The COVID year was the proper opportunity to send these kids to the AHL to let them play and develop. They rushed it, at the worst possible time.
- aecliptic

I wish Kakko and Laf both started in Hartford so badly. It’s feeling like it’s too late at this point but they gotta figure out something. Another year like this for Kakko and we’re entering fresh-start territory. I still think Laf will break through if they play him with the right players.

I wish Kakko and Laf both started in Hartford so badly. It’s feeling like it’s too late at this point but they gotta figure out something. Another year like this for Kakko and we’re entering fresh-start territory. I still think Laf will break through if they play him with the right players.
- TC88

My thought on Kakko is...hes not untouchable in a trade but its gotta be something that makes sense.

If we do decide to make a big move for Miller, I think we have to try to pull Podkolzin if we can with him and thus including Kakko in the trade. The problem with Vancouver is I think they will be adamant about wanting Schneider in the trade.

Obviously signing Panarin, CK20, Trouba and Zibby to these long term contracts were made to speed up the rebuild and then of course adding players thru the draft to supplement them. The vets are coming thru for them but these kids are sputtering. If they were playing well, there would be no need to make any trades, I would say this team would is a contender. But unfortunately until players other than Panarin, CK20 and Zibby start to produce, it will be difficult.
- Brukie

I think signing/having those players makes the Rangers situation of having #1 and #2 overall picks extremely unique. It’s definitely a huge factor.

Usually you have the top pick, give him 20 minutes a game but only win 30 games all season. Maybe he scores 60-70 points, but losing sucks too.

I think signing/having those players makes the Rangers situation of having #1 and #2 overall picks extremely unique. It’s definitely a huge factor.

Usually you have the top pick, give him 20 minutes a game but only win 30 games all season. Maybe he scores 60-70 points, but losing sucks too.
- TC88

I remember when we got the 1st overall pick and I made the suggestion we trade down and try to maximize on what we were gifted. Everyone thought I was absolutely nuts. lol.

I remember when we got the 1st overall pick and I made the suggestion we trade down and try to maximize on what we were gifted. Everyone thought I was absolutely nuts. lol.
- aecliptic

Probably could have traded down 10 spots and gained 3-4 assets with the way Laf was hyped. I think the fan base would have revolted though.

I can’t help but wonder if the Rangers somehow drafted Zegras, is he scoring Michigan goals and flipping the puck over the net to teammates? Just can’t see it for some reason.

I can’t help but wonder if the Rangers somehow drafted Zegras, is he scoring Michigan goals and flipping the puck over the net to teammates? Just can’t see it for some reason.
- TC88

Definitely not, theres a certain freedom that has to be given to those kids to just go out and have fun.

Probably could have traded down 10 spots and gained 3-4 assets with the way Laf was hyped. I think the fan base would have revolted though.
- TC88

They probably could have traded #2 with Colorado for #4 and #16, then took #4 and traded down to 9 (and 29) for Zegras or 11 for Lundell. Then at 16 have a choice at Caufield, Newhook or Krebs. If there was ever a draft worthy of trading down it was 2019.

They probably could have traded #2 with Colorado for #4 and #16, then took #4 and traded down to 9 (and 29) for Zegras or 11 for Lundell. Then at 16 have a choice at Caufield, Newhook or Krebs. If there was ever a draft worthy of trading down it was 2019.
- aecliptic

Yea right except we all thought kakko was the next svechnikov

Yea right except we all thought kakko was the next svechnikov
- picklerick

Because going into that draft, it was Hughes and Kakko... then everyone else by what was considered a wide margin, so no one really gave it any serious thought.

Hindsight obviously, but there was a lot of talent there and we had a lot of holes to fill.

new blog up

Probably could have traded down 10 spots and gained 3-4 assets with the way Laf was hyped. I think the fan base would have revolted though.

I can’t help but wonder if the Rangers somehow drafted Zegras, is he scoring Michigan goals and flipping the puck over the net to teammates? Just can’t see it for some reason.
- TC88

I think we’ve uncovered the one commonality in all of the “issues”

Laf, KK, Chytil, Lias and Kravs, the Rangers havent had much success developing these kids.
- Brukie

To be fair lias sucked and was just the wrong pick. Just like jessiman and mcalrath. Kravs just doesn’t want to play here. He would’ve been in the top 6 all year. I thought they handled chytl well. He played in the minors for a few stints. They gave him opportunity.

Kakko and Laf is where the problem lies.