being in the way. He may be able to get a small return, possibly a 5th rounder or so, possibly trading a package deal with him and glass to Arizona or something for a 5th rounder and future considerations. This would absolutely clear up space and allow a player like Skjei to slip into the lineup for a game or two against weaker opponents like Carolina and NJ and then allow a seamless transition back to the AHL. By losing Glass (500,000 saved) and McLrath (600,000 saved) you could even sign a free agent defenseman or forward or again seamlessly transition Skjei in and out of the lineup allowing some rest for Girardi, Boyle, and anyone else in need of it. I honestly think this needs to happen, regardless of the return, space needs to be cleared and Groton and the NYR need to move on from a bad investment (Glass) and a poor pick (McLrath). If they do, this team will be better off in all areas especially since Graves has proven that he may be ready to be in the NHL after a solid season in Hartford this year.