Can you repeat that?
- MidnightMarauder

maybe i missed it ,is that a shot at my idea ? my reasoning is sound and not fantasy palyer stuff that wants a 19 yr old who scores a few pre season goals to supplant the 30 yr old vet who knows the deal .... we are contending team ,we must have the depth to not fall in love in pre season....
we are a better team than needing rookie help.....

Boston is having trouble moving Chris Kelly, a solid role player on any team, for any pick possible. I don't think it will be as easy as we think to rid ourselves of a contract.
- rangerdanger94

Kelly is also a 4th line Center making $3 million, Klein is arguably a top 4 defensman playing the 3rd pair, don't discount the chemistry he and Moore developed during the post season, they were very reliable down the stretch

Boston is in worse cap shape than the Rangers. Plus Kelly is not as essential as Klein is this season.
- MidnightMarauder

I understand that. Klein could be easily moved, we agree on that. What I'm saying is that a guy that's ECHL bound like St. Croix or even a guy like Kristo might be unmoveable until later in the season. Elliote Friedman's 30 Thoughts article today even had a part about how no team is looking to deal right now since they're still focusing on trimming down their rosters. Players going on waivers now have a very low chance of being picked up because there are so many players in camp still which is why a lot of teams are waiving players they fear they might lose for nothing now instead of later.

Fast has given the coaches zero reason to send him down over a veteran. Malone, although looked good in his one game, is still far from a lock to make this team.

Too many kids are showing well in camp; Malone has to come back and play really well in these last two preseason games in order to win a spot.
- MidnightMarauder

Agreed. Kid looks great. Just think Malone provides the Rangers with something Fast doesn't which is his grit and size which might help Malone's case over Fast's...especially if Duclair makes the team; AV has a rep for not liking too many rookies in a lineup so if Duclair does make it, he might opt for the experienced Malone over Fast.

maybe i missed it ,is that a shot at my idea ? my reasoning is sound and not fantasy palyer stuff that wants a 19 yr old who scores a few pre season goals to supplant the 30 yr old vet who knows the deal .... we are contending team ,we must have the depth to not fall in love in pre season....
we are a better team than needing rookie help.....
- Dundee13

Being a rookie or a veteran has zero to do with a player's effectiveness.

Best players play, no matter the age or experience level. Duclair has been a stand out, with and without the puck, during the preseason. Kid is often in the right place at the right time, especially in the offensive zone. Why in the world would you just blindly demote a player just because he is a kid when he is playing as well as Duclair is?

Kelly is also a 4th line Center making $3 million, Klein is arguably a top 4 defensman playing the 3rd pair, don't discount the chemistry he and Moore developed during the post season, they were very reliable down the stretch
- HankdaTank

Not sure what your point is? I agree that Klein is a great player. Again, we could move him easily. A lot more easily than Boston can move Kelly. I stated Kelly to draw a comparison to how hard it might be to move a guy like Kristo or Lombardi.

- tbreinold

does that mean no comprende senor

I understand that. Klein could be easily moved, we agree on that. What I'm saying is that a guy that's ECHL bound like St. Croix or even a guy like Kristo might be unmoveable until later in the season. Elliote Friedman's 30 Thoughts article today even had a part about how no team is looking to deal right now since they're still focusing on trimming down their rosters. Players going on waivers now have a very low chance of being picked up because there are so many players in camp still which is why a lot of teams are waiving players they fear they might lose for nothing now instead of later.


Agreed. Kid looks great. Just think Malone provides the Rangers with something Fast doesn't which is his grit and size which might help Malone's case over Fast's...especially if Duclair makes the team; AV has a rep for not liking too many rookies in a lineup so if Duclair does make it, he might opt for the experienced Malone over Fast.
- rangerdanger94

It's a great problem to have; quality depth and a nice blend of youth and experience to select from. At the end of the day it would be unwise to strictly send a player down, in favor of a veteran, because said veteran is tougher than the kid.

Fast is looking great and like a completely different player from last season. I would have no problem with Malone making the team, as a fourth liner, but I just don't think he dserves it over Fast as of now.

Being a rookie or a veteran has zero to do with a player's effectiveness.

Best players play, no matter the age or experience level. Duclair has been a stand out, with and without the puck, during the preseason. Kid is often in the right place at the right time, especially in the offensive zone. Why in the world would you just blindly demote a player just because he is a kid when he is playing as well as Duclair is?
- MidnightMarauder

where has he done this ,what pro game have you seen him in .....
really you must believe in love at 1st sight
no need to rush any of the young guns coming , if they can do it the will hone it and come up ready not guessing
whats wrong w/ talent laid out with out the prospects ?

It's a great problem to have; quality depth and a nice blend of youth and experience to select from. At the end of the day it would be unwise to strictly send a player down, in favor of a veteran, because said veteran is tougher than the kid.

Fast is looking great and like a completely different player from last season. I would have no problem with Malone making the team, as a fourth liner, but I just don't think he dserves it over Fast as of now.
- MidnightMarauder

Fast's speed definitely complements AV's system and philosophy for this team. Add in the fact that he's great defensively and his chances look good. With that said, I think it might be more of a case of Fast taking Stempniak's spot more so than him taking Malone's. Stempniak and Fast are both similar players in my eyes.

where has he done this ,what pro game have u seen him in .....
really u must believe in love at 1st site
no need to rush any of the yg guns coming , if they can do it the will hone it and come up ready not guessing
whats wrong w/ talent laid out with out the prospects ?
- Dundee13

personally I really don't have a whole lot of confidence that a 4th season in the QMJHL for Anthony Duclair, yes a 4th, is going to make him any better of a hockey player than him being with the Rangers, with this fantastic leadership group. Back to a team he got hurt last year to boot.

There is no way I can fathom not seeing this kid in a Ranger uniform until next year's training camp, it's like an assault to my senses.

where has he done this ,what pro game have you seen him in .....
really you must believe in love at 1st sight
no need to rush any of the young guns coming , if they can do it the will hone it and come up ready not guessing
whats wrong w/ talent laid out with out the prospects ?
- Dundee13

Duclair's only pro experience is now and he has five points in three games.

Not saying he will blow up offensively, all season long, but he has given the team zero reason to send him back to juniors so far.

personally I really don't have a whole lot of confidence that a 4th season in the QMJHL for Anthony Duclair, yes a 4th, is going to make him any better of a hockey player than him being with the Rangers, with this fantastic leadership group. Back to a team he got hurt last year to boot.

There is no way I can fathom not seeing this kid in a Ranger uniform until next year's training camp, it's like an assault to my senses.
- jimbro83

I predict a riot if he is sent back before the season begins. Just makes no sense to send him away at this point. Now, if he sh!ts the bed Friday and Saturday, ok, but I just don't see this kid slipping before the final cuts.

where has he done this ,what pro game have you seen him in .....
really you must believe in love at 1st sight
no need to rush any of the young guns coming , if they can do it the will hone it and come up ready not guessing
whats wrong w/ talent laid out with out the prospects ?
- Dundee13

I think any good organization needs to create a competetive environment, and that necessarily means allowing young players to compete for roster spots. You may at the end of the day be right, that the Rangers are better off going with the vets, and guys like Duclair and Haggarty need more seasoning. But, I also think that you can't make the arbitrary decision to cut them based solely on the fact that they haven't proved it at the NHL level. If that's the case, why even invite them to camp. If a young player shines in pre-season, and significantly outplays a veteran, they deserve the chance to make the team, and that decision should be based exclusively (for a contending team like the Rangers) on which player gives you the better chance to win.

Now, I realize who gives you the better chance to win is a debateable point, but if a guy is lighting it up in camp, he shouldn't be cut solely because he hasn't proven it yet in a NHL game.

By the way, welcome.

Not sure, even better if he is because MSL is a RW I believe?

I like Fast but outside of Malone or Stempniak I'm not sure he will make the squad just yet. Definitely a quick callup when injuries strike though.
- rangerdanger94

thought i was in the rotissierie hockey blog u guys flip pieces around ,lines of 4 scoring only no checking line taking never played a game in conn . yet but throw
flash in the pan rooks in start line up ...is this a n expansion team were building here? scary how much faith in unknowns given, i am reading fantasy hockey 101 class ...some one wake up all and get real
we were in the finals ,we have the strongest back 6 & goalie
we have 14 -15 experieinced wingers to combo & find the magic
why rush the youth ,they will only get better with age ,let them mature

personally I really don't have a whole lot of confidence that a 4th season in the QMJHL for Anthony Duclair, yes a 4th, is going to make him any better of a hockey player than him being with the Rangers, with this fantastic leadership group. Back to a team he got hurt last year to boot.

There is no way I can fathom not seeing this kid in a Ranger uniform until next year's training camp, it's like an assault to my senses.
- jimbro83

more of a damning of the system wh have ,how many 19 yr old flourish in NHL?
kids hot ,thats all he aint no phnenom ? didnt come out of now where
i have to see a lot more than 1 month BUT because of his limited option cant go to Conn only last yr @ JRs we have kunundrum ...

thought i was in the rotissierie hockey blog u guys flip pieces around ,lines of 4 scoring only no checking line taking never played a game in conn . yet but throw
flash in the pan rooks in start line up ...is this a n expansion team were building here? scary how much faith in unknowns given, i am reading fantasy hockey 101 class ...some one wake up all and get real
we were in the finals ,we have the strongest back 6 & goalie
we have 14 -15 experieinced wingers to combo & find the magic
why rush the youth ,they will only get better with age ,let them mature
- Dundee13

The decision with Duclair is a little different, because he is not eligible to go to Hartford. It's either the Rangers, or back to the Q, a league which he dominated last year. If he is one of the 21 best players out of camp and the team construction needs align, I am absolutely fine with him making the team, because there is a real question whether his development will be benefited at all by sending him back to league that he is arguably outgrown. With that said, his club hosts the Memorial Cup this year, and he is almost certain to make the World Junior team, so those would be pretty positive experiences.

thought i was in the rotissierie hockey blog u guys flip pieces around ,lines of 4 scoring only no checking line taking never played a game in conn . yet but throw
flash in the pan rooks in start line up ...is this a n expansion team were building here? scary how much faith in unknowns given, i am reading fantasy hockey 101 class ...some one wake up all and get real
we were in the finals ,we have the strongest back 6 & goalie
we have 14 -15 experieinced wingers to combo & find the magic
why rush the youth ,they will only get better with age ,let them mature
- Dundee13

in 1984, the Islanders had just made the finals, loads of veteran forwards, they had no problem adding 18 year old Pat Lafontaine to the mix. That's back when the Islanders were still doing things right.

Teams add 18-19 year old players all the time, and they have the safety net of if he really ends up that he is looking overwhelmed, they have a 9 game buffer to send him back to junior

I predict a riot if he is sent back before the season begins. Just makes no sense to send him away at this point. Now, if he sh!ts the bed Friday and Saturday, ok, but I just don't see this kid slipping before the final cuts.
- MidnightMarauder

That was pretty much me last year when Kreider didn't make the team

Being a rookie or a veteran has zero to do with a player's effectiveness.

Best players play, no matter the age or experience level. Duclair has been a stand out, with and without the puck, during the preseason. Kid is often in the right place at the right time, especially in the offensive zone. Why in the world would you just blindly demote a player just because he is a kid when he is playing as well as Duclair is?
- MidnightMarauder

And AV said specifically answering that question "I will take the players that best help us compete"

That was pretty much me last year when Kreider didn't make the team
- TPC

Sorry for the bold

Not sure what your point is? I agree that Klein is a great player. Again, we could move him easily. A lot more easily than Boston can move Kelly. I stated Kelly to draw a comparison to how hard it might be to move a guy like Kristo or Lombardi.
- rangerdanger94

My point was making sense of Boston having a difficult time trading Kelly

thought i was in the rotissierie hockey blog u guys flip pieces around ,lines of 4 scoring only no checking line taking never played a game in conn . yet but throw
flash in the pan rooks in start line up ...is this a n expansion team were building here? scary how much faith in unknowns given, i am reading fantasy hockey 101 class ...some one wake up all and get real
we were in the finals ,we have the strongest back 6 & goalie
we have 14 -15 experieinced wingers to combo & find the magic
why rush the youth ,they will only get better with age ,let them mature
- Dundee13

Lines are getting switched up, because Stepan is hurt, Pouliot, Boyle and Dorsett/Carcillo are gone.

Isnt that the point of a blog, to discuss who would fit best in the holes that were created by players not here anymore?

And as for your point about letting the vets play, they werent here last year, so how can you make the assumption they will gel better than any of our rookies?

And if you only want veterans playing, whats the point of a farm team and drafting, if your point is they never played a pro game, and shouldn't be given a chance.

in 1984, the Islanders had just made the finals, loads of veteran forwards, they had no problem adding 18 year old Pat Lafontaine to the mix. That's back when the Islanders were still doing things right.

Teams add 18-19 year old players all the time, and they have the safety net of if he really ends up that he is looking overwhelmed, they have a 9 game buffer to send him back to junior
- jimbro83

Lafontaine is a difference than a Duclair ,hes got talent but he aint no prodigy and with a vet team like ours ...i dont like the message to team ... vets treat pre season alot diff than a rook .... this is not on a level play field ,i applaud & want to see him but not at the expense of a preparing pro who knows what is the deal
we can us e the 9-10 games any time not just at the start of season...

thought i was in the rotissierie hockey blog u guys flip pieces around ,lines of 4 scoring only no checking line taking never played a game in conn . yet but throw
flash in the pan rooks in start line up ...is this a n expansion team were building here? scary how much faith in unknowns given, i am reading fantasy hockey 101 class ...some one wake up all and get real
we were in the finals ,we have the strongest back 6 & goalie
we have 14 -15 experieinced wingers to combo & find the magic
why rush the youth ,they will only get better with age ,let them mature
- Dundee13

Lines of 4 scoring? I wouldn't call a Malone - Moore - Glass line a scoring line. My lines I've posted are based on last year's lines where we basically had 3 scoring lines that were also defensively responsible. There's no strict blueprint to how a team's lines had to made up; for example, the idea that your 3rd line needs to be a checking line isn't really the case anymore in today's NHL.

Duclair CAN'T play in Conn. It's either play him in the NHL, or send him down and have zero chance of seeing him again until next summer. If we do keep him up here, we can send him down if he struggles. The lines we start with opening night isn't the roster we're committed too for the rest of the year. This isn't like we're jumping straight into the playoffs and if we lose 4 games we're eliminated. We have an entire 82 game season in front of us. If Duclair or the other kids struggle, they will be sent down and the veterans like Malone and Stempniak and Lombardi will take their place.

That was pretty much me last year when Kreider didn't make the team
- TPC

Duclair actually looks better than Kreider did last preseason.

Just saying.