A good team

Florida is probably a smart trade partner, those 2 players are good fits, but I think they'll want way more. Probably Skjei, Nash and the 2nd, which still might be in consideration IMO. I like Watson too, and for once someone who doesnt think Zib will sign for 4.5m.

Considering Stepan was traded partially to get rid of his $6.5M, I don't think they sign Zib for $6M. While in NY, 37pts in 56 games. That averaged out to a 50 pt season which is fine. If he wants anything over $5.5M for 6 years, need to give him a 4 year deal max in the upper 4-5 M range.
Thing with Trocheck, is it worth losing out on the possibility of signing Tavares next year?

For the Panthers, this deal gives them two players in Nash and Pump that have one-year deals. They are not married to either long-term, but fills immediate holes in their lineup. Holden gives them a true left-right balance to their defense; and is also a one-year deal not having to be married to long-term.

The Rangers aren't necessarily the beneficiary here. But, both teams fill their needs, without seeing the cap destroyed.



Most of my answer comes in my previous statement. It might be a risk worth taking, but it also has the same probability that signing Stamkos had last season. Zibanejad is a #1 center, should this coach and this fan base have the patience to let it be. Tavares is intriguing; but I think the Rangers have their guy.

Not enough sample space to call Zib a 1C yet, and he also missed 26 games last year. Why do you think they let Stepan go? The $ and NMC. I just don't really see Gorts doing any more 5-6 year deals unless Tavares or someone elite wants to come here. Gorts gave Step 6, and expected growth that didn't occur. He is witnessing Hank who is a great goalie, age and a little bit of a decline. Witnesses Staal, DG decline with age and injuries. I think Gorts mindset is which as a fan, I am totally fine with is " what if a player gets hurt or just does not grow as much as you anticipate the player will. Why be stuck with said player for that long." I think Zib will get 4 years, maybe 5 upper 4s to 5 M, and Hayes/Miller get same deal next season.

Let's clarify a few things:

Glen Sather gave Stepan $6.5M and a full no-show clause, not Gorton. Glen Sather gave King Henrik $8.5M and an NMC; as did HE, and not Jeff Gorton, give Marc Staal and Dan Girardi contracts of $5.7M and $5.5M respectively, with NMCs.

So this summer, we've seen Jeff Gorton make two market corrections, and has at least one more to go. The Rangers, for the first time in the salary-cap era, are operating their cap space without the concern of needing a potential hemorrhage of their roster.

As for witnessing the decline of Hank, if there is anyone the team should have the opportunity to leave on "his" terms, it's this team's unofficial captain. No one has put this organization, on his shoulders, like Henrik has. I doubt THAT is in dispute.

As for Zibanejad, your argument for his contract term is somewhat shortsighted; as this is a player who is now being given a chance to lead a team. In Ottawa, he was behind too many players: Spezza, Turris, etc. Here and now, it starts with him. This is a 6th overall pick, and not by accident. He will be here, long-term; and, keep using his talents to win. Low-ball this guy, and it will be regrettable. Mark my words.