Considering the Rangers just traded for another top 6 center can we drop the Leon Draisitl stuff? He will never be a Ranger
- TPC

So Draisaitl for Hayes, Skjei and the 2018 2nd we just got from Ottawa?

There are more than a few people who blast Zibby in this fanbase. In fact, if you watched the games this season both Ferraro and McClennan ripped into him constantly. 'He has to make a stronger play, there' was the common refrain.

The guys on the TSN 1200 constantly question his desire as well. Shawn Simpson just said this morning that it was a good thing the Sens got rid of him now because if he has one bad season, the return will not be as great. I don't agree with him that next season will be bad because it's a contract year, but you never know.

It's no secret that he came to camp out of shape twice. Once, they even started him down in the minors because of it (and he actually had his best season to date after that).

I'm not pulling my negativity toward him out of left field and I'm hardly the only one with that opinion.

To compare an opinion about Zibby struggling and lacking compete level to ripping into Alfie (our best ever player) or Hoffman (our current top goal scorer) is absolutely ridiculous. The people who rip into Zibby watch the games.

I honestly do believe Mika has all the tools to be a great power forward. But as I said before, I question his drive. Over the past three seasons, his line mates have gotten better, he's been given more PP time (played in the first unit basically all of last season) and his production has stalled. He has also visibly started to shy away from contact.

As for the trade itself.. it would have been a good deal if it was player for player. The 2nd round pick was probably to compensate for the Rangers picking up the 2M bonus. Cheap Eugene rears his ugly head again.
- Charliebox

He needs to invest his money in better thoroughbreds.

Anderson has 2 years remaining I believe as well.
- rangerdanger94

True.

Great blog and read - what really caught my eye was the suggestion of a bigger deal possibly for shatty or Hampus - don't know about the Blues... but I can't see the Rangers having any pieces that would tempt Murray into moving Hampus -

I'm excited to see this kid in a Rangers uniform. Not a bad trade at all, although, I will definitely miss Brassard. The guy was a very good Ranger, an emotional guy who can be clutch. Definitely a fan favorite and one of the least likely guys that fans complained about. Sens get a good player and good club guy. Hoping MZ can continue to improve and be a big part of this teams offense. Always liked Swedish players...they're tough and very skilled. Hopefully he's got some of that. Wishing Brass well in Ottawa
- Blueshirts16

The thing w MZ is can he show up in shape & keep up the pace consistently. Talking to Sens fans it seems those have been his issues.

How good (HOPEFULLY) is our PK gonna be now?

He needs to invest his money in better thoroughbreds.
- tomburton99

He sold his stable. His horses were arguably his only passion as great as hockey. He's out of cash.

He's trying to run the team like a business. We all know how well that has worked out in the history of hockey.

The thing w MZ is can he show up in shape & keep up the pace consistently. Talking to Sens fans it seems those have been his issues.

How good (HOPEFULLY) is our PK gonna be now?
- B2B76

I know I've been negative, but I honestly think he will be lights out this year. It's a contract year and he's working out.

It's after this year that worries me as a fan of a budget team.

His stats will show that he's a 5-6M player, but based on his past couple seasons and his intangibles (or lackthereof) I wouldn't be able to justify giving him that money as a non-cap team.

The Rangers are in a much better situation to deal with a guy like him. In fact, they can do exactly what they did with Brassard. They can front load his next deal with bonuses and give him term, then trade him off to a budget team when he gets cheaper.

I honestly think these sorts of deals are going to become more common place over time.

Yea this isn't your best work...might as well just drop it now
- TPC

Never

So Draisaitl for Hayes, Skjei and the 2018 2nd we just got from Ottawa?
- tomburton99

you would do that?

you would do that?


- jimbro83

Tom needs to get laid...his brain isn't functioning properly

you would do that?


- jimbro83

Its Tom. Tom doesn't want anyone back from last years team.

you would do that?


- jimbro83

Tom likes em young and inexperienced

Its Tom. Tom doesn't want anyone back from last years team.
- mdw7413

in all seriousness, Brady Skjei is probably the last person this team needs to deal right now

in all seriousness, Brady Skjei is probably the last person this team needs to deal right now
- jimbro83

I like Brady but I am a little nervous that he is gonna be thrown right into the top 3 to fast. I just hope he doesn't sink before he is fully ready for the heavy minutes. Would love to add another top 4 d men in a trade.

I know I've been negative, but I honestly think he will be lights out this year. It's a contract year and he's working out.

It's after this year that worries me as a fan of a budget team.

His stats will show that he's a 5-6M player, but based on his past couple seasons and his intangibles (or lackthereof) I wouldn't be able to justify giving him that money as a non-cap team.

The Rangers are in a much better situation to deal with a guy like him. In fact, they can do exactly what they did with Brassard. They can front load his next deal with bonuses and give him term, then trade him off to a budget team when he gets cheaper.

I honestly think these sorts of deals are going to become more common place over time.
- Charliebox

With the next CBA not that many years away who knows if we're in for another work stoppage. Us die hards always come back but how many of these can we out up with?

I like Brady but I am a little nervous that he is gonna be thrown right into the top 3 to fast. I just hope he doesn't sink before he is fully ready for the heavy minutes. Would love to add another top 4 d men in a trade.
- TPC

Is he though?

I think McDonagh, Staal, Girardi and Klein have the top 4 locked down for the start of the year at least.

Maybe he can get into the top 4 if AV decides he doesn't want Skjei and McIlrath paired together.

With the next CBA not that many years away who knows if we're in for another work stoppage. Us die hards always come back but how many of these can we out up with?
- B2B76

Lockout is guaranteed at this point

With the next CBA not that many years away who knows if we're in for another work stoppage. Us die hards always come back but how many of these can we out up with?
- B2B76

An infinite amount Brian. An infinite amount....

Lockout is guaranteed at this point
- TPC

You think so?

I'm not so sure. Don't see many loopholes being exposed (sure there are some like Arizona with Datsyuk and other players going on LTIR for the remainder of their contracts) but there are no ridiculous contracts and it seems this year the UFA market is finally stabilizing and players are getting reasonable and fair deals.

in all seriousness, Brady Skjei is probably the last person this team needs to deal right now
- jimbro83

Yup. No (frank)ing way.

The fact they had him playing both sides. AV wants to have his children. I want to see what this kid could do in a full year.

Is he though?

I think McDonagh, Staal, Girardi and Klein have the top 4 locked down for the start of the year at least.

Maybe he can get into the top 4 if AV decides he doesn't want Skjei and McIlrath paired together.
- rangerdanger94

Guess it all depends on Girardi

You think so?

I'm not so sure. Don't see many loopholes being exposed (sure there are some like Arizona with Datsyuk and other players going on LTIR for the remainder of their contracts) but there are no ridiculous contracts and it seems this year the UFA market is finally stabilizing and players are getting reasonable and fair deals.
- rangerdanger94

These contracts being signed now. All the money is being paid up front

Yup. No (frank)ing way.

The fact they had him playing both sides. AV wants to have his children. I want to see what this kid could do in a full year.
- mdw7413

Nothing wrong with Brady being a switch hitter

you would do that?


- jimbro83

I was clearly being sarcastic.

Nothing wrong with Brady being a switch hitter
- TPC

I'm a bit surprised they don't do that with more young defenseman in the minors.

Seems it would be useful to have a defenseman that would be proficient on both sides of the ice.