Agree on Panarin. I think they have to roll Laf/Kakko in the top 6 puely to see what they can be and they don't have the cap space to add any one really. Changes the dynamic of the 3rd line as well with new players being needed
- nyrangers2

Im still not convinced Lafreniere is still here next year

Im still not convinced Lafreniere is still here next year
- jimbro83

I just dont know who they can add that will make $2.1m or less putting up 40 pts. He is cost effective at this point. Unless its someone of equal production and contract its possible.

I just dont know who they can add that will make $2.1m or less putting up 40 pts. He is cost effective at this point. Unless its someone of equal production and contract its possible.
- nyrangers2

definitley true and they've also marketed the hell out of him

but, they may look to bail out while he has some semblance of trade value left

it definitely one of the most fascinating things to see unfold this offseason

Me too. But I want him to be the coach for selfish reasons.
- tomburton99

Do you hate the Rangers?

definitley true and they've also marketed the hell out of him

but, they may look to bail out while he has some semblance of trade value left

it definitely one of the most fascinating things to see unfold this offseason
- jimbro83

From a player development standpoint I get that Laf was never going to get more icetime than Panarin and Kreider over the last two years, but it's unacceptable that he has not improved his skating at all during that time either. That could be on him but it's definitely on the organization as well. He's really held back by not having that extra step and you would think one of the richest organizations in sports would throw every resource available at that to help him improve. Like I said, it's on him too but I just don't get the sense that he doesn't want to work hard like some other guys you see fizzle out like Kravtsov.

From a player development standpoint I get that Laf was never going to get more icetime than Panarin and Kreider over the last two years, but it's unacceptable that he has not improved his skating at all during that time either. That could be on him but it's definitely on the organization as well. He's really held back by not having that extra step and you would think one of the richest organizations in sports would throw every resource available at that to help him improve. Like I said, it's on him too but I just don't get the sense that he doesn't want to work hard like some other guys you see fizzle out like Kravtsov.
- SkjeiStadium

when Valiquette tweeted recently that Laf needs to work his ass off this summer and stay off the golf course I think it spoke volumes

when Valiquette tweeted recently that Laf needs to work his ass off this summer and stay off the golf course I think it spoke volumes
- jimbro83

I think he's right but I took it more as "this is a make or break summer for Laf and he needs to focus on improving" as opposed to "Laf is lazy"

I think he's right but I took it more as "this is a make or break summer for Laf and he needs to focus on improving" as opposed to "Laf is lazy"
- SkjeiStadium

if Laf signs a 2 year bridge deal for between 2 and 2.5 million per year, I'll be revved up to see what he can do under a new coach

Im still not convinced Lafreniere is still here next year
- jimbro83

They arent going to trade him. It would be a huge black eye on the franchise if they trade their only number one pick ever. They have had way to many first round pick failures to date and trading him and having him mature and prosper somewhere else would be even worse. He is also cost controlled for a few more years, which is a luxury the Rangers need. Im sure they hold onto him for at least the short term.

if Laf signs a 2 year bridge deal for between 2 and 2.5 million per year, I'll be revved up to see what he can do under a new coach
- jimbro83

I think that's exactly what will happen and why it's important to bring in the right coach and supporting cast.

One of the other things Vally said was dismissing the common notion that "the NHL is not a developmental league." These kids are coming in at 18 years old. It's unfair to expect them to be finished products. Laf/Kakko/etc. need someone to be working with them on their skating, skills, and doing video work with them. I'm not in the room obviously but I never got the sense that Gallant & co. did much of that and Vally's comments led me to believe that he didn't think that was happening either.

Some of "not putting guys in a position to succeed" goes beyond where they are slotted in the lineup. These guys should have been getting better from working with pros every single day and it just doesn't seem like they've improved all that much. They are still young though and can turn it around

Do you hate the Rangers?
- Cptmjl

Yes.

Im still not convinced Lafreniere is still here next year
- jimbro83

That move has he potential to be chaotic. I like it.

That move has he potential to be chaotic. I like it.
- tomburton99

that's because you're an ass hole

according to Kevin Weekes, two outdoor games at Met Life next season

that's because you're an asshole
- jimbro83

You're not wrong. And I should clarify, I like the idea of the chaos. When the return is terrible and Drury sells low and buys low, then I'll hate it.

Yes.
- tomburton99

Ok makes sense now.

Ok makes sense now.
- Cptmjl

Yeah. I wan them to win, but it's through hate and venom.

Im still not convinced Lafreniere is still here next year
- jimbro83

I’ve been saying for over a year now we should try and get rid of him. With that being said, we might be at the point where his value is SO low, it doesn’t make sense. In a perfect world we figure out a way to get rid of Panarin and let Laf take the top 6 spot, but if Panarin and Kreider are both still here I think we need to consider dropping Kreider to the 3rd line, still give him all the PP time on the top unit, and find a RW that’s fast and physical to go with Kreider and Trocheck. Make the 3rd line a fast physical line that can score, put Laf and Kakko with Zib and Chytil with Panarin. Finding the right RW for them would be tricky however.

Laf Zib Kakko
Panarin Chytil X
Kreider Trochek Othmann?
Cuylle Goodrow Vesey

I think that's exactly what will happen and why it's important to bring in the right coach and supporting cast.

One of the other things Vally said was dismissing the common notion that "the NHL is not a developmental league." These kids are coming in at 18 years old. It's unfair to expect them to be finished products. Laf/Kakko/etc. need someone to be working with them on their skating, skills, and doing video work with them. I'm not in the room obviously but I never got the sense that Gallant & co. did much of that and Vally's comments led me to believe that he didn't think that was happening either.

Some of "not putting guys in a position to succeed" goes beyond where they are slotted in the lineup. These guys should have been getting better from working with pros every single day and it just doesn't seem like they've improved all that much. They are still young though and can turn it around
- SkjeiStadium

There is a huge layer to the bolded statement. These are kids. They develop physically and mentally at vastly different rates. For most, not all, it comes together in their mid 20's when the brain is in the final stages of development and catches up with the physical development.

At the same time the expectations from a fans perspective are warranted because this is the product we choose to invest our time, money and energy in. Save for Tom, we want them to succeed and anyone who is hired by, or who puts on Rangers the sweater I hope is successful and I will root for them.

There is a huge layer to the bolded statement. These are kids. They develop physically and mentally at vastly different rates. For most, not all, it comes together in their mid 20's when the brain is in the final stages of development and catches up with the physical development.

At the same time the expectations from a fans perspective are warranted because this is the product we choose to invest our time, money and energy in. Save for Tom, we want them to succeed and anyone who is hired by, or who puts on Rangers the sweater I hope is successful and I will root for them.
- climbdenali12

I want them to succeed too. I just hate them for failing so often. Same goal. Different process.

I want them to succeed too. I just hate them for fail so often. Same goal. Different process.
- tomburton99

Fear leads to Hate. Hate leads to Anger. Anger leads to the Dark Side.

Fear leads to Hate. Hate leads to Anger. Anger leads to the Dark Side.
- climbdenali12

Correct. This is true.

Eichel really is gonna win a cup and be the conn symthe winner it’s he? Lol. Could have been a ranger

Eichel really is gonna win a cup and be the conn symthe winner it’s he? Lol. Could have been a ranger
- TPC

The thing with the neck was very concerning. However, where would we be cap wise though?

Eichel really is gonna win a cup and be the conn symthe winner it’s he? Lol. Could have been a ranger
- TPC

As long as Eric Staal doesn't win it, I'm good.