It's not great but I don't agree it's last. As usual, THN overrates many other teams prospects. They have Pavel Zacha of the Devils rated 8th which is laughable. He hasn't even been that good in the no defense OHL were he is barely averaging a PPG. Skjei wasn't rated in the top 75 which is a joke. I would have him in the top 50. From what I have seen, he's pretty much a lock for a top 4 defenseman. Graves should be rated our third best prospect and also in the top 75. As have said before, anti NY media. If Graves were in another organization like Detroit or Chicago, they would have him in the top 50. Shesterkin should also be in the top 75.
Next year I think Hayes is definitely the one to go. I believe they can get back a late first and a prospect for him. Boyle, Stalberg are obviously gone. I think D. Moore is gone and they make Lindberg the 4th line center. I believe Gorton will be forced to deal Glass. I think he can. There are teams that will take one year of Glass on their 4th line. Sadly, he is better than what other teams have. That will free up about 11 million. I figure, offer Kreider no more than 2 years at 3 million. If he won't take it, let him sit. I figure they can sign Staal at 4 years, 20 million. I think he takes a nice cut to stay here. He knows he's not the player he once was. Miller and McIlrath probably get a couple million combined raise. That leaves 4 million free. Not enough to sign Yandle unless they cap goes way up or they can trade Girardi or Staal. I don't think Eric would be in favor of dealing Marc. So basically, you are looking at dealing Nash or Girardi if you want to keep Yandle and E. Staal. Hayes definitely has to be dealt.
Does Girardi have a limited move clause after this year or next? Either way they should eat salary if needed to move him. He's been a good player but just isn't the same anymore and something has to give to keep the team at a high level. I think Hayes could be moved at the draft though i don't know about a 1st, probably a high/ mid 2nd and prospect imo. But yeah, those are the two contracts they really need to shed to keep Y and Staal.
Next year for Girardi. If the Rangers can't get back a late first and a prospect for Hayes they are retarded. Especially when scrubs like Vermette with no upside brings back a first rounder. Hayes is young, cheap, and under control.
The problem I see in keeping e. staal is you have to keep m staal which means u have mcd, staal, and either not signing yandle for skjei or keeping skjei in minors or trading him. Unless their getting rid of AV who doesn't have much use for Yandle I think they let Yandle walk
