As much as I like and respect Zucarello, I don't disagree with you that given the makeup of the rest if the roster, I would rather have a bigger more physical player in his spot. My opinion would be different if Richards was bought out. Perhaps the Rangers view on this may change as well.
- Pete V

If you agree why do you kick my ass everyday here?

Dreger on NHL Network. Said Holmgren has 2 possible deals he likes.
1. Coburn to Carolina for the #5

2. Coburn to Edm for #7 and 4th Rounder

.............................if this is true and philly can move coburn for the #5, slats better get on that with a MDZ package or staal if it comes down to it.
- rangerdanger94

Wow that's a steal for Philly

i'd kill for a guy like bickell or lucic or clarkson or clutterbuck on the roster. a guy like bickell, clarkson, etc. on the bottom 6 would be exactly what this team needs. but it's not only a need because of their size and grit, but because it makes the team sooo much deeper.

our 3rd and 4th line are basically spare parts and useless compared to what it used to be unfortunately.
- rangerdanger94

Why do you kick my ass about it too if your on board?

Why do you kick my ass about it too if your on board?
- Slimtj100

you take it a little over the top and make it seem like unless we get those guys, then we're gonna be screwed and that this roster is destined for failure. i think that we could use those guys, like 29 other nhl teams, but it isn't a 100% necessity nor should it be our priority to the point you stress it to be.

if i make it seem like i'm attacking you, i apologize. i want you to know that's not my intention.

it's just...you went a little rangersaver on our asses about the size thing

Wow that's a steal for Philly
- Slimtj100

from what i'm reading now, it seems like it's implied that philly's #11 is included in those deals as well.

If you agree why do you kick my ass everyday here?
- Slimtj100

Because if we all agreed all the time this place would suck. And I do think the Richards decision changed things a little.

you take it a little over the top and make it seem like unless we get those guys, then we're gonna be screwed and that this roster is destined for failure. i think that we could use those guys, like 29 other nhl teams, but it isn't a 100% necessity nor should it be our priority to the point you stress it to be.

if i make it seem like i'm attacking you, i apologize. i want you to know that's not my intention.

it's just...you went a little rangersaver on our asses about the size thing
- rangerdanger94

It's not so much the height and weight I'm worried about. Like Marchand is a pr!ck. Ott is an a$$hole. Clarkson is ornery. Bickell reeks havoc in front of the goalie. Etc. We need more pr!cks, a$$holes and havoc reekers is I guess the point I try to make. We got to many choir boys and nice guys. Callahan sticks up for guys but who else of the skilled guys does that? We're neglecting it more and more it seems like

What it comes down to with me is, the ECF team had a perfect blend of everything and it bothers me they blew it up.

Because if we all agreed all the time this place would suck. And I do think the Richards decision changed things a little.
- Pete V

The Richards decision is really bothering me

from what i'm reading now, it seems like it's implied that philly's #11 is included in those deals as well.
- rangerdanger94

Ohhhh ok. That fair then

It's not so much the height and weight I'm worried about. Like Marchand is a pr!ck. Ott is an a$$hole. Clarkson is ornery. Bickell reeks havoc in front of the goalie. Etc. We need more pr!cks, a$$holes and havoc reekers is I guess the point I try to make. We got to many choir boys and nice guys. Callahan sticks up for guys but who else of the skilled guys does that? We're neglecting it more and more it seems like

What it comes down to with me is, the ECF team had a perfect blend of everything and it bothers me they blew it up.
- Slimtj100

I have been saying that the team needs a couple of aholes all year long. Probably more before you came. I still think the Rangers are going to readjust this lineup, so don't completely lose heart. Plus, there is some thing to like, world class goalie, great young core, strong down the middle, et. We just need to readjust the flanks a little. I still think they need some more finish on the wing. You thing they need more toughness. Would be nice to find a guy with both.

The Richards decision is really bothering me
- Slimtj100

I know they don't have the cap room but I wonder if part of the reason they kept Richards was to get Vinny L to New York. You are allowed to go over the cap in the summer right? Sign him then trade away some salary later in the summer if you land him. Going for the cup this next year.

Allow me to chime in on Richards since I have yet to do so since word came out he was returning. I did think the Rangers should buy him out but primarily to keep cap flexibility this year. I couldn't care less about cap recapture penalties down the road to be honest and here is why.

Did the Ranger flinch keeping Wade Redden's $6.5MM cap hit on the books this year? No, and I don't think it will matter much that they may get tagged with $5MM plus in cap charges in 2017-2018 through 2019-2020.

Think about it: There is already a widely held belief the cap will return to the $70MM mark as soon as next year for 2014-2015. If we assume 5% growth in league revenues (conservative estimate by the way) that means the cap ceiling can increase by 2.5% each season there after. That means the cap ceiling can be as high $77.1MM in time for the 2017-2018 season. The Rangers have plenty of time to plan for the time that penalty is enforced and they've probably also considered where the cap was going to be at that point.

The Rangers are a better team with a bounce back performance from Richards. Of that there is no question. I also don't think the finances worry the Rangers that much. It's so far down the road and chances are the cap will be much higher than it is today that it just isn't a big deal. Now of course no one wants to carry dead cap space but the Rangers have done it before and with so much time to plan ahead I believe they will make it work when they get to that point.

I have been saying that the team needs a couple of aholes all year long. Probably more before you came. I still think the Rangers are going to readjust this lineup, so don't completely lose heart. Plus, there is some thing to like, world class goalie, great young core, strong down the middle, et. We just need to readjust the flanks a little. I still think they need some more finish on the wing. You thing they need more toughness. Would be nice to find a guy with both.
- Pete V

as long as we have a great core, we have a chance to build a contender.

look at chicago. they won the cup a few years ago and blew up the team but kept the core of kane, toews, hossa, sharp, keith, seabrook, hjarlmsson, etc. and then rebuilt the rest of the roster around them and won again. we just need to wait for the rest of the roster to fill out.

Allow me to chime in on Richards since I have yet to do so since word came out he was returning. I did think the Rangers should buy him out but primarily to keep cap flexibility this year. I couldn't care less about cap recapture penalties down the road to be honest and here is why.

Did the Ranger flinch keeping Wade Redden's $6.5MM cap hit on the books this year? No, and I don't think it will matter much that they may get tagged with $5MM plus in cap charges in 2017-2018 through 2019-2020.

Think about it: There is already a widely held belief the cap will return to the $70MM mark as soon as next year for 2014-2015. If we assume 5% growth in league revenues (conservative estimate by the way) that means the cap ceiling can increase by 2.5% each season there after. That means the cap ceiling can be as high $77.1MM in time for the 2017-2018 season. The Rangers have plenty of time to plan for the time that penalty is enforced and they've probably also considered where the cap was going to be at that point.

The Rangers are a better team with a bounce back performance from Richards. Of that there is no question. I also don't think the finances worry the Rangers that much. It's so far down the road and chances are the cap will be much higher than it is today that it just isn't a big deal. Now of course no one wants to carry dead cap space but the Rangers have done it before and with so much time to plan ahead I believe they will make it work when they get to that point.
- gkmkiller

there are always ways around the cap recapture thing too *cough* LTIR *cough*

also: LeBrun, who spoke with Richards earlier in the week, said that Richards sounded like “a man hell bent on proving to people he’s still an elite player.”

this dude has a fire lit under his ass and will play harder than he ever has before in his life. he will start the season on the 1st line centering nash so he should have a great opportunity to bounce back and kill it.

there are always ways around the cap recapture thing too *cough* LTIR *cough*

also: LeBrun, who spoke with Richards earlier in the week, said that Richards sounded like “a man hell bent on proving to people he’s still an elite player.”

this dude has a fire lit under his ass and will play harder than he ever has before in his life. he will start the season on the 1st line centering nash so he should have a great opportunity to bounce back and kill it.
- rangerdanger94

Actually my math was wrong. If revenues increase 5% then so would the cap. In that case the cap could be as high as $81MM for 2017-2018 assuming it reaches the $70MM mark next summer and that revenues increase by 5% each year thereafter.

Actually my math was wrong. If revenues increase 5% then so would the cap. In that case the cap could be as high as $81MM for 2017-2018 assuming it reaches the $70MM mark next summer and that revenues increase by 5% each year thereafter.
- gkmkiller

the league is experiencing ridiculous growth in part due to the outdoor games they're hosting. the cap is gonna be crazy high in the next few seasons.

the league is experiencing ridiculous growth in part due to the outdoor games they're hosting. the cap is gonna be crazy high in the next few seasons.
- rangerdanger94

Which may well have factored into the Rangers decision to give Richards one more year. By all accounts he is as motivated as he has ever been and if he returns to being a 70-point player then the Rangers conceivably could have three centers to counteract the Bruins and other clubs.

Which may well have factored into the Rangers decision to give Richards one more year. By all accounts he is as motivated as he has ever been and if he returns to being a 70-point player then the Rangers conceivably could have three centers to counteract the Bruins and other clubs.
- gkmkiller

I realize we all have different opinions on this, and I realize I am in the minority, but I think this year's Rangers team is laying in the weeds, and is really going to suprise people. IMO, two most important guys to making that happen, are Brad Richards and Chris Kreider. If one bounces back, and the other one blossoms, they are going to be dangerous. Still want another potential 25-30 goal scorer in the lineup, however, even if the defense has to suffer a little.

Allow me to chime in on Richards since I have yet to do so since word came out he was returning. I did think the Rangers should buy him out but primarily to keep cap flexibility this year. I couldn't care less about cap recapture penalties down the road to be honest and here is why.

Did the Ranger flinch keeping Wade Redden's $6.5MM cap hit on the books this year? No, and I don't think it will matter much that they may get tagged with $5MM plus in cap charges in 2017-2018 through 2019-2020.

Think about it: There is already a widely held belief the cap will return to the $70MM mark as soon as next year for 2014-2015. If we assume 5% growth in league revenues (conservative estimate by the way) that means the cap ceiling can increase by 2.5% each season there after. That means the cap ceiling can be as high $77.1MM in time for the 2017-2018 season. The Rangers have plenty of time to plan for the time that penalty is enforced and they've probably also considered where the cap was going to be at that point.

The Rangers are a better team with a bounce back performance from Richards. Of that there is no question. I also don't think the finances worry the Rangers that much. It's so far down the road and chances are the cap will be much higher than it is today that it just isn't a big deal. Now of course no one wants to carry dead cap space but the Rangers have done it before and with so much time to plan ahead I believe they will make it work when they get to that point.
- gkmkiller

I think it's a triple whammy by keeping him:

1. If people remember the reason we signed him was because we lacked a true bonafide #1 center. And they needed a playmaker for gaborik. Well, now Stepan has established himself and is a great playmaker(along with being solid defensively). Couple that with the brassard addition. They both can do what Richards was initially brought here to do, so in essence your paying your 3rd center 6.6 or whatever it is to do the same thing your top 2 are already doing. If he was an older version of like backes or getzlaf you could at least understand it.

2. By solidifying a position we probably were ok in already, your not allowing yourself the opportunity to fill needs at other spots because you can't afford it now. I know center is more important then other positions, but his salary doesn't justify the roster spot he's penciled in at

3. The least relevant and im not saying itd be a bad thing, but suppose he has a great year next year ?and they buy him out it will look so stupid on the organization. I mean they have to buy him out next year don't they? At least now he's coming off an awful season where it's more understandable

The only positives I can see is his leadership is still around and under a more offensive coach he should in theory be a more productive player. But otherwise the decision is very puzzling to me

I realize we all have different opinions on this, and I realize I am in the minority, but I think this year's Rangers team is laying in the weeds, and is really going to suprise people. IMO, two most important guys to making that happen, are Brad Richards and Chris Kreider. If one bounces back, and the other one blossoms, they are going to be dangerous. Still want another potential 25-30 goal scorer in the lineup, however, even if the defense has to suffer a little.
- Pete V

I know we are a long shot and probably don't have the cap room, but I won't say its impossible to see Vinny sign here.

I realize we all have different opinions on this, and I realize I am in the minority, but I think this year's Rangers team is laying in the weeds, and is really going to suprise people. IMO, two most important guys to making that happen, are Brad Richards and Chris Kreider. If one bounces back, and the other one blossoms, they are going to be dangerous. Still want another potential 25-30 goal scorer in the lineup, however, even if the defense has to suffer a little.
- Pete V

I think a huge question is the power play... I mean if AV can figure that out and get that going, that coulda have been the difference two years ago from getting knocked out by Jersey to making it to the cup final, and the same coulda been said this year. Instead of that 6th place finish, a higher finish with a working Power Play.

I know nothings happened yet but a new philosophy and a PP that works could take this team a little further. Different style of play that isn't as taxing would be nice. We'll see if they can finish a bit more on the Power play.

I think a huge question is the power play... I mean if AV can figure that out and get that going, that coulda have been the difference two years ago from getting knocked out by Jersey to making it to the cup final, and the same coulda been said this year. Instead of that 6th place finish, a higher finish with a working Power Play.

I know nothings happened yet but a new philosophy and a PP that works could take this team a little further. Different style of play that isn't as taxing would be nice. We'll see if they can finish a bit more on the Power play.
- evitageN

I think that's what slats feels too and why torts is gonzo.

Hopefully what happens is they roll 4 lines more now, score on the pp, keep the torts defensive cliff notes he taught them, kreider & miller become real players and henrik continues to be all world...if all that happens we could be a contender in June

I have to get my positive mindset back!!

I think that's what slats feels too and why torts is gonzo.

Hopefully what happens is they roll 4 lines more now, score on the pp, keep the torts defensive cliff notes he taught them, kreider & miller become real players and henrik continues to be all world...if all that happens we could be a contender in June

I have to get my positive mindset back!!
- Slimtj100

There ya go dude! Have to hope for that!

There ya go dude! Have to hope for that!
- evitageN

This team constantly, year after year, makes me wanna see a shrink

I think that's what slats feels too and why torts is gonzo.

Hopefully what happens is they roll 4 lines more now, score on the pp, keep the torts defensive cliff notes he taught them, kreider & miller become real players and henrik continues to be all world...if all that happens we could be a contender in June

I have to get my positive mindset back!!
- Slimtj100

The fear is that the Rangers are returning basically the same team as last year, so how can they be much better? But, the one thing we aren't taking into account is that the Rangers have more emerging players then they have declining players, so you can get better just by your own guys going through a natural progression -- almost like a senior laden team in college sports. I am real optimistic about this year, and I realize that that puts me in a huge minority.