Same goal Different Strategy

Team: 2022-23 New York Rangers

Initial Creation Date: Jun. 17, 2022

Published: Jun. 28, 2022

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

General Concept: In spite of advancing well into the playoffs primarily on the back of elite goaltending and special teams (Similar to the mid 2010's AV run squads), Rangers 5v5 play was very poor. They were bottom 5 in the league in several 5v5 metrics measuring possession scoring chances, etc.

From the data tracking and video tape it became clear that most of the problems were starting from the back end and in transition. NYR were one of the worst in the league at conceding the blue line, had the 2nd most zone clears in the league, and were towards the bottom of the league in terms of exiting the zone with control and entering the offensive zone with control.
In practice, what that looks like (which should be all too familiar to Ranger fans) is the opposition easily getting into our zone, firing off a bunch of shots, Igor doing heroic work to keep them out of our goal, and a dman chipping the puck out to center for the same thing to happen all over again.
The fix is pretty simple tbh, revamp the back end to feature Dmen who can handle the puck under pressure and move it with control. As well as replacing the bottom 6 with players who can also control the puck effectively while doing all the stuff you'd expect a 4th line to do. I think this roster accomplishes that.


Trade Rationale:
1) Lindgren and Sanheim with extension value is pretty comparable. Lindgren also fits the Torts mold a bit better. Goodrow vs. Laughton is also pretty close, Laughton brings a bit more offensively. Goodrow brings more flexibility in the lineup and positionally, he's been healthier and has considerably more playoff experience. Reaves evens out the edges.
2) Buffalo needs some goaltending, Georgiev's record as a starter is very impressive. This avoids the need for a big swing on a UFA goaltender that almost never works out. Cost avoids any significant draft picks or prospects for Buffalo. Mutually beneficial.
3, Arizona avoids a large portion of Schmaltz's heavily back loaded contract and gets a better D prospect than they'd get for just about anyone not named Chychrun. They open up even more cap space so ownership can take on more dead weight for their never ending tank.
4. Trouba goes back to the midwest and Burke/Hexstall gets the big all situations Dman they crave. Price is actually a bit below market value -> This is less than what Risto got. Seattle takes on less than a mil in retention to go get what for them is a top 6 winger. Pitt still has enough cap left at that point to keep at least one of Tang/Malkin if not both.
5. Chicago avoids having to send a sweetener to take Toews and nets a 2nd and Blais who slides into their 3rd line in the process. This is a bit more than what Keith got. Additional picks and stuff to make cap work.

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