That's precisely what they did when they sent the letter out according to Gorton and it built this roster.
Prioritizing character and physicality usually just leads to acquiring players who hit a lot because they're behind the play.
Get good players and then teach them to play the right way.
Really ? That is nonsense you draft players that play physically and have skill it’s ingrained in their character and it’s way they play.
First thing new scouting department needs to do is a character check-which for the last two decades they have not done. You draft on character, finesse and what’s necessary to win playoff hockey snarl and physicality. You want more than a couple players that are on the edge and a bit scary and dirty- the messier, peca types that will do anything to win. I love the Peca hire. This has been the Ranger way for the last two decades.
You are dead wrong but keep kidding yourself.
I was at that putrid 4th game in Tampa a few years ago and saw my beloved team get out hit out sized and out willed by Tampa. In other words they kicked our ass once they figured being physical and nasty which is playoff hockey would beat us! Rangers folded like cheap seats they had the series in their pockets and lack of physicality and playing with grit lost them that series. Etched in my mind that failure. Tired of mediocrity for this organization.
This Team will soon be needed to rebuilt again from scratch. They are pitiful soft and have no chance of winning beyond the first round with the current make up and the core is aging badly.
Kreider, Zbad though talented are not the type of players to do what it takes to win and grind when the shit gets nasty in playoff hockey.