there is no defending AV right now

losing hard fought close games would be one thing, the team completely giving up, at MSG, like they did last night is quite another
- jimbro83

We're going to see a hard fought OT game tomorrow with all the effort that was absent from last night. They still lose.

Read hasn't tried since his new deal.
- Just5

Its better than Bailey who's been invisible....

You caught my drift.

I am one of the very few that thinks Hank needs to get dealt this summer. A minor dismantling of the team is in order. The core is stale and there is little in the way of solid futures in the organization.
- MidnightMarauder

I don't wholly disagree, but that's a monumentally tall order to essentially tell your fan-base "well...we tried guys, but it didn't work. We're gonna hit the reset button and start over".

One guy I could see Gorton dealing at the draft is a guy like Kreider. Unless he isn't asking for 4.5+ I could see him staying. I could see him being shopped though because that's another guy who all year didn't bring it until about 15 games left and he's another that disappeared last night.
- Anthony5967

We'd probably give ya Saarela and a draft pick back for him.

Its better than Bailey who's been invisible....
- Ur Not Me

The grass isn't always greener. There are also non-Islander players that don't try.

We're going to see a hard fought OT game tomorrow with all the effort that was absent from last night. They still lose.
- JRR1285

the Rangers play better in Pittsburgh during the playoffs than they do at MSG, that's for sure

I just think they are worn out from all the hockey they have played the last 3 years, most out of any team. To want to trade everyone because of this is nuts. If they go out first round so be it, even the Kings didn't make the playoffs last year and how many guys did they replace? Some guys on this team will be gone but the core will still be here and will bounce back next year. I'm still not counting out this year

The grass isn't always greener. There are also non-Islander players that don't try.
- eichiefs9

True but i'll chance the swap...

You've been falling down the mountain since '75, is that what you mean?
- Slimtj100

Success is measured by defensive prospects on that side of the state.

Matt read for Bailey
- Just5

I would take Lou Reed for him

Agree with most but I think not having a 1st line center is hurting us. Think stepan or brass should be traded. Hank.... Definitely think tradinG him should be explored. Not saying more than that in him, but worth noting that having an unhappy goalie might cause a problem. The question is who becomes new starter
- rrentz

Honestly, Hank isnt "untradeable" because he is clearly a top notch goalie, but problem is the cap world, his contract, his age, and his position doesnt really make much of a market for him to be traded

1st - you need to find another team that clearly needs a better #1 to go anywhere in the playoffs. Not saying just an upgrade from whoever to Lundqvist, but more a team lacking a definite number 1 that they trust.

Teams eliminated as trading partners: Kings, Canadiens, Predators, Bruins, Blue Jackets, Panthers, Wild, Devils, Lightning, Capitals, Blackhawks

2nd - You need a team currently contending and not going through a rebuild who are not looking to deplete assets and have no realistic shot at a cup in the next 3 years (end of Hanks prime)

Teams eliminated as trading partners: Hurricanes, Oilers, Coyotes, Maple Leafs, Canucks, Sabres

3rd - It has to be a team that isnt hard up on the cap or has too many bad contracts that are tough to move

Teams eliminated as trading partners: Flyers, Penguins


After those 3 main criteria that leaves: Ducks, Flames, Red Wings, Stars, Avalanche, Islanders, Senators, Blues

I think the Ducks, Blues, and Red Wings are sold that they have their guy in house already (Gibson, Mrazek, Allen) but they might not be quite there right now so they wont be impatient to go trade for a top tier, older goalie

Stars already have so much money locked into poor goaltending and a porous D, I dont think they just keep slapping a new guy in net without addressing the blue line more substantially

Avalanche seemed firmly behind Varlarmov but seem wishy washy on him now. There might be a possibility.

Flames need goaltending in a bad way but are they willing to put together a package NYR will accept and can they swallow that whole contract, or most of it?

We all know Melnyk is too cheap to trade for Lundqivst. Thats a no-go

The Islanders have not had consistent goaltending in a long time. Here is a possibility too but would they really deal in-division to each other for such a franchise face? On top of the agreed upon exchange pieces? Hard to see

The dark horse could be Buffalo if they they are closer along with what is already in house to start making some strides, but I think they would be foolish and rushing the process to win now and depleting more assets that they have gathered in recent years

I would take Lou Reed for him
- Vukota

It's funny because he's dead

I don't wholly disagree, but that's a monumentally tall order to essentially tell your fan-base "well...we tried guys, but it didn't work. We're gonna hit the reset button and start over".
- eichiefs9

All teams do it, at some point, it has to be done here.

Otherwise, they'll be that team that bleeds dust from their core, always fall short, stuck in the wonderful world of mediocrity and they recede into a basement dweller filled with bad contracts.

If they are proactive now, and sell while some of these pricy contracts have value around the league, they can save face and not have to prolong the agony of a transition period.

The Rangers still have decent players, amongst it's core, they need to address restocking the cupboard though and they can only do that by parting ways with the likes of Stepan, Klein, Lundqvist, Nash, etc.

Hey, it isn't over until the fat lady sings. Though, there are plenty of them here in NYC, I have yet hear one chirp a note (probably still chowing down those breakfast donuts).

Anyhooooo.....The only major change I'd make this off-season is shop Nash and see if there are any takers on his final year of his contract. There has to be a team that would like him on their team (hello Edmonton?!?).

Yandle walks...I am okay with that. I like the guy, but with guys like Skeij and McIlrath ready, I am good with McD/G, Staal/Optimus, S/McI on the blue line.

Dom Moore can return, but he is replaceable if you keep Eric Staal for under $4M on a one year deal (need that faceoff guy). Stalberg can also return is he signs a comparable deal to the one for this season.

The Rangers are not bad by any means which would constitute an overhaul. They are one of the best in the NHL 5-on-5. Special teams has killed this team, yet again.

I would like to see a little more grit on the team next season. You get that automatically with McIlrath, but you need it up front too.

Honestly, Hank isnt "untradeable" because he is clearly a top notch goalie, but problem is the cap world, his contract, his age, and his position doesnt really make much of a market for him to be traded

1st - you need to find another team that clearly needs a better #1 to go anywhere in the playoffs. Not saying just an upgrade from whoever to Lundqvist, but more a team lacking a definite number 1 that they trust.

Teams eliminated as trading partners: Kings, Canadiens, Predators, Bruins, Blue Jackets, Panthers, Wild, Devils, Lightning, Capitals, Blackhawks

2nd - You need a team currently contending and not going through a rebuild who are not looking to deplete assets

Teams eliminated as trading partners: Hurricanes, Oilers, Coyotes, Maple Leafs, Canucks, Sabres

3rd - It has to be a team that isnt hard up on the cap or has too many bad contracts that are tough to move

Teams eliminated as trading partners: Flyers, Penguins


After those 3 main criteria that leaves: Ducks, Flames, Red Wings, Stars, Avalanche, Islanders, Senators, Blues

I think the Ducks, Blues, and Red Wings are sold that they have their guy in house already (Gibson, Mrazek, Allen) but they might not be quite there right now so they wont be impatient to go trade for a top tier, older goalie

Stars already have so much money locked into poor goaltending and a porous D, I dont think they just keep slapping a new guy in net without addressing the blue line more substantially

Avalanche seemed firmly behind Varlarmov but seem wishy washy on him now. There might be a possibility.

Flames need goaltending in a bad way but are they willing to put together a package NYR will accept and can they swallow that whole contract, or most of it?

We all know Melnyk is too cheap to trade for Lundqivst. Thats a no-go

The Islanders have not had consistent goaltending in a long time. Here is a possibility too but would they really deal in-division to each other for such a franchise face? On top of the agreed upon exchange pieces? Hard to see

The dark horse could be Buffalo if they they are closer along with what is already in house to start making some strides, but I think they would be foolish and rushing the process to win now and depleting more assets that they have gathered in recent years
- hawkeytalkman

Dallas, don't discount Dallas. They will beat Minnesota but once they play a team, with an actual NHL caliber offense, their defense and goaltending will be exposed.

Hey, it isn't over until the fat lady sings. Though, there are plenty of them here in NYC, I have yet hear one chirp a note (probably still chowing down those breakfast donuts).

Anyhooooo.....The only major change I'd make this off-season is shop Nash and see if there are any takers on his final year of his contract. There has to be a team that would like him on their team (hello Edmonton?!?).

Yandle walks...I am okay with that. I like the guy, but with guys like Skeij and McIlrath ready, I am good with McD/G, Staal/Optimus, S/McI on the blue line.

Dom Moore can return, but he is replaceable if you keep Eric Staal for under $4M on a one year deal (need that faceoff guy). Stalberg can also return is he signs a comparable deal to the one for this season.

The Rangers are not bad by any means which would constitute an overhaul. They are one of the best in the NHL 5-on-5. Special teams has killed this team, yet again.

I would like to see a little more grit on the team next season. You get that automatically with McIlrath, but you need it up front too.
- mames11

You lost me at Dom Moore can return.

No he can't.

Love the guy, and will always appreciate him for his work here, but his time appears to be through.

all teams are eliminated as trading partners for Henrik Lundqvist.

He has a no movement clause and has stated he will retire as a NYR.

It's such an absolute waste of time to even discuss it, but, of course, we will have to have these posts anyway

the Rangers play better in Pittsburgh during the playoffs than they do at MSG, that's for sure
- jimbro83

Well after what we've seen for 5 straight home playoff games they make crap look pleasing

It's funny because he's dead
- eichiefs9

Yup

I just think they are worn out from all the hockey they have played the last 3 years, most out of any team. To want to trade everyone because of this is nuts. If they go out first round so be it, even the Kings didn't make the playoffs last year and how many guys did they replace? Some guys on this team will be gone but the core will still be here and will bounce back next year. I'm still not counting out this year
- Rangers99

I agree with this, also tough to knock out the same opponent three years in a row and the series is 3-1. Fourth game is always the hardest to win and didn't you guys just come back last playoffs from 3-1 to beat the caps?

After game 3, a bunch of the guys said "for whatever reason" we stopped getting the puck in deep and forechecking hard. So I figured, game 4 would be different. We seem to have the "dump" part down, but the "chase" seems to be missing. And to answer most of the players questions, the "for whatever reason" is that your not moving your feet. So many times, guys are coasting. I don't think the Pens have stopped moving their feet all series.

all teams are eliminated as trading partners for Henrik Lundqvist.

He has a no movement clause and has stated he will retire as a NYR.

It's such an absolute waste of time to even discuss it, but, of course, we will have to have these posts anyway
- jimbro83

So humans/athletes never change their minds?

Dallas, don't discount Dallas. They will beat Minnesota but once they play a team, with an actual NHL caliber offense, their defense and goaltending will be exposed.
- MidnightMarauder

I did touch on Dallas, but like mentioned, they are in such a brutal spot with their net. They have $10.4 mil locked up between Lehtonen and Niemi for 2 more years beyond this one.

It will be hard to move either guy after the season they both just had.

On top of it, all their key forwards are pretty much locked down in contracts so not much wiggle/room movement there either

The major issue hindering Dallas right now would be the fact that the only dmen they have under contract currently for next year are Nemeth, Johns, Klingberg, and Oduya. They have more significant and pressing needing to improve and fill their blue line.

They put themselves over a barrel tying so much money into forwards and goalies that they dont have much wiggle room to pull off a trade for someone like Lundqivst unless someone really does them a favor

I agree with this, also tough to knock out the same opponent three years in a row and the series is 3-1. Fourth game is always the hardest to win and didn't you guys just come back last playoffs from 3-1 to beat the caps?
- Senor_Elias

one of the biggest problems they have with even having a slither of hope that they can come back again like they have two years in a row is that they just cannot kill a penalty, and this Penguin team is humming at like a 60% powerplay rate right now

Let;s first actually get to expansion. Not disagreeing, just saying that's a lot of cash in a cap world to pay a back up, cognizant that the starter would be very underpaid initially.
- airjan23

Except he wont be a back up. Like I said he'd split the games. A two goalie system actually works.