They need to go after a winger that could play with Kreider and Zibanejad that won't cost a pick. Somebody they could trade Jones for. Eberle seems to be that guy to me. He's not worth a pick. However, Jones won't play here and I think he would fit in nicely on Seattle.
There are some rumors about Buch coming back. That would be nice. He makes a lot of sense since he played with Kreider and Zibanejad for years on the same line.
It's nice for the other team to have to look over their shoulder for a change. Tarasenko seems the obvious choice since he was comfortable playing here, only has a 1 yr $5 mil deal so Ottawa can't keep him anyway. Either way it's a far different team from the one that was pushed around earlier.
One would think the 3 best fits for the RW spot with Kreider and Z are Vatrano, Tarasenko, or Buch (if he is available - which I am not sure he with another year left on his contract). All 3 have played with those guys before, which gives them an edge. The other talked about option is Eberle. Pretty strong chance one of those guys end up on the Rangers. Then I would target a solid physical stay at home dman, and away we go for a long run hopefully. If you aren't going to take a big shot now with this team in 1st overall, I don't know when you do. The East is tough, but remember very high chance/almost for sure Florida, Toronto, and Boston end up 1/2/3 in the Atlantic in some order, which means we can only play one of those teams, and it wouldn't be until the ECF. And Carolina we wouldn't play until round 2 if we play them, since we'll finish 1/2 in the Met in either order. That is a good setup for us.
I agree on Tarasenko. I think he’s just what they need as he likes to shoot and would help five on five. Buch will cost too much in my opinion.
And Tarasenko liked it here in addition to playing well. He didn't want to leave, and waited a long time to sign as it became very clear we couldn't afford him. Plus, and I haven't seen this mentioned, he has a NTC, so he controls where he goes. I have to think if he knows Drury is interested, he will push to be back here.
Tarasenko/Vatrano might even cost a 1st, but I'd see if you could do Jones or Robertson plus a 2nd, or something equivalent. We only have one second left over the next three drafts but they may as well use it in a deal at this point with where the state of the team is.
I am okay with trading a 1st for the right player/players, as is Drury based on what I have read. You have to be okay with trading a pick in the mid-20's or worse for the right return IMO.
Still say go for Krebs or Sturm or Eberle. No reason to give up any draft picks instead offer players like Jones or Robinson or Berard should get it done.
Saw this on ESPN.. Rangers get Adam Henrique @ 50% and Frank Vatrano @ 75% salary Ducks get Goodrow, Adam Sykora, Noah Laba, 2024 1st and a 2026 third rounder... thoughts?
Sykora and Laba will be key pieces going forward to an aging forward core. Both have the grit and scoring upside this team lacks. You see what a difference a rookie in Cuylle has made. There is no reason to make that trade. They can probably pick up a short term rental in Eberle for a third round pick and Zac Jones who is just fine for this year. A center like Sturm for a 4th round pick and lesser prospect. The reality is that this team isn't going to win a cup because of Vatrano and Henrique. If they win it will be because Shesterkin is red hot and Panarin and Zibanejad don't suck ass in the playoffs like last season.
They could do a package deal with Seattle for Wennberg and Eberle, that wouldn't cost quite as much as Henrique/Vatrano.
That would be a VERY steep price for Henrique and Vatrano in my opinion. Hopefully these last couple days have helped Rempe's hands and face heal.
I actually would target Ottawa, and focus on Tarasenko and a dman instead of a # 3 C. Maybe they can get Tarasenko and Chychrun (with money retained by Ottawa) for the right package. And with the cap going up, maybe they can keep Tarasenko this time if he performs and fits in well.
I like Sykora but if Anaheim was retaining that much I would do it, as you're getting the extra year of Vatrano who's proven to be a good fit here. I don't believe they will deal Sykora anyway as they see him as a good bottom six guy in the future. Next year Goodrow will likely be bought out and they can maybe sign someone like Duchene who gives you more. Othmann should fill a spot F/T out of camp. Not sure on Edstrom/Rempe as longer term pieces but we'll see. Perrault will be ready the following year.
No chance in hell I'm giving up Laba. A 6'2 center averaging a PPG in college as a sophomore without much offensive help that is excellent on draws and physical. Drury should be horsewhipped if he deals him.
