And what offer is that?? I didn't hear a rumor or you just saying we probably have the best offer on the table. And mind you, EDM doesn't HAVE to deal him. I'd shop him to get the pieces I need but I wouldn't just trade him to trade him.
- mrhattrick27

You are right, they don't have to trade him. The reality is, EDM needs a shakeup of some sort. We probably have the best offer on the table, but I have no proof of that.

Do you think Rangers' fans will extend to him even 1/2 of the courtersy we have given other prospects regarding development time. Because it doesn't look like he is going to light the world on fire this year. If we get him, we can't sh*tcan him after 15 games if he isn't getting it done less than two years after he was drafted.
- Pete V

I think it will depend on what the Rangers sacrifice to get him. If it's MDZ and an unknown like Kristo then I think we would be somewhat patient. If Kreider, Staal or Hagelin were in the deal then he better produce from day one. Rangers fans have always been impatient and only seem to be getting worse.

must be the guy who was begging everyone to wait until mid november when the injuries got better to judge the team
- rangerdanger94

Nope that guy has a different position with the NY Rangers

must be the guy who was begging everyone to wait until mid november when the injuries got better to judge the team
- rangerdanger94

Watching the Rangers struggle sucked but I knew that we shouldn't throw in the towel until we were at least 20 - 25 games in. Now it looks like this Rangers team is rounding into form. I still think they aren't up to the level they need to be if they are going to compete for a cup but certainly there has been tons of progress. AV is doing the job he was brought here to do and looks like he's got things moving in the right direction.

I think it will depend on what the Rangers sacrifice to get him. If it's MDZ and an unknown like Kristo then I think we would be somewhat patient. If Kreider, Staal or Hagelin were in the deal then he better produce from day one. Rangers fans have always been impatient and only seem to be getting worse.
- gkmkiller

it also depends on whether the fans are knowledgeable or not...i've seen fans on twitter say everything from "i would only pay pyatt + miller for yakupov and even that's an overpayment" to "we better not trade girardi even straight up for yakupov!!!" not knowing that girardi is a UFA and might be gone while yakupov would be committed for 7+ years.

it also depends on whether the fans are knowledgeable or not...i've seen fans on twitter say everything from "i would only pay pyatt + miller for yakupov and even that's an overpayment" to "we better not trade girardi even straight up for yakupov!!!" not knowing that girardi is a UFA and might be gone while yakupov would be committed for 7+ years.
- rangerdanger94

Hate to say it but I have experienced more than my fair share of idiot Ranger fans writing elsewhere. It boggles the mind sometimes. But when you have a large fan base, you are more likely to have quite a few morons.

Watching the Rangers struggle sucked but I knew that we shouldn't throw in the towel until we were at least 20 - 25 games in. Now it looks like this Rangers team is rounding into form. I still think they aren't up to the level they need to be if they are going to compete for a cup but certainly there has been tons of progress. AV is doing the job he was brought here to do and looks like he's got things moving in the right direction.
- gkmkiller

It's amazing the impact Kreider and Hagelin have made on the forward units. I completely underestimated Hagelin's impact. Kreider's emergence has been amazing to watch. He is dangerous almost every shift.

Hate to say it but I have experienced more than my fair share of idiot Ranger fans writing elsewhere. It boggles the mind sometimes. But when you have a large fan base, you are more likely to have quite a few morons.
- gkmkiller

That goes for all fan bases of any team in professional or amateur sports. An overabundance of stupidity is spewed from the mouths of many, many fans.

It's amazing the impact Kreider and Hagelin have made on the forward units. I completely underestimated Hagelin's impact. Kreider's emergence has been amazing to watch. He is dangerous almost every shift.
- MidnightMarauder

ever since hagelin's first shift as a New York Ranger in the NHL, he has been noticeable literally every single shift. he's so consistent in the way he hounds the puck, causes pressure and turnovers, and generates offense through that.

we forget that the kid has only played 1.5 seasons in the NHL. he's still developing and his offensive game should hopefully improve.

It's amazing the impact Kreider and Hagelin have made on the forward units. I completely underestimated Hagelin's impact. Kreider's emergence has been amazing to watch. He is dangerous almost every shift.
- MidnightMarauder

It's that. But, I also think it is a number of other factors as well, including getting comfortable with a system and playing instinctively, rather than thinking too much as to what you have to do. Also, getting better goaltending play. Getting injured players back in the lineup (including the aforementioned Hags). Getting of that brutal vision quest to start the season, and getting some practice time.

The conditions for the Rangers to start the year, were perhaps the most unfavorable I've ever seen. No coach and system, injuries, brutal travel, et.

It's amazing the impact Kreider and Hagelin have made on the forward units. I completely underestimated Hagelin's impact. Kreider's emergence has been amazing to watch. He is dangerous almost every shift.
- MidnightMarauder

Isn't it great when you see a young player take the next step? Torts is a good coach, but he can be an a$$hat as well. Dumbass Hagelin, Parenteau can't skate and Kreider doesn't get it. Never liked his public ridiculing of young players.

ever since hagelin's first shift as a New York Ranger in the NHL, he has been noticeable literally every single shift. he's so consistent in the way he hounds the puck, causes pressure and turnovers, and generates offense through that.

we forget that the kid has only played 1.5 seasons in the NHL. he's still developing and his offensive game should hopefully improve.
- rangerdanger94

Hagelin was great in the beginning of that Capital series in the playoffs, but I remember him getting hit by Ovechkin really hard and hurting his hip or something, and he also was playing with the hurt shoulder.

Now that he is 100% healthy, he is actually kind of sick

Isn't it great when you see a young player take the next step? Torts is a good coach, but he can be an a$$hat as well. Dumbass Hagelin, Parenteau can't skate and Kreider doesn't get it. Never liked his public ridiculing of young players.
- OLDSCHOOL#6

I always thought of that kind of stuff like a Herb Brooks thing "I'll show him I don't suck"

just a way to motivate. If someone tells me I don't get it or I suck at something, I get mad and try to prove them wrong.

I always thought of that kind of stuff like a Herb Brooks thing "I'll show him I don't suck"

just a way to motivate. If someone tells me I don't get it or I suck at something, I get mad and try to prove them wrong.
- jimbro83

I think you're right about that. I think alot of times that was his intent, and I think there is certaintly a place for it if you read your player right, and you think they will respond positively to that type of thing. Different personalities, react differently to different things. But, sometimes it was just purely gratuitious and unnecessary, like the Hagelin thing. He clearly had no intent to play Hagelin on the PP, so why even say he sucks at it? He never got a shot to get mad and prove him wrong.

I always thought of that kind of stuff like a Herb Brooks thing "I'll show him I don't suck"

just a way to motivate. If someone tells me I don't get it or I suck at something, I get mad and try to prove them wrong.
- jimbro83

It depends, there's motivation, and there is insulting. I guess depends on the person, Some just have a thicker skin. Let's agree, Kreider doesn't reach this level with Torts behind the bench.

It depends, there's motivation, and there is insulting. I guess depends on the person, Some just have a thicker skin. Let's agree, Kreider doesn't reach this level with Torts behind the bench.
- OLDSCHOOL#6

I don't know. I really don't. I am not saying your wrong, but Kreider has mystified me more than any young player I've ever seen. In his draft year, he was the guy I wanted (I swear). And then, I got mad at him for spending that extra year at Boston College (I was selfish and wanted him here). And then in the playoffs, he was unreal at times with no pro experience.

But, then the next year. He stinks in Hartford, even before Torts got his hands on him. And then he was invisible for the Rangers (90% of the time at least). Then he doesn't make the team out of camp (with a different coach). And now, he is unbelievable again.

Is all that Torts? Or is Kreider just a bit of an enigma? I was one of the ones that thought the team should move in different direction from Torts. But, with young players, I thought he was real good on a whole. Not saying he didn't have faults in that area, but I don't blame him for Kreider. There were other warning signs about Kreider last year as well, when Torts wasn't even in the picture.

It depends, there's motivation, and there is insulting. I guess depends on the person, Some just have a thicker skin. Let's agree, Kreider doesn't reach this level with Torts behind the bench.
- OLDSCHOOL#6

I wrote this on the other blog earlier and then the new blog started:

I don't think Tortorella treated Kreider well, and I am usually someone who'll defend Torts tooth and nail.

But, I still say there was a lot of bad timing with Kreider too. His first NHL training camp was derailed due to the lockout. He didn't play well in Hartford during lockout. He started with the team after the lockout ended and they had that crazy one week camp.

The Rangers couldn't score goals once the season started last year, Brad Richards came in out of shape.

He finally got to be in a real NHL training camp this year and didn't make the team out of camp, and then suddenly something clicked.

If people contend it never would have clicked if Torts was still here, that's their opinion, but I also can't deny that Vigneault seems to be a much better coach for Chris kreider, it's pretty obvious.

I don't know. I really don't. I am not saying your wrong, but Kreider has mystified me more than any young player I've ever seen. In his draft year, he was the guy I wanted (I swear). And then, I got mad at him for spending that extra year at Boston College (I was selfish and wanted him here). And then in the playoffs, he was unreal at times with no pro experience.

But, then the next year. He stinks in Hartford, even before Torts got his hands on him. And then he was invisible for the Rangers (90% of the time at least). Then he doesn't make the team out of camp (with a different coach). And now, he is unbelievable again.

Is all that Torts? Or is Kreider just a bit of an enigma? I was one of the ones that thought the team should move in different direction from Torts. But, with young players, I thought he was real good on a whole. Not saying he didn't have faults in that area, but I don't blame him for Kreider. There were other warning signs about Kreider last year as well, when Torts wasn't even in the picture.
- Pete V

I hate to blame it on this but i really think his ankle injury played a major factor. I know he injured it early on int he Whale season and just never recovered.. Ankle injuries are a huge pain to come back from (trust me.. i know) and now that he's finally 100%, he is learning to apply his game to the nhl level which he wasnt able to do if he didnt trust his legs

I don't know. I really don't. I am not saying your wrong, but Kreider has mystified me more than any young player I've ever seen. In his draft year, he was the guy I wanted (I swear). And then, I got mad at him for spending that extra year at Boston College (I was selfish and wanted him here). And then in the playoffs, he was unreal at times with no pro experience.

But, then the next year. He stinks in Hartford, even before Torts got his hands on him. And then he was invisible for the Rangers (90% of the time at least). Then he doesn't make the team out of camp (with a different coach). And now, he is unbelievable again.

Is all that Torts? Or is Kreider just a bit of an enigma? I was one of the ones that thought the team should move in different direction from Torts. But, with young players, I thought he was real good on a whole. Not saying he didn't have faults in that area, but I don't blame him for Kreider. There were other warning signs about Kreider last year as well, when Torts wasn't even in the picture.
- Pete V

True. I'm still not putting him in any deal for Yak. I don't think Slats is either.

I wrote this on the other blog earlier and then the new blog started:

I don't think Tortorella treated Kreider well, and I am usually someone who'll defend Torts tooth and nail.

But, I still say there was a lot of bad timing with Kreider too. His first NHL training camp was derailed due to the lockout. He didn't play well in Hartford during lockout. He started with the team after the lockout ended and they had that crazy one week camp.

The Rangers couldn't score goals once the season started last year, Brad Richards came in out of shape.

He finally got to be in a real NHL training camp this year and didn't make the team out of camp, and then suddenly something clicked.

If people contend it never would have clicked if Torts was still here, that's their opinion, but I also can't deny that Vigneault seems to be a much better coach for Chris kreider, it's pretty obvious.
- jimbro83

When I went to the Detroit game earlier this year, we got there about an hour early, because I just wanted to sit in the arena and watch warm ups. There was barely anybody there, and I decided just to watch Kreider -- watch him handle the puck, watch the shoot the puck, et.

We all know his speed, and we all know he has a damn good shot, but what I realized there, was that the kid's shot isn't only good, it's elite. If he could just find the scoring areas on the ice, learn how to sneak into them and receive the puck to unleash that shot, he can be scary good (in addition to what he does carrying the puck down the wing). He's really good now, but if he could learn to play without the puck a little better, and get himself into the right spots, he could be something special.

When I went to the Detroit game earlier this year, we got there about an hour early, because I just wanted to sit in the arena and watch warm ups. There was barely anybody there, and I decided just to watch Kreider -- watch him handle the puck, watch the shoot the puck, et.

We all know his speed, and we all know he has a damn good shot, but what I realized there, was that the kid's shot isn't only good, it's elite. If he could just find the scoring areas on the ice, learn how to sneak into them and receive the puck to unleash that shot, he can be scary good (in addition to what he does carrying the puck down the wing). He's really good now, but if he could learn to play without the puck a little better, and get himself into the right spots, he could be something special.
- Pete V

I noticed the same thing during warmups the other night. The shot is off his stick in a flash, and I couldn't pick it up. I think he's learning how to jump into the holes, especially in front, and in the slot.

If they really want Yakupov, I'd offer MDZ/Miller/1st and maybe one other prospect like St. Croix or Nieves. I personally don't want Yakupov, but that would be a liveable deal, keep CK out of it. EDM might be able to get a better return somewhere else. I think they should make a smaller scale deal, like DZ for Hemsky/prospect or maybe someone from Florida like Fleischmann, Frolik from Winnepeg is an RFA too. If Nash returns all the better, but at least they address having a little more experience and firepower up front, more size.

If they really want Yakupov, I'd offer MDZ/Miller/1st and maybe one other prospect like St. Croix or Nieves. I personally don't want Yakupov, but that would be a liveable deal, keep CK out of it. EDM might be able to get a better return somewhere else. I think they should make a smaller scale deal, like DZ for Hemsky/prospect or maybe someone from Florida like Fleischmann, Frolik from Winnepeg is an RFA too.
- Ranger71

I understand, but I think your selling MDZ value a little short. Edmonton will do no better than MDZ in any deal for Yak, makes me wonder if Slats has offered him.

I understand, but I think your selling MDZ value a little short. Edmonton will do no better than MDZ in any deal for Yak, makes me wonder if Slats has offered him.
- OLDSCHOOL#6

I don't know, i personally think DZ is overrated by alot of fans, he has a weak point shot, dosen't like contact, gets knocked off the puck easily, and outside of the occasional stretch pass or end to end rush he just dosen't seem to do much. He is however only 23 and still has decent value so they should turn him into something at least for the rest of this year. I wouldn't re-sign him to more than a bridge deal.

Evander kane having trouble with coach:

Evander Kane isn’t letting Wednesday night go.

After being held out of the lineup in a 4-1 loss to Chicago — the second game in a row he missed with an unspecified injury — Kane told reporters on Friday he was ready to face the ‘Hawks and insists he was a healthy scratch.

“I felt healthy enough to play,” Kane told the Winnipeg Sun. “My definition of a healthy scratch is a healthy player not playing. That was my interpretation.”

Embattled coach Claude Noel, who has run afoul of Jets players in the past (see: Burmistrov, Alex), told the Sun he’s discussed the matter with Kane and respects his opinion, but still stands by the decision to hold the 22-year-old out due to “health reasons.”

That said, it’s clear there’s some sort of rift between coach and player.

“I felt good in warm-up and obviously the feeling wasn’t mutual,” Kane explained. “Obviously it’s some sort of disagreement in a sense, but I don’t think it’s a big of a matter as some people are making it seem.”

Kane has six goals and nine points through 15 games this year, which is decent production. The problems in Winnipeg, it seems, are much larger in scope — after spending huge in the offseason to retain its core players for playoff push, the club has just six wins through its first 17 games and sits dead last in the Central Division.