|
Trade freeze lifted, now what? |
|
|
|
|
|
The NHL had the awards show mixed with the expansion draft last night. As initially reported, New York did lose Oscar Lindberg to the Golden Knights. The veil of secrecy as to the selections and the likely trades was lifted earlier than expected, as names filtered out well beyond the actual pick.
The Rangers now need to replace Lindberg and also get onto building their team. With the trade freeze officially lifted at 8am, the rumored deals will be reported and those in process at the time of the freeze have resumed. To add to the mix, the entry draft is tomorrow night, and per Bob McKenzie, tomorrow may be when we see the frenzy of deals.
In terms of replacing Lindberg, I will get into more later on, but as noted, heading to my daughter's sixth-grade graduation now. Boo Nieves and Marek Hrivik could be internally options. Externally, names such as Derek Ryan, Nick Bonino, Sam Gagner, Dominic Moore, Brian Boyle and Daniel Winnik have been mentioned along with Andrew Copp, if there is a trade. Personally, if they elect to go external, Ryan is the one that intrigues me most, as his defensive numbers were more than solid and he can provide a bit of offense. He won't come cheap and may require a multi-year contract, but i think the upside is worth it, despite him being 30 years old.
Now for the trades - will Derek Stepan and/or Marc Staal get moved? Lots of chatter regarding Stepan before the freeze, which has picked up again. So I ask you two questions:
1) Would you deal Stepan?
2) If so, who are you dealing him to and for what?
I know your views on Staal, as most just want him gone for cap relief, so not asking that question.
Will be back with more later.
New York Rangers Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»