Really, really not a fan of this trade.
Not because of what we gave up. Not because I don't like E. Staal. But because it doesn't fill a need. However, if we play him at C and on the PK (can he even PK?) and he wins some draws and helps the PK it's not as bad. If they stick him on the wing and don't use him on the PK then this management is insane in giving up that package for him.
Would have rather gotten Vrbata (albeit not for the same package). This freaking lineup has TWO right handed shots in it. TWO. There's no balance to the forward group and it's especially obvious on the PP. Our powerplay doesn't suck because of a coaching issue.. it sucks because of a personnel issue. Teams know they can load up on the right side to negate the left handed one-timer. We have NO threats on the left side. Stepan is not a legitimate threat.
This tells me you haven't watched much of Vrbata. Not too good this year.
I don't necessarily agree with this. What if Staal puts up like 25 points in the playoffs or something?I won't lie, I think there is a solid chance Saarela will be in the NHL. Especially Carolina having Aho in the system (who is Saarela's buddy and WJC teammate), they're both going to be scary good for the Hurricanes. They also acquired Valentin Zykov, who as well, will be a very good contributor in a year or two. Who knows who they'll select with those pick, either.
In the short term, NYR wins the deal (if they win the cup). In the long term, Carolina takes the cake.
Really, really not a fan of this trade.
Not because of what we gave up. Not because I don't like E. Staal. But because it doesn't fill a need. .
Needed? Am of two thoughts about that.I am not a fan of trading picks and prospects, but all things considered this trade was one the Rangers needed to make.
I am certainly hoping for the same thing as you, but am not negative on the probabilities. Maybe because we have seen so many of these trades and then the exact opposite of what you are stating happened.Trending the wrong way is something that happens with athletes. Bouncing back is also something that happens. Let's hope it is the latter. I'd say there is a very good chance that happens.
A Staal who has turned the clock back, which takes the pressure off of Nash....that is the best scenario. Not sure how much other teams are fearing the Rangers right now. Unless of course, Henke is the best player on the ice.If the Rangers can have Staal contributing to a team that continues the current upswing headed into the playoffs.....and they get a healthy Rick Nash back....even 2015 playoff Rick Nash....that's team other teams would want to avoid I'm thinking.
Our playoff needs were size and depth. That was addressed. The other needs were regular season needs.
Yes, because the guy we acquired has been lighting up the league this year
If we're going to acquire an under-performing player I would've rather gotten someone that at least fills a need. Once Nash returns Staal is a redundant piece on this team. How many left-handed power forwards with a mediocre shot do we need? At least with Vrbata there's a chance to re-sign him and mitigate the loss of the picks with future production. I don't see any possible way we can re-sign Staal without dismantling other pieces of this team.
To me, if you're bringing him in to put him on the wing the trade makes absolutely no sense. If you're bringing him in as a C, where does he slot in? Which one of Stepan/Brassard are you moving to put Staal in the top 6 as a C?
I have no problem acquiring rentals. In fact I think it's the right move given the window we're in right now. We've proven we can mitigate the loss of picks with UFA's out of the NCAA (Talbot, Hayes, etc) and get value outside of the draft. But the fit has to be right. It feels to me like they went out and got a big name just for the sake of making a splash. I don't see the fit
According to who, exactly?
-Powerplay
-PK
-Faceoffs
-Improving the quality of the bottom 6
There's no guarantee Staal fixes the PP. I don't think he's the piece that fixes it.. another left handed shooter that has an average shot. We have plenty of those already.
I have no idea whether or not Staal can PK. Can't comment on that.
Very reluctant to believe that AV will use Staal as a C and move one of Stepan/Brassard to the wing. So faceoffs are not addressed.
Staal actually worsens the quality of the bottom 6. Because acquiring him without giving up a roster player means that AV now kicks out Hrivik to create a spot for Staal, while keeping in Tanner Glass. I'd love to be wrong on this one but we all know it's happening. Hrivik is easily NHL ready and has been very impressive in his short stint. He reminds me of a younger version of Dominic Moore.. hangs on to the puck, can skate, and can make smart plays with the puck. But Glass is better
Either you're saying the above needs aren't "playoff" needs, or you don't feel they're needs at all for this team.
Just going to leave this here. Staal has 33 points and is a -3. Vrbata has 24 and is a -32.
Vrbatas best days are behind him. Eric's aren't.
According to who, exactly?
-Powerplay
-PK
-Faceoffs
-Improving the quality of the bottom 6
There's no guarantee Staal fixes the PP. I don't think he's the piece that fixes it.. another left handed shooter that has an average shot. We have plenty of those already.
I have no idea whether or not Staal can PK. Can't comment on that.
Very reluctant to believe that AV will use Staal as a C and move one of Stepan/Brassard to the wing. So faceoffs are not addressed.
Staal actually worsens the quality of the bottom 6. Because acquiring him without giving up a roster player means that AV now kicks out Hrivik to create a spot for Staal, while keeping in Tanner Glass. I'd love to be wrong on this one but we all know it's happening. Hrivik is easily NHL ready and has been very impressive in his short stint. He reminds me of a younger version of Dominic Moore.. hangs on to the puck, can skate, and can make smart plays with the puck. But Glass is better
Either you're saying the above needs aren't "playoff" needs, or you don't feel they're needs at all for this team.
Eric's best days are very much probably behind him. That doesn't mean he can't come in motivated, start scoring more and maintain good possession metrics.
If E. Staal and Nash can score closer to their career averages into the playoffs, the Rangers offense is top tier.
Replacing Hrivik with Staal...makes the team worse. Oooooooooook.