Not sure if Rangers can keep Blackwell in the Long Term, but he has really made an impact for this current Roster.

Does that make it worth it to use the final protection spot on him?

Seattle won't take Rooney. Rangers are praying they take Howden. And while Gauthier has the tools, he just doesn't show any consistency in using them. On top of the fact, that there is no longer a spot for him in the Top 9.

Stick with the hot hand in Blackwell? Or the project in Gauthier?

F Protect: Panarin, Kreider, Zib, Strome, Buch, Chytil, Blackwell
D Protect: Trouba, Lindgren, Hajek
G Protect: Georgie

Seattle has a choice between: Gauts, Howden, Rooney, PDG, ADA, Kinkaid and probably takes Gauts or Howden...

PDG a UFA, but I agree.

Gauthier and Howden are both projects, but Gauthier's "tools" make him more appealing.

in my opinion, i'd like to see Blackwell, Rooney and PDG as our 4th line going forward. they are your prototypical 4th line that can chip in secondary scoring occasionally. not to mention it would cost the team less than $2M in cap space across all 3 guys.

Barron will occupy that 4th line LW spot, for just as cheap. With Blackwell and Rooney, that would be a solid line.

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