I'm not trying to be a Negative Nancy I just don't see how the Rangers can get multiple first rounders this year.
Nash is not netting a first. His game has been trending downward since that neck injury in 14-15. He's on pace now for like 14 goals. The best time to trade him was after 14-15. He also has that reputation whether we like it or not for not showing up in the playoffs. And he just doesn't hold onto the puck or drive to the net like he used to. His shot also has no zip anymore. It's two concussions (Lucic and Stuart) later and a neck/knee injury later as well. They'll be lucky to get a second rounder and a grinder prospect if they drive up the price. Remember what Columbus got for Gaborik only like a year after the Rangers traded him? They'll get less for Nash.
I have no doubts Rick Nash will still be playing in this league in 3-4 years but in a very reduced role. You know who was in his scoring range last year? Nick Bonino, TJ Brodie, Reily Smith, Dustin Brown, Anthony Mantha.
Grabner is not netting much especially if he's not scoring. He looks more like 14-15 and 15-16 Grabner who didn't even crack 20 points either year. Maybe a 3rd if they're lucky.
The guys with value as mentioned are Hayes, Miller, Kreider. That's where the tough decisions come in. That's why I'd love to do like a Hayes/Athansiou swap with other pieces coming and going (take Franzen's contract to get the deal done?).
Deharnais has no value, maybe a 5th or 6th. Same with Holden. Carey should be in the A, and Cracknell may not even make it to November 1st here.
Vesey will get a bridge deal and won't be getting paid much, Buch still has one more year left on an ELC and if he hits 40 points this year, brilliant. Skjei isn't going anywhere and getting a bridge deal. No reason to move Fast he's an affordable plumber. I'd laugh my you know what off if he ends up being the Wedge Antilles of the Rangers during this transition (hope y'all get the Star Wars reference), kind of like his countryman Jan Erixon was over 30 years ago (he started in 83-84 survived the 80s shenanigans and made it all the way to the Messier teams).
Have to remember as well a lot of the guys on this team who came into the league or played primarily with Torts and were also part of the beginning of AVs run have played a lot of hockey and each year is basically dog years. Guys like Cally/Girardi/Staal probably won't be in the league in three years. Prust is no longer an NHLer. And even Hagelin and Stepan are almost 30 and already showing signs of wear and tear.
A lot of this rebuild is going to be a slow and patient process done internally.
