Yeah, I agree. I'm just skeptical I guess. If everyone and their mother, including Karlsson, is aware of his issues, I would think that's a factor in his contract. I'm probably wrong, but the NHL has become a well run business. It would be a bad business decision with a whole lot of risk to sign him to a max contract.

I'm in on him for 8-9 for seven or 10-11 for less than 5. (Pending we don't get Panarin).

Crazy that two prolific weapons are available this year. How crazy would it be if Gorton worked his magic and landed both. OH BABY! Next year would be fun!
- Bean_Dip

I want EK as we know, but I do think the rangers will see him as to much of a risk and not go there. Especially with JD here now, I don’t him wanting to risk something like that so soon. JD may be a voice of reason of sorts

If they don’t tho, what’s the plan B on d. Subban? Trouba? I hate giving up assets when you can get one without giving them up, it’s going to be a tough call for them I imagine

Welcome!!!
Interesting question.
I wonder if more minutes for Lemeiux, along with Smith and Hayek (I think he’s the physical one) fills that need. Quite possibly not, but it’s an in-house solution.
- Tonybere

Think you are thinking of Lindgren. Don't remember Hajek being overly physical, he was playing real well though before his shoulder exploded.

Perhaps the signing of Rykov signals we are not obtaining any other D-men?

Or ( hopefully ) a few might be on the way out?

So excited for JD's return to Broadway!
Pieces are falling in line this off season.

Think you are thinking of Lindgren. Don't remember Hajek being overly physical, he was playing real well though before his shoulder exploded.
- mdw7413

I had a feeling! That's why I put that in there. Figured one of you would correct me.

I had a feeling! That's why I put that in there. Figured one of you would correct me.
- Tonybere

Hajek had more goals in 5 games with the Rangers than 58 with the Pack

Hajek had more goals in 5 games with the Rangers than 58 with the Pack
- mdw7413

He’s the one guy I really feel like will be the shutdown guy peeps are asking for. Like McDonagh with a little less offense

It was very limited, but I thought he handled the NHL well in the games he played. Solid D plays. I’d pair him and Fox from the git go

Hajek had more goals in 5 games with the Rangers than 58 with the Pack
- mdw7413

Is he healed up?

Is he healed up?
- Fenrir

I would hope so. Not sure if he needed surgery.

He’s the one guy I really feel like will be the shutdown guy peeps are asking for. Like McDonagh with a little less offense

It was very limited, but I thought he handled the NHL well in the games he played. Solid D plays. I’d pair him and Fox from the git go
- Slimtj100

Yup, loved how he handled himself in the short stint. Going to be a lot of competition for 6-7 spots

Yup, loved how he handled himself in the short stint. Going to be a lot of competition for 6-7 spots
- mdw7413

3S really holding back the growth of this team. I'm about ready to buy out one of them.

I want EK as we know, but I do think the rangers will see him as to much of a risk and not go there. Especially with JD here now, I don’t him wanting to risk something like that so soon. JD may be a voice of reason of sorts

If they don’t tho, what’s the plan B on d. Subban? Trouba? I hate giving up assets when you can get one without giving them up, it’s going to be a tough call for them I imagine
- Slimtj100

I would think plan B is the easiest decision, do nothing! Better to be patient than to make a knee jerk reaction. We have major depth at D, it’s just unpolished and needs time.

The guys who are blocking the way ain’t pretty, but I think Claesson can be a serviceable stopgap until some of the other young guys get here. Hajek looked great and I expect him to be a regular this year.

He’s the one guy I really feel like will be the shutdown guy peeps are asking for. Like McDonagh with a little less offense

It was very limited, but I thought he handled the NHL well in the games he played. Solid D plays. I’d pair him and Fox from the git go
- Slimtj100

I think you’re discounting Hajek’s abilities. From what I remember, he was really good at making on the fly outlet passes. With strong wingers, he could be apple picking frequently in the future.

3S really holding back the growth of this team. I'm about ready to buy out one of them.
- Fenrir

Smith can play forward tho, he actually wasn’t terrible there and can be the 4th line toughness. It’s a lot of money to be in that spot tho, but I think it’s better then a buyout. I think his D days are over haha. Shatty could be traded, Staal is probably the buyout I’d go with if they went that route.

I think you’re discounting Hajek’s abilities. From what I remember, he was really good at making on the fly outlet passes. With strong wingers, he could be apple picking frequently in the future.
- Bean_Dip

I just meant that McDonagh was very adept offensively, it’s tough to say Hajek can be that good offensively. That would be an extremely pleasant surprise

Smith can play forward tho, he actually wasn’t terrible there and can be the 4th line toughness. It’s a lot of money to be in that spot tho, but I think it’s better then a buyout. I think his D days are over haha. Shatty could be traded, Staal is probably the buyout I’d go with if they went that route.
- Slimtj100

He was a serviceable 4th liner. He might be on the outs once camp opens and these kids try to make the team. I know its only a few more years with these D, but damn, I want to move on now!

I would think plan B is the easiest decision, do nothing! Better to be patient than to make a knee jerk reaction. We have major depth at D, it’s just unpolished and needs time.

The guys who are blocking the way ain’t pretty, but I think Claesson can be a serviceable stopgap until some of the other young guys get here. Hajek looked great and I expect him to be a regular this year.
- Bean_Dip

This is how I look at Karlsson as opposed to Trouba for example, it’s much more likely you develop, from within, a Trouba type then an offensive guy like Karlsson. Healthy or not, EKs don’t grow on trees. Troubas can be a dime a dozen sometimes

I agree, if no Karlsson I’d just stand pat on defense

I just meant that McDonagh was very adept offensively, it’s tough to say Hajek can be that good offensively. That would be an extremely pleasant surprise
- Slimtj100

Hajek is an offensive defenseman. He spent most of his time in Hartford working on D, which is why his stats suffered. If he can be a good defender, that would be a pleasant surprise. Ftr, i think he can be because he thinks the game really well.

Hajek is an offensive defenseman. He spent most of his time in Hartford working on D, which is why his stats suffered. If he can be a good defender, that would be a pleasant surprise. Ftr, i think he can be because he thinks the game really well.
- WineryDog

I always thought he was defense first, I hope you’re right

I always thought he was defense first, I hope you’re right
- Slimtj100

I couldn't find the article I read about improving his d. I know Jimmy mentioned it during the season when people were ragging on his AHL numbers so it's out there somewhere.

Regardless, I don't want to sound like I'm making a definitive position on the guy. His scouting reports are all over the place mostly because he played on bad teams, including the u18 Czechs.
It sounds like he's a good 2 way player, who is really good at moving the puck as opposed to scoring/setting up primary chances and that's fine. He's a smart defender so all good there. I hope he has a real solid year especially because his ELC already slid, so I believe he has to be protected in the expansion draft.

This article is interesting, if only for the fact that Tony D was traded for Hajek.

https://thehockeywriters....xcited-about-libor-hajek/

I couldn't find the article I read about improving his d. I know Jimmy mentioned it during the season when people were ragging on his AHL numbers so it's out there somewhere.

Regardless, I don't want to sound like I'm making a definitive position on the guy. His scouting reports are all over the place mostly because he played on bad teams, including the u18 Czechs.
It sounds like he's a good 2 way player, who is really good at moving the puck as opposed to scoring/setting up primary chances and that's fine. He's a smart defender so all good there. I hope he has a real solid year especially because his ELC already slid, so I believe he has to be protected in the expansion draft.

This article is interesting, if only for the fact that Tony D was traded for Hajek.

https://thehockeywriters....xcited-about-libor-hajek/
- WineryDog

And now we have them both.
High hopes for Hajek's game. Looking forward to seeing him this year. Wonder who Gorton is going to expose at the Expansion Draft? Going to be interesting.

if the cap is 83 million and he is given an 11 million a year deal, that is not 11-13% of the cap

I know you guys are smart mother (frank)ers on the metric system over there, but that aint workin
- jimbro83

11 million with a cap of 83 million is 13.2% of the cap

11 million with a cap of 83 million is 13.2% of the cap
- nyrangers9479

Everyone is assuming he’ll get 11 or more, I’d put it between 8-9, or I think that’s at least the Rangers offer. He won’t get that much from them, someone else may but the rangers won’t. Rangers are smarter then they used to be. If he wants more money he’ll go elsewhere

So the argument today is how much of a percentage Karlsons cap would be against the total cap?

Same shyt different day

Everyone is assuming he’ll get 11 or more, I’d put it between 8-9, or I think that’s at least the Rangers offer. He won’t get that much from them, someone else may but the rangers won’t. Rangers are smarter then they used to be. If he wants more money he’ll go elsewhere
- Slimtj100

He said he wants to be the highest paid defenseman