So, it seemed like NYR had only been looking at Panarin as their UFA target. It does not appear that they are interested in other UFA players, at least none that are significant. It's possible that they may add a couple of depth UFA forwards.
In a way, the Rangers already made their off-season splashes.
1) Trouba
2) Fox
3) Kravstov
4) Kakko
Rykov and Shisterkin are honorable mentions.
The Rangers are rebuilding, and doing so quickly, but they also don't seem to be in a rush to do so.
Kreider was expected to be dealt on Draft Day, it did not happen. Looking at teams that are in the hunt to add scoring punch (there are quite a bunch), it's evident that some will lose out on the UFA market.
That is where Montreal may come in if they miss out on Panarin (seems likely), Lee, and Duchene.
The Canadiens would look to the trade market and Kreider should interest them. He is in his late 20s, big, strong, very fast, and fits with the type of players they already have. They could use another veteran presence, and should they choose to lock him up longer term, he would be a positive influence on up and coming Caulfield.
The Rangers seem to have an infatuation with Finns lately, so Lehkonen could be an option.
Shattenkirk appears unlikely to be traded any time soon.
Smith was no bought out, but I suspect that they may have a couple of teams willing to take him before pre-season if they eat up some of his cap. Yzerman may bring him back to Detroit.
Namestnikov was surprisingly not traded, although that could still happen, I wonder if the Rangers want to keep him to help out the young Russians ease into North American territory.
Vesey is on the outs and I do not see anything in particular that the Rangers would want in return. Buffalo was rumored to have interest, but if he refused to sign with them before why would he sign with them a 2nd time when he is set to hit UFA? So assuming he is traded for a draft pick and-or prospect, I put him on the Non-Roster.
The only other UFA that may come to mind for NYR is Nyquist.
Other than that, it appears that the Rangers will remain loaded with young talent, a coach that proved to develop players so far (big improvements in later stages of season from Buchnevich and DeAngelo), and looking to wait for the right opportunity to land a super star when the time is right.
I'd be surprised at this stage if NYR pulls a big trade, although they may want to seek a bonafide center or LW'er.
That may happen with a trade involving a dman as the Rangers have a couple of youngsters waiting in line to crack the line-up.
Lol, must be a Habs fan. That is a ripoff by Montreal.
Not a Habs fan, but a NYR fan. Not sure how it is a ripoff as Kreider would be a rental player. You want a 1st round pick that would be 20th overall or above? If I proposed Pionk for Trouba before that deal happened, you would have laughed at it and called me a bias Rangers fan. But, it happened.
Two draft picks, one becomes a 2nd if Kreider re-signs (okay maybe it may become 1st), and a solid starting player who is young and improving. That for a 29 year old upcoming UFA player. Not a ripoff.
You'd rather Lehkonen over a 55 point player who is a physical force and has exceptional speed? I like Lehkonen, but seems like at best a 35 point 3rd liner.
You'd rather Lehkonen over a 55 point player who is a physical force and has exceptional speed? I like Lehkonen, but seems like at best a 35 point 3rd liner.
I was sarcastic but Lehkonen have a potentiel to be a 20 goals scoree 45 points guy. He its 15 post last year, missed 4 empty net, so many badluck last year. This year is a breakout year for him
Not a Habs fan, but a NYR fan. Not sure how it is a ripoff as Kreider would be a rental player. You want a 1st round pick that would be 20th overall or above? If I proposed Pionk for Trouba before that deal happened, you would have laughed at it and called me a bias Rangers fan. But, it happened.
Two draft picks, one becomes a 2nd if Kreider re-signs (okay maybe it may become 1st), and a solid starting player who is young and improving. That for a 29 year old upcoming UFA player. Not a ripoff.
You want to give him away come see us.
Funny, i told Rangers fans 1st/Pionk/4th would do it for Trouba. ??♂️ They just forgot the 4th. Kreider is worth a 1st and a good prospect minimum.
You'd rather Lehkonen over a 55 point player who is a physical force and has exceptional speed? I like Lehkonen, but seems like at best a 35 point 3rd liner.
Yes, I would rather Lehkonen than Kreider at this point.
You state points, but Lehkonen is a defensive beast. He plays top PK time and was on the shutdown line last year. He produces while focusing on defense. Then you factor in Age and Cap hit, and it becomes even more obvious.
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