I feel like an Eichel trade is still "necessary" after the Buch trade and the Goodrow signing... but, let's try and look at an alternative.
As it is, the team makes no sense right now. They didn't give Goodrow that contract to play on the 4th line, but there's no room for him on the wings right now on the top three lines. I can't imagine a Kreider trade is possible or even a thought to make room for him there. Goodrow does have a history of playing center. Given this, I have to imagine they want him to play the 3C. So, one of Chytil or Strome need to go. Given that they seemingly want to "win now", I have to assume they will be sticking with Zibanejad and Strome. Strome also fits the "tougher to play against" MO they keep harping on, given his size and experience and what not.
The other issue is, if not Eichel, there's really nothing else to upgrade but the 4th line and 3rd pairing defensemen. So, you are trading a former 1st round pick with middle 6 center potential, for picks and bottom line guys. I guess it isn't the end of the world.
Georgiev can be dealt at the deadline potentially, depending how the season is going. I think Igor and Kinkaid can be a good enough tandem.
13.2mil is left on the table, with an additional 7mil or so coming off the books next year in mostly unwanted cap. 20mil should be enough to extend Zibanejad, Fox, Kakko, and Kravstov, and depending how the season goes, you evaluate if you want to keep Strome or upgrade. Note that that figure does not include the existing contracts, so I'm figuring that Zibanejad will be taking 3-4 additional mil on top of his existing 5mil, Fox takes an additional 8mil on top of his existing 1mil, etc
EDIT: Apparently I mixed my the trade details notes... whatever, you get the point haha. It's too annoying to edit those things.
Chytil plays on the 3rd line, probably at wing, with Patrick and Tuch. Roy goes to the 4th line where he's probably better suited. Chytil can also potentially replace Stephenson on the 1st line. VGK also clears some cap space on defense for a younger, cheaper option. Hauge plays with Shea, Jones plays with Whitecloud.
Add picks/prospects to even out the deal if necessary.
Rangers get more grit on the 4th line in Kolesar who is also a centerman and has some scoring touch, and a big and tough defensemen to play on the bottom two pairs with either Trouba or Lundkvist. McNabb is up after this year, so if it doesn't work out cap wise with everyone else coming off the books, he can walk. Robertson or Schneider can potentially replace him after this year.
Add picks/prospects to even out the deal if necessary.
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