I feel like your 2nd point is also valid to both sides. We really don't know if/any of those guys or when their decline will begin. There's an argument to be made, you want to maximize your ability to win with those guys during their peak.

Maybe I believe too much in Barron. I just think it's a slam dunk to think about moving Chytil and getting another top flight center in here. In that scenario, Strome is the perfect piece for the team. He'd arguably the best 3c in the whole league who you could slot with panarin on the PP due to their good chemistry. You then let Strome walk after next season freeing up the space, and work Barron into that role, which I'd think he'd excel. The top flight center would also be some insurance in case Mika's concussion history ever catches up to him.
- 2sticks1puck

I think BeanDip put it well. Strome is producing at the rate of a 1st line center, as is Zib. I just don't see the need for an upgrade. I also think some of people have higher expectations for Barron than Chytil which isn't really fair. It's like the backup QB situation where everyone wants to start what they haven't seen yet, but heard good things about. I'm pumped for Barron too, but you have to remember he's older than Chytil and Chytil has 175 games under his belt. If there's a learning curve to play center in the NHL Chytil is way further along than Barron is.

If it's financials you're concerned about, I don't think Chytil will get a very big contract at all. With a flat cap and the fact he hasn't put it all together yet he's gonna get a very reasonable deal that he should outperform if he continues this trajectory.

- mdw7413

I think you know I'm kidding.

Unless Bitetto directly makes them lose this game.

I'm not sure, I thought I had read already that he already qualified

Bitetto is a disaster, especially on the road where opponent controls matchups
- jimbro83

Yeah, I think the honeymoon with him is over. I'm not sure Hajek over him is that much an improvement at this point though, the point that Hajek could develop more is valid. I think though I'd want Tarmo in that spot.

I think BeanDip put it well. Strome is producing at the rate of a 1st line center, as is Zib. I just don't see the need for an upgrade. I also think some of people have higher expectations for Barron than Chytil which isn't really fair. It's like the backup QB situation where everyone wants to start what they haven't seen yet, but heard good things about. I'm pumped for Barron too, but you have to remember he's older than Chytil and Chytil has 175 games under his belt. If there's a learning curve to play center in the NHL Chytil is way further along than Barron is.

If it's financials you're concerned about, I don't think Chytil will get a very big contract at all. With a flat cap and the fact he hasn't put it all together yet he's gonna get a very reasonable deal that he should outperform if he continues this trajectory.
- SkjeiStadium

FWIW, it's not Chytil's contract I'm worried about. Whether we like it or not, extensions to Foxy, Shesty, and Mika are ticking timebombs. You then get the double whammy of then having to pay Key and depending on how he devlops, Laf the following offseason.

I just think our window might legit be right now, before all these extensions kick in.

FWIW, it's not Chytil's contract I'm worried about. Whether we like it or not, extensions to Foxy, Shesty, and Mika are ticking timebombs. You then get the double whammy of then having to pay Key and depending on how he devlops, Laf the following offseason.

I just think our window might legit be right now, before all these extensions kick in.
- 2sticks1puck

I love Mika and he's done some unreal poop but I'm so worried about his next contract.

Yeah, I think the honeymoon with him is over. I'm not sure Hajek over him is that much an improvement at this point though, the point that Hajek could develop more is valid. I think though I'd want Tarmo in that spot.
- 2sticks1puck

putting Bitetto in is just gonna make them play Lindgren-Fox 30 minutes tonight especially if its close

Finally agree with Brooks about something. Does it have to do with the seattle draft??
- mdw7413

This absolutely has to do with the expansion draft.
Not sure what Jim saw that said he is eligible for exposure, but at the start of the season they said he had to play 19 games to be eligible. So far, he has played 10 games this year.

Nice, you insult us both at the same time.
- JRR1285

I really want to keep Smith if the price is right. Every time he is on the ice if someone goes after our youngsters, he is right (frank)ing there. Ultimate team guy
- mdw7413

Locker room is better with him in it for sure.

Yeah, I think the honeymoon with him is over. I'm not sure Hajek over him is that much an improvement at this point though, the point that Hajek could develop more is valid. I think though I'd want Tarmo in that spot.
- 2sticks1puck

I don't see Hajek making the roster next season. Could even be moved. The Rangers have too many better options.

This absolutely has to do with the expansion draft.
Not sure what Jim saw that said he is eligible for exposure, but at the start of the season they said he had to play 19 games to be eligible. So far, he has played 10 games this year.
- Tonybere

Well we will find out tonight. If Biteto plays again after that awful game on Sunday then he def needs more games to qualify so they are going to keep playing him.

I don't see Hajek making the roster next season. Could even be moved. The Rangers have too many better options.
- NYRCeph

Yep. I think Hajek has done ok. He had a really good stretch of games before having a few difficulties. But, there is no future for him, Bitetto or even Smith here.
We are about to have a ridiculous treasure trove on the back end. We will have to move better players than Libor.

If the big trade never materializes, two moves rangers can do to improve center is trade for Ryan Johansen and sign Luke Glendening.

-Trade Nashville Chytil for Johansen straight up-

BUT Nashville MUST retain 40%-50%. So figure we pay him between 3-5 million to be our 3rd line center. He’s a terrific faceoff man, only 28 and has leadership qualities. If I recall during their cup run, he got hurt and it galvanized the whole team. He’s lost a step, but 3 rd line center is generally paid like that regardless and he’s more of a 2C than a 3C imo. Probably would be motivated by a change of scenery. Play him with shooters, ie-Kreider and Krav

And glendening wins faceoffs in his sleep. The guy is amazing winning faceoffs

It gives them what is, imo the only real bugaboos, center depth, faceoff wins and some more veterans/leadership. And we are not breaking the bank to improve.

Two things I’m learning this year are- Strome has to stay and center isn’t as big a need as we all think. Strome and Bread have to much chemistry

Maybe they don’t need the home run trade, just a double
- Slimtj100

Im not for any trades of Chytil that doesnt include YOUNG centers coming back. You cant have enough young center prospects in the organization.

Johansen has 5 years left at 8mil per. Even if Nash retains half, thats 4 mil for a 3rd line center?? Pass

Im not for any trades of Chytil that doesnt include YOUNG centers coming back. You cant have enough young center prospects in the organization.

Johansen has 5 years left at 8mil per. Even if Nash retains half, thats 4 mil for a 3rd line center?? Pass
- Brukie

4m per for a 3rd line center that has been a 1C and could be again with the right motivation is a steal. However Im not sure I believe in Johansen’s desire to play, especially through adversity when it comes around.

This absolutely has to do with the expansion draft.
Not sure what Jim saw that said he is eligible for exposure, but at the start of the season they said he had to play 19 games to be eligible. So far, he has played 10 games this year.
- Tonybere

It works out so perfectly the timing of this expansion. It’s gonna be the last new team you’d think, so we don’t have to worry down the road about losing a real good player. This year we shouldn’t get stung to bad, like last time with Lindberg

Yep. I think Hajek has done ok. He had a really good stretch of games before having a few difficulties. But, there is no future for him, Bitetto or even Smith here.
We are about to have a ridiculous treasure trove on the back end. We will have to move better players than Libor.
- Tonybere

Agreed on the Hajek assessment. I do not think he is awful. In fact he is a perfect 5th-6th defensman. He's just not as talented as the prospect coming.

Well we will find out tonight. If Biteto plays again after that awful game on Sunday then he def needs more games to qualify so they are going to keep playing him.
- TPC

They modified the requirements due to the shortened season. Bitetto already qualifies

---------------------------------------------------------------
A team must expose at least 2 forwards and 1 defenseman who meet the following criteria:

They have to be under contract in 2021-22
They played in 27 or more NHL games in 2020-21 OR
They played in 54 or more NHL games in 2019-20- and 2020-21 combined*

I think you know I'm kidding.

Unless Bitetto directly makes them lose this game.
- JRR1285

I know you are joking. I love that Cartman gif

They modified the requirements due to the shortened season. Bitetto already qualifies

---------------------------------------------------------------
A team must expose at least 2 forwards and 1 defenseman who meet the following criteria:

They have to be under contract in 2021-22
They played in 27 or more NHL games in 2020-21 OR
They played in 54 or more NHL games in 2019-20- and 2020-21 combined*
- ELew11

Well in that case...frank you Tony, you are wrong

Well in that case...frank you Tony, you are wrong
- TPC

Weird. That's never happened before!!!

I find it odd that they altered the guidelines when they already knew it was going to be a shortened season and the requirement I was citing was discussed just prior to the start of the season.
Oh well. Facts is facts.

I love Mika and he's done some unreal poop but I'm so worried about his next contract.
- JRR1285

While I get this thought, comparing contracts from the previous 2-3 (pre-covid) to what might happen under this flat cap is gonna be tough. Multiple teams will be in tight squeezes for a couple of years and I think free agents will see a more conservative market due to the uncertainty. Maybe that is a blessing in disguise.

Finally agree with Brooks about something. Does it have to do with the seattle draft??
- mdw7413

No bc we can expose Deangelo. The thought process before the season was protect Trouba Deangelo Lindgren. Miller Fox exempt. That’s changed now that Deangelo isn’t going to be protected so we can expose him. Unless they feel they can trade him at the draft and still need Bitteto for games played.

No bc we can expose Deangelo. The thought process before the season was protect Trouba Deangelo Lindgren. Miller Fox exempt. That’s changed now that Deangelo isn’t going to be protected so we can expose him. Unless they feel they can trade him at the draft and still need Bitteto for games played.
- nyrangers9479

So, am I correct that the gist of this is that we really couldn't be in a better position for this expansion draft????

It works out so perfectly the timing of this expansion. It’s gonna be the last new team you’d think, so we don’t have to worry down the road about losing a real good player. This year we shouldn’t get stung to bad, like last time with Lindberg
- Slimtj100

Having them take Lindberg and not Fast was a blessing in disguise. Fast was a big piece of the past few years, Lindberg isn't even in the league anymore.

So, am I correct that the gist of this is that we really couldn't be in a better position for this expansion draft????
- Tonybere

Were in one of the best spots in the league.....again.

Deangelo Bitteto exposed

Howden Rooney Blackwell exposed