Jan Levine: My take on Larry Brooks’ massive column in the NY Post today
A lot to unpack and analyze...

You wouldn't trade Hayes for Hamilton?
Shutdown defenseman or not, Hamilton has far more trade value than Hayes and could be flipped for a substantially greater return than Hayes could bring. I would be shocked if Calgary made that trade, but if they were willing and New York turned them down, that would be terrible asset management.

I agree Jan, and mentioned on the prior blog that unless the return for Hayes was a "can't refuse" offer, or barring Hayes and the Rangers being far apart on a new contract, then why would you trade a top experienced center at age 26, who is a former Chicago 1st Round pick, that just came off a 25 goal season with a struggling team that had many issues under A.V.? Chytil cannot be counted on yet to be an every game 2nd or 3rd line center in the NHL at this point.
In addition, a year ago we would not have parted with Skjei as part of a deal to acquire Trouba. So why now the "give up" by some here on Skjei? The team was horribly prepared through practices, and coached worse on the bench, including on the defensive end by Ruff, unless his plans wanted used were voided by A.V. with his game style plan and line deployment and changes.
I'm not giving up Skjei, unless he is part of some large package for a significant player to help them return to the postseason in 2019, &/or to move up higher in the 1st Round of next weekend's draft.

You wouldn't trade Hayes for Hamilton?
Shutdown defenseman or not, Hamilton has far more trade value than Hayes and could be flipped for a substantially greater return than Hayes could bring. I would be shocked if Calgary made that trade, but if they were willing and New York turned them down, that would be terrible asset management.
- DonzoBean

I have soured a bit on Hamilton the past few years. When in Boston, I thought he had a shot to be an elite defenseman. Plus why do you think he could be flipped for a higher return? If I am in the minority, that’s fine. But I still think Hayes has another few levels to reach.

1st round mock in THN is interesting to say the least. I doubt any of this happens, but Gorton going full scorched earth would be entertaining to watch.

I have soured a bit on Hamilton the past few years. When in Boston, I thought he had a shot to be an elite defenseman. Plus why do you think he could be flipped for a higher return? If I am in the minority, that’s fine. But I still think Hayes has another few levels to reach.
- airjan23

Hayes just wants his buddy Johnny Hockey. Prepare to buy a Flames sweater, MDW.

Jan Levine: My take on Larry Brooks’ massive column in the NY Post today
A lot to unpack and analyze...
- airjan23

I agree Jan, that due to their poor defensive end play being a big issue last season, a package including Hayes, "plus" would be first better suited being offered to Winnipeg for Trouba, "plus" coming in return, prior to a deal for Hamilton, or even worse, involving Skjei as well to land Draisaitl and takeover Lucic's horrible contract. The team would be worse defensively than under A.V. last season, if that were at all possible.
On the Hagelin words by Brooks, both he and Grabner are about the same age of 30, with Hagelin having played in 609 games including his 121 in the postseason, compared to Grabner's 584 including 31 playoff games. For their regular season careers, Hags is a +83 vs. Grabs +24. But Grabner has the offensive edge with 158 G & 91 A to Hags 88 G & 134 A. Ironically, both average the exact .39 points average per postseason game. So who would be the better option, Jan, at this point of their careers, and assuming that Grabner's NHL interest does not overprice him as a UFA? Grabner for likely 3 years (pending the contract), or Hags for one (pending Pitt's. willingness), and then decide again a year from now?

1st round mock in THN is interesting to say the least. I doubt any of this happens, but Gorton going full scorched earth would be entertaining to watch.
- tomburton99

From their podcast or from the website?

I agree Jan, that due to their poor defensive end play being a big issue last season, a package including Hayes, "plus" would be first better suited being offered to Winnipeg for Trouba, "plus" coming in return, prior to a deal for Hamilton, or even worse, involving Skjei as well to land Draisaitl and takeover Lucic's horrible contract. The team would be worse defensively than under A.V. last season, if that were at all possible.
On the Hagelin words by Brooks, both he and Grabner are about the same age of 30, with Hagelin having played in 609 games including his 121 in the postseason, compared to Grabner's 584 including 31 playoff games. For their regular season careers, Hags is a +83 vs. Grabs +24. But Grabner has the offensive edge with 158 G & 91 A to Hags 88 G & 134 A. Ironically, both average the exact .39 points average per postseason game. So who would be the better option, Jan, at this point of their careers, and assuming that Grabner's NHL interest does not overprice him as a UFA? Grabner for likely 3 years (pending the contract), or Hags for one (pending Pitt's. willingness), and then decide again a year from now?
- RangerSaver

Hagelin’s production has nose dived while Grabner, at least until his time with the Devils, was on an upswing. Part of that was due to an unsustainable shooting percentage. But I view Grabner as a much bigger offensive threat and better penalty killer than Hagelin.

Hayes just wants his buddy Johnny Hockey. Prepare to buy a Flames sweater, MDW.
- tomburton99

Nothing this week would shock me.

IMO Svechnikov is the best player in this draft, and would be awesome to get. If you could deal #9, Hayes and one of the late 1sts i would be all over that. Maybe sign Stastny for a few years. I don't think Carolina is all that interested in Hayes though. Z should be on the table whenever the best deal comes along with one year left. Maybe use him with 26/30 to move up for a Merkley type who falls.

I have soured a bit on Hamilton the past few years. When in Boston, I thought he had a shot to be an elite defenseman. Plus why do you think he could be flipped for a higher return? If I am in the minority, that’s fine. But I still think Hayes has another few levels to reach.
- airjan23

I like Hamilton, but agree I wouldn’t move Hayes. Besides, Calgary is pretty set at center. I still think with Zuc being in final year he’s more likely to get moved and would actually be more what Flames are looking for.

I agree Jan, and mentioned on the prior blog that unless the return for Hayes was a "can't refuse" offer, or barring Hayes and the Rangers being far apart on a new contract, then why would you trade a top experienced center at age 26, who is a former Chicago 1st Round pick, that just came off a 25 goal season with a struggling team that had many issues under A.V.? Chytil cannot be counted on yet to be an every game 2nd or 3rd line center in the NHL at this point.
In addition, a year ago we would not have parted with Skjei as part of a deal to acquire Trouba. So why now the "give up" by some here on Skjei? The team was horribly prepared through practices, and coached worse on the bench, including on the defensive end by Ruff, unless his plans wanted used were voided by A.V. with his game style plan and line deployment and changes.
I'm not giving up Skjei, unless he is part of some large package for a significant player to help them return to the postseason in 2019, &/or to move up higher in the 1st Round of next weekend's draft.
- RangerSaver

Skjei name was pretty much just thrown out there, but I would definitely consider Draisaitl a significant player!! Consider how loaded with left handed defensive prospects we are too... also, I would’ve swapped Skjei for Trouba in a heartbeat

Apparently I have missed a lot.

From their podcast or from the website?
- airjan23

From the actual magazine. I can post if need be.

Is it possible Quinn goes to Sweden to talk to future assistant?
Hayes seems like a guy Quinn wants around. A Boston kid he has ties to. No mention of Tavares today? Teams can start talking to him next Sunday. Going to be an interesting week.

From the actual magazine. I can post if need be.
- tomburton99

Yea post dat shyt

I don’t know much about much. But I do absolutely know that edm will not trade Leon Draisaitl. Pretty much for anything realistic. He’s integral to the offence of a team that’s already been gutted of too much of it. Such an incredibly high ceiling and already good for 70 +


On another note, you vastly underestimate Hamilton imo. One of the games best puck movers and offensive guys. And even if his defensive game isn’t stellar, his possession pretty much negates that.

Jan-

Have to give you props for taking the time and putting in the effort to address Brooks' article today, however you are giving Larry waaaaay too much credit. You very well know that most of what he wrote is nonsense.
Reading Brooks' column I feel like he is just throwing a bowl of food against the wall and seeing what sticks...



On another note: To all of you Dads out there---- I hope that you all had an enjoyable Fathers Day. Cheers!

I don’t know much about much. But I do absolutely know that edm will not trade Leon Draisaitl. Pretty much for anything realistic. He’s integral to the offence of a team that’s already been gutted of too much of it. Such an incredibly high ceiling and already good for 70 +


On another note, you vastly underestimate Hamilton imo. One of the games best puck movers and offensive guys. And even if his defensive game isn’t stellar, his possession pretty much negates that.
- HB77

If they made that deal, i will happily be proven wrong. He definitely is solid offensively and has good puck possession metrics, just not sold on him defensively. Plus, why is he on the block again?

From the actual magazine. I can post if need be.
- tomburton99

I have it at home, will look again. I posted Friday who they predicted in their podcast

Jan-

Have to give you props for taking the time and putting in the effort to address Brooks' article today, however you are giving Larry waaaaay too much credit. You very well know that most of what he wrote is nonsense.
Reading Brooks' column I feel like he is just throwing a bowl of food against the wall and seeing what sticks...



On another note: To all of you Dads out there---- I hope that you all had an enjoyable Fathers Day. Cheers!
- TommyGTrain

I agree, most of it is speculation that won’t happen and is throwing stuff against the wall. But some slivers of truth are likely embedded within the column and wanted to touch on them.

I have soured a bit on Hamilton the past few years. When in Boston, I thought he had a shot to be an elite defenseman. Plus why do you think he could be flipped for a higher return? If I am in the minority, that’s fine. But I still think Hayes has another few levels to reach.
- airjan23

Both regular stats (17-27-44) and advanced stats (57.4% corsi and +6.7% relative corsi at even strength) suggest Hamilton is an excellent top pairing defenseman. He is 25 and signed for 3 more years at only $5.75M/season, and teams are going to be willing to pay more for a defenseman who can do what he does than they would for Hayes. In contrast, this season Hayes had 3 fewer points as a forward (although in 6 fewer games) and had a 45.9% corsi and -0.5% relative corsi. While Hayes might very well have room to grow, I (and I imagine most GMs) would absolutely take Hamilton right now, both as the more valuable player and because he would net more in a trade if the Rangers wanted to flip him for picks/prospects.

jets will give you myers for a late 1rst, lay off trouba

Jan-

Have to give you props for taking the time and putting in the effort to address Brooks' article today, however you are giving Larry waaaaay too much credit. You very well know that most of what he wrote is nonsense.
Reading Brooks' column I feel like he is just throwing a bowl of food against the wall and seeing what sticks...



On another note: To all of you Dads out there---- I hope that you all had an enjoyable Fathers Day. Cheers!
- TommyGTrain

After seeing the things people write on here I sincerely hope no one on here really has kids.