Terrible move IMHO. Do see anyone like Zuccs on either Hawks or Bruins lineup?
- OLDSCHOOL#6

I like Zucc's but I agree, hes not a good fit here.

I agree 100%. Which has been my argument since the season ended.

Franzen isn't gonna be available tho

- Slimtj100

Probably not, but if we want an experienced sniper, we could kick tires on Ryder... see how much he wants.

They definitely have too many of the same type of player. Outside of Nash, they dont really have a another guy who will help him shoulder the scoring.
- aecliptic

And, that is the downside of the Gaborik trade. Kreider needs to score 25-30 goals next year, and I think they need to find someone else to pop in another 20-30. Preferrably, I would like to see Hagelin play the third line left wing (and move up and down the lineup as necessary), and for them to get a little more scoring punch on that side.

Probably not, but if we want an experienced sniper, we could kick tires on Ryder... see how much he wants.
- aecliptic

I would seriously call the Hurricanes, and try to make a Staal for Skinner deal. Tell them its now or never. I am not convinced they won't do it, if they are reasonably satisfied with the medicals on Staal. I just don't know enough about Staal's health, however, to know whether that deal is viable. But, if Staal is o.k., I think that would be a great hockey trade for both teams.

And, that is the downside of the Gaborik trade. Kreider needs to score 25-30 goals next year, and I think they need to find someone else to pop in another 20-30. Preferrably, I would like to see Hagelin play the third line left wing (and move up and down the lineup as necessary), and for them to get a little more scoring punch on that side.
- Pete V

Hagelin needs to work on his vision, he also needs to be on a line with a power forward type of player who can create space for himself to pass to.

I would seriously call the Hurricanes, and try to make a Staal for Skinner deal. Tell them its now or never. I am not convinced they won't do it, if they are reasonably satisfied with the medicals on Staal. I just don't know enough about Staal's health, however, to know whether that deal is viable. But, if Staal is o.k., I think that would be a great hockey trade for both teams.
- Pete V

Its not something that will happen until Staal starts playing again and they have visual evidence that he is no longer bothered by the eye.

Hagelin needs to work on his vision, he also needs to be on a line with a power forward type of player who can create space for himself to pass to.
- aecliptic

I've watched Hagelin play for years, even before he got to the Rangers. What you see right now is what you get with him. He'll be a 20 goal type player with elite speed that can bring energy and forecheck. I don't see him ever developing elite offensive skills, but nonetheless, at $2.0-2.25 million a year, I think he is a steal at that price.

I've watched Hagelin play for years, even before he got to the Rangers. What you see right now is what you get with him. He'll be a 20 goal type player with elite speed that can bring energy and forecheck. I don't see him ever developing elite offensive skills, but nonetheless, at $2.0-2.25 million a year, I think he is a steal at that price.
- Pete V

Im not saying he going to become St. Louis, but he does need to work on his passing, the speed and occasional chip-ins can only go so far. He needs to be able to put up 25-30 assists a season to go with those 20 goals.

I like Zucc's but I agree, hes not a good fit here.
- aecliptic

I agree.

What worries me is the team seems to be built for reg season success, not playoff success. In the roster make up I mean. AV could be helpful to use there attributes better then torts, but I still can't get past how this years roster will make it through 4 grueling series' to win a cup. I'm just not confident in it

Heres another option to look at...

Hagelin, Stepan, Nash
-- Hagelin should be with guys who can create for themselves and can help him get better. However, hes a flex guy who can go all over the line up so this isnt set in stone.

Kreider, Richards, Ryder
-- 2 vets to show the kid how to do it, Kreider can learn from Ryder's shot, and learn from Richards vision. Im not convinced that in 1 year Richards has regressed the way he has. A more open system should benefit him and everyone.

Clowe/Penner/Bickell (for tj), Brassard, Callahan
-- Callahan needs less TOI, and he is definitely best suited for this line. This line can bash and score, plenty of skill and just enough size to get it done.

However, these options are moot as we have to include MZA in these lines

No, not at all. All that hype last year.

I'm taking McD over Girardi 10/10 times.
- Blackstrom2

So am I but that doesn't mean Girardi is overrated. He is a very good defensive defenseman who sacrifices the body to make the play. There aren't many better in the league. Yes, I love McD because of his speed and offensive potential. Staal would be better than Girardi if he could get back on the ice 100%. But I also think Girardi is more physical than either at this point.

So am I but that doesn't mean Girardi is overrated. He is a very good defensive defenseman who sacrifices the body to make the play. There aren't many better in the league. Yes, I love McD because of his speed and offensive potential. Staal would be better than Girardi if he could get back on the ice 100%. But I also think Girardi is more physical than either at this point.
- gkmkiller

Can you rank Girardi, Beaiska, Hamhuis in your order? Just curious. Think soe fans overvalue their own and some overvalue other teas players because you don't see the warts on highlights.

I like Zucc's but I agree, hes not a good fit here.
- aecliptic

How do we know? Zucc was able to score in Torts system, how can we say he won't be able to score in a more open AV system? With a new coach and a new system we can't be to quick to judge any type of move. I am not saying Zucc should be a 1st line player, but on a reasonable deal he might be a steal

How do we know? Zucc was able to score in Torts system, how can we say he won't be able to score in a more open AV system? With a new coach and a new system we can't be to quick to judge any type of move. I am not saying Zucc should be a 1st line player, but on a reasonable deal he might be a steal
- TPC

Problem is this team will get pushed around.

My question to you is where does Zucc's fit in our top 9?

How do we know? Zucc was able to score in Torts system, how can we say he won't be able to score in a more open AV system? With a new coach and a new system we can't be to quick to judge any type of move. I am not saying Zucc should be a 1st line player, but on a reasonable deal he might be a steal
- TPC

Like him because at his contract you can slide him up and down lines and play him on pp. Not like Richards at his cap hit it pains you to put on third line.

Problem is this team will get pushed around.

My question to you is where does Zucc's fit in our top line?
- aecliptic

Until I see who other moves are made, I can't answer that. But for a team that lacks top end skill, where else are you going to find it without trading away other roster players or top assets.

Plus I think it is a bit overrated by saying having Zucc will cause this team to get pushed around. One player doesn't cause that. There are a bunch of smaller skilled players in the league, and I don't think that is the reason why those teams struggle to win.

Problem is this team will get pushed around.

My question to you is where does Zucc's fit in our top 9?
- aecliptic

Agree. It's a huge Problom in the playoffs.

Zuccarello doesn't intimidate

I'm fine with zucc as long as they fit someone in with size and toughness. At this point I could less who, I need someone or 2 for christs sake tho

Until I see who other moves are made, I can't answer that. But for a team that lacks top end skill, where else are you going to find it without trading away other roster players or top assets.

Plus I think it is a bit overrated by saying having Zucc will cause this team to get pushed around. One player doesn't cause that. There are a bunch of smaller skilled players in the league, and I don't think that is the reason why those teams struggle to win.
- TPC

One person doesnt, but when you have a bunch of soft players, every extra one starts hurting the team.

Hagelin and MZA... Richards is soft, Brassard isnt all that physical (he got pushed around like a child vs. Bruins)

One person doesnt, but when you have a bunch of soft players, every extra one starts hurting the team.

Hagelin and MZA... Richards is soft, Brassard isnt all that physical (he got pushed around like a child vs. Bruins)
- aecliptic

You speaking my language brah.

As hell bent as i was on bickell, he is precisely what the team needs. That exact kind of player. Even if he diesnt score, he provides a presence out there. But, who is that guy we can fit in is the question?

Malone would be at least on that wavelength and probably a good price range. I really think the buyouts is where the rangers need address the size need

You speaking my language brah.

As hell bent as i was on bickell, he is precisely what the team needs. That exact kind of player. Even if he diesnt score, he provides a presence out there. But, who is that guy we can fit in is the question?

Malone would be at least on that wavelength and probably a good price range. I really think the buyouts is where the rangers need address the size need
- Slimtj100

Well we still can negotiate with Clowe, and as long as hes healthy I dont mind him for the right price.

And Malone could be a great net presence for us on the PP... as well as a solid banger, again for the right price.

Question is, how to we arrange the lines?

Nash, Stepan, MZA
Kreider, Ricahrds, Malone
Clowe, Brassard, Callahan
Hagelin, Boyle, Dorsett

???

I agree.

What worries me is the team seems to be built for reg season success, not playoff success. In the roster make up I mean. AV could be helpful to use there attributes better then torts, but I still can't get past how this years roster will make it through 4 grueling series' to win a cup. I'm just not confident in it
- Slimtj100

next year with the new conference alignment, the addition of Detroit, it's literally going to be harder than ever to make the playoffs.

I am all for some regular season success next year at this point

Nash, Stepan, MZA
Kreider, Ricahrds, Malone
Clowe, Brassard, Callahan
Hagelin, Boyle, Dorsett

???
- aecliptic

Richards needs to go, so(assuming clowe and Malone are here)

Kreider-Stepan-Nash
MZA-brassard-Callahan
Clowe-miller-hagelin
Malone-boyle-Dorsett
Pyatt/asham/powe/the kids- 13 th forwards

And you play the 4th line more. A big Problom under torts was lack of forwards being used. He would burn out guys in the top 9

Richards needs to go, so(assuming clowe and Malone are here)

Kreider-Stepan-Nash
MZA-brassard-Callahan
Clowe-miller-hagelin
Malone-boyle-Dorsett
Pyatt/asham/powe/the kids- 13 th forwards

And you play the 4th line more. A big Problom under torts was lack of forwards being used. He would burn out guys in the top 9
- Slimtj100

Richards getting bought out isnt a sure thing. Which complicates making these moves. If Sather does as he says and resigns all our RFA's, than adding a guy like Malone or Bickell wont happen without a Richards buyout.