Rangers interested in Mike Santorelli

Santorelli would be playing C if we got him. He's very average.

 

I think you need to keep in mind we are tight to the cap...adding these two guys is no issue with the cap.
We have some cheaper kids we want to play next season...adding these two guys as UFA's is no issue for next season.
We already have two VERY good lines. So we aren't in need of some big stud forward. We need a good solid 3rd line guy.
I really don't want to deal any proven NHL roster guys right now. Outside of maybe 4th line Fast, I don't think we would have to in order to add these two guys.

I would prefer a guy better than Sant for the 3rd line role, BUT that is why I say we need Winnick also. Because then we go a little lesser than ideal with the 3rd line guy, but we also improve the 4th line and add size and a PK guy in Winnick to give us more depth and make us deeper and tougher to play against. Really makes sense since I believe both will be dealt anyway.

 

If they could swing say, Vermette and Winnik that would be best.

 

He would take faceoffs for Hayes, I agree. But I still think Hayes would play C and Sant of the wing. He has been on the win most of the season. He is what he is...a 3rd line forward. 15-16 goals and 45 or so points.

I have no issue getting Vermette instead, but he costs most in terms of players/picks and cap hit. So we'd have to make room for him. Plus who knows when Zona looks to deal. We don't have those issues with the Leafs.

On top of that, I think Sant is coming here. Heard it from like 4 sources today the Rangers like him and have talked to the Leafs. So with that being the case, feeling a Leafs deal is coming, give me Winnick also...two birds with one stone.

 

This season yes, but he's a career C. And if we were looking for primarily a winger I think we can do much better than Santorelli. If we're looking for a C hes a decent option because not much is available. I get the faceoff angle, but I still see him playing C for us. And I'm not crazy about that vision. Could be wrong.

 

The cap makes that difficult. Vermette had a 3.75 mill cap hit this season. Combined Sant and Winnick made 2.8 mill. Plus Vermette will hands down cost more in return..no doubt.

I have no issue if we deal for Vermette, I would do it right now if I could, I just don't know how that will play out, and I know his market will be large. We can strike now and add these two guys and be whole before anyone knew what hit them. And better for the cap, and for less in return.

Plus, I think we are making some deal with the Leafs...I really do.

 

You might be able to do Hags/Moore for Vermette and McIlrath/2nd for Winnik. Wouldn't that be within a mill or so?

 

They like Hayes at C, so I still think he could be that guy and Sant on the wing, but either way whatever to me. The players would still be the same regardless of which one is on the wing.

But I am with you, go get Vermette if that is the guy. I like him a lot, and he is better than Sant of course. Just know we'll have to make some other tweaks due to the cap, and his market will be bigger and he'll cost more as a result.

 

So you trade Hags, who is a 3rd line guy and a part of the teams chemistry. And you'd deal our depth dman Moore. You'd do that for Vermette. I say I rather deal way less and get Sant and Winnick and call it a day.

Now if we have to give up Hags and/or Moore for Sant, then sure go get Vermette. But if we can get these guys for Fast, picks and/or prospects, McIlrath and not subtract from the NHL roster, give me that choice please.

 

Interesting decisions for Sather. The big positive here is no shot we do nothing IMO. We'll add some forward depth for sure IMO.

 

Losing Hagelin and his elements would be tough for sure. Or do you give up MZ who has less value as a ufa. If we had 3-4m in cap space it would only take prospects.

 

Not sure how much they like Hayes at C these past few games. He was just benched the entire third period against the Sens. Not exactly a vote of confidence.

 

Yeah, but then you subtract from the rock solid top 6 to add Vermette? To me what it comes down to is I would love to keep what we have AND add some solid forward depth, unless we are getting a forward who is so darn good that we have to make the deal.

This team is close. We are real good. If we added Sant and Winnick I think we'd be in the mix with anyone. That would be a heck of a 4th line.

 

Like I said Prod, IMO which one plays C is whatever.

I can see getting Vermette, but man would I love to keep what we have an just add to that rather than deal Hags and Moore or Zucc and Moore to add a player. Then I ask are you really getting that much better?

I know we get on Hags, but he is a + 8, on pace for 17 goals and 33 points and he went 17/33 last season as well, is a top PK guy, and steps up his game in the playoffs. I don't want to deal that in season unless we got a MUCH better player...and Vermette is not that IMO.

 

I dont deal Hags for Vermette. Vermette shouldnt cost a roster player no matter where he goes, rentals are almost always pick/prospect deal.

Id give Hags only if we were getting a guy like Bozak who's signed for a few more years. Chuck I know you dont like him but I think he's perfect for the third line and would settle the issues at C for the foreseeable future.

 

MAF looked good in that shoot out...LOL. Never touched a puck. Pens lose another point tonight.

Best two teams in Met...6 days from today on LI...if we win the division will be a battle...if the Isles win I think they are 100% in the drivers seat to win the Met.

 

If you tell me I could get Vermette without giving up a roster player, sure I do it in a second, but I don't know if that is doable. Plus we'd have to get his money under the cap. That would be an issue as well. I think someone making some money would have to come out for him to fit, unless we can get Zona to hold some cap hit, but they will have suitors for Vermette I believe, so not sure they have to do that.

Same with Bozak at 4.25 per. Plus he will cost a lot more when you factor in he is signed for years at a decent rate. Hags isn't enough. Zucc I don't see what we'd gain. Tougher to fit those guys in.

 

I think Sather long term wants Hayes at center. He might have told him already, right now he can't win draws and they need a rental player for one year to play center because faceoffs in the playoffs are important. I would not be shocked to see Hayes moved to wing and then go back to center next season.

 

My last point on this topic is I like Winnik more than Santorelli. Winnik is the guy I want, and then go add another 3rd line guy in another deal.

One of the things making the Isles as good is their depth. Their 4th line is very good. I view Winnik as our version of Martin. He can score 7 or so goals and 32 or so points. He has toughness, size, and grit. He is very good on the PK. He has played in big games the past two seasons with the Ducks. So he has SC playoff experience. And when I look at a potential Miller/Moore/Winnik 4th line I love it. I think that woud be an excellent 4th line. Size, some scoring ability. responsible player like Moore down there...looks like an excellent 4th line to me.

So I take my desire to add Winnik, and see how we are clearly being linked with Santorelli, and I say let's get them both. The 4th line I just discussed, and add 16 or so goal and 45 or so point Sant for the 3rd line. I think we'd be a pretty deep and complete team with those guys added, even if I don't love Sant and think he isn't the perfect 3rd line add, but if we can improve the 4th also I think Sant is good enough.

 

I do agree it might not be smart to give up Hagelin for a ufa like Vermette or others, though i would probably include Moore and a 2nd+prospect. Other teams might be able to beat our deal if they have a little better prospect pool or late 1st which we don't.