I take a break from all the signings and rumored signings and trades to get back to the grades. Including this blog, to date, I have now covered 12 F, 5D, 1G, leaving J.T. Miller, Dan Boyle (not posting a grade for him as somewhat pointless), Henrik Lundqvist and Alain Vigneault remaining. I will get to each one, then a Traverse City and schedule analysis blog leading us into the World Cup and Training camp.
Blog parameters:
Each person covered will be given a rating. Factoring into that rating will of course be his performance but another input is going to be performance versus expectation coming into the season. Much of the background I likely covered in my tear down blogs, so don't expect massive chapter and verse but possibly some quick hitting information if not already covered in those blogs. In addition, to create some parameters, a player will have had to play 20 games to get a grade. Anything less means there isn't a representative sample for which to make a decision, so Brady Skjei and Marek Hrivik, to name two, will not get grades.
Here is where it gets really funky and interactive. I want you the reader to comment on the blog as to the rating. But not just hey I think you are right on or you are crazy but to provide your own rating and rationale for it. So if you agree with what I wrote, great, say that. But if the belief is the rating should be higher or lower, then you have to provide the rationale accordingly. Plus and minus grades are allowed to enable a broader opinion. Before the next blog, we will see if the blog comments consensus rating mirrors mine.
In addition, to shake it up, I will jump around a bit, so not all the players of the same rating are listed in a row, same with positions. So in the immortal words of Forrest Gump, you never know what you're going to get.
As requested, to get the ball rolling on possible line combinations, moving forward, as i give a grade, I will note on which line that player could slide in during 2016-17.
Covered in this blog:
Dylan McIlrath
This is what I wrote on Part II of my Rangers tear down and post-mortem blogs.
Dylan McIlrath stayed with the team all season, mainly because he would have needed to clear waivers to go down to the minors. There was no way that was going to happen. Due to injuries and ineffective play, McIlrath got a chance to play this season and didn't look out of place. He was best when paired with Yandle, allowing the puck rushing d-man to do what he does best with McI staying back. Unfortunately, AV's misplaced decision to go with vets over kids resulted in McIlrath sitting way more than he should have. McIlrath brings a physical element that is lacking on the rest of the defense and most of the lineup. In addition, he showed improved skating and hard shot from the point. Given his youth and low cap hit plus possible upside, McIlrath should be on the roster again next year with a top-six, likely third pairing, role.
Overall Grade:
B.
McIlrath was one of several players that we wanted to see more often, especially due to the struggles of Marc Staal and Dan Girardi and when Dan Boyle needed a breather. Concerns about his speed seemed a bit overblown, as while he clearly wasn't Mike Gartner on skates, he also wasn't a pylon. His ability to recover and use his physical presence warranted more time than he received, as he was better defensively than advertised. He adjusted to the speed of the game and by showing a willingness to drop the gloves and stand up for his teammates, he earned additional respect in the locker room and possibly the league.
McIlrath does have a booming shot form the point, though it doesn't always go on net. It's that shot which many of us wanted to see on the PP when it struggled. He also showed a decent knowledge of when to pinch and as noted above, he played his best when paired alongside the departed Keith Yandle. Unfortunately, that duo didn't see as much time as we would have liked.
Now with Yandle and Boyle gone, Holden and Clendening here, what happens to McIlrath? If he doesn't play at least 42 games, he becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Will AV play him that number of games, after suiting him up for just 34 last year, and take the risk he walks? Maybe new assistant coach and McIlrath backer Jeff Beukeboom can influence AV to get the big d-man in the lineup.
Possible Line Placement:
As noted above, this is the big question. I expect Brady Skjei to switch sides and play on the right of Ryan McDonagh. Kevin Klein should be on the second pairing, but it remains to be seen with who, though likely Marc Staal. Like McIlrath, Girardi is a RH d-man, so even in our wildest dreams - or nightmares - you could pair the two up, that most probably wont occur.
Does McI become a replacement d-man as he was a year ago? Does AV try McI with McD but then does Skjei play with Klein and what happens to Staal and G? Where does Holden fit in? Would AV sit G and play Holden with McI as the third pairing? If not, he could go Holden-Klein and Staal-McI, if G sits. Plus if a trade occurs all this goes out the window.
Players covered in prior blogs,
My grade,
Consensus Grade
Oscar Lindberg B-/B
Marc Staal C-/C-
Jesper Fast B/B
Dominic Moore C-/C-
Ryan McDonagh - C+/C+
Derek Stepan C+/B-
Eric Staal D/D
Antti Raanta B+/B+
Kevin Hayes D/D
Viktor Stalberg C+/B-
Chris Kreider C+/C
Mats Zuccarello B+/B+
Kevin Klein C+/C+
Tanner Glass C/D
Rick Nash C-/C
Assistant Coaches C/C
Dan Girardi D+/C or C-
Derick Brassard, B/ B+
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