1:28PM: On TSN, Darren Dreger said that the expectation was for the Rangers to follow in the same path as Tampa Bay did, with Vinny Lecavalier, and buy out Richards but that things have changed a bit and that his sense is that the Rangers are going to announce that they are NOT buying out Richards.

He says that the Rangers seem like they are willing to allow Richards to prove he is as motivated as he says he is to return to being a top player.
- Pete V

we need to buy him out nest year either way so give miller or lindberg his spot now so they can develop

we need to buy him out nest year either way so give miller or lindberg his spot now so they can develop
- webleedblue

I think most of us agree on the merits of buying him out. But, it's starting to look like it may not happen. And if it doesn't, I am not holding it against him. I hope he comes in motivated and kills it next year.

Jan, here's my thought based on buying out Richards.

Stepan and Brassard are two solid Centers on the Rangers but they lack size. Skill is a given, but in todays NHL, you need some size down the middle to help with puck possession. Boyle is only C with size but he is more than likely gonna be 4th line center and he lacks in pure skill. Then you have JT Miller. Rangers will be gambling on him being able to fill out the 4 Cs. If Miller digresses, there will be a depth issue down the middle. Stepan is also very young at 22. He has never experienced an down season yet as well. He played at 80pt. pace this year, but it was also a contract year for him. Many trends have shown digression after a player gets a big contract. If Stepan struggles at any point in the season, Brassard will be expected to carry the load and yes he had a great 20+ games with us last year, but consistency is not on his resume yet. So that leaves the question, who do the Rangers turn to during an 82 gm season if ANY of their Centers struggle a little? If Miller is still turning over pucks at a rapid pace? The final 4 this year, shows the need for depth down the middle and strength down the middle. Thats apparent in today's league. Lecavalier may be aging, but consider he still produces at around .8 PPG rate and this is still after being dropped down the depth chart in TB and not playing with the top wingers at various times. Lecav has size and skill and experience. The Rangers won't be as physical taxing on him because of the top defense and goalie situation. If he can focus more offensively, he will not be as banged up. Having Lecav as a good 2nd Center also pushes Brassard to 3rd who has shown chemistry with Zuccarello. It gives the Rangers 3 strong scoring lines. Zuccarello's playmaking skill may be wasted if Boyle and Dorsett are his linemates. Miller would work nice, but again, he is a young gamble right now. Miller has also shown signs he could work on the wing.

Concerning the cap, the Rangers currently have 12M open to sign Zucc, Step, McD, and Hags. Step & McD are widely considered to command about 9-10M combined. So basically, it would take all 12M to sign these 4. Buying out Richards frees up another 6.6M. Lecavalier gives you the ability to pass on Clowe as well. Vinny's size adds to that department and at times, a large Kreider, Lecavalier, Nash Super Skilled Power Forward trio line could be hard to contain. If Lecav can be signed for 5-5.5M for a 3 year deal, I think its a wise signing. It still leaves about 2M on the table if needed.

1A Hagelin Stepan Callahan
1B Kreider Lecavalier Nash
3 Zuccarello Brassard Miller (Pyatt)
4 Dorsett Boyle Asham (Pyatt)

Jan, here's my thought based on buying out Richards.

Stepan and Brassard are two solid Centers on the Rangers but they lack size. Skill is a given, but in todays NHL, you need some size down the middle to help with puck possession. Boyle is only C with size but he is more than likely gonna be 4th line center and he lacks in pure skill. Then you have JT Miller. Rangers will be gambling on him being able to fill out the 4 Cs. If Miller digresses, there will be a depth issue down the middle. Stepan is also very young at 22. He has never experienced an down season yet as well. He played at 80pt. pace this year, but it was also a contract year for him. Many trends have shown digression after a player gets a big contract. If Stepan struggles at any point in the season, Brassard will be expected to carry the load and yes he had a great 20+ games with us last year, but consistency is not on his resume yet. So that leaves the question, who do the Rangers turn to during an 82 gm season if ANY of their Centers struggle a little? If Miller is still turning over pucks at a rapid pace? The final 4 this year, shows the need for depth down the middle and strength down the middle. Thats apparent in today's league. Lecavalier may be aging, but consider he still produces at around .8 PPG rate and this is still after being dropped down the depth chart in TB and not playing with the top wingers at various times. Lecav has size and skill and experience. The Rangers won't be as physical taxing on him because of the top defense and goalie situation. If he can focus more offensively, he will not be as banged up. Having Lecav as a good 2nd Center also pushes Brassard to 3rd who has shown chemistry with Zuccarello. It gives the Rangers 3 strong scoring lines. Zuccarello's playmaking skill may be wasted if Boyle and Dorsett are his linemates. Miller would work nice, but again, he is a young gamble right now. Miller has also shown signs he could work on the wing.

Concerning the cap, the Rangers currently have 12M open to sign Zucc, Step, McD, and Hags. Step & McD are widely considered to command about 9-10M combined. So basically, it would take all 12M to sign these 4. Buying out Richards frees up another 6.6M. Lecavalier gives you the ability to pass on Clowe as well. Vinny's size adds to that department and at times, a large Kreider, Lecavalier, Nash Super Skilled Power Forward trio line could be hard to contain. If Lecav can be signed for 5-5.5M for a 3 year deal, I think its a wise signing. It still leaves about 2M on the table if needed.

1A Hagelin Stepan Callahan
1B Kreider Lecavalier Nash
3 Zuccarello Brassard Miller (Pyatt)
4 Dorsett Boyle Asham (Pyatt)
- xcheckmajor

Welcome! And nice post.

Jan, here's my thought based on buying out Richards.

Stepan and Brassard are two solid Centers on the Rangers but they lack size. Skill is a given, but in todays NHL, you need some size down the middle to help with puck possession. Boyle is only C with size but he is more than likely gonna be 4th line center and he lacks in pure skill. Then you have JT Miller. Rangers will be gambling on him being able to fill out the 4 Cs. If Miller digresses, there will be a depth issue down the middle. Stepan is also very young at 22. He has never experienced an down season yet as well. He played at 80pt. pace this year, but it was also a contract year for him. Many trends have shown digression after a player gets a big contract. If Stepan struggles at any point in the season, Brassard will be expected to carry the load and yes he had a great 20+ games with us last year, but consistency is not on his resume yet. So that leaves the question, who do the Rangers turn to during an 82 gm season if ANY of their Centers struggle a little? If Miller is still turning over pucks at a rapid pace? The final 4 this year, shows the need for depth down the middle and strength down the middle. Thats apparent in today's league. Lecavalier may be aging, but consider he still produces at around .8 PPG rate and this is still after being dropped down the depth chart in TB and not playing with the top wingers at various times. Lecav has size and skill and experience. The Rangers won't be as physical taxing on him because of the top defense and goalie situation. If he can focus more offensively, he will not be as banged up. Having Lecav as a good 2nd Center also pushes Brassard to 3rd who has shown chemistry with Zuccarello. It gives the Rangers 3 strong scoring lines. Zuccarello's playmaking skill may be wasted if Boyle and Dorsett are his linemates. Miller would work nice, but again, he is a young gamble right now. Miller has also shown signs he could work on the wing.

Concerning the cap, the Rangers currently have 12M open to sign Zucc, Step, McD, and Hags. Step & McD are widely considered to command about 9-10M combined. So basically, it would take all 12M to sign these 4. Buying out Richards frees up another 6.6M. Lecavalier gives you the ability to pass on Clowe as well. Vinny's size adds to that department and at times, a large Kreider, Lecavalier, Nash Super Skilled Power Forward trio line could be hard to contain. If Lecav can be signed for 5-5.5M for a 3 year deal, I think its a wise signing. It still leaves about 2M on the table if needed.

1A Hagelin Stepan Callahan
1B Kreider Lecavalier Nash
3 Zuccarello Brassard Miller (Pyatt)
4 Dorsett Boyle Asham (Pyatt)
- xcheckmajor

Appreciate the take. The one major caveat I add is that as of now the rumor is that Rangers will not signing Vinny L. Plus, you can't buyout Richards based on the view you are signing Vinny unless you know that he is definitely coming to NY, which as of now you don't.

Welcome to the party, water is great, glad you jumped right in

Jan, here's my thought based on buying out Richards.

Stepan and Brassard are two solid Centers on the Rangers but they lack size. Skill is a given, but in todays NHL, you need some size down the middle to help with puck possession. Boyle is only C with size but he is more than likely gonna be 4th line center and he lacks in pure skill. Then you have JT Miller. Rangers will be gambling on him being able to fill out the 4 Cs. If Miller digresses, there will be a depth issue down the middle. Stepan is also very young at 22. He has never experienced an down season yet as well. He played at 80pt. pace this year, but it was also a contract year for him. Many trends have shown digression after a player gets a big contract. If Stepan struggles at any point in the season, Brassard will be expected to carry the load and yes he had a great 20+ games with us last year, but consistency is not on his resume yet. So that leaves the question, who do the Rangers turn to during an 82 gm season if ANY of their Centers struggle a little? If Miller is still turning over pucks at a rapid pace? The final 4 this year, shows the need for depth down the middle and strength down the middle. Thats apparent in today's league. Lecavalier may be aging, but consider he still produces at around .8 PPG rate and this is still after being dropped down the depth chart in TB and not playing with the top wingers at various times. Lecav has size and skill and experience. The Rangers won't be as physical taxing on him because of the top defense and goalie situation. If he can focus more offensively, he will not be as banged up. Having Lecav as a good 2nd Center also pushes Brassard to 3rd who has shown chemistry with Zuccarello. It gives the Rangers 3 strong scoring lines. Zuccarello's playmaking skill may be wasted if Boyle and Dorsett are his linemates. Miller would work nice, but again, he is a young gamble right now. Miller has also shown signs he could work on the wing.

Concerning the cap, the Rangers currently have 12M open to sign Zucc, Step, McD, and Hags. Step & McD are widely considered to command about 9-10M combined. So basically, it would take all 12M to sign these 4. Buying out Richards frees up another 6.6M. Lecavalier gives you the ability to pass on Clowe as well. Vinny's size adds to that department and at times, a large Kreider, Lecavalier, Nash Super Skilled Power Forward trio line could be hard to contain. If Lecav can be signed for 5-5.5M for a 3 year deal, I think its a wise signing. It still leaves about 2M on the table if needed.

1A Hagelin Stepan Callahan
1B Kreider Lecavalier Nash
3 Zuccarello Brassard Miller (Pyatt)
4 Dorsett Boyle Asham (Pyatt)
- xcheckmajor

I like the team but use zucc's money on clowe and it would be better i think

I like the team but use zucc's money on clowe and it would be better i think
- webleedblue

I think me and you have to come to grips with a smaller more skilled team and hope it works out. I'm just very worried it won't

we need to buy him out nest year either way so give miller or lindberg his spot now so they can develop
- webleedblue

Well, if this is true, and I'm beginning to think it is, it changes the dynamic going forward. There will be no trade of Staal, plays for the Rangers or retires. Slats will do what he can to keep Stepan, McD, and Hagelin within reason, while dodging the specter of an offer sheet to any one of them. Perhaps, MDZ is packaged for either a big right handed shot from the point, or maybe another forward possibly. Hank will get his money and rightfully so, but don't expect too much change from this year's edition of the team, is that good enough? No, IMHO.

I think me and you have to come to grips with a smaller more skilled team and hope it works out. I'm just very worried it won't
- Slimtj100

i just don't see how it will work zucc is a good player but he could help us more if he's traded

Well, if this is true, and I'm beginning to think it is, it changes the dynamic going forward. There will be no trade of Staal, plays for the Rangers or retires. Slats will do what he can to keep Stepan, McD, and Hagelin within reason, while dodging the specter of an offer sheet to any one of them. Perhaps, MDZ is packaged for either a big right handed shot from the point, or maybe another forward possibly. Hank will get his money and rightfully so, but don't expect too much change from this year's edition of the team, is that good enough? No, IMHO.
- OLDSCHOOL#6

I think they need to be a little careful not to try to fix every gap this summer. Th Zucarello thing is the perfect example. I don't necessarily disagree with the feeling that we may have too many of his type, but IMO, and here is where we different, you can't just not sign him. If you sign him now, and you feel like you need some size at the deadline, you can move him then and get assets back (and I believe that he will be worth something, I realize you don't).

The Stanley Cup isn't won in October, so they will have other opportunities to play with the roster, other than this summer. I think we all know that the roster that begins the season, is very unlikely to be the roster that goes into the playoffs.

Thanks for the welcomes! Yes, I agree its a difficult situation buying out Richards pending a replacement. I think that is really the sole reason why there has been 0 news and info about it even to Ritchie himself! I think Sather is trying to find a suitable replacement before committing to his buyout. Sather is pretty shrewd, and I wouldn't put it past him to have a deal worked out with Vinny thats ready to go on July 5th, therefore ensuring the buyout of Richards is a safe play. Of course this is all complete speculation by me, but I'm just playing keyboard GM, its what I would do, lol.

I regards to the post about using Zucc's money on Clowe, here's my opinion: Zuccarello has never gotten a fair chance in the NHL. And I don't understand why. He's small but plays with aggression and Theo Fleury like heart. He was checking Chara in the playoffs lol!! Whenever he got a chance from NY, he has shown to be probably the best passer and vision player on the team. He makes tape to tape clean passes (AV style) and gets the puck to open players, sometimes magically. I think he is a tremendous asset and deserves a real chance to be considered among the core. Clowe, IMO, is one hit away from being a vegetable. He's had 3 concussions in the past year alone. His style is all about being a wrecking ball and I think its caught up with him. You can't change his game to protect him, it eliminates his effectiveness and the point of having him. Clowe will also cost too much. He's UFA so he can get offers from any team, someone is bound to offer him more than we are willing to give considering our cap situation.

I think they need to be a little careful not to try to fix every gap this summer. Th Zucarello thing is the perfect example. I don't necessarily disagree with the feeling that we may have too many of his type, but IMO, and here is where we different, you can't just not sign him. If you sign him now, and you feel like you need some size at the deadline, you can move him then and get assets back (and I believe that he will be worth something, I realize you don't).

The Stanley Cup isn't won in October, so they will have other opportunities to play with the roster, other than this summer. I think we all know that the roster that begins the season, is very unlikely to be the roster that goes into the playoffs.
- Pete V

we can sign him and trade him now as well, which i think we should do

Thanks for the welcomes! Yes, I agree its a difficult situation buying out Richards pending a replacement. I think that is really the sole reason why there has been 0 news and info about it even to Ritchie himself! I think Sather is trying to find a suitable replacement before committing to his buyout. Sather is pretty shrewd, and I wouldn't put it past him to have a deal worked out with Vinny thats ready to go on July 5th, therefore ensuring the buyout of Richards is a safe play. Of course this is all complete speculation by me, but I'm just playing keyboard GM, its what I would do, lol.

I regards to the post about using Zucc's money on Clowe, here's my opinion: Zuccarello has never gotten a fair chance in the NHL. And I don't understand why. He's small but plays with aggression and Theo Fleury like heart. He was checking Chara in the playoffs lol!! Whenever he got a chance from NY, he has shown to be probably the best passer and vision player on the team. He makes tape to tape clean passes (AV style) and gets the puck to open players, sometimes magically. I think he is a tremendous asset and deserves a real chance to be considered among the core. Clowe, IMO, is one hit away from being a vegetable. He's had 3 concussions in the past year alone. His style is all about being a wrecking ball and I think its caught up with him. You can't change his game to protect him, it eliminates his effectiveness and the point of having him. Clowe will also cost too much. He's UFA so he can get offers from any team, someone is bound to offer him more than we are willing to give considering our cap situation.
- xcheckmajor

would be ok with clutterbuck as well but i just don't feel like zucc fits this team

I think they need to be a little careful not to try to fix every gap this summer. Th Zucarello thing is the perfect example. I don't necessarily disagree with the feeling that we may have too many of his type, but IMO, and here is where we different, you can't just not sign him. If you sign him now, and you feel like you need some size at the deadline, you can move him then and get assets back (and I believe that he will be worth something, I realize you don't).

The Stanley Cup isn't won in October, so they will have other opportunities to play with the roster, other than this summer. I think we all know that the roster that begins the season, is very unlikely to be the roster that goes into the playoffs.
- Pete V

The fact that we dumped this guy and no other team wanted him which made him go to the khl and out of desperation we brought him back this season, makes me think he still doesn't have much value. Even after a decent post season. Not sure if that's worth giving him a contract. Grated if its under a million it's hard to argue it being a hinderence to the cap

But ...

If guys like him don't put up points like say a St. Louis does or score like a fleury did they are almost useless out there, except for a shutout here or there. I hope people don't think that zucc can contribute like those 2? To me he is taking a roster spot up for something else we could desperately use.

I think they need to be a little careful not to try to fix every gap this summer. Th Zucarello thing is the perfect example. I don't necessarily disagree with the feeling that we may have too many of his type, but IMO, and here is where we different, you can't just not sign him. If you sign him now, and you feel like you need some size at the deadline, you can move him then and get assets back (and I believe that he will be worth something, I realize you don't).

The Stanley Cup isn't won in October, so they will have other opportunities to play with the roster, other than this summer. I think we all know that the roster that begins the season, is very unlikely to be the roster that goes into the playoffs.
- Pete V

Just look at Chicago. They went into the year without a 2nd line center lol

The fact that we dumped this guy and no other team wanted him which made him go to the khl and out of desperation we brought him back this season, makes me think he still doesn't have much value. Even after a decent post season. Not sure if that's worth giving him a contract. Grated if its under a million it's hard to argue it being a hinderence to the cap

But ...

If guys like him don't put up points like say a St. Louis does or score like a fleury did they are almost useless out there, except for a shutout here or there. I hope people don't think that zucc can contribute like those 2? To me he is taking a roster spot up for something else we could desperately use.
- Slimtj100

We didn't dump him. The Rangers retained his rights, and he went to the KHL during the lockout. Nobody had the ability to claim him if he played in North America, other than the New York Rangers.

And for all this hating on him (in general), there are a couple of undisputed facts: (1) the team played much better once he was here (I realize that others contributed to that as well); and (2) he was the second leading scorer for the Rangers during this year's playoffs.

I understand that people may not think he fits. I get that. But, he is a pretty nifty, tough little player, and yes, I think that type of player making a less than a $1.5 million a year, will have value.

We didn't dump him. The Rangers retained his rights, and he went to the KHL during the lockout. Nobody had the ability to claim him if he played in North America, other than the New York Rangers.

And for all this hating on him (in general), there are a couple of undisputed facts: (1) the team played much better once he was here (I realize that others contributed to that as well); and (2) he was the second leading scorer for the Rangers during this year's playoffs.

I understand that people may not think he fits. I get that. But, he is a pretty nifty, tough little player, and yes, I think that type of player making a less than a $1.5 million a year, will have value.
- Pete V

Sadly 7 pts was 2nd on the team

My bad I was under the impression he was available to the whole leauge.

My worry is they treat him like a top 6 forward which is not a good idea

I'm just curious, what part of Zuccarello's game does people see fault in? Whenever he has the puck, there is almost a guarantee that the next play is something good. He rarely turns it over, rarely makes a bad pass or decision, he's not getting killed like Prucha did, he's quick, he's a great shoot out specialist, and his decision making is one of the best on the team. Plus, he comes cheap at 2M or under. Where is the problem?

Sadly 7 pts was 2nd on the team

My bad I was under the impression he was available to the whole leauge.

My worry is they treat him like a top 6 forward which is not a good idea
- Slimtj100

There is this notion out there that in order to play third line in the NHL, you have to be 6'4 physical. That's baloney. If your team has size elsewhere, you can fit a smalled skilled player on the third line, especially if that guy also helps on the PP. But, you do need to have some size in your overall lineup, and I think it is fair question to ask, whether the Rangers have the right mix.

Also, a guy that passes the puck like Zucc will make the guys around him better, provided that you put him with the right guys. If you put him with a couple of guys that couldn't hit the ocean if they were standing in a pier, then he's a waste. His best attributes are his vision, playmaking ability, and puck handle.

Just look at Chicago. They went into the year without a 2nd line center lol
- mrhattrick27

When you have Sharp on the LW and Hossa on the RW, you could put a blind monkey between them and it wont matter.

When you have Sharp on the LW and Hossa on the RW, you could put a blind monkey between them and it wont matter.
- aecliptic

And you put that same blind monkey on the wing with Toews and Kane, and he'll score a few goals.

There is this notion out there that in order to play third line in the NHL, you have to be 6'4 physical. That's baloney. If your team has size elsewhere, you can fit a smalled skilled player on the third line, especially if that guy also helps on the PP. But, you do need to have some size in your overall lineup, and I think it is fair question to ask, whether the Rangers have the right mix.

Also, a guy that passes the puck like Zucc will make the guys around him better, provided that you put him with the right guys. If you put him with a couple of guys that couldn't hit the ocean if they were standing in a pier, than he's a waste. His best attributes are his vision, playmaking ability, and puck handle.
- Pete V

This is a MASSIVE reason why I have MZA playing on the 1st line. If hes going to be a part of this team, put him in a position to be successful. If you play him on the 3rd line, obviously he wont be as effective. If you put MZA on the 1st line and let him play there for 82 games, I will be willing to bet money that he will have between 40 and 50 assists on the year.

And you put that same blind monkey on the wing with Toews and Kane, and he'll score a few goals.
- Pete V

Are you trying to say Bickell is a blind monkey?

This is a MASSIVE reason why I have MZA playing on the 1st line. If hes going to be a part of this team, put him in a position to be successful. If you play him on the 3rd line, obviously he wont be as effective. If you put MZA on the 1st line and let him play there for 82 games, I will be willing to bet money that he will have between 40 and 50 assists on the year.
- aecliptic

You put him with Nash, I agree, he will have 40-50 assists.

Are you trying to say Bickell is a blind monkey?
- aecliptic

What I am trying to say is that skill makes the beef look better, more than the otherway around.