Panarin, Zibanejad, Kakko, Kravtsov, Kreider, Strome, Howden, Andersson, Chytil, Buchnevich, Lemieux, Fast. That's 12. I have no interest in watching Namestnikov play over any of those guys. Same with Smith and Shattenkirk Skjei-Trouba Staal-DeAngelo Hajek/Rykov-Fox
Tough to argue against that. Andersson has to show some improvement on both ends of the ice. He is the only one I would think is at risk of losing time to Namestnikov.
Vlad is definitely a goner as they need cap space. I feel like Shattenkirk May have a good season but his cap savings is $5.16 mil. I’d rather them buy out Smith
Game slowed down for Andersson the last 12 games. He was making plays. I expect a huge difference in his game this season. I would think Namestnikov can bring back a second round pick easy.
I would say maybe they deal Fast but his cap number vs. being a good 4th liner is probably worth just letting him play out the year, maybe moving him at the DL for a pick. Smith should've been gone a week ago but maybe he ends up in the minors and they buy VN out instead. Shatt is someone they should keep until the DL as he will have some trade value if they eat salary, if they aren't making the playoffs.
I have to think at half retained, a team out there would take Shatt. Fast and Namestnikov should be easy trades for Gorton to make. Smith is probably a buyout. Can't wait to see Kravtsov and Kappo play. Finally some size and high end skill up front.
I thought by sticking Smith in Hartford they save 3m but it looks like only 1m so better to buy him out.
Oh, I know you're not supposed to run a franchise like that but, know full well the Rangers have pulled this move in the past.
Not this regime. Kravtsov is a stud and they are going to bring him up to speed as soon as possible. They will have a ton of cap room when Hank, Crappenkirk, Staal and Smith are off the books. Money won't be an issue.
You can only bury 1 mill of a players cap hit in the minors. And the penalty for buying out Shattenkirk is too tough, you cannot do it this year. You either trade him with some retained cap hit, or if you cannot get that done you suck it up and keep him for one more season. Smith should be a buyout for sure I think (unless you can deal him instead). And to me no way Names and Kreider can both be here with their cap hits, one has to go, and I would say that is clearly Names. I would somehow try and convince Kreider to take a deal with a 6.5 mill AAV +/-. If he would take that I'd resign him. If he wants over 7 mill I have to deal him I think.