Speculation: Offseason Thread XVII: Trade a spade for a jade

[BBKers]

PLAYERS UNDER CONTRACT WITH NEW YORK RANGERS ORGANISATION 2016-2017 (46 - 47 depending on if Gropps contract slides)
NEW YORK RANGERS SQUAD(25)
[table="head;width=4200]Nr|Pos |Player| Caphit |Contract Status|Team 2015 |Drafted/Acquired |Age 2016
1| F | Brandon Pirri |$1,100,000 |RFA 2017 |Anaheim Ducks/NHL |R2 #59 Chicago Blackhawks (2009) - signed w/NYR as UFA |25
2| F | Jesper Fast(h) |$950.000 |RFA 2017 |New York Rangers/NHL |R6 #157 NYR (2010) |25
3| D | Dylan McIlrath |$800,000 |RFA 2017 |New York Rangers/NHL |R1 #10 NYR (2010) |24
4| F | Oscar Lindberg^ |$650,000 |RFA 2017 |New York Rangers/NHL |R2 #57 PHX (2010) - acquired unsigned through trade|25
5| F | Josh Jooris |$600,000 |RFA 2017 |Calgary Flames/NHL |Undrafted - signed w/NYR as UFA |26
6| F | Tanner Glass |$1,450,000 |UFA 2017 |New York Rangers/NHL |R7 #265 Florida Panthers (2003) - signed w/NYR as UFA |32
7| F | Nathan Gerbe |$600,000 |UFA 2017 |Carolina Hurricanes/NHL|Undrafted - signed w/NYR as UFA |26
8| F | J.T. Miller |$2.750.000 |RFA 2018 |New York Rangers/NHL |R1 #15 NYR (2011) |23
9| F | Kevin Hayes |$2,600,000 |RFA 2018 |New York Rangers/NHL |R1 #24 Chicago (2010)- signed w/NYR as UFA |24
10| F | Mika Zibanejad |$2,625,000 |RFA 2018 |Ottawa Senators/NHL |R1 #6 Ottawa Senators (2011) - acquired through trade |23
11| D | Brady Skjei (ELC) |$925,000* |RFA 2018 |Hartford Wolfpack/AHL |R1 #28 NYR (2012) |22
12| F | Jimmy Vesey (ELC) |$925,000* |RFA 2018 |Harvard/NCAA |R3 #66 Nashville (2012)- signed w/NYR as UFA |23
13| D | Kevin Kline |$2,900,000 |UFA 2018 |New York Rangers/NHL |R2 #37 Nashville Predators (2003) - acquired through trade|32
14| D | Nick Holden |$1,650,000 |UFA 2018 |Colorado Avalanche/NHL |Undrafted - acquired through trade |29
15| F | Michael Grabner |$1,600,000 |UFA 2018 |New York Islanders/NHL |R1 #14 Vancover Canucks (2006) - signed w/NYR as UFA |29
16| G | Anti Raanta |$1,000,000 |UFA 2018 |New York Rangers/NHL |Undrafted - acquired through trade |27
17| F | Pavel Buchnevich (ELC)|$925,000* |RFA 2019 |St. Petersburg SKA/KHL |R3 #75 NYR (2013) |21
18| F | Rick Nash (NMC) |$7,800,000 |UFA 2019 |New York Rangers/NHL |R1 #1 overall Columbus Blue Jackets (2002) - acquired through trade|32
19| D | Ryan McDonagh |$4,700,000 |UFA 2019 |New York Rangers/NHL |R1 #12 Montreal (2007) - acquired unsigned through trade|27
20| F | Mats Zuccarello (NTC) |$4,500,000 |UFA 2019 |New York Rangers/NHL |Undrafted (started w NYR) |29
21| D | Dan Girardi (NMC => NTC)|$5,500,000 |UFA 2020 |New York Rangers/NHL |Undrafted (started w NYR) |32
22| F | Chris Kreider |$4,625,000 |UFA 2020 |New York Rangers/NHL |R1 #19 NYR (2009) |25
23| G | Henrik Lundqvist (NMC)|$8,500,000 |UFA 2021 |New York Rangers/NHL |R7 #208 NYR (2000) |34
24| F | Derek Stepan (NMC => NTC)|$6,500,000 |UFA 2021 |New York Rangers/NHL |R2 #51 NYR (2008) |26
25| D | Marc Staal (NMC => NTC)|$5,750,000 |UFA 2021 |New York Rangers/NHL |R1 #12 NYR (2005) |29[/table]

TOTALS
SALARY CAP: $73,000,000
CAP PAYROLL: $71,925,000
LTIR: $650,000 (injured players salary - Lindberg - can be deducted once season starts)
CAP SPACE (25-man roster - 16 FWDs, 7 D, 2 G): $1,075,000
^ - injured, operated on in offseason and placed on LTIR until November/December

AVERAGE AGE ~ 26.7 years

CONTRACTED BUT ASSIGNED TO AHL/ECHL/ELSEWHERE (21-22 depending on Ryan Gropps status)
[table="head;width=4200]Nr |Pos |Player| Caphit |Contract Status |Team 2015 |Drafted |Age 2016
26|D |Chris Summers |$600.000 |UFA 2017 |Hartford Wolfpack/AHL |R1 #29 Phoenix Coyotes (2006) |28
27|D |Matt Bodie |$600.000 |UFA 2017 |Hartford Wolfpack/AHL |Undrafted (started w NYR) |26
28|D |Tommy Hughes |$600,000 |RFA 2017 |Hartford Wolfpack/AHL |Undrafted (started w NYR) |24
29|F |Adam Chapie (ELC) |$800.000* |RFA 2017 |UMass/NCAA |Undrafted (started w NYR) |25
30|D |Troy Donnay (ELC) |$716,667* |RFA 2017 |Greenville Road Warriors/ECHL |Undrafted (started w NYR) |22
31|G |MacKenzie Skapski (ELC)|$661,667* |RFA 2017 |Greenville Road Warriors/ECHL |R6 #170 NYR (2013) |22
32|D |Calle Andersson (ELC) |$661,667* |RFA 2017 |Hartford Wolfpack/AHL |R4 #119 NYR (2012) |22
33|G |Magnus Hellberg |$625,000 |RFA 2017 |Hartford Wolfpack/AHL |R2 #38 Nashville (2011) |25
34|F |Marek Hrivik |$600,00 |RFA 2017 |Hartford Wolfpack/AHL |Undrafted (started w NYR) |25
35|F |Niklas Jensen |$600,000 |RFA 2017 |Hartford Wolfpack/AHL |R1 #29 Vancouver (2011) |23
36|D |Adam Clendening |$600.000 |RFA 2017 |Edmonton Oilers/NHL |R2 #36 Chicago Blackhawks (2011) |24
37|D |Michael Paliotta |$600.000 |RFA 2017 |Lake Eerie Monsters/AHL |R3 #61 Chicago Blackhawks (2011) |23
38|F |Chris Brown |$575,000 |RFA 2017 |Hartford Wolfpack/AHL |R2 #36 Arizona (2009) |25
39|F |Adam Tambellini (ELC) |$803.333* |RFA 2018 |Hartford Wolfpack/AHL |R3 #65 NYR (2013) |22
40|F |Cristoval Nieves(ELC) |$755.000* |RFA 2018 |Michigan Wolverines/NCAA |R2 #59 NYR (2012) |22
41|F |Steven Fogarty (ELC) |$750.000* |RFA 2018 |Notre Dame Fighting Irish/NCAA |R3 #72 NYR (2011) |23
42|F |Malte Strömwall (ELC) |$742.500* |RFA 2018 |AIK/Allsvenskan |R7 #7198 Calgary(started w NYR) |23
43|D |John Gilmour(ELC) |$633.333* |RFA 2018 |Providence/NCAA |R2 #59 NYR (2012) |22
44|D |Ryan Graves (ELC) |$633.333* |RFA 2018 |Hartford Wolfpack/AHL |R4 #110 NYR (2013) |21
45|F |Ryan Gropp (ELC-S?)¤ |$839.166* |RFA 2019 |Seattle/WHL |R2 #41 NYR (2015) |20
46|LW |Robin Kovacs (ELC) |$803.333* |RFA 2019 |AIK/Allsvenskan |R3 #62 NYR (2015) |20
47|G |Brandon Halvorsen (ELC)|$803.333* |RFA 2019 |Sault Ste. Marie/OHL |R2 #59 NYR (2014) |20
(48)|D |Sergey Zborovskiy (ELC-S?)¤|$734,166 |RFA 2019 |Regina Pats/WHL |R3 #79 NYR (2015) |19
(49)|LW/D|Ahti Oksanen @ |$??? |AHL deal |Boston University/NCAA |Undrafted |23
(50)|RW |Michael Joly @ |$?? |AHL deal |Cape Breton/QMJHL |Undrafted |21
(51)|C |Philip McRae @ |$?? |AHL deal |Bakersfield Condors/AHL |R2 #33 St Louis Blues (2008) |26[/table]

* - has additional bonus money in contract
ELC - denotes player on Entry Level Contract
NTC - denotes No Trade Clause in Contract
NMC - denotes No Movement Clause in Contract
¤ - contract can slide if he remains in juniors (Gropp & Zborovskiy)
@ - signed to an AHL deal with Hartford Wolfpack

PLAYERS STILL UNSIGNED BUT WITH RIGHTS RETAINED BY NYR (11)
[table="head;width=3800]Nr|Position |Player| Team| Height |Weight| Nationality |Shoots|DOB|Drafted
1|G |Igor Shesterkin |St. Petersburg SKA (KHL) |6' 1"| 187 | Russia |L|December 30, 1995 |R4 #118 NYR (2014)
2|D |Tyler Nanne ¤ |Ohio State/NCAA (did not play) |5' 10"|175 | USA |R|March 17, 1996 |R5 #142 NYR (2014)
3|C |Brad Morrison |Prince George/WHL |6' 0"| 160 | Canada |L|January 4, 1997 |R4 #113 NYR (2015)
4|RW |Daniel Bernhardt |London Knights/OHL |6' 3"| 191 | Sweden |L|April 11, 1996 |R4 #119 NYR (2015)
5|G |Adam Huska |Green Bay Gamblers/USHL |6' 3" |191 | Slovakia |L|May 12, 1997 |R7 #184 NYR (2015)
6|D |Sean Day |Mississauga Steelheads/OHL |6' 2" |229 | Belgium/Canada|L|January 9, 1998 |R3 #81 NYR (2016)
7|D |Tarmo Reunanen |TPS U20 (Finland) |6' 0" |180 | Finland |L|March 1, 1998 |R4 #98 NYR (2016)
8|LW/RW |Timothy Gettinger |Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds/OHL|6' 5" |201 | USA |R|April 14, 1998 |R5 #141 NYR (2016)
9|c |Gabriel Fontaine |Rouyn-Noranda Huskies/QMJHL |6' 1" |187 | Canada |L|April 30, 1997 |R6 #171 NYR (2016)
10|G |Tyler Wall |Leamington Flyers/GOJHL |6' 2" |190 | Canada |R|January 14, 1998 |R6 #174 NYR (2016)
11|C |Ty Ronning |Vancouver Giants/WHL |5' 9" |165 | Canada |R|October 20, 1997 |R7 #201 NYR (2016)
(12)|F |Klingberg, Carl |Free agent - rights retained |6' 3" |205 | Sweden |R|January 28, 1991 |R2 #34 Atlanta (2009)[/table]

¤ - injured

2017 DRAFT PICKS (6)

• 1st round NYR
• 3rd round NYR
• 4th round Florida
• 5th round NYR
• 6th round VAN
• 7th round NYR

• We lost our 2nd round pick to Carolina in the trade for Eric Staal
• We lost our 4th round pick to Colorado in the trade for Nick Holden
• We gained a 4th round pick from Arizona for Keith Yandle - condition was met when he signed a 7 year deal there
• We lost our 6th round pick to Nashville in the trade for Magnus Hellberg
• We gained a 6th round pick from Vancouver when we traded Emerson Etem

2018 DRAFT PICKS (7)

• 1st round NYR
• 2nd round Ottawa
• 2nd round NYR
• 3rd round NYR
• 4th round NYR
• 5th round NYR
• 6th round NYR

• We gained a 2nd round pick from Ottawa when we traded Derrick Brassard
• We then also lost our 7th round pick to Ottawa in the trade for Mika Zibanejad

Click to read more...

 

[BBKers]

Jeff Gorton speaking:

June 25 - http://nypost.com/2016/06/25/rangers-slow-approach-to-rebuild-cant-last-forever/

“I think we have things to do to get us where we want to go,” Gorton said Saturday. “We’re in a spot where we’re trying to get better, trying to make deals to get better. We’ve been in a lot of [trade] conversations. We’re listening to everything and we’ll see where it goes. We tried to do some things, and I’d say we came close to doing something to get into the first round, but it didn’t work out and we weren’t going to be forced into doing something just to do it.”

“I don’t think it helps me to tell [everyone] who we’re targeting,” Gorton said.

July 18 - https://www.sny.tv/rangers/news/what-jeff-gorton-said-about-the-derick-brassard-trade-dan-girardi-and-more/190304514

"I think that as you go through the season and go back 4-5 years we have had some success in the playoffs and all the sudden, even with a 100pt season, we lose in the first round. You assess your team everyday. One thing we talked about was getting younger and faster and not giving up too much and that is something we thought about that we would do. There is a lot of perception that you need to overhaul and do all these things but I am not sure how realistic that is, we look at each deal differently and see where it takes us. I would say that I am not sitting here and mandated to change 10 things, this is an opportunity to get better and that is why we took it."

"We will look at everything now but even if I had a move I promise I wouldn't tell you."

"Trying to do something to improve your team and finding a trade partner isn't always that easy. I would say that it was somewhat difficult to find deals that made us better, and that is why you see a lot of the guys back right now, but we will continue to look at things that make us better all the time."

August 19 - http://rangers.lohudblogs.com/2016/08/19/transcripts-rangers-gm-jeff-gorton-jimmy-vesey/#sthash.v0zx61fF.dpbs

“I don’t think I’d use the word ‘satisfied.’ I don’t think you’d find too many general managers who are ever too satisfied. Maybe Jimmy Rutherford. We’re happy, obviously, today, to get somebody like this. But there’s a lot of work to do and as we close in on camp I don’t know what’s next, any kind of moves or anything like that. But we’re happy. We think we have a lot of good players. We think we have some good youth and this really helps that. Satisfied? No. I don’t think anybody in our organization is satisfied. But very happy today to get Jimmy.”

25 man roster. Lindberg on LTIR. 15 fwds at camp (including Glass, Buch, Vesey and Pirri). Plus Hrivik, Jensen and Lapierre. Need help on D. No trades incoming? Hahaha

I wish they could pull off something like this now (know btw that it is not happening like this from Berns World but still... this is an open forum with a speculation thread so...):

TRADES

• JT Miller, D McIllraith, a goalie prospect not from Russia for J Trouba and 2018 7th (=> Winnipeg)
• K Klein for J Honka, low pick (=> Dallas)
• M Staal, T Donnay + something small for E Kane, Derek Grant (minor league guy) (=> Buffalo)
• J Fast for Ville Pokka (=> Chicago)

LINEUP
E Kane - Step - Nash
Pirri - Zib - Zucc
Kreider - Hayes - Vesey
Grabner - Jooris (Lindberg) - Buch

Hrivik/Gerbe/Jensen/Lapierre

McD - Trouba
Skjei - Girardi
Holden - Honka/Pokka

Clendening

Hank
Raanta

COMMENTS
One of Pokka/Honka starts in the AHL
Be patient and wait for the right deal for Nash. Buch likely takes his spot if/when ready.
Buyout Girardi next offseason if his demise continues and he cannot be dealt/get claimed
Rebuild/retool is done

No - I have not heard this at all btw.
But Jeff Gorton says he wants to stay busy and explore all options and that he is not done yet...
This would be busy

 

[Vitto79]

Read the Sabres may move bogisian . He's a righty but more of a physical guy

Trouba makes sense but I really don't want to move Zuc

 

[Raspewtin]

Bogosian sucks ass.

Can not half ass any trade for a RHD. Has to be at the very least a top 4 minute eater.

 

[Ghost of jas]

Bogosian sucks ass.

Can not half ass any trade for a RHD. Has to be at the very least a top 4 minute eater.

What if Staal was going the other way?

 

[Raspewtin]

What if Staal was going the other way?

I would take him and then trade him again in that case.

 

[Bleed Ranger Blue]

I just have to address a musing from th closed thread that Buchnevich will never go down to the AHL because he said he won't. Reality check. The Rangers now have a much bigger say in that than he does.

 

[Irishguy42]

Clark/Drury/the whole Rangers FO wouldn't bring Buch over if they didn't think he was ready for the NHL.

He's on the roster opening night.

 

[darko]

Read the Sabres may move bogisian . He's a righty but more of a physical guy

Trouba makes sense but I really don't want to move Zuc

I'd trade Zucca for Trouba but Jets wouldn't go for it.

 

[Mac n Gs]

I just have to address a musing from th closed thread that Buchnevich will never go down to the AHL because he said he won't. Reality check. The Rangers now have a much bigger say in that than he does.

I think that poster was referring to the opt-out clause in Buchnevich's contract that was reported after he signed his ELC. I don't think he'd instantly go back to Russia if he had to spend a few weeks in the AHL.

 

[offdacrossbar]

buchnevich won't need to go to hartford. hell be fine. sure, if push came to shove he would go I'm sure, but for what reason ?

as far as skill goes, he's one of the most talented forwards right now. as far as his ability to adapt to smaller ice surface, again, going to hartford to teach him that ? makes no sense. let him learn here. going to hartford serves no purpose what so ever. these young russian kids want no part of the ahl.

even with the add of vesey to the top 9, buchnevich will dress on opening night. the only way that won't happen would be we keep all the forwards we have now- doubtful and pavel looks absolutely lost in camp.

after the season kevin hayes had last year and that other guy making 8 million, its not like we dont need an infusion of skill to this roster.

 

[RangerBoy]

What if Staal was going the other way?

I was looking at Staal for Bogosian a few nights ago. Bogosian has a cheaper contract to buyout. Tim Murray has the Rangers connection to Staal. Bylsma coached Jordan Staal.

 

[offdacrossbar]

appears to me that gorton is modeling this team after what pitts did last season

at one time, phil kessel was on their 3rd line. great scoring balance and 4 forward lines that all play. they roll out 4 lines non stop and its hard to shut them down. speed, depth and pressure won them the cup last season.

i can see that in what gorton is doing so far. still needs to add a skating dman who can jump up and push the puck.

 

[Savant]

I just have to address a musing from th closed thread that Buchnevich will never go down to the AHL because he said he won't. Reality check. The Rangers now have a much bigger say in that than he does.

I think he starts in NY. They give him a week and if he isn't ready they send him down. I am assuming they promised him something to get him over, but with the Rangers forward depth he isn't necessarily going to get the full 9 games.

 

[Ghost of jas]

I was looking at Staal for Bogosian a few nights ago. Bogosian has a cheaper contract to buyout. Tim Murray has the Rangers connection to Staal. Bylsma coached Jordan Staal.

Rangers probably have to add...what do you think could make it work?

 

[kovazub94]

Ola, you lost me with Fast on the top line. That line has to produce and, unless Fast dramatically improves on the offense, I don't see it happening. And it is not just the first line. To get into top 6 he was to outplay one of Zuke, Nash, Kreider and Miller. Even in top 9 he will compete with Vesey, Grabner, Lindberg to show that his offense is not so far off while he'd be better than these on defense. I just don't see it and I haven't even mention Buchnevich.

Yes, it was widely reported that Buch sacrificed contract bonuses for having an option to return to KHL if the things don't workout instead of playing in AHL. Yes, it's possible that he will agree to a short stint in AHL, but a whole year? Not likely.

Finally, Ziba to wing will largely depend on whether Hayes improves to become a reliable 2nd pivot and that Lindberg / Jooris can handle 3/4 center spots. Both requirements are possible but not likely until sometime in early 2017 given Lindberg's injury to start the season.

 

[NYR Viper]

People act like Fast hasn't proven to be an offensive contributor anywhere in his career. The kid has always been touted as an offensive winger. Just because he understands how to play 2-way hockey doesn't mean he won't get better this season.

 

[Ghost of jas]

appears to me that gorton is modeling this team after what pitts did last season

at one time, phil kessel was on their 3rd line. great scoring balance and 4 forward lines that all play. they roll out 4 lines non stop and its hard to shut them down. speed, depth and pressure won them the cup last season.

i can see that in what gorton is doing so far. still needs to add a skating dman who can jump up and push the puck.

I think that's the final move of the off-season. Everything points to a move for a young RHD. I think the likely possibility is one of the M&M boys in Anaheim, that being Manson or Montour.

As I've said before, I believe that reconstruction of the defense is the heaviest lifting Gorton has to do. If the plan remains getting younger, and the Brassard deal is the prototype, then all three of Nash, Klein and Zucc are vulnerable to being moved. Then Gorton has to find a way to rid himself of Staal and Girardi. In the process he needs to find a suitable partner for McDonagh, as well as a quality RH PMD to pair with Skjei. Holden then becomes a placeholder for Graves.

The ideal setup on D is the following:

McDonagh/XXX
Skjei/XXX
Holden/McIlrath

How Gorton gets there is the big mystery to be solved.

 

[bernmeister]

working on the prior thread as it closed:

That should only be for the 4th line. Grabner and Jooris are good penalty killers, and probably have spots either way. Gerbe is a good PK'er. Fast is a bad PK'er. Lindberg doesn't PK. I don't think Jensen does either. Glass is a bad PK'er and bad hockey player.

Unless a trade happens, I don't really see where Pirri fits in the lineup. Maybe 13th forward. He's not a 4th liner, and the top 9 spots are filled.

Stepan will be traded, hopefully for Pesce plus.
One less C
Miller to pivot - screw what AV says
Pirri Vesey = W dpeth

Lack of effort and hockey sense

(referencing Kreider)
OR
too valuable on offense to give minutes on defense?

One guy that hasn't been brought up: Rasmus Ristolainen. He's a RFA like Trouba. Any chance we can pry him from Buffalo?

Risto and Evander Kane for Nash, Staal+

I don't have any inside info
my read is that both sides are playing hardball, but the situation is not toxic

The above deal no, they don't want Staal and his NMC
BUT
I have hope if the offer is too good, they would take him, which the above is not.

-------
Trouba I heard somewhere, have no idea, he is friends with Eichel or something like that.
if they got Trouba, options to keep Risto, or deal him for like Draisatil +

McD + for Trouba +, we win on swap of picks

PACKAGE DEAL
* Trouba for Reinhart (they can afford to move due to Eichel, O'Reilly, etc)

Sens 2nd for Saes 1st
Kane for Staal w/his NMC

prospects to sabes and/or maybe Zuc = overpayment made to obtain above, esp Staal's NMC buh bye

top line is dominant
Kreider - Reinhart - Zib (also reserve C depth)

trade
Stepan for Pesce + Murphy + picks upgrade
Klein Lindberg and Fast for EDM 2018 1st Yaki + Yaku

Grabner - Hayes - Vesey = line 2

EKane Miller Nash (til moved when his value is higher)

plenty of options for Jooris 4th line


Skjei Pesce
Holden McIlrath
Graves Murphy
Girardi

thin, but do-able esp since you can add D later

And, you break the exp draft concerns, the only one unresolved is Girardi.
But if you don't extend Murphy and deal him for assets after the season
w/3 protections you cover Girardi [required] McIlrath, Murphy

And you have reduced total guys you have to protect cause Reinhart is ELC, Pesce etc safe.

 

[Ghost of jas]

People act like Fast hasn't proven to be an offensive contributor anywhere in his career. The kid has always been touted as an offensive winger. Just because he understands how to play 2-way hockey doesn't mean he won't get better this season.

There are a multitude of better offensive options than Fast. He also produced like a mediocre 3rd liner when playing alongside the best offensive players this team has. I;m remain unconvinced of these offensive capabilities you speak of. Frankly, both Gerbe and Grabner are better offensive options than Fast.

 

[GAGLine]

I think he starts in NY. They give him a week and if he isn't ready they send him down. I am assuming they promised him something to get him over, but with the Rangers forward depth he isn't necessarily going to get the full 9 games.

The 9 game thing has no bearing on Buchnevich. That has to do with 18 and 19 year old players.

Buchnevich is absolutely ready. The only question is how quickly he adapts to the smaller ice. If they feel like he needs more time to adjust, and feel that he can adjust more quickly in the AHL than the NHL, they will send him down. Otherwise, he will be in the NHL.

 

[NYR Viper]

There are a multitude of better offensive options than Fast. He also produced like a mediocre 3rd liner when playing alongside the best offensive players this team has. I;m remain unconvinced of these offensive capabilities you speak of. Frankly, both Gerbe and Grabner are better offensive options than Fast.

Assuming he won't get any better?

 

[Ghost of jas]

Assuming he won't get any better?

I don't see a strong offensive skillset. His hands are mediocre, and his shot is nothing special.

 

[kovazub94]

I think that's the final move of the off-season. Everything points to a move for a young RHD. I think the likely possibility is one of the M&M boys in Anaheim, that being Manson or Montour.

As I've said before, I believe that reconstruction of the defense is the heaviest lifting Gorton has to do. If the plan remains getting younger, and the Brassard deal is the prototype, then all three of Nash, Klein and Zucc are vulnerable to being moved. Then Gorton has to find a way to rid himself of Staal and Girardi. In the process he needs to find a suitable partner for McDonagh, as well as a quality RH PMD to pair with Skjei. Holden then becomes a placeholder for Graves.

The ideal setup on D is the following:

McDonagh/XXX
Skjei/XXX
Holden/McIlrath

How Gorton gets there is the big mystery to be solved.

I asked in the last closed thread- why not Fowler? Our fan base doesn't like him? With how much Ducks D has been discussed I don't see his name among their untouchables.

Two of Staal, G or Kline would be ideal to be moved. Likely just one.

 

[offdacrossbar]

I think that's the final move of the off-season. Everything points to a move for a young RHD. I think the likely possibility is one of the M&M boys in Anaheim, that being Manson or Montour.

As I've said before, I believe that reconstruction of the defense is the heaviest lifting Gorton has to do. If the plan remains getting younger, and the Brassard deal is the prototype, then all three of Nash, Klein and Zucc are vulnerable to being moved. Then Gorton has to find a way to rid himself of Staal and Girardi. In the process he needs to find a suitable partner for McDonagh, as well as a quality RH PMD to pair with Skjei. Holden then becomes a placeholder for Graves.

The ideal setup on D is the following:

McDonagh/Shattenkirk
Skjei/klein
Holden/girardi

How Gorton gets there is the big mystery to be solved.

thats my guess. staal is moved for a pick.

nash with $$ traded to st louis with mcilrath and fast return shatty who is extended and a 2nd rounder.