What happened on the ice Monday night can never happen again. In a division with arguably the most tough guys (Martin, Ross Johnston, Wilson, Chara if he remains, the Bruins are close by in the Conference, etc), we have nobody. Something needs to change.
Why it helps NYR: At the expense of some throwaway RFAs that will very likely never see meaningful minutes in a Rangers sweater, we get protection. The cap hit is the cap hit, but I don't think it will be too big of a problem. Looch's two year deal gives us a little time to groom someone else to come up with a more reasonable cap hit. Or, if it works out, can always sign him for less. Looch has shown in the last two years he can still be a very serviceable 3rd or 4th line player. He can spark the team up at unexpected, yet necessary times, especially in the playoffs.
Why it helps CGY: While the RFAs might not be huge game changers to them, it will still help. They will certainly be losing one of their top four defensemen in the expansion draft (unless they protect all 4, in which case, they'll be losing a top 6 forward), and Rykov seems to be a pretty blue chip prospect to help out there. Gauthier also seems like he'll be an awesome middle six winger, but again, there's just no room for him in NYR anywhere, as much as I'd love to keep him around. Perhaps most importantly, it frees up a lot of cap space they can then use to improve their team elsewhere (and let's be honest, that team will go through a lot of changes this offseason). They still have protection in Chucky, with also a huge young guy in Buddy Robinson lumbering around
Why it could hurt NYR: Zibanejad, Strome, Fox, and Kakko are all up for contracts next year. Hopefully the world is better and there will be a cap raise at the end of that season. I think it can still work. I don't see Kakko getting a huge contract regardless, unless some insane break out happens. But, Fox and Zibanejad should get maximum contracts each. If Chytil develops more, it could be time to move on from Strome. Georgiev is also out of his contract and I don't see him returning after it's done, so that will free up some space, in addition to another million dollars from buyouts.
As with most the trades I do, throw in some picks/prospects on either side to even it out if necessary. Just a broad picture here. I don't think any retention is necessary or will be offered given the circumstances.
Anyhow why don't we campaign for better justice and care in the league: longer suspensions for evil acts... like a few things Trouba did earlier this season
Anyhow why don't we campaign for better justice and care in the league: longer suspensions for evil acts... like a few things Trouba did earlier this season
Instead of haphazard vigilante justice
The League has shown they don't care already. It is what it is
Lucic is "only" 32 years old so I don't really get the year comment. His contract is awful for sure, but he's not a terrible player
Surely you can find a cheaper option. Or, ya know, not pay for a player that you should be paid to take.
Who?
The Rangers wouldn't miss Gauthier or Rykov given the current lineup, and there's really nothing else to trade for at this point. It's really all we need to better the team, besides simply time.
The Rangers wouldn't miss Gauthier or Rykov given the current lineup, and there's really nothing else to trade for at this point. It's really all we need to better the team, besides simply time.
Bruh. Most enforcers aren't on 5+M contracts. Anaheim would obviously trade Deslauriers. Kolesar and Reaves are out there in Vegas, so they can spare one. Hell, the Blues will trade you Clifford for Gauthier, no problem.
Bruh. Most enforcers aren't on 5+M contracts. Anaheim would obviously trade Deslauriers. Kolesar and Reaves are out there in Vegas, so they can spare one. Hell, the Blues will trade you Clifford for Gauthier, no problem.
I'd be surprised if VGK let go of either of them for what the Rags could reasonably offer; they love Reaves over there and Kolesar is still young and cheap... well, I wouldn't trade him unless you handsomely won the deal. Clifford or Deslauriers aren't awful, but Lucic is both tougher and a better player than both of them... Looch has been nearly a half point per game player the last two years, while still being the hard nosed guy he is (20p in 50g this year). That's worth a pretty penny still in this league. I know the 5.25milx2 sucks, but the Rangers can spare it right now.
I'd consider Clifford a good second option if the trade couldn't work, but I was looking at someone who can still play the game regularly since they won't be fighting every night, you know
... I should note that I haven't watched Clifford play very much, so if he's good off the score sheet, then perhaps I could change my tune.
I'd be surprised if VGK let go of either of them for what the Rags could reasonably offer; they love Reaves over there and Kolesar is still young and cheap... well, I wouldn't trade him unless you handsomely won the deal. Clifford or Deslauriers aren't awful, but Lucic is both tougher and a better player than both of them... Looch has been nearly a half point per game player the last two years, while still being the hard nosed guy he is (20p in 50g this year). That's worth a pretty penny still in this league. I know the 5.25milx2 sucks, but the Rangers can spare it right now.
I'd consider Clifford a good second option if the trade couldn't work, but I was looking at someone who can still play the game regularly since they won't be fighting every night, you know
I definitely don't completely disagree with you, I had forgotten about players like Clifford (the schedule this year with a hundred games on at the same time makes it hard to watch every team haha, as much as I try). I was really just aiming for Lucic or Reaves, and went with who I think the Rangers could reasonably get in a trade. Thanks for giving some other ideas. I just hope the Rangers get someone
The Rangers wouldn't miss Gauthier or Rykov given the current lineup, and there's really nothing else to trade for at this point. It's really all we need to better the team, besides simply time.
if not for his cap hit I actually would rather have lucic than lemieux cause at least he actually has the effect some nyr fans seem to think lemieux has. I'd rather have reaves than both of them
Realistically, Lemmy would have tried to fight Wilson, but would've been left bloody and beaten. He has all the heart in the world, but no size. I don't necessarily agree with trading him, but if you're gonna spend a roster spot on an enforcer (Lemmy isn't one, but for some reason Rangers fan want to consider him one), they better be an actual enforcer that can dish out punishment. Lemmy is a modern day tough guy, but since Wilson type players are still around, you need to fight fire with fire