I wonder if Anisimov is setting up to be trade bait, unlikely, but I also didn't think Mike Gartner would end up being trade bait in '94 either.
- jimbro83

Well if Pierre Lebrun of ESPN is right and the Rangers are looking for a top 6 forward or a D man like Weber then one of the young guys on the roster will have to be part of the trade. Out of Stepan, Cally, Dubi, Hagelin, MDZ, McD, Staal or AA....I would probably dangle AA.

I wonder if Anisimov is setting up to be trade bait, unlikely, but I also didn't think Mike Gartner would end up being trade bait in '94 either.
- jimbro83

With Stepan, Richards, Boyle and Rupp down the middle, I definetely can see Arty as trade bait. I could see the Rangers wanting someone who is a more natural winger to play on the Top 2 lines, and given that Arty is a young, reasonably talented player with a manageable cap hit, I think he is the type of asset that teams would want in return, and the Rangers could afford to trade.

I usually am not that big into promoting my own stuff, but I wrote an article for Ranger Nation predicting Mike Rupp could be a modern day version of Matteau for us if anyone is interested in a quick read:

http://nyrnation.net/is-m...s-teams-stephane-matteau/
- jimbro83

Nice, article, and when you write something, I would always post it on here so we know you posted it.

Quick Question though, on the ice time issue with Matteau, didn't he play on the second line with Larmer and Kovalev for most of tha playoff?

Nice, article, and when you right something, I would always post it on here so we know you posted it.

Quick Question though, on the ice time issue with Matteau, didn't he play on the second line with Larmer and Kovalev for most of tha playoff?
- Pete V

It varied, in game 3 versus the Devils, he actually played on a line with Anderson and Kovalev all night.

Keenan changed line combos like a maniac for most of the playoffs.

edit: and oh yeah, thanks!

I usually am not that big into promoting my own stuff, but I wrote an article for Ranger Nation predicting Mike Rupp could be a modern day version of Matteau for us if anyone is interested in a quick read:

http://nyrnation.net/is-m...s-teams-stephane-matteau/
- jimbro83

good stuff

http://espn.go.com/nhl/story/_/id/7459001/nhl

Info re next year's Winter Classic. 24-7 is going to suck with all of those perfect cyborgs in the Red Wings lockerroom (jk).

I wonder whether I'll get an option to buy tickets as part of my football seasons -- need to squeeze 114,000 people into that place.

Well if Pierre Lebrun of ESPN is right and the Rangers are looking for a top 6 forward or a D man like Weber then one of the young guys on the roster will have to be part of the trade. Out of Stepan, Cally, Dubi, Hagelin, MDZ, McD, Staal or AA....I would probably dangle AA.
- TPC

Do we really need weber or suter? both are excellent defenseman and would help the powerplay, just not sure i would give up a big return. plus, they are going to get big money to re-sign. our defense isn't a problem

http://espn.go.com/nhl/story/_/id/7459001/nhl

Info re next year's Winter Classic. 24-7 is going to suck with all of those perfect cyborgs in the Red Wings lockerroom (jk).

I wonder whether I'll get an option to buy tickets as part of my football seasons -- need to squeeze 114,000 people into that place.
- Pete V

Im sure a lot of leafs fans will make the trip.

Here is a question for you guys -- rank the Rangers Top 5 defensemen on the basis of the guy that you would least want to have traded.

Here is my list, which I think will be much different than others:

1. Girardi
2. Del Zotto
3. Staal
4. McDonagh
5. Sauer

To me, Dan Girardi is unbelievably good player. I only put Del Zotto in front of McDonagh because I think that they are similar players, whereas Del Zotto would be a much harder guy to replace.

Not an easy question.

Edit: Might even go McDonagh over Staal for health reasons.

Here is a question for you guys -- rank the Rangers Top 5 defensemen on the basis of the guy that you would least want to have traded.

Here is my list, which I think will be much different than others:

1. Girardi
2. Del Zotto
3. Staal
4. McDonagh
5. Sauer

To me, Dan Girardi is unbelievably good player. I only put Del Zotto in front of McDonagh because I think that they are similar players, whereas Del Zotto would be a much harder guy to replace.

Not an easy question.

Edit: Might even go McDonagh over Staal for health reasons.
- Pete V

I think I'd probably order tham the same way.

My my, Del Zotto has come a long way hasn't he?

Do we really need weber or suter? both are excellent defenseman and would help the powerplay, just not sure i would give up a big return. plus, they are going to get big money to re-sign. our defense isn't a problem
- bonzo11

Yea I dont see the need...but that is what LeBrun wrote about in his blog

I think I'd probably order tham the same way.

My my, Del Zotto has come a long way hasn't he?
- jimbro83

If you asked me when he was a rookie, I would have taken Del Zotto over Staal long term. When reassessing last year, I thought I was absolutely bonkers for thinking that. Now, it has come full circle. Hopefully, Del Zotto doesn't revert to suck *ss sophmore form, making me question my intelligence again.

Here is a question for you guys -- rank the Rangers Top 5 defensemen on the basis of the guy that you would least want to have traded.

Here is my list, which I think will be much different than others:

1. Girardi
2. Del Zotto
3. Staal
4. McDonagh
5. Sauer

To me, Dan Girardi is unbelievably good player. I only put Del Zotto in front of McDonagh because I think that they are similar players, whereas Del Zotto would be a much harder guy to replace.

Not an easy question.

Edit: Might even go McDonagh over Staal for health reasons.
- Pete V

As of right now mine is

1. Girardi
2.McDonaugh
3.Del Zotto
4.Staal
5.Sauer

If you asked me when he was a rookie, I would have taken Del Zotto over Staal long term. When reassessing last year, I thought I was absolutely bonkers for thinking that. Now, it has come full circle. Hopefully, Del Zotto doesn't revert to suck *ss sophmore form, making me question my intelligence again.
- Pete V

after the contracts Tyler Myers and Drew Doughty have signed so early in their careers, I am a little fearful about what Del Zotto will want this offseason as a RFA. Considering he is having a better season than either one of them.

Yea I dont see the need...but that is what LeBrun wrote about in his blog
- TPC

i know, lebrun is reliable too.
to answer pete's question:
1.girardi
2. staal (concussion concerns me)
3. DZ
4. mcdonagh
5. sauer

Well if Pierre Lebrun of ESPN is right and the Rangers are looking for a top 6 forward or a D man like Weber then one of the young guys on the roster will have to be part of the trade. Out of Stepan, Cally, Dubi, Hagelin, MDZ, McD, Staal or AA....I would probably dangle AA.
- TPC

Well, Cally is not going anywhere, he's the Capt. and heart and soul of the team. Staal when completely healthy is a top six Dman, so I doubt he's going anywhere. Stepan ? I doubt it, and Hagelin has impressed the coaching staff with his maturity for such a young player. MDZ hmmm, could go he's a RFA and would cost a team like Nashville for instance significantly less than Weber/Suter. McD, I'd hate to see him go but it's possible but unlikely. That brings us to Dubi and AA. Either or could be included in a deal, but for who? Ryan, Perry, Doan??

Well, Cally is not going anywhere, he's the Capt. and heart and soul of the team. Staal when completely healthy is a top six Dman, so I doubt he's going anywhere. Stepan ? I doubt it, and Hagelin has impressed the coaching staff with his maturity for such a young player. MDZ hmmm, could go he's a RFA and would cost a team like Nashville for instance significantly less than Weber/Suter. McD, I'd hate to see him go but it's possible but unlikely. That brings us to Dubi and AA. Either or could be included in a deal, but for who? Ryan, Perry, Doan??
- OLDSCHOOL#6

I highly doubt Anaheim moves him. would have to be a very significant return heading their way. agreed though
Edit: moving dubi or anisimov for doan would be bad idea. doan is likely a rental and does he provide anymore offense than either at this point?

Well, Cally is not going anywhere, he's the Capt. and heart and soul of the team. Staal when completely healthy is a top six Dman, so I doubt he's going anywhere. Stepan ? I doubt it, and Hagelin has impressed the coaching staff with his maturity for such a young player. MDZ hmmm, could go he's a RFA and would cost a team like Nashville for instance significantly less than Weber/Suter. McD, I'd hate to see him go but it's possible but unlikely. That brings us to Dubi and AA. Either or could be included in a deal, but for who? Ryan, Perry, Doan??
- OLDSCHOOL#6

If we could some what build a trade around AA, a 1st rounder, and some prospects other then Miller and Kreider...then I am for gonig all in on Bobby Ryan

If we could some what build a trade around AA, a 1st rounder, and some prospects other then Miller and Kreider...then I am for gonig all in on Bobby Ryan
- TPC

Honest question, if the cost for Bobby Ryan is AA, Miller and a 1st rounder, you wouldn't make that trade?

I highly doubt Anaheim moves him. would have to be a very significant return heading their way. agreed though
Edit: moving dubi or anisimov for doan would be bad idea. doan is likely a rental and does he provide anymore offense than either at this point?
- bonzo11

Yea....I wouldn't move anyone on the active roster for Doan. Unless they want to take Wolski back

Honest question, if the cost for Bobby Ryan is AA, Miller and a 1st rounder, you wouldn't make that trade?
- Pete V

Sorry Pete I can't give up Miller or Kreider. I think these two are going to be special players in the NHL. I can't trade them.

Honest question, if the cost for Bobby Ryan is AA, Miller and a 1st rounder, you wouldn't make that trade?
- Pete V

Thats quite tempting.

Ryan, Richards, Callahan
Kreider, Stepan, Gaborik
Feds, Dubi, Hagelin
Mitchell, Rupp/Boyle, Prust

That would be a hell of a lineup.

Honest question, if the cost for Bobby Ryan is AA, Miller and a 1st rounder, you wouldn't make that trade?
- Pete V

I would do it. And I would probably do it even if you substituted Kreider for Miller.

Sorry Pete I can't give up Miller or Kreider. I think these two are going to be special players in the NHL. I can't trade them.
- TPC

No need to apologize. I think you're crazy, but no need to apologize.

And just so were clear. I really like Miller. Tough, hardworking kid that would fit right into the mold of these Rangers. With that said, I think he is a souped up Brandon Dubinsky, at best, which is certaintly not a bad thing. I just don't think were talking about Superstar type player.

I agree with you on Kreider, although if the cost for Bobby Ryan was Chris Kreider and some other small asset, I would probably do that as well.

Sorry Pete I can't give up Miller or Kreider. I think these two are going to be special players in the NHL. I can't trade them.
- TPC

Miller is gonna be special on our third line, when we can get a Ryan whos gonna play 18-20 minutes scoring 30+ goals for us.

At some point, you have to let go of the leash on the prospects. Proven 30+ goal scorer for a 'maybe' player. No one knows anything. But we do know that Ryan has scored 30 goals 3 straight years, and is on pace for a 4th straight even in an off year.