NHL 18 Franchise Mode :Expansion Edition

Lays · Oct 12, 2017

Why is it so hard for playmakers to get points? McDavid 6 years in, high franchise potential, 94 overall, 99 off. awareness, around 95 for all shot categories, 99 passing. He has not cracked 70 points in the game. 2 years ago, Oilers won the cup, he had 57 points...20 in 21 in the playoffs. -11 regular season (cup winning season) 7 games into this year he has 2 points in 7 games. Trocheck on my Panthers has yet to crack the 45 point mark and has been my 2C up until this year getting 2nd unit PP time. (We won the cup though last year woo) Crosby has yet to crack PPG. What the hell??

Mowman · Oct 13, 2017

So they updated the jerseys from Reebok to Adidas... but when I create an expansion team the jerseys are Reebok! Come on EA!

Flukeshot · Oct 16, 2017

I have had back to back weird draft classes for 2019 and 2020.

2019 there wasn't a Canadian until the 6th round or so. The 1st round was almost entirely American.

2020 the 1st round is almost all from the WHL including all top 10 ranked.

Makes it pretty easy to scout at least.

kinger8998 · Oct 16, 2017

New York Rangers Franchise Mode

ROSTER UPDATE

patrick eaves - 82
cam fowler - 86
christian dvorak - 80
brad marchand - 89
kris versteeg - 81
matthew tkachuk - 83
jaccob slavin - (med elite)
lee stempniak - 80
jeff skinner - 85
cam atkinson - 86
ryan strome - [c-lw]
james reimer - 83
mikael granlund - [c-lw]
charlie coyle - [c-rw]
zach parise - 85
andrew shaw - 81
paul byron - 82
phillip danault - 82
jeff petry - 84
jordie benn - 82
brandon davidson - 80
ales hemsky - 80
viktor arvidsson - 85
josh ho sang - 79
henrik lundqvist - 90
ryan mcdonagh - 88
kevin shattenkirk - 85
brady skjei - 85
rick nash - 83 [lw-rw]
pavel buchnevich - [c-rw]
chris kreider - 84
brendan smith -82
jt miller - 84
marc staal - 77 (7th defense)
justin schultz - 85
bryan rust - 82 [c-rw]
jake guentzel - [c-lw]
brian dumoulin - 83
conor sheary - 83
carter rowney - 75 [rw-c]
greg mckegg - 77 (bottom 6f)
kris letang - 89
joe thornton - 86
mitch marner - 85
william nylander - 85
auston matthews - 88
dominic moore - 78
brock boeser - 80
jonathan marchessault - 84

PROSPECTS & OTHER

paul carey - 77 [lw-rw]
cristoval nieves - 74 (med bottom 6f)
robin kovacs - (med bottom 6f)
ryan graves - 75 (med top 6d)
filip chytil - 75 (med top 6f)
mathew barzal - 75
travis sanheim - 77
viktor mete - 75
kailer yammamoto - 75 [c-rw]

2017-2018 NHL Season

BREAKING NEWS: Jeff Gorton dies in freak accident, Brant King named Rangers new GM.
Sept. 18th, 2017
On his birthday, the New York Rangers ended their search for Jeff Gorton’s replacement. In the end, they wanted a fresh mind, and who better than a rookie GM. King said his first goal will be to alleviate the team of “dead weight” and continue the youth movement. He expects the team to compete for the Stanley Cup right away.

Preseason and Season Preview

[IMGhttps://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR7A6cH0hrq8v437ciFWHKrQ0KvOBGimRrYpxOVX18HaMXbng3m7g][/IMG]

The New York Rangers enter the preseason full of optimism. The team is younger, and the back end is faster, allowing for the Rangers to transition quicker and spend less time on the defense and more time on the attack. In nets, everything is set in stone with future hall of famer Henrik Lundqvist still searching for that elusive Stanley Cup. But, this year backing him up is another one of Benoit Allaire’s reclamation projects in Ondrej Pavelec. The 31 year old is coming off a few down years in the Peg and is looking to rejuvenate his career.

On the back end there are 4 locks. Captain Ryan McDonagh and his new defense parter, and marquee free agent signing, Kevin Shattenkirk. After those two are sophomore Brady Skjei, coming off an excellent rookie season, and trade deadline acquisition Brendan Smith. Competing for the bottom pairing and 7th defender roster spots are holdovers Nick Holden and Marc Staal, youngsters Tony DeAngelo and Ryan Graves, and journeyman Steven Kampfer. Although it is expected that one or both of Nick Holden and Marc Staal were the targets of the dead weight comment and will not start the season with the team.

Up front, the Rangers have 11 locks, which leaves room for only the 12th forward and the extra man. Locks include veterans Rick Nash, Mats Zuccarello and Michael Grabner; centers Mika Zibanejad, Kevin Hayes and David Desharnais; youngsters Jimmy Vesey and Pavel Buchnevich; and youngsters in the midst of taking on leadership roles J.T Miller, Chris Kreider and Kevin Hayes. In competition for the two spots are 1st round picks Lias Andersson and Filip Chytil, former 2nd Round pick Cristoval Nieves, gritty speedster Bobby Farnham and career AHL’er Paul Carey.

Preseason games 1-3

BREAKING NEWS: Nieves, Graves among first cuts
Sept. 22, 2017
The Rangers have sent the following players down to the minors: Cristoval Nieves, Ryan Gropp, Robin Kovacs and Ryan Graves. The Rangers have also sent Tim Gettinger to the OHL.

Kreider 84	Hayes 82	Buchnevich 79
Nash 83	Chytil 75	Carey 77
Vesey 79	Desharnais 77	Fast 77
Puempel 75	Andersson 70	Farnham 68
Smith 82	Shattenkirk 85
Holden 81	DeAngelo 77
Staal 77	Kampfer 75
Lundqvist 90
Pavelec 79

[TBODY] [/TBODY]

Preseason games 4+5

BREAKING NEWS: Rangers roster becomes clearer, 3 players cut.
Sept. 28th, 2017
The New York Rangers cut three forwards from TC. 7th overall pick Lias Andersson ws sent to the AHL, along with last seasons waiver claim Matt Puempel and grinder Bobby Farnham. The Rangers, who will only go with 1 extra forward and defense, have just 1 cut left to make.

Preseason game 6

BREAKING NEWS: Roster finalized, behold your 2017-2018 New York Rangers!
Oct. 1st, 2017
In a shocking revelation, Jesper Fast will start the season as the Rangers depth forward after Paul Carey forced his way onto the roster. But the real shocker was the Rangers not cutting a defenseman and keeping 8D to start the season. GM Brant King states that he is keeping Staal on the roster while he searches for trade options, or just keeps him as depth.

Opening Night Lineup

Kreider 84	Zibanejad 84	Buchnevich 79
Nash 83	Chytil 75	Zuccarello 84
Grabner 81	Hayes 82	Miller 84
Vesey 79	Desharnais 77	Carey 77
Fast 77
McDonagh 88	Shattenkirk 85
Skjei 85 Holden 81	Smith 82 DeAngelo 77
Staal 77	Kampfer 75
Lundqvist 90/Pavelec 79

[TBODY] [/TBODY]

Starter | Backup
Lundqvist 90 | Pavelec 79

First 20 in Review

New York Rangers

Record | Home | Away | GFPG | GAPG | PP% | PK% | Division | Conference | NHL | Playoffs?
11-6-3 | 11-2-0 | 0-4-3 | 2.95 (T-7th) | 2.55 (T-9th) | 20.8% (11th) | 87.5% (4th) | 2nd | 4th | 10th | Yes.

After a blistering 9-2-2 start to the season, the Rangers faltered in October, going a lowly 2-4-1 to end off the first quarter. The season is surely going to have its up and downs but the Rangers need to identify the problem and turn this around before the competitive metro division bites them in the ass.

In nets, Henrik Lundqvist has been rejuvenated. He currently holds a .934 SV% which is second among goalies who have played 10 games. Meanwhile Ondrej Pavelec is really hurting the team with a .887 SV% while allowing upwards of 3 goals/game. The Rangers might have to search for a new backup.

On the backend, Ryan McDonagh and Kevin Shattenkirk are flourishing together. McDonagh is second of the team in points and Shattenkirk is 3rd of the team in PPP. Unfortunately Brady Skjei is in a little bit of a sophomore slump and Brendan Smith is struggling to pick up the slack. Both represent the only 2 defense with minus ratings. Despite his terrible showing in the playoffs with Marc Staal, Nick Holden earned a roster spot on the 3rd pairing to start the season and the Rangers are getting the rewards. Holden, who is in the last year of a cheap contract, is a plus-6 and has 5 points through 20 games (pace of 20/82). Tony DeAngelo, has shown no defensive issues playing alongside Holden.

Up front, the Rangers has lots of depth. Up front, Filip Chytil paces all rookies (in the entire NHL) in points with 12 through 20. His flanks, Rick Nash and Mats Zuccarello are number 3 and 1 in points respectively. Chris Kreider has taken another step forward in his development towards being an elite power forward with 9 goals and 15 points. His linemates, Mika Zibanejad and Pavel Buchnevich are both underperforming a bit, but have time tp turn it around. The third line of Michael Grabner, Kevin Hayes and J.T Miller are all playing decent enough to remain intact, but that could be changed. The fourth line (Vesey-Desharnais-Carey) was expected to excel offensively but they have stalled, although they are providing adequate defensive work. Jesper Fast has gotten 3 games, while not really contributing at all.

First Half in Review

New York Rangers

Record | Home | Away | GFPG | GAPG | PP% | PK% | Division | Conference | NHL | Playoffs?
23-11-7 | 16-5-4 | 7-6-3 | 3.00 (4th) | 2.44 (9th) | 17.5% (T-18th) | 82.1% (18th) | 2nd | 2nd | 6th | Yes.

Henrik Lundqvist is in a battle with Braden Holtby and Tuukka Rask for the Vezina. Although, because of Rask’s record this probably comes down to Holtby vs. Lundqvist. Team #1 vs team #2 in the Metro. Meanwhile Pavelec is still struggling and at this point it is fairly clear he won’t get a new contract with the Rangers.

Captain Ryan McDonagh is in the midst of a career year. He is on pace to shatter his career high in points. His new partner, Brady Skjei, seems to be excelling under the leadership of Mac Truck and has reemerged on his right side. Shattenkirk, now paired with rugged d-man Brendan Smith has found some chemistry with him knowing he can take some offensive chances because Smith will be back. Nick Holden and Tony DeAngelo continue to impress on the third pairing while Steven Kampfer has been stellar in his 7 fill in games. Marc Staal has yet to play a game.

J.T Miller has really emerged as the offensive leader for New York. His 31 points are tied with Rick Nash for the team lead and their PK unit has been extraordinary. Mika Zibanejad has really stalled with just 19 points through 41 games, and the Rangers need to find a way to get their number one center going fast. Pavel Buchnevich leads the team in goals and Kevin Hayes has picked up his play when placed with Buch. Mats Zuccarello is the teams heart and soul as always and is third in points. Chris Kreider has been an incredible net front presence but has also stalled with his production. The fourth line of Grabner or Vesey with Desharnais and Carey has been great while Jesper Fast has been an adequate fill in. Filip Chytil has caught the injury bug but has still been exceeding expectations hovering at about .5 PPG.

First 60 in Review & Trade Deadline

BREAKING NEWS: J.T Miller and Brady Skjei accept contract extensions.
January 7th, 2018
The Rangers were working towards these extensions for the past month, since Miller took offensive control and since Skjei got paired with McDonagh. Millers extension, a 4 year pact, will pay him 6.25M each season. Price was high, but the winger deserved it. Skjeis deal, that pays him 5 million per season, lasts for 4 years as well.

BREAKING NEWS: Brass is back!!! Rangers re-acquire Brassard!
In GM Brant King’s first trade, he brought back fan favorite Derick Brassard from the Ottawa Senators while exchanging a series of picks. Although Brass has 2 years left on his contract, he might only stay till this summer as the Rangers really do have a murky cap situation heading into next season.

To NYR | To OTT
Derick Brassard (83, 30) | 1st ‘18
2nd ‘18 | 2nd ‘18
3rd ‘18 |
4th ‘18 |

BREAKING NEWS: Barclay Goodrow claimed off waivers from San Jose.
January 9th, 2018
The young depth forward has 13 points in 53 games with San Jose but will probably have trouble cracking the Rangers lineup if there is no trades.

BREAKING NEWS: Leading scorer Rick Nash agrees to contract extension.
The Rangers leading scorer has agreed to a 2 year deal with an AAV of 4.5M.

Player (Status) | Overall | Age | Potential | Position(s) | Player Type | Years | AAV | Thoughts
Rick Nash (Pending UFA) | 83 | N/A | LW/RW | Power Forward | 2 | 4.5M | Good short term cheap deal for an impact player.

***For some reason my game glitched and simmed past Trade Deadline so I have no update… on with the season.

Season Recap New York Rangers

Record | Home | Away | GFPG | GAPG | PP% | PK% | Division | Conference | NHL | Playoffs?
42-32-8 | 27-9-5 | 15-23-3 | 2.90 (4th) | 2.60 (14th) | 21.6% (6th) | 82.7% (9th) | 3rd | 5th | 11th | Yes.

Henrik Lundqvist slightly fell behind Braden Holtby in the Vezina race, but the now 36 year old still had a stellar season. With a .926 SV% behind a Rangers team that collapsed late in the season with a 7 game losing streak, he was great. The same cannot be said for backup Ondrej Pavelec though, as he had the worst numbers among all goalies to play 20 games.

The New York Rangers captain and best defenseman Ryan McDonagh had a career high 52 points. Although, he and Kevin Shattenkirk were split up Shattenkirk still had a formidable season. Brady Skjei and Tony DeAngelo each had 17 point seasons while Nick Holden and Brendan Smith struggled but were adequate.

[IMGhttps://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRW1vJuYFp5dN_c6d_FEvpJRqxGDtBHE7srF3PhvsTVJ4GL37G0iA][/IMG]

Up front, Rick Nash, Mats Zuccarello, J.T Miller, Pavel Buchnevich and Chris Kreider all had 50 point seasons. Kreider had 31 goals, a new career high while Zucc had 41 assists to lead the team. Mika Zibanejad struggled mightily with a career low (full season) 37 points. Deadline acquisition Derick Brassard struggled to find chemistry in the lineup and put up 13 points in 25 games with the team. Filip Chytil had a decent rookie season with 18 goals and Michael Grabner had another great season. Although, due to a cap crunch he likely wont return to the Rangers. Jimmy Vesey was a solid contributor while Desharnais was a solid 4th line pivot all season. Depth forwards Paul Carey, Jesper Fast and Barclay Goodrow didn’t play a game after the deadline but all made contributions when in the lineup. Unfrotunately for Kevin Hayes, he struggled and probably won’t get what he’s asking for on his next contract.

NEXT POST: 2017-2018 NHL Playoffs and 2018 NHL Offseason

kinger8998 · Oct 16, 2017

sorry about bad quality of first post, having plenty of trouble getting used to updated site...

Flukeshot · Oct 20, 2017

I had my owner expectations of wins change on the final day of the season from 39 to 45... I got 40.

kinger8998 · Oct 20, 2017

New York Rangers Expansion Mode

2018 NHL Playoffs and 2018 Offseason

2018 NHL Playoffs

1st Round vs. NYI

GAME	SCORE	NYR GOALS	NYR GOALIE	THOUGHTS
1	2-1 NYR	Grabner (1), Nash (1)	Lundqvist (.970 SV%)(1.00GAA)
2	2-1 NYR	Brassard (1), Nash (2)	Lundqvist (.968 SV%)(1.00 GAA)
3	4-2 NYI	Chytil (1), Vesey (1)	Lundqvist (.867 SV%)(4.00 GAA)
4	3-2 NYR (OT)	Vesey (2), MIller (1,2)	Lundqvist (.919 SV%)(1.95 GAA)
5	2-1 NYI	Zuccarello (1)	Pavelec (.941 SV%)(2.25 GAA)	Lundqvist injury scare, will start Game 6.
6	4-3 NYR (OT)	Desharnais (1), Nash (3), Chytil (2), Kreider (1)	Lundqvist (.914 SV%)(2.61 GAA)	RANGERS ARE ON TO THE 2ND ROUND!!!

[TBODY] [/TBODY]

1st Round Recap
The New York Rangers managed to beat their foes in a hard fought series. Henrik Lundqvist was incredible and Rick Nash managed to continue his hot scoring this season. The Rangers leading scorer this season had a team high 3 goals en route to the Rangers 6 game victory. Also, the Rangers defense managed to really clamp down after a worrisome end to the season.

Player	GP	G	A	P	+/-
Rick Nash	6	3	2	5	1
J.T Miller	6	2	3	5	0
David Desharnais	6	1	3	4	3
Jimmy Vesey	6	2	1	3	3
Filip Chytil	6	2	1	3	-3
Chris Kreider	6	1	2	3	-3
Michael Grabner	6	1	2	3	3
Mats Zuccarello	6	1	2	3	0
Mika Zibanejad	6	0	3	3	0
Kevin Shattenkirk	6	0	2	2	-4
Pavel Buchnevich	6	0	2	2	-1
Derrick Brassard	6	1	0	1	-1
Ryan McDonagh	6	0	1	1	-2
Brady Skjei	6	0	1	1	-1
Nick Holden	6	0	0	0	4
Brendan Smith	6	0	0	0	0
Kevin Hayes	6	0	0	0	-3
Tony DeAngelo	6	0	0	0	3


Goalies	GP	W-L	SV%	GAA	////
Henrik Lundqvist	5	4-1	.931	2.09	////
Ondrej Pavelec	1	0-1	.941	2.25	////
					////

[TBODY] [/TBODY]

The New York Rangers enter the second round with a lot of confidence, not only did they end a 7 game losing streak, but they did it against one of their more bitter rivals. Now, a matchup against the Hurricanes awaits. The Canes have finally made the playoffs for the first time in a long time. The Rangers went 0-3-1 against the young Hurricanes this season which could point to some troubles in paradise during round 2.

Playoff Lineup
LW | C | RW
Nash 83 | Zibanejad 85 | Zuccarello 84
Kreider 84 | Hayes 82 | Miller 84
Chytil 77 | Brassard 83 | Buchnevich 81
Vesey 80 | Desharnais 77 | Grabner 81
Fast 77 | Carey 77

McDonagh 88 | Smith 82
Skjei 85 | Shattenkirk 85
Holden 81 | DeAngelo 77
Kampfer 75

Lundqvist 90
Pavelec 79

2nd Round vs. CAR

Game Score NYR Goals Goalie Thoughts
1 1-0 CAR Lundqvist (.973 SV%) (1.02 GAA)
2 3-2 NYR (OT) Desharnais (2), DeAngelo (1), Brassard (2) Lundqvist (.939 SV%) (1.75 GAA)
3 3-2 CAR Zibanejad (1), Shattenkirk (1) Lundqvist (.935 SV%) (3.02 GAA) Offensive line changes
4 4-3 NYR Brassard (3), Nash (4), Zuccarello (2), Desharnais (3) Lundqvist (.900 SV%) (3.00 GAA) Brendan Smith injured, out for approx. 1 week
5 2-1 NYR Zibanejad (2), Chytil (3) Lundqvist (.960 SV%) (1.00 GAA)
6 3-2 NYR (OT) Vesey (3), Zibanejad (3), Zuccarello (3) Lundqvist (.929 SV%) (1.75 GAA) RANGERS ARE HEADING TO THE CONFERENCE FINALS!!!
7 N/A N/A N/A N/A
[TBODY] [/TBODY]

2nd Round Recap
In a hard fought series against a new playoff foe, the Rangers experience paid off as they disposed of the Hurricanes in 6 games. Although, the Canes put up a valiant effort, take 2 games to overtime (only to lose). The new lines after a disappointing Game 3 loss seemed to awaken the Rangers supposed 1st line center Mika Zibanejad as he scored in 2/3 games after the changes.

Player	GP	G	A	P	+/-
J.T Miller	12	2	6	8	1
Rick Nash	12	4	3	7	3
Mats Zuccarello	12	3	4	7	1
David Desharnais	12	3	4	7	4
Mika Zibanejad	12	3	4	7	2
Filip Chytil	12	3	2	5	-2
Derrick Brassard	12	3	2	5	-2
Jimmy Vesey	12	3	2	5	-2
Kevin Shattenkirk	12	1	4	5	-4
Michael Grabner	12	1	3	4	3
Chris Kreider	12	1	3	4	-3
Ryan McDonagh	12	0	4	4	3
Pavel Buchnevich	12	0	4	4	0
Brady Skjei	12	0	2	2	0
Tony DeAngelo	12	1	1	2	1
Kevin Hayes	10	0	1	1	-3
Brendan Smith	12	0	0	0	1
Nick Holden	12	0	0	0	2
Steven Kampfer	2	0	0	0	3

Goalies	GP	W-L	SV%	GAA	////
Henrik Lundqvist	5	8-3	.933	2.00	////
Ondrej Pavelec	1	0-1	.941	2.25	////
					////

[TBODY] [/TBODY]

The defending back-to-back cup champs. Eastern Conference Finals. This is the biggest challenge yet for this Rangers team, that hasn't really had a true contender yet in the playoffs. The Rangers, returning to the Conference Finals for the first time in 3 years and the 4th time in 7 years. The Pens, who lost all 4 games to the Rangers this season, are looking to three-peat and cement themselves as a true dynasty, no just modern day. Buckle up folks!

Playoff Lineup
LW | C | RW
Nash 83 | Zibanejad 85 | Zuccarello 84
Kreider 84 | Hayes 82 | Miller 84
Chytil 77 | Brassard 83 | Buchnevich 81
Vesey 80 | Desharnais 77 | Grabner 81
Fast 77 | Carey 77

McDonagh 88 | Smith 82
Skjei 85 | Shattenkirk 85
Holden 81 | DeAngelo 77
Kampfer 75

Lundqvist 90
Pavelec 79

3rd Round vs. PIT

Game Score NYR Goals Goalie Thoughts
1 3-0 PIT Lundqvist (.929 SV%) (2.01 GAA) Rangers not fooling around, change all lines
2 3-2 NYR (2OT) Buchnevich (1), Chytil (4), Vesey (4) Lundqvist (.941 SV%) (1.48 GAA)
3 2-1 PIT Brassard (4) Lundqvist (.926) (2.04 GAA)
4 8-5 PIT Hayes (1), Zibanejad (4), Chytil (5), Buchnevich (2,3) Lundqvist (.774 SV%) (7.04 GAA) Dumpster fire. Wholesale line changes.
5 4-3 PIT Hayes (2), Shattenkirk (2), Nash (5) Lundqvist (.879 SV%) (4.43 GAA) 4 goal third period by Pens, outs Rangers and ends Stanley Cup hopes.
6 N/A N/A N/A N/A
7 N/A N/A N/A N/A
[TBODY] [/TBODY]

The San Jose Sharks have won the 2018 Stanley Cup, defeating the Penguins in 7 games.

Martin Jones took home the Conn Smythe Trophy for the Sharks.

2018 NHL Entry Draft

Round	Pick	Player	OVR	Potential	Position	Player Type
2	59	Jyrki Kemppainen	53	Med Top 9F	C/LW	2 Way Forward
3	64	Vitali Khomutov	53	High Fringe Starter	G	Hybrid
3	90	Vesa Jasu	52	Med 7th D	D	Defensive Defenseman
4	95	Nikolai Tulupov	53	Med Bottom 6F	C/LW	Grinder
4	121	Spike Palmieri	53	Med 7th D	D	Offensive Defenseman
5	152	Sergej Kaminsky	53	Low Top 6D	D	2 Way Defender
6	183	Olivier Rodrigue	56	High AHL Starter	G	Hybrid

[TBODY] [/TBODY]

Re-sign Phase

After originally going into the resign phase with around 4 million to play with, the Rangers decided to buy out veteran Marc Staal, which allowed them to free up another 3.6 Million in cap space. With a new total of 7.6 million to fool around with, GM Brant King's job just got a lot easier.

Player	Status	Years/AAV	Stats(GP G-A-P)(+/-)	OVR/AGE Potential	Thoughts
Jimmy Vesey	RFA	2/$2.000M	82 12-14-26 (+3)	79/25 Med Top 9F	Good bridge deal.
Tony DeAngelo	RFA	3/$2.500M	82 5-12-17 (+4)	80/22 Med Top 4D	During this time, Tony could really come into his own as offensive force to be reckoned with
David Desharnais	UFA	1/$0.900M	82 3-16-19 (=7	78/31 N/A	Great 4th line C last season, if he does not retain that role, he will be great depth forward.
Brandon Crawley	Unsigned	3/$0.700M	N/A	58/21 Med 7th D	Long shot to make NHL. Big kid thought with good head and skating.
Ryan Graves	RFA	2/$0.975M	82 11-14-25 (-4) AHL	77/23 Med Top 6D	Could slide into 6D spot with Marc Staal's departure. If he does not prove capable of making team, could be trade asset.
Cristoval Nieves	RFA	3/$.0850M	82 17-49-66 (-3) AHL	75/24 Med Bottom 6F	Led AHL team in points last season, will compete for 4th line spot.
Matt Puempel	RFA	1/$0.850M	71 17-35-52 (-5) AHL	76/25 Med Top 6F	Probably his last shot at making NHL team on one year deal, chances are murky at best.
Calle Sjalin	Unsigned	3/$0.875M	N/A	62/18 Low Top 4D	Major steal for NYR in 4th round '16. Could develop into major contributor on back end.
Calle Andersson	RFA	3/$0.675M	82 3-15-18 (-11) AHL	71/24 Low 7th D	His last contract to make a contribution to NYR, and probably in the NHL.
Ty Ronning	Unsigned	3/$0.650M	N/A	60/20 Med Bottom 6F	Shot in the dark. Small, but works hard. Project pick that likely won't work out.
Patrik Virta	Unsigned	3/$0.650M	N/A	63/22 Med Bottom 6F	Likely his only NHL contract, won't come close to making NYR roster.

[TBODY] [/TBODY]

Notable walks: Michael Grabner, Nick Holden, Paul Carey, Ondrej Pavelec
RFA's: Kevin Hayes (Qualified)

Free Agency

The New York Rangers found themselves a few bargain bin deals in FA. With no big fish to fry, and the Rangers seemingly out of handing big contracts to players in July, they went after a future HOF'er and a backup goalie.

Jarome Iginla joins the Rangers after taking a season off to participate in the 2018 Winter Olympics for Canada. This will presumably be his last season in the NHL and what better place to have a curtain call than an Original 6 Franchise.

Jonathan Bernier is coming off the worst statistical season of his NHL career and is comign to the Rangers looking to resurrect his game. The Rangers think he's an improved option over Pavelec.

Next Post: 2018-2019 NHL Season

Gardner McKay · Oct 20, 2017

Flukeshot said:
I had my owner expectations of wins change on the final day of the season from 39 to 45... I got 40.

Ive had that happen. I also had the owner change expectations not once, not twice, not three times... but 13 times over the first month of the season.

BruinsFTW · Oct 21, 2017

Did they change the Franchise mode screen? I feel like it's different from release, tho I haven't played it since then so maybe I forgot.

But it's nice to see the standings, out of town scores, my team leaders etc on the home page.

Since they finally updated the rosters to Oct 12th I decided to start a Franchise mode finally. Just seems like it's updated a little, might just be me.

Zen Arcade · Oct 21, 2017

Trading is still baffling in this game. I can fleece Columbus out of Pierre-Luc Dubois without any problem, but god forbid I try to give Ottawa a player they need for an equivalent value draft pick that's on their trade block.

Three years into my franchise as a Seattle expansion team and I've amassed a lot of good young players. I had a player that projects to be a 4th liner and already has a decent rating at 23, but he's totally buried on my depth chart at wing. Ottawa is horrible, people joke about them just being Karlsson and a bunch of nobodies, but that's literally what they are in my game. The guy that's going to be 8th on my right wing depth chart is their fifth highest rated player.

In spite of all of that, they wouldn't even give a seventh round pick for him. Eventually I just got irritated and packaged him with a fifth for their sixth.

Flukeshot · Oct 22, 2017

Has anyone figured out the best way to scout the draft yet? Does it actually matter how many weeks your scout views a region or is it total weeks that matter?

IHaveNoCreativity · Oct 22, 2017

I've literally been waiting 2 months for the next update so I can buy the game and use custom rosters in expansion mode...

Nickmo82 · Oct 23, 2017

Flukeshot said:
I had my owner expectations of wins change on the final day of the season from 39 to 45... I got 40.

Just didn't want to give you that sweet (useless) $25000.

Nickmo82 · Oct 23, 2017

Flukeshot said:
Has anyone figured out the best way to scout the draft yet? Does it actually matter how many weeks your scout views a region or is it total weeks that matter?

I think it improves accuracy the more you scout players. I've had guys showing as "med Elite" at the start of season, so I put them on the watch list but after a few scouting trips to see them, they were downgraded to "med Top 6" or the like.

Bret Engel · Oct 23, 2017

m88k said:
Anyone else having issues with prospects not developing?
took 32 expansion (**** that you have to use default rosters BTW) But I approached the draft like Vegas should have. Really good team
Brodin, Martinez, Grubauer, Myers, Vantanen. Etc. Just so happen to get 3rd in the draft, Take Miro Heiskanen.
3 season's later he's gone up maybe 2 oa.
He was signed immediately and played top pairing in the AHL.
the very next draft year, don't remember who i took but my scouts said Elite [exact] and he turned out to be a 55oa, signed him because EA, and he's still 55oa.

And WTF is with the "pro scout" updating the trade block and putting on all my good players.
Also why does the computer keep offering the same **** deals
Every team in the world thinks I'm going to trade an 87oa Alec Martinez for a 1st round pick, in a game where 1st round picks can't even progress to be more than 4th line players.

By the end of the 4th year. I said **** drafting because it makes no sense that they don't progress in any real manner.
Miro Heiskanen is 78oa, 3rd pairing Defenseman
My 10oa "elite" [exact] forward is 56oa
and none of my other draft picks have progressed in any meaningful manner (signed or otherwise)

Also why is the scout so amazingly wrong all the time?
Scouted the player drafted 10oa something like 25-30x and he still is completely and total **** (55oa). while the "**** player" (according to my scout) the CPU took at 11 was 75. a player that's potential was top 6 medium.

It's nice the scouts can be wrong, but i scouted the damn player enough times to be able to write a novel about his life, He shouldn't be a 7th round pick rated player after all that work, at least not without the ability to fire the scout

My prospects are mostly turning out, My first pick really hasn't progressed passed 4th line C, but the others have been good, same year I had a 5th round Low Elite and he is at 85ovr, My best prospect is Raymond Moran 2019 1st overall, MED Franchise and started off at 81. for scouting I just look at the draftclass, sort by potential and then scout in the top players leagues only, heavily.

RandyBobandi · Oct 23, 2017

Flukeshot said:
I have had back to back weird draft classes for 2019 and 2020.

2019 there wasn't a Canadian until the 6th round or so. The 1st round was almost entirely American.

2020 the 1st round is almost all from the WHL including all top 10 ranked.

Makes it pretty easy to scout at least.

EXACT same thing happened to me lol. 2019 draft 28 Americans in the first round with a couple Europeans. 2020 zero Americans in the first round and mostly WHL guys. But at least the new random draft players are 17 years old and not all 19 year olds like they have been in past games so that’s an improvement

M88K · Oct 24, 2017

I got drafting figured out. Don't manually do it, turn off notifications and the scouts ratings are accurate or well accurate enough to at least get some decent prospects.
Finally adding custom rosters to Expansion mode was nice too.
I've actually found trading has gotten weird now.
The CPU wants to underpay me for my assets, but it expects me to way overpay them Didn't notice it before the last update, trading used to be even value-ish and predicated on the trade block/needs/surplus.

Now it's just throw shit at the wall and see if it sticks.
But that's ok with scouting working no longer have to make a million trades anyway so win/win.

Perhaps biggest example I can think of to move up from 3 to 1 in the NHL draft immediately following expansion. #3, 1st 18, 1st 19, 1 20 doesn't get #1.
Joonas Korpisalo and #3 gets you #1. Then 1st '18, 1st '19 get Joonas Back.
Essentially #3, 1 '18, 1 in '19 gets you #1, but if you offer that same package for #1 outright. You get shot down

Not sure what happened after the latest update

IHaveNoCreativity · Oct 24, 2017

m88k said:
I got drafting figured out. Don't manually do it, turn off notifications and the scouts ratings are accurate or well accurate enough to at least get some decent prospects.
Finally adding custom rosters to Expansion mode was nice too.
I've actually found trading has gotten weird now.
The CPU wants to underpay me for my assets, but it expects me to way overpay them Didn't notice it before the last update, trading used to be even value-ish and predicated on the trade block/needs/surplus.

Now it's just throw **** at the wall and see if it sticks.
But that's ok with scouting working no longer have to make a million trades anyway so win/win.

Perhaps biggest example I can think of to move up from 3 to 1 in the NHL draft immediately following expansion. #3, 1st 18, 1st 19, 1 20 doesn't get #1.
Joonas Korpisalo and #3 gets you #1. Then 1st '18, 1st '19 get Joonas Back.
Essentially #3, 1 '18, 1 in '19 gets you #1, but if you offer that same package for #1 outright. You get shot down

Not sure what happened after the latest update

You can use custom rosters for expansion mode now ? Like the 32 team one ?

Flukeshot · Oct 24, 2017

I dislike that Junior aged players can be signed and go to the AHL. I thought they used to have a send to Juniors function.

kinger8998 · Oct 25, 2017

lost a full season report. in recap, there was a very hot start, a really rough patch. the rangers claimed hunter shinkaruk, trade mcdonagh and graves to the stars for heiskanen and gurianov and traded a second round pick to buffalo for pominville. also signed buchnevich to a 2 year contract 4.750AAV

ToppsSmith · Oct 26, 2017

I think the game just puts CHL players back to junior yet let’s the European players in instead of doing a age check.

kinger8998 · Oct 26, 2017

New York Rangers Expansion Mode

2019 NHL Playoffs and 2019 Offseason

2019 NHL Playoffs

For the 3rd time in 5 years the Rangers face the Canadiens' in the playoffs. After falling off a cliff near the end of the season, the Rangers cross over to the Atlantic Division bracket. Henrik Lundqvist could be the Rangers only hope in these playoffs as the Rangers offense was clutch and grab this season, and they can ill afford to be inconsistent in a 7 game series; and the defense looks much weakened after the McDonagh trade.

Playoff Lineup
LW | C | RW
Miller 85 | Zibanejad 85 | Buchnevich 84
Kreider 84 | Brassard 83 | Pominville 82
Nash 83 | Chytil 81 | Zuccarello 84
Vesey 81 | Desharnais 78 | Fast 77
Puempel 78 | Goodrow 76

Skjei 86 | DeAngelo 82
Schmaltz 79 | Shattenkirk 86
Smith 82 | Gryba 77
Kampfer 75

Lundqvist 89
Bernier 80

Game	Score	NYR Goals	Goalie	Thoughts
1	1-0 MTL (OT)		Lundqvist (.967 SV% (0.93 GAA)
2	4-2 NYR	Vesey (1), Miller (1), Buchnevich (1), Skjei (1)	Lundqvist (.944 SV%) (2.00 GAA)
3	4-2 NYR	Buchnevich (2), Miller (2), Shattenkirk (1), Chytil (1)	Lundqvist (.929 SV%) (2.00 GAA)	Schmaltz injured, Kampfer in
4	3-2 MTL (OT)	Miller (3), Shattenkirk (2)	Lundqvist (.925 SV%) (2.15 GAA)
5	5-2 MTL	Miller (4), Zuccarello (1)	Lundqvist (.875 SV%) (4.02 GAA)	All lines changed, Rangers on brink.
6	2-0 MTL		Lundqvist (.931 SV%) (2.04 GAA)	Rangers are out.
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

[TBODY] [/TBODY]

Playoff Recap
The New York Rangers fell in the first round of the 2019 NHL Playoffs to the Canadiens. With Henrik Lundqvist now being 37, and retirement on his mind soon, if not now, they should really take advantage if they get another kick at the can with Hank in net next season. Key pieces to that run would be J.T Miller and Mika Zibanejad who tied for the Rangers lead in playoff points, with 4 goals (1 assist) and 5 assists respectively.

BREAKING NEWS: Penguins win 3rd Stanley Cup in 4 years, 4th in Cap Era.

Evgeni Malkin took home the Conn Smythe for the Pens.

BREAKING NEWS: Zdeno Chara announces retirement.

Other Notable Retirements: Scott Hartnell, Dominic Moore, Michal Rosival, Dan Hamhuis.

2019 NHL Entry Draft

BREAKING NEWS: Rangers part ways with Kreider, acquire Virtanen, Goldobin.
Draft Day
After another season of inconsistency from Chris Kreider, the Rangers have had enough. The Rangers got quite the haul for the often times dominant power forward, as two former first round picks came the other way. Nikolay Goldobin was the Sharks 1st round pick in 2014, and comes to the Rangers looking to find his footing. Jake Virtanen, the 6th overall pick in 2014, has seen his value fall steeply after failing to complete an NHL season and is looking to prove himself under the bright lights of New York.

Player OVR Age Potential Position Player Type Stats (GP, G-A-P) (+/-) (PIM's)
Nikolay Goldobin 80 23 Med Top

6F
LW/RW Sniper 82, 10-19-29 (-5) (12)
Jake Virtanen 78 22 Low Top

6F
RW Power Forward 82, 24-39-63 (+5) (34) {AHL}
[TBODY] [/TBODY]

[TBODY] [TR][TD]Player[/TD][TD]Round[/TD][TD]Pick[/TD][TD]OVR [/TD][TD]Age[/TD][TD]Potential[/TD][TD]Position[/TD][TD]Player Type[/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD]Tomas Olausson[/TD][TD]1[/TD][TD]20[/TD][TD]56[/TD][TD]18[/TD][TD]Med Top 4D[/TD][TD]D[/TD][TD]2 Way D[/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD]Pavel Afinogenov[/TD][TD]4[/TD][TD]113[/TD][TD]54[/TD][TD]18[/TD][TD]Med Bttm 6F[/TD][TD]RW/C[/TD][TD]Sniper[/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD]Will Bulbrook[/TD][TD]5[/TD][TD]144[/TD][TD]53[/TD][TD]18[/TD][TD]Low Top 6F[/TD][TD]C[/TD][TD]2 Way F[/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD]Noah Clarkson[/TD][TD]6[/TD][TD]175[/TD][TD]55[/TD][TD]19[/TD][TD]Low Top 6D[/TD][TD]D[/TD][TD]Defensive D[/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD]Topi Vahalahti[/TD][TD]7[/TD][TD]206[/TD][TD]54[/TD][TD]18[/TD][TD]Low Top 9F[/TD][TD]RW[/TD][TD]Power Forward[/TD][/TR] [/TBODY]
Resign Phase

Player	OVR	Age	Potential	Position	Years	AAV	Stats (GP, G-A-P) (+/-) (PIM)	Thoughts
David Desharnais (UFA)	78	32	N/A	C	1	$0.900M	82 7-16-23 (-1) (8)	Rangers resign their reliable 4th line pivot.
Eric Gryba (UFA)	77	31	N/A	D	3	$0.850M	82 0-3-3 (-2)(39)	Should fight for 6th D job, likely gonna be 7th D.
Hunter Shinkaruk (RFA)	76	24	Med Top 9F	LW	1	$0.900M	71 21-27-48 (+6)(10)	Could make a run at roster spot next season, although unclear path.
Steven Kampfer (UFA)	75	30	N/A	D	1	$0.900M	25 0-1-1 (-7)(16)	Will presumably be #1 D in minors or 8th D.

[TBODY] [/TBODY]

Not Resigned: Jason Pomminville, Jarome Iginla, Matt Puempel (RFA), Barclay Goodrow (RFA)

Free Agency

BREAKING NEWS: Rangers part with Fast, free up cap space.
July 1st, 2019
With the Rangers suddenly having a logjam up front and needing cap space, the reliable Fast was dealt largely in part of is expensive contract for a depth forward. There is probably an ensuing move coming on the other end of this. The Rangers receive New Jersey's 4th round pick in 2020.

BREAKING NEWS: Rangers sign veteran defenseman Coburn to 1 year deal.
July 1st, 2019
With the Rangers needing a rugged stay at home d-man they went searching in free agency and found one. Braydon Coburn will likely find a home on the Rangers 3rd pair with Schmaltz.

Player OVR Age Potential Position Player Type Years/AAV Stats
Braydon Coburn 81 34 N/A D Defensive D 1/$3.600M 70, 3-2-5 (+20)

(40 PIM)
[TBODY] [/TBODY]

BREAKING NEWS: Rangers sign D Rapahel Diaz, returns for 3rd stint with team.
July 5th, 2019
With the Rangers looking to stay with the speed of the game, this is presumably just a different look from Eric Gryba as the 7th D. This should be a prominent preseason battle.

BREAKING NEWS: Puempel accepts Red Wings Offer Sheet, Rangers don't match.
August 15th, 2019
With all the forwards the Rangers have, there just wasn't a spot for Puempel.

BREAKING NEWS: Goodrow accepts Rangers QO.
August 17th, 2019
With a logjam still upfront, Goodrow must've seen Puempel leaving as being one step closer to a spot. Still unlikely but probably why he accepted QO.

Next Post: 2019-2020 NHL Season

BruinsFTW · Oct 27, 2017

Have they updated rosters after the Oct 18th one with updating like Patrick, Hischier etc?

Tho that one was solid and I'm happy so I can start Franchise finally.

IHaveNoCreativity · Oct 27, 2017

Can we use custom rosters in expansion yet ?

regulahbread · Oct 28, 2017

Started a 31 team expansion league with my beloved New Jersey Devils

Year 1

Protected Players
C Adam Henrique
C Travis Zajac
LW Taylor Hall
RW Kyle Palmieri
D Damon Severson
D John Moore
D Andy Greene
D Mirco Mueller
G Cory Schneider
Lost LW Mike Cammalleri to Vegas

2017 NHL Entry Draft
Round 1 (1) - C Nico Hischier, Halifax Mooseheads, QMJHL, 78 OVR, MED Elite
Round 2 from Boston (49) - C Jesper Boqvist, Brynäs IF, SHL, 54 OVR, MED Top 9
Round 3 from Colorado (63) - RW Ivan Lodnia, Erie Otters, OHL, 57 OVR, MED Bottom 6
Round 3 (67) - C Nathan Schnarr, Guelph Storm, OHL, 56 OVR, MED Top 9
Round 4 (98) - LW Sergei Varlamov, Russia, 55 OVR, MED Bottom 6
Round 4 from Nashville (123) - TRADED
Round 5 from San Jose (143) - TRADED
Round 5 from Montreal (149) - D Marcus Ersson, Brynäs IF, SHL, 59 OVR, MED 7th D
Round 6 (160) - TRADED
Round 6 from Nashville (185) - TRADED
Round 7 (191) - LW Andreas Wingerli, Skelleftea, SHL, 60 OVR, MED Bottom 6
Round 7 from Buffalo (192) - RW Doug Gallant, United States, 54 OVR, MED AHL Top 6
TRADE - 2017 4th round pick (123) and 2017 5th round pick (143) to Montreal for D Victor Mete and a 2017 5th round pick (149)
TRADE - 2 2017 6th round picks (160 & 185) and D Ben Lovejoy to Buffalo for C Eric Cornel and a 2017 7th round pick (192)

Re-Sign Phase
Signed C Nico Hischier to a 3 year ELC/$925K per
Released C Jacob Josefson
Released C Kevin Rooney
Re-signed C Blake Coleman, 2 years/$650K per
Released LW Harri Pesonen
Released LW Petr Straka
Released RW Beau Bennett
Re-signed RW Joseph Blandisi, 1 year/$825K
Released RW Mattias Tedenby
Re-signed RW Stefan Noesen, 1 year/$650K
Released RW Shane Harper
Released RW Blake Pietila
Re-signed D Damon Severson, 6 years/$4.5M per
Re-signed D Mirco Mueller, 3 years/$2.2M per
Released D Seth Helgeson
Released D Yohann Auvitu
Released D Karl Stollery
Released D Andrew MacWilliam
Released D Vojtech Mozik
Released D Alexander Urbom
Re-signed G Keith Kinkaid, 1 year/$1.25M
Released G Scott Wedgewood
Signed G Evan Cormier to a 3 year ELC, $725K per

Free Agency
TRADE - RW Devante Smith-Pelly to Chicago for LW Tyler Motte
TRADE - D Jon Merrill to Los Angeles for LW Adrian Kempe
Signed C Brian Boyle, 2 years/$2.625M per
Signed D Michael Del Zotto, 2 years, $3.725M per
Signed C Aleksi Saarela, 3 years, $925K per
Signed LW Brock McGinn, 2 years, $1.050M per
Signed D Marcus Petterson, 2 years, $650K per

Lines
Taylor Hall 87 OVR - Adam Henrique "A" 83 OVR - Kyle Palmieri 83 OVR
Pavel Zacha 78 OVR - Travis Zajac "A" 81 OVR - Joseph Blandisi 74 OVR
Adrian Kempe 77 OVR - Nico Hischier 78 OVR - Stefan Noesen 72 OVR
Brock McGinn 75 OVR - Brian Boyle 80 OVR - Nick Lappin 71 OVR

John Moore 82 OVR - Damon Severson 84 OVR
Michael Del Zotto 80 OVR - Steven Santini 76 OVR
Mirco Mueller 78 OVR - Andy Greene "C" 78 OVR

Cory Schneider 89 OVR
Keith Kinkaid 79 OVR

Trade Deadline
31-30-1, 63 points, 5th in Metropolitan Division
Re-signed LW Adrian Kempe, 3 years/$1.25M per
TRADE - D John Moore to Toronto for RW Kasperi Kapanen, a 2018 3rd round pick and a 2018 6th round pick
TRADE - D Andy Greene (50 % retained) and D Josh Jacobs to St. Louis for LW Dmitrij Jaskin
TRADE - C Travis Zajac to Nashville for RW Calle Jarnkrok

Post Deadline Lines
Taylor Hall "A" 87 OVR - Adam Henrique "C" 83 OVR - Kyle Palmieri "A" 83 OVR
Pavel Zacha 79 OVR - Nico Hischier 78 OVR - Calle Jarnkrok 79 OVR
Adrian Kempe 78 OVR - Brian Boyle 80 OVR - Dmitrij Jaskin 77 OVR
Tyler Motte 75 OVR - Joseph Blandisi 74 OVR - Miles Wood 75 OVR

Mirco Mueller 80 OVR - Damon Severson 84 OVR
Michael Del Zotto 80 OVR - Dalton Prout 78 OVR
Michael Kapla 74 OVR - Steven Santini 76 OVR

Cory Schneider 89 OVR
Keith Kinkaid 79 OVR

End of Season
41-40-1, 83 points, 7th in Metropolitan Division
Goals - Taylor Hall, 33
Assists - Adam Henrique, 47
Points - Taylor Hall, 75
Plus/Minus - Taylor Hall, + 20
Wins- Cory Schneider, 33
Save Percentage- Cory Schneider, .923
GAA - Cory Schneider, 2.44
Awards
Stefan Noesen - Willie Marshall Award, Most AHL Goals

We have the 7th overall pick in the 2018 draft.

NHL 18 Franchise Mode :Expansion Edition

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lgd.

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