I think it's more of "would the real Ryan Stroke please stand up". He was chased out of two? Organizations for not performing. Did it really click for him as an NYR or was it all breadman? So it becomes is he worth what he'll cost his next contract OR will he just ger his typical NY payday and then disappointed
- MeltingPlastic

His first year here he had 33 pts in 63 games before we had Panarin. He played most of the year this year without Panarin and is on pace for a 65 pt season. I think ultimately what it comes down to is what the contract will look like. He’s 27 so he’s in his prime, would he be willing to sign a 3 year deal? Or is he going to want to cash in on a 6-7 year deal.

His first year here he had 33 pts in 63 games before we had Panarin. He played most of the year this year without Panarin and is on pace for a 65 pt season. I think ultimately what it comes down to is what the contract will look like. He’s 27 so he’s in his prime, would he be willing to sign a 3 year deal? Or is he going to want to cash in on a 6-7 year deal.
- nyrangers9479

I think he will want to get paid. Theres no way he gives up years and money because he wants to be nice. One injury, his career could be derailed and he will lose millions.

I think he will want to get paid. Theres no way he gives up years and money because he wants to be nice. One injury, his career could be derailed and he will lose millions.
- aecliptic

I agree, and in that case we have to walk away.

His first year here he had 33 pts in 63 games before we had Panarin. He played most of the year this year without Panarin and is on pace for a 65 pt season. I think ultimately what it comes down to is what the contract will look like. He’s 27 so he’s in his prime, would he be willing to sign a 3 year deal? Or is he going to want to cash in on a 6-7 year deal.
- nyrangers9479

I fear that he is the type of player that has a couple good years in his Prime, but ultimately capped in his overall production and effectiveness. I do not think he is a bad player at all. However, for a team the Rangers are, with a great need for consistency down the center, he isn't my first choice by any means. I would not be in favor of a long contract as I do not believe, based on his history, that he will be worthwhile through the majority of said contract. Therefore, I would let him walk, or trade him if there is a partner if he is looking for 4+ years.

I agree, and in that case we have to walk away.
- nyrangers9479

Lets not forget he has some pedigree! Will trade him and continue to look for something that’s right in front of our nose.

Lets not forget he has some pedigree! Will trade him and continue to look for something that’s right in front of our nose.
- Greschnergy#4

He’ll be 29 at the start of his next contract. Cant give him 6-7 years

He’ll be 29 at the start of his next contract. Cant give him 6-7 years
- nyrangers9479

Agree with that! Pretty sure he would not be able to command that length on the market

Agree with that! Pretty sure he would not be able to command that length on the market
- Greschnergy#4

Someone will pay him and give him 6-7, just don’t think it will be us

Someone will pay him and give him 6-7, just don’t think it will be us
- nyrangers9479

I'm not sure that is the case with the flat cap and his age. He is not an elite talent, but he is a very good one. I could see him getting 4-5 years. I would be OK with the Rangers giving him 4 years but no more.

Wait… I got chastized after the Flyers win for suggesting that maybe Knoblouch had a hand in the blow out win. Albeit probably minor. So now.. 4 games later (all of which should have been wins, Caps loss was bs) were saying what I suggested right away. Smh.
- aecliptic

Personally, it was more a lack of desire to rehash the argument.
All reports say that Knoblauch is in constant conversation with Quinn and his staff. Now, one in-game adjustment lands him the job? sMh.

As for the comments that he had the foresight to put Kakko with Strome and Panarin,...
That was Quinn's 2nd line from the beginning of camp. Obviously, circumstances drove him to readjust, since at the time they weren't putting up any more points than anyone else. smhagain.

Yea feel free to give Strome long term contracts...I am not going anywhere near that. He is a decent stop gate 2C for the time being, but I don't see him as a top 6 center you can go win a cup with. Hard pass for me.

Personally, it was more a lack of desire to rehash the argument.
All reports say that Knoblauch is in constant conversation with Quinn and his staff. Now, one in-game adjustment lands him the job? sMh.

As for the comments that he had the foresight to put Kakko with Strome and Panarin,...
That was Quinn's 2nd line from the beginning of camp. Obviously, circumstances drove him to readjust, since at the time they weren't putting up any more points than anyone else. smhagain.
- Tonybere

Agree. That was a pretty obvious move to make. Blackwell is a really good bottom 6 player who can move up and down the lineup but Kakko deserves that spot.

It’s amazing what Zib returning to form does to the team. To me, now a 3C is the biggest need which shouldn’t be hard to find. Chytil is a solid player who likely excels on the wing. He just isn’t driving enough offense for his wingers and in a lot of cases makes the wrong play in the offensive zone.

I'm not sure that is the case with the flat cap and his age. He is not an elite talent, but he is a very good one. I could see him getting 4-5 years. I would be OK with the Rangers giving him 4 years but no more.
- JRR1285

It will be interesting to see how contracts are negotiated in the Flat Cap era. It might change things up a bit in negotiating bonuses, NMC and years.
It would seem that those long term contacts would be shied away from.

Agree. That was a pretty obvious move to make. Blackwell is a really good bottom 6 player who can move up and down the lineup but Kakko deserves that spot.

It’s amazing what Zib returning to form does to the team. To me, now a 3C is the biggest need which shouldn’t be hard to find. Chytil is a solid player who likely excels on the wing. He just isn’t driving enough offense for his wingers and in a lot of cases makes the wrong play in the offensive zone.
- TC88

We have 26 games left and maybe slightly better than an outside chance of making this years playoffs. Our line up has just stabilized (pending Kravstov's insertion) more so than at any other time this season. I would hope they aren't making any kneejerk moves to try and go for it this year.
So, that's 26 games for Chytil to grab that 3C spot and solidify our roster for the next handful of years. He has shown significant growth already, at just 21 years old. I really hope they give him that chance. I really think everything we need for this tasty dish is already in the cupboard!
If this happens, sign Strome for 4 years and figure out which wingers will be traded for some future 1st & 2nd round picks. Maybe buy out Trouba in a couple years. We shouldn't need to do anything more than that. (I hope!!!!!)

It will be interesting to see how contracts are negotiated in the Flat Cap era. It might change things up a bit in negotiating bonuses, NMC and years.
It would seem that those long term contacts would be shied away from.
- NYRCeph

They also need to stop giving NMC/NTC to everyone they lock up.

I didn't realize Howden was on the Covid list. I thought he was just injured somehow.

I didn't realize Howden was on the Covid list. I thought he was just injured somehow.
- JRR1285

Does it matter? I hope the organization is realizing the team is just fine without Howden in the lineup

Does it matter? I hope the organization is realizing the team is just fine without Howden in the lineup
- TPC

Jeez, I don't love Howden but the hatred for him is kinda unreal.

Jeez, I don't love Howden but the hatred for him is kinda unreal.
- JRR1285

He’s terrible

Jeez, I don't love Howden but the hatred for him is kinda unreal.
- JRR1285

It's not hatred. There are better forwards who deserve ice time IMO. And in the games he was out, the penalty kill was just fine. Kratsov playing soon just makes him less needed

Jeez, I don't love Howden but the hatred for him is kinda unreal.
- JRR1285

well the 4th line was a -2 without him last night

well the 4th line was a -2 without him last night
- jimbro83

Lemiuex-Rooney-Blackwell is hopefully what the 4th line becomes once Kratsov starts playing. Sorry TJ, just don't see a spot for Gauthier right now

well the 4th line was a -2 without him last night
- jimbro83

I have thought there wasn't enough credit given to Rooney for Howden's PK prowess. Not saying it was the only factor, but Rooney has obviously been quite good for us and he was always Howden's partner on the PK.
Last night, I thought Rooney struggled a little compared to other games.

Lemiuex-Rooney-Blackwell is hopefully what the 4th line becomes once Kratsov starts playing. Sorry TJ, just don't see a spot for Gauthier right now
- TPC

I wonder if Blackwell has any appeal at the trade deadline

I wonder if Blackwell has any appeal at the trade deadline
- jimbro83

This may be one of the worst trade deadlines in recent memory. Just don't see anything big getting moved