He is their leader and captain. If they were to deal him they'd want a lot. I wouldn't count on getting Ladd.
Sorry 31, didn't see your post. I'm with you except for Brassard vs Step. I think Step is less physical than Brassard. Brassard is also faster, and has played pretty well in 2 playoffs for us. Scored some goals on toughness in the crease as well. Step in 3 playoffs not so much. He could be given a pass this year with the fracture though, and he gets kudos for toughing it out. Funny thing though is he was most physical and at his best in the game he broke his jaw and the game after. Where was he after that? If Step is the #2 center, I see that as a problem in the playoffs.
He and Brassard are really good 3's, but I think Brassard has more skill and is quicker. They really need a good 1 and 2. Stepan is expendable imo if a team values him enough.
The thing i don't like about Stepan is he's neither quick nor physical. Sometimes I wonder how he ends up with 50pts a year. I guess he's an average two.
For most players the physical part of the game develops last. Not that Stepan is going to become a powerhouse but he's only 23 and by Rangers standards is a very good scorer. I would love to see the Rangers address size and the PP point shot issue with Byfuglien.
They definately need a PP point shot in the worst way. Byfuglien would certainly help there. Pitkanen is someone they should look at, he's got great shot. Actually scrap that, his career might be over, I didn't hear he was injured last year.
Boyle seems like a goner, as does Stralman. They're expendable. Maybe the team should target Trevor Lewis, Dan Boyle to fill their spots. I think they should try to land Jumbo Joe. 3 years left on his contract. Not much out there for free agents. Maybe Leino on a 1 year deal for 1-2 mil. Jokinen? Heatley?
I like Pouliot, he scored some big goals in the playoffs. Also, that line has chemistry, try to keep them together. Kreider - Thornton - Nash Hagelin - Stepan - St. Louis Pouliot - Brassard - Zuccarello Lewis - Moore - Dorsett McD - Girardi Staal - Klein Boyle - Moore McIlrath
