1) I actually proposed trading for Brassard. I think he is a solid #2 center although I'd be eager to hear what fans think of him. He surprised me a lot when he came from CBJ and played in the east (when they were still west)
2) On Zibanejad: He has a lot of tools. He's a big body; he's got the weight to throw around if he wanted; he's got a heavier shot than people know; and he's actually known for being a 2-way forward when skating. The problem with him has been his consistency and his compete level at times. Last season it took him until the final third or quarter to really get going but his finish makes him have a season that matches his skill level and abilities.
3) Who wins the trade? It's surprising the Sens would make this move considering the season they had. It's possible the Sens fly under the radar going into next season because they had a very unhealthy Turris and no MacArthur; both top 6 forwards when healthy. Phanuef is also added. Now new coaching. It's very unpredictable what they do next year. Rangers got a very young center that was discussed as a potential #1 but a true #2 all around guy. With Zibanejad, imo, there's no wait and see. The way he plays this year will define what player he will be. If he doesn't hit 25g or 55 points, it's not the end of the world, but if doesn't set career #s (assuming he's healthy) I'd see him more as a Mike Fisher type center when he was in ottawa. In terms of value, I'd say the Rangers won the deal. But I don't know what Brassard is like to see every day. Hope it works out
the fact that every sens fan comes here and tries to break down MZ or want to argue about who the trade won just speaks for itself i think - webleedblue
there are a few idiots who blast zibby and criticize his game, but those are also the same idiots who shredded alfredsson when he left, who always bad mouthed spezza's game, and who think Ottawa will be a better team if they trade Hoffman.
every fan base have those few clowns who aren't happy unless they're female doging about players.
truth is, I hate this trade, and I think it was an incredibly short-sighted move by the sens so that the idiot owner can try to sneak into the playoffs and get a little more revenue.
is brassard a better player right now, probably, but not by much. over the last 3 years zibby has increased his goal totals, points, possession, FO%....they've been small increases, but increases none the less. There is obviously no guarantee that he will get much better than he is right now, but Ottawa isn't a "win now" team so they had the time to find out.
the fact that we had to pay a 2nd rd pick to get an older, and slightly better version of zibby is laughable IMO.
there are a few idiots who blast zibby and criticize his game, but those are also the same idiots who shredded alfredsson when he left, who always bad mouthed spezza's game, and who think Ottawa will be a better team if they trade Hoffman.
every fan base have those few clowns who aren't happy unless they're female doging about players.
truth is, I hate this trade, and I think it was an incredibly short-sighted move by the sens so that the idiot owner can try to sneak into the playoffs and get a little more revenue.
is brassard a better player right now, probably, but not by much. over the last 3 years zibby has increased his goal totals, points, possession, FO%....they've been small increases, but increases none the less. There is obviously no guarantee that he will get much better than he is right now, but Ottawa isn't a "win now" team so they had the time to find out.
the fact that we had to pay a 2nd rd pick to get an older, and slightly better version of zibby is laughable IMO. - sensarmy_11
as a Ranger fan, I love the trade, it's a smart move trading Brassard while his value is at it's highest
I think from a Sens point of view, the two biggest things are Brass is a hometown boy and could thrive because he is a very emotional player and the guy is a phenomenal playoff performer. 44 points in 56 playoff games as a Ranger, loads of big moments.
I think this will remain my favorite Brass Ranger moment
there are a few idiots who blast zibby and criticize his game, but those are also the same idiots who shredded alfredsson when he left, who always bad mouthed spezza's game, and who think Ottawa will be a better team if they trade Hoffman.
every fan base have those few clowns who aren't happy unless they're female doging about players.
truth is, I hate this trade, and I think it was an incredibly short-sighted move by the sens so that the idiot owner can try to sneak into the playoffs and get a little more revenue.
is brassard a better player right now, probably, but not by much. over the last 3 years zibby has increased his goal totals, points, possession, FO%....they've been small increases, but increases none the less. There is obviously no guarantee that he will get much better than he is right now, but Ottawa isn't a "win now" team so they had the time to find out.
the fact that we had to pay a 2nd rd pick to get an older, and slightly better version of zibby is laughable IMO. - sensarmy_11
I like the trade for both teams Ottawa gets better today and makes a serious run at the playoffs. Rangers get younger and get a big body into their line up.
Zibanejad is a solid player but he does not have good puck sense. I think he is a better winger than a centre. Even when he plays with top goal scorers he does not record a lot of assists. He is not particularly strong on the power play.
I have no doubt that Boucher wants Brassard for his smarts and especially for the power play. You have guys like Hoffman and Karlsson who know what to do with the puck but after Turris got hurt last year it was clear that Zibanejad was not a good puck handler and passer and the power play fizzled badly.
Boucher has always had teams that had outstanding power plays. I think he is the guy that pushed for Brassard having coached him in junior. No reason for Ottawa not to have one of the the best power plays in the league but it was less than mediocre with Zibanejad playing the wall. I think that is the primary reason why Ottawa wanted to do the trade.
I like the trade for both teams Ottawa gets better today and makes a serious run at the playoffs. Rangers get younger and get a big body into their line up.
Zibanejad is a solid player but he does not have good puck sense. I think he is a better winger than a centre. Even when he plays with top goal scorers he does not record a lot of assists. He is not particularly strong on the power play.
I have no doubt that Boucher wants Brassard for his smarts and especially for the power play. You have guys like Hoffman and Karlsson who know what to do with the puck but after Turris got hurt last year it was clear that Zibanejad was not a good puck handler and passer and the power play fizzled badly.
Boucher has always had teams that had outstanding power plays. I think he is the guy that pushed for Brassard having coached him in junior. No reason for Ottawa not to have one of the the best power plays in the league but it was less than mediocre with Zibanejad playing the wall. I think that is the primary reason why Ottawa wanted to do the trade. - spatso
Sounds like this trade will help both teams. Rangers have been desperate for a player with a shoot-first mentality. We had 12 players ALWAYS looking to pass first. Zibanejad sounds like the opposite and when partnered with Zucc who's one of the top playmaking wingers in the league, they could combine for a good number of goals.
Love the fact that he's a right handed shooter too. I think Stepan was our only right handed shooter in our top 9.
I like the trade for both teams Ottawa gets better today and makes a serious run at the playoffs. Rangers get younger and get a big body into their line up.
Zibanejad is a solid player but he does not have good puck sense. I think he is a better winger than a centre. Even when he plays with top goal scorers he does not record a lot of assists. He is not particularly strong on the power play.
I have no doubt that Boucher wants Brassard for his smarts and especially for the power play. You have guys like Hoffman and Karlsson who know what to do with the puck but after Turris got hurt last year it was clear that Zibanejad was not a good puck handler and passer and the power play fizzled badly.
Boucher has always had teams that had outstanding power plays. I think he is the guy that pushed for Brassard having coached him in junior. No reason for Ottawa not to have one of the the best power plays in the league but it was less than mediocre with Zibanejad playing the wall. I think that is the primary reason why Ottawa wanted to do the trade. - spatso
this trade definitely puts Ottawa in one of those "3 year window" to win teams
Karlsson has 3 years left on his deal which is arguably the biggest bargain in the league next to Tavares, Brassard with 3 years, Turris with two years, Phaneuf getting deeper into his 30's
I think this trade is a good example of how long a deal really takes to materialize. Both teams were discussing this April 23rd when the Sens hired their new GM. It can take months to negotiate a deal where we get what we want.
I'm sure we could've dealt Brassard for a 1st at the draft or something like that but holding out and being patient got us a 23 year old center with tremendous upside and two 20 goal season under his belt PLUS a 2nd round pick.
this trade definitely puts Ottawa in one of those "3 year window" to win teams
Karlsson has 3 years left on his deal which is arguably the biggest bargain in the league next to Tavares, Brassard with 3 years, Turris with two years, Phaneuf getting deeper into his 30's - jimbro83
I think this trade is a good example of how long a deal really takes to materialize. Both teams were discussing this April 23rd when the Sens hired their new GM. It can take months to negotiate a deal where we get what we want.
I'm sure we could've dealt Brassard for a 1st at the draft or something like that but holding out and being patient got us a 23 year old center with tremendous upside and two 20 goal season under his belt PLUS a 2nd round pick.
Never doubted ya Gorton - rangerdanger94
I definitely believe in the theory that the trade was worked out sometime ago and they were waiting until July 15th passed so the Rangers would pay the 2 million bonus
I'd have to say NYR won the deal hands down. Not only are they getting a #1/2C with unlimited potential but they also get a 2nd round pick to boot. I'm not sure that Ottawa has any one else with as much potential making Zibanejad a pawn in the trade games. I really liked what I saw of him at the end of last year and he even chose to stay in North American to work on conditioning and speed. Mark my words....this will be Zibanejad's year.
Now saying that, I don't think Ottawa made out too bad either. They get the more experienced LWC that they have been coveting to play with Hoffman and Stone. With the hopefully healthy return of MacArthur and Turris this gives Ottawa a very interesting 4 lines with healthy competition in the bottom six. Ottawa's biggest worry is the continued health of MacArthur in the top 6.
MacArthur Turris Ryan
Hoffman Brassard Stone
Smith Pageau Lazar
Blunden Kelly Neil
I definitely believe in the theory that the trade was worked out sometime ago and they were waiting until July 15th passed so the Rangers would pay the 2 million bonus - jimbro83
Yup the GM of the Sens basically told the media yesterday that he was stalling and that while the bonus being paid wasn't the biggest factor it was certainly a plus. The 2nd could very well be an extra payment for that bonus.
I'd have to say NYR won the deal hands down. Not only are they getting a #1/2C with unlimited potential but they also get a 2nd round pick to boot. I'm not sure that Ottawa has any one else with as much potential making Zibanejad a pawn in the trade games. I really liked what I saw of him at the end of last year and he even chose to stay in North American to work on conditioning and speed. Mark my words....this will be Zibanejad's year.
Now saying that, I don't think Ottawa made out too bad either. They get the more experienced LWC that they have been coveting to play with Hoffman and Stone. With the hopefully healthy return of MacArthur and Turris this gives Ottawa a very interesting 4 lines with healthy competition in the bottom six. Ottawa's biggest worry is the continued health of MacArthur in the top 6.
MacArthur Turris Ryan
Hoffman Brassard Stone
Smith Pageau Lazar
Blunden Kelly Neil
You guys will love Brassard. A lot of people say Brassard has reached his ceiling but I think he'll still improve over the next 2-3 years.
His development stalled badly in Columbus. A combination of a losing hockey culture and trouble with his coaches there essentially made him not care and he just didn't improve for a few years. The moment he was traded to New York and was exposed to a winning culture, he began putting the work in and has improved noticeably year over year. I think he will continue to do that.
He's super passionate too. Loved seeing him celebrate goals and really get into the game emotionally.
I'd have to say NYR won the deal hands down. Not only are they getting a #1/2C with unlimited potentialbut they also get a 2nd round pick to boot. I'm not sure that Ottawa has any one else with as much potential making Zibanejad a pawn in the trade games. I really liked what I saw of him at the end of last year and he even chose to stay in North American to work on conditioning and speed. Mark my words....this will be Zibanejad's year.
Now saying that, I don't think Ottawa made out too bad either. They get the more experienced LWC that they have been coveting to play with Hoffman and Stone. With the hopefully healthy return of MacArthur and Turris this gives Ottawa a very interesting 4 lines with healthy competition in the bottom six. Ottawa's biggest worry is the continued health of MacArthur in the top 6.
MacArthur Turris Ryan
Hoffman Brassard Stone
Smith Pageau Lazar
Blunden Kelly Neil
That's a little dramatic. I'm not a fan of the trade, but to say that zibby has "unlimited potential" is a little over the top. realistically he has the potential to be a solid #2 center who puts up 25-30 goals and 60 pts.........basically exactly what brassard is right now.
baring some miraculous development jump, it's unlikely he'll ever be a #1 PPG guy.
Yup the GM of the Sens basically told the media yesterday that he was stalling and that while the bonus being paid wasn't the biggest factor it was certainly a plus. The 2nd could very well be an extra payment for that bonus. - rangerdanger94
that's EXACTLY what it is. Melnyk didn't want to pay that 2 mil because it means dorion would have had less "actual money" to get Hoffman and ceci locked up.
There's no question Gorton dealt Brassard when Brassard's value was at its highest that it's been at probably since he was drafted. Buy low sell high - rangerdanger94
this trade to me shows the first time Gorton put his personal stamp on the team
this is a smart hockey move with the future in mind but not hurting the present all that much
I really think it's one of the smartest moves Rangers have made in awhile
