Team still needs a major trade if it will contend this year

I don't see that happening. I don't think they can make any major moves until they know if Girardi and Callahan are staying and for what amount. They basically are totally handcuffed from doing any more deals until they know what the situation will be with those 2 players. Girardi to me is staying now because McIlrath will be the next right handed defenseman on this team. No way they are keeping Stralman. So basically, they would be beyond stupid to keep him and lose him for nothing.

I don't think AV is tied to Boyle like Torts was. I think the only package I can think of is a Boyle/Stralman package in hope of bringing back perhaps near NHL ready goal scorer prospect or a late round first.

That package could really give a contending team some depth.

 

From what I read the other day, Sather made a comment saying they're looking to re-sign all the UFA's. Good lord. He's beyond stupid if he wants to bring back Boyle, D.Moore and to some degree and just my opinion, Girardi. He has the worst tunnel vision and lack of creativity of any GM around. Stralman I don't mind for what he makes and Pouliot if he can be consistent the same for another year. But the 3rd and 4th lines need some reshaping, as well as another top 6 forward, and a #1C which is hard to get. They need to get younger and bigger up front.

 

That was one of my issues with the trade. I understand the thought process behind wanting to balance the D pairs and get more physical, but I really thought we needed to use DZ to land a legitimate scorer. Of course, the deal would have had to be in November because we weren't going to get a top 6 winger for him straight up anymore.

On Stralman, he should be dealt. He won't be back next year. Maybe Boston or the Ducks will settle for him to reinforce the blueline. He really hasnt been that bad this year.

Dump look at this bit from your boy Larry Brooks:

"If there’s an additional by-product here, it’s the impact it will have on negotiations with impending free agent second-pair right defenseman Anton Stralman, who is averaging 19:34 as Marc Staal’s partner and who could now be expected to seek in the neighborhood of $3.3 million per."

Uhhhhh Larry, there won't be any negotiations with Stralman and I doubt there would have been anyway, Klein or no Klein.

 

Lip service. You can't tell a guy they aren't going to resign him with 30 games in the season left to go. You think he's gonna resign Darroll Powe and Arron Asham too?

From what Ive read the only lines of negotiations so far are with Girardi and Callahan. I think Brassard will get a look and Boyle if he's not dealt. Everyone else I think will be allowed to walk.

 

I disagree Prodigy, I think Stralman will be a target to re-sign. He's solid for what he is and I honestly don't see him making over 3m. Next year I think they should go with McDonagh, Staal(if not dealt), Stralman, Klein, FA, Moore, McIlrath/Allen as the 7. They could use a Garrison type shooter too.

 

Of course not Powe and Asham, they were buried in Hartford.

 

I could be wrong but I really think Girardi will be back. If he is, no way Stralman is too

 

Since they like him and are comfortable with him, I think they'll try and bring back Girardi within their parameters. I just think we're starting to see a dip in his overall game and I'm not sure he fits the system even all that well. I certainly wouldn't go more than 2-3 years with him. Stralman I could see back either way, he won't double his salary like Brooks thinks, maybe a 1m increase. He's a good 4/5.

 

Girardi is 5 months from UFA status where teams VASTLY overpay for Dmen like him in both salary and years. He is not signing a 2 year deal at age 30 IMO

 

Then SEE YA!!

 

I agree a major trade is probably needed for this year but if we're not including girardi and or cally i don't see how its getting done

 

They just need a part for the rest of the year..so a decent pick/prospect combo would work.

 

There is no way AV wants all of the UFA's resigned. I think he'd like to get better.

 

I have to agree with jam, half the Rangers free agents aren't worth what they're getting paid now let alone deserving of a raise. Have to think Glen moves another dman and would like to see him move the inconsistent effort giving Hagelin. Two weeks until the roster freeze, paging Glen Sather...

 

They will not sign Stralman. That will be admitting failure on the McIlrath pick and there is no reason to do that. He's going to be a big part of the team moving forward. Lindberg is picking it up at the AHL level. You know D. Moore is not coming back. I truly believe Duclair will make the team next year. So, Boyle is done. I do believe they will bring Pouliot back. He has the size and net presence they need. Boyle plays like he's 5'9.

 

I was thinking about the team adding Miller, McIlrath and possibly Duclair next season. Then thought about that and realized, there will be a couple of fan favorites traded away to re-shape the team. There is no other way. Players like Callahan and Hagelin could be moving on.

 

Most of the players on this team are overpaid and under producing.
Whatever their roster looks like, I want a team that will give the big
guns in this league a 'big team' powerhouse attitude and production.
Oh, and I do NOT give two craps how they do it.

 

I think Duclair needs one more full year in between juniors and the NHL, but you never know.

 

71, unfortunately because of his age Duclair either plays juniors or for the rangers as there is no in between league (ahl) till the following season. This kid could be our best young scorer since donnie murdoch who I believe was 20 when he first came up and scored 32 goals and Duclair and Murdoch are almost the exact same size at 5'11" within 3 lbs.

 

If Duclair comes up next year (no sure thing but possible) they almost have to trade Hagelin. I really like Hags and would hate to see him go. But how many small, fast guys can you have on one team? Zucc and Duclair, plus Fast and Kristo knocking on the door....somebody has to go for some size. Duclair brings the speed of Hagelin with a much better scoring touch.