Ben Shelley: Reviewing the season (so far): Otto Koivula

Ben Shelley: Reviewing the season (so far): Otto Koivula
- Ben Shelley

I'm not convinced that Cizikas is gone when his contract expires. I don't think he's had enough of an impact to demand a big raise, so if they can afford him, I think they re-sign him. I agree about Koivula having had little impact in his NHL games. I suspect he will be little more than depth at C, but it's too early to tell.

I'm not convinced that Cizikas is gone when his contract expires. I don't think he's had enough of an impact to demand a big raise, so if they can afford him, I think they re-sign him. I agree about Koivula having had little impact in his NHL games. I suspect he will be little more than depth at C, but it's too early to tell.
- JohnScammo

I think Cizikas is a great fit but I don't know that the Isles will be able to afford to give $3M+ to a fourth-line center soon, especially after Barzal/Pulock/Toews get paid.

Thanks again for reading!

Quoting Ben:

I remember when the rangers were In a cap crunch and someone had to be let go, and it was Hagelin. He may have been an rfa tho, and was a trade. But similar position with Cizikas, isles may have to bite the bullet and let him go. Once Pageau came you have to figure Cizikas is going. Wouldnt mind the rangers getting him

Just for shyts and giggles, would you trade Cizikas for Brendan Leimeux? Ranger isles trade cmon Ben!

Just for shyts and giggles, would you trade Cizikas for Brendan Leimeux? Ranger isles trade cmon Ben!

I would make this trade in a heartbeat. Isles get younger and get a little more sandpaper! Where do I sign.

Just for shyts and giggles, would you trade Cizikas for Brendan Leimeux? Ranger isles trade cmon Ben!

I would make this trade in a heartbeat. Isles get younger and get a little more sandpaper! Where do I sign.
- Nfdbulldawg

Not so fast. Cizikas was +12 for the season when he got injured. Lemieux was -14 when the season ended. Look at the Isles' record when Casey is in the line-up vs. when he is out of it this season. I recognize that there are other issues......Pelech being out, poor play from the goalies, etc. But I don't think it's entirely coincidental. Cizikas is arguably the best 2-way center on the team. If Lemieux is anything like his father, he's likely a selfish player. No thanks....

Just for shyts and giggles, would you trade Cizikas for Brendan Leimeux? Ranger isles trade cmon Ben!

I would make this trade in a heartbeat. Isles get younger and get a little more sandpaper! Where do I sign.
- Nfdbulldawg

To me, the Isles would only let Cizikas go if it's he's a cap casualty so I'd imagine in that case, they'd prefer draft picks in return.