Between a Rock and a Hard Cap

As the Rangers' management team gets ready to convene for their organizational meetings this week, they have three major holes on the team they have to figure out how to fill -- the first line, their top offensive and physical defensemen, and their depth positions. And it won't be easy, as they will have about $20 million of cap space to work with, with at least three and maybe four expensive positions to fill on their top unit, and some potentially costly returning veterans as depth players. Here is a breakdown of what they will be looking at:

First Line Wingers
Plan A: Bring the Boys Back Home -- Re-signing Jaromir Jagr and Sean Avery has got to be at the top of the Rangers' list. At 36 and having proven in March and April what he is still capable of doing, signing Jagr to a bonus-laden contract that can be partially deferred into the 2009-10 cap calculation seems almost imperative in order to properly fill other holes, especially on defense. Avery is not traditional first line material, but his chemistry with Jagr when they skated together got both players restarted offensively after inconsistent seasons up to that point. But no matter where he skates, there is no denying his impact on the team -- the Rangers are 60-28-15 with him in the line-up, 35-38-8 over the past two full seasons without him. If Jagr is re-signed but Avery is not, Martin Straka remains an inexpensive possibility for one more season, though he looked like he was close to be through last season.

Plan B: Hired Guns -- A look at the list of potential free agents demonstrates just how vital it is for the Rangers to re-sign Jagr and Avery. Marian Hossa is the top name, maybe even the only name, but he will want more than the $7 million he made last season -- a lot more, especially after a so-far successful post-season, the one knock against him. Though the Rangers have already been linked to him, there is just no way they will be able to afford him and still fill their other holes. Plus there is the fact that he is not going to shake the label of being soft, which is the case with most of the other viable high-scoring UFA candidates -- Markus Naslund, Pavol Demitra, Miro Satan, and Cory Stillman are all aging and far removed from their best days, while Kristian Huselius and Michael Ryder, also soft, are not going to make anyone forget Jagr. The only possible replacement for Avery is Pittsburgh's Ryan Malone, but why replace an overachieving sparkplug with a career underachiever?

Plan C: Home Cooking -- There was a lack of candidates to begin with, and no one is ready -- the only draftee projected to be a first-liner is Alexei Cherepanov, and he has already decided to stay in Russia another season because he's not ready for the NHL.

First Pair Defenseman
Plan A: Bring the Boys Back Home -- No, not Marek Malik. But Michal Rozsival remains a viable candidate to reprise his role as number on Ranger defenseman despite fans turning on him in the playoffs. He has the skill set to play both ends of the ice -- not to the level of perfection Ranger fans demand, but certainly to the requirements of team management and the standards the NHL allows in this era. He will also not require the kind of money needed to sign the true top-pair minute-munching two-way all-star defenseman the Rangers really need -- and some don't believe Wade Redden is really that player anyway.

Plan B: Hired Guns -- Plenty of candidates here, unlike the situation on the wing, but there is no perfect candidate. Redden is the ideal two-way defender the Rangers most need, but will he be two to three million dollars better than Rozsival? Probably not for a team that will be cap-strapped and may need a power play quarterback more than his type of player. Brian Campbell is the best candidate for the power play, but once Ranger fans see his defensive play on a regular basis, they will not be able to distinguish him from Tom Poti, except by his humongous cap hit. John-Michael Liles and Ron Hainsey will be lower-cost options in this mold. On the physical side, Brooks Orpik is the obvious choice, but don't overlook Dmitri Kalinin (though he is injury prone) and Mike Commodore.

Plan C: Home Cooking -- One reason not to commit to someone like Campbell or Redden for a long term is the potential of Bobby Sanguinetti and Marc Staal as the first pair of the future. Staal is already here and has lots of time and room to grow. But it would be unwise to hope to capture lightning in a bottle twice in a row and have Sanguinetti step right into a top-pair role as a rookie -- he may ultimately prove to be great, but he's not an out-of-the box can't-miss candidate like a Staal. He and the Rangers can only benefit from patience -- a year of seasoning in the AHL and at least a year of low-expectation development in the NHL before anointing him the next Brian Leetch.

Depth Positions
The Rangers' current $35 million cap commitment that we're operating under includes what we might expect Nigel Dawes and Fred Sjostrom to get as restricted free agents and it includes a modest allotment for a back-up goalie, whether it be Steve Valiquette, Miika Wiikman, or David Leneveu. It also includes Thomas Pock as the sixth or seventh defenseman, plus the entire fourth line as constituted last season, all three already signed for next year. But there are still three depth spots to fill to complete the roster, and that will take up some cap space too.

Plan A: Bring the Boys Back Home -- There is no reason to expect or even want Blair Betts and Colton Orr to be replaced, both having proved their value last season (when was the last time you saw someone run a Ranger with Orr in the line-up?). Ryan Hollweg should be up for challenge, but even if he loses his starting job, he will likely remain as a depth player for his hitting and locker room popularity, an intangible factor not to be overlooked. On defense, Pock will get his last chance to make the Rangers, but has to be considered a longshot. You could do worse than bring back Paul Mara at the deep discount he is now worth. But the big issue in this area is the status of Brendan Shanahan -- he said he'd be willing to return as a depth player, but will he be too expensive in that role, or is his leadership worth it?

Plan B: Hired Guns -- Branislav Mezei might be a good cheap option with potential upside as a depth defenseman if Mara is not signed. Or maybe even if Mara is re-signed and the Rangers do the right thing and cut Christian Backman, freeing up some salary for more important players -- a soft, porous defenseman like Backman can be obtained for a lot less than he makes, or can better yet be removed from your game plan altogether. There is no need to sign any free agent forwards for depth.

Plan C: Home Cooking -- There are two options up front: One is to open up a third line role for a player with offensive upside like Lauri Korpikoski and let him compete for that job in training camp, leaving Sjostrom on the fourth line with Betts and Orr. The more likely option is to let a number of young players compete for one or two openings on the fourth line -- Korpikoski and Greg Moore as potential upside players cutting their teeth in the NHL, or Josh Gratton and Dane Byers as permanent replacements for Hollweg. On defense, Corey Potter is the dark horse Girardi-du-jour candidate as depth defenseman. Paging Ivan Baranka -- last chance to show something in training camp.

Our opinion, taking the salary cap into consideration: Re-sign Jagr, Avery, Rozsival, and maybe Mara, waive Backman, and sign a mid-level defenseman if salaries don't escalate too high -- Liles, Hainsey, or Marc Streit for the power play or Orpik as a hitter -- or a cheaper physical alternative (Kalinin or Mezei). Let Shanahan and Straka go. Malik obviously already gone. Give Korpikoski, Moore, Gratton, Byers, Potter, and Baranka first shot at the depth positions. Hard to imagine any good fall-back positions if these things don't happen -- gotta just say nyet to big-ticket UFAs Hossa, Redden, and Campbell, and an even bigger nyet to the aging wingers or younger candidates who are either soft or underachievers.

Catching up on links from over the weekend: Larry Brooks takes on the Avery situation in the Post, as does Stan Fischler at MSG.com -- Stan also looks at Rozsival at MSG.com. Also in the Post (but in a blog), Jay Greenberg looks at Jagr alternatives. The Boston Herald mentions the Rangers among candidates for Hossa. Prospect Park finishes up its review of the Rangers and previews the upcoming draft. NYR.com has stories on Rangers in the World Championships here and here. And this just in -- updates from Rangers Report and Blue Notes with no news, and Cablevision just bought Newsday, a newspaper that covers the Rangers and Islanders. Brandon Dubinsky had a hat trick in Team USA's 9-1 win over Norway.

Thanks to all the readers for their kind words about this web site and about Blueshirt Bulletin's print publication as we face a summer of potential change. Thanks also for those who sent in for subscriptions -- not the 500-1000 that we really need, but your support is appreciated and your first issue is on its way to you.

Comments

[Pavel]

No more Malik, Mara and Malik nonsense please. Rozsival is not worth the 5m he wants. Orpik is an absolute necessity, unless Potter can hit like a train. Jagr is necessary because he's the only legit threat this team has had in a long time.

No point in getting Hossa, now that I think about it. He's amazing if he has people to play with (he was solid in Ottawa because Spezza, Heatley, Alfy and Havlat were the top stars) and now he's playing with boy wonder and slew-foot magoo. Kovalchuk MADE Hossa, btw.

If only Drury/Gomez made just 1m less each, it'd make things easier.

For Shanny to have received 1.3m MORE than he got in 06/07 is ludicrous.

Staal - UFA (Orpik?)
Tyutin - Girardi
Potter? - UFA (Liles?)

We all know how important Avery is, but he's too injury prone... and when he gets 24 goals like Hartnell he can have his contract... grrr

How much of a discount do you think these players will accept?

I fear that next year will have too many holes, or Slats will overspend again... WTF is Tyutin getting almost 3m?

[koffy]

If Jagr does not sign, go after Hossa ... I would still like Campbell or Redden if they sign for no longer than 3 years ... Rangers PP cost them a lot this year ...probably a division crown, definitely the 4rth seed and hurt them in the playoffs.

[Pavel]

BTW, me saying Malik twice is NOT a typo!

Get rid of Backman and Hollweg too.

[NYRanger4Life]

Dubi:

This is a perfect summary for the Rangers "State of the union." Obviously, there is a lot up in the air. Rangers brass will have their hands full, and I certainly hope they make the right decisions.

Is a buy-out a possibility for Backman? (or Hollweg?) How much of their salary would count against the 08/09 cap? I honestly dont see any team claiming Backman if we were to waive him.

[cwgatti]

Great take. I believe the Rangers will keep Rozival, and I would endorse signing Malone, but there are no earth shattering UFA's to make a run at. Obviously, Orpik, Mazei, and possibly Striet will be reasonably priced UFA's, but the best solution is probably found from within the org. Gratton should take Hollweg's spot. Maybe Sjostrom gets 3rd line time. . . . .

[jason]

This whole defering bonuses that we did with Shanny last year and possibly Jagr this year is great and all but the problem that we have other than having books like the Knicks is that todays problem is becoming tomorrows problem. We can keep defering these bonuses the way the cap works but it will eventually and inevitably catch up to us and with Shanny's bonus from last year being counted to the next year, it really already is catching up to us. How much is Jagr's defered bonuses going to affect us after he has also left if that is in fact that does happen?

After all, this is the American way, buy now, pay later.

[Dubi]

Jason, you work with what you have. Only about half of last year's bonuses will be forwarded on to next season. If you can sign Jagr for $1-2 million less than Hossa and defer $2-3 million of his salary, you have room for the extra defenseman you really need. Next season, the cap goes up again, other salaries go off the books, a couple of young players come in at low salaries, and it all balances out again.

[Ros]

Dubinsky scored a hat trick in 9-1 thrashing over Norway today.

[CraigZ]

Jess...I thought all FLYER fans were Klingons...But alas a fan of TNG is always safe...(except Ferengi and their big stupid ears )...:) Z

[scinoc]

If he reaches FA, and there's a good chance he won't, Brian Rolston would be a solid option. He's a speed winger that can play with Gomez, and he works the PP point for Wild. There will be plenty of suitors for Ryan Malone, but he remains an interesting proposition, because of his size and grit. This team is very small on the flanks. If Ottawa doesn't offer Antoine Vermette, he becomes a FA, and would produce some goals at a reasonable price.

[maxpower]

Pavel your assessment of Hossa couldn't be more wrong. Hossa's center in Ottawa was the great Shaun Van Allen. Spezza hadn't made it at this level yet when Marian was there. And it might have been tough for heatley to make him better(figure it out). The best center he had in Atlanta was Bobby holik.
I like Jason Williams of Chicago for one of our top six spots. Someone mentioned Vrbata, I'd stay as far away from him as posssible.

[Adam W]

Im telling you Hossa playing with Gomez sounds really good if you ask me.

[scinoc]

Those that advocate staying the course, and filling holes from primarily within, forfeit the opportunity to complain when this team struggles to make the playoffs next year. The Rangers need goal scoring depth, and an upgrade on the blueline. Not sure that's attainable, but that's the goal. Even with Jagr, Straka, and Shanahan, they had trouble scoring.

[kovazub94]

The only recommendation I disagree with is re-signing Rozsival. Giving him 1st line dollars is not going to make him the 1st line "class" center. It means we're having a 2nd/3rd line defenseman (Rozy) getting paid extra millions in especially difficult salary cap year that is going to be next season. Why not trying someone with a similar skills but cheaper ( I like Dmitri Kalinin idea a lot). Also, whoever is going to play 5,6 & 7 D'men should not be paid more than $3 - $4 million collectively.

[kovazub94]

Check that, $3 million collectively at most.

[poochaloop]

first post ever:

IN REGARDS to looking for free agents outside the Rangers:

I think we should definitely forget about signing anyone BIG names this summer and let the kids play, gain some experience and definitely splash out next summer on names such as:

Vincent Lecavalier
Marian Gaborik
Evgeni Malkin

3 of these guys I'd consider game changers.. who can score at will...

Henrik Zetteberg - would be great two-way player that can produce.

.. for a food for thought and a good laugh.. we can even consider going after all the Staal brothers, Eric and Jordan who will be UFA as well.. lol

anyways thoughts anyone?

[Jameson]

Pavel,
That's a pretty weak way of assessing a player, if Hossa is just good because of the players around him please enlighten me on why his brother, who played with plenty of offensive talent in both Montreal and here, did not pan out the same way? I don't want to see Hossa signed, too much money for someone that is not a top 10 forward in the NHL, but he's certainly not just a factor of other players. Did Hossa and Kovalchuk even play on the same line in Atlanta????

[Pavel]

That's because Marcel Hossa is a career-ECHLer. Marian Hossa plays great when he's not the "Number one guy." 648 points in 701 games, 47 points in 66 playoff games is pretty damn good, but we can't afford another 7m+ player. If by some miracle we had Hossa and Jagr on the same team, then our offense would be unstoppable.

[ivrydov]

Brooks really disturbed me with his report that Sather, for reasons inexplicable, may let Avery slip through his fingers. In my opinion Avery is the team MVP. Beside his talent, he brings an intangible that he keeps the team in a state of agitation. It's demonstrated by the fact since he's come and when he's played, the team has never lost more than two games in regulation in a row. (The third loss in the Pens series, he was already injured.) Before he came, the Rangers went through a seven-game losing streak and the year before they collapsed totally down the stretch. When he's there everyone has to keep his head up because no one knows what he's going to do next to the other team. This wasn't the case in LA, and he was far less disciplined there with his play, but I think he's lived down that reputation and if Sather is trying to hedge his bets, Avery can find a home tomorrow in say Toronto.

Henrik, Staal, Gomez and Drury are the core of this team, and I don't know how much less than his $8.3 mil Jagr is going to be willing to accept. Jagr has done wonders for this franchise and it would be great to have him back, but it's going to cost. There is a big question with the parity in the conference if they can even make the playoffs without a go-to guy which Jagr still is when it counts.

We assume Malik is gone and Backman should be gone, on waivers, or a deal with team in Lower Slobbovia. It would nice to see a Gill or a Witt or a Hatcher or even an Erskine adding some meanness to the defence. No Lilles please. Streit would be great, but dream on. Ryder wouldn't hurt up front.

[Jameson]

I am no doubt agreeing Hossa will not be worth his pricetag but that does not make him a bad player nor do I agree for a second that he's just an average player who's been in great situations. And like it was pointed out the Ottawa mention is a real stretch, and I'm pretty sure him and Kovalchuck were on different even strength lines...

[Chris]

I would love it if we could get Liles and someone like Prospal, resign Jagr, Rosival, Mara(discount please) and Avery and have the lines look something like this

Prospal-Dubinski-Jagr
Dawes/Callahan-Gomez-Avery
Korpikoski-Drury-Dawes/Callahan/Moore
Sjostrom-Betts-Orr

Liles-Staal
Tyutin-Girardi
Rosival-Mara

Scratches- Korpikoski/Hollweg/Moore/Pock

[scinoc]

Chris -- A major part of the off-season retooling is finding a winger to play with Gomez. Preferably one with speed, and finishing ability. That has to be addressed.

[rangerbill94]

maxpower

Hossa in 81 games had 36 goals, 46 assists while Spezza in 78 games had 22 goals and 33 assists. That doesn't sound like "Spezza hadn't made it at this level yet when Marian was there."

Still, I don't want Hossa, period.

Dubi

A great analysis. But because you are saying what I said before probably colors my opinion!!! Seriously, I think you are close to what confronts the Rangers and the options they have. I think they will keep Rozsival if the price is reasonable. I think Renney will have one or two spots "open" for a youngster to "earn", like Dubinsky and Dawes.I'm looking at Hainsey, Orpick or Commodore to be added, I expect Malik, Mara and Backman to be released. Mara could stay if he accepts a very big cut. Pock and Baranka have their last chances.

Just got my new BB and it looks better than advertized! COME ON RANGERS FANS, PAY UP OR SHUT UP!

[CraigZ]

What makes you think Hossa Orpik Malone would would want to leave Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh will be chasing a cup for a long time and they will probably get better as the youngsters gain more experience. I hate to say it but they will be the team to beat for a while. Would you give the home team a discount to battle for a Stanely Cup for the next few years???

[Pavel]

CraigZ, because Malkin is going to want a contract similar to Crosby's... and then they have to re-sign Fleury and Staal next year (they're RFA after next season). Orpik and Malone already rejected extensions. Orpik rejected 1.85m and Malone around 2.5.

[maxpower]

rangerbill, Spezza certainly wasn't the player he is now, was he? And like I said, Hossa played on a line with Shaun Van Allen.
Erat signed with Nashville for 4.5 mil. What's that make Avery worth?

[Laserman]

This will be an important summer for the Rangers management, as there are a few people out there that can come in and really help the team where they are weakest. Hainsey came into his own and benefitted from being coached by Hitchcock. Orpik hits like a train, but takes some bad penaties from time to time. Still not too many people linger in the crease with him out there. I hear that Jason Smith might be available and is a good physical stay at home dman. I don't know who out of Malik, and Rozsival is the worst because if you look at their +/- average they are both respectable. I know what I have seen for 2 + seasons and I don't agree with that stat at all. I figure knowing Sather one of the 2 will be re-signed, but if thats the case he better get someone who knows how to carry the puck out of their own end. I don't think Rolston will hit the UFA market, but if he does he would be a great signing. What absolutely needs to change though, is we need to get tougher in front of Hank...

[adam]

HOLD ON A SEC. First, off Cherepanov is not going to be here next season and there is no way Dubi is getting off that 1st line even if Anisimov is better than him. Next season all depends on one person and that is Jagr. The sooner he makes his decision the better idea we can have on what this team will look like next season. So if Jagr comes back this team is going to look very familiar on offense. Avery is going to be back in a blue jersey next season so don't worry about that. So in saying that if Jagr comes back the lines next season prob will look lik this
Line 1. Avery Dubi Jagr
Line2 Korpikoski Gomez UFA Like to see Rolston fill this spot but someone cheap.
Line 3. Callahan Drury Dawes
Line 4 Sjostrom Betts Orr

Now If Jagr comes back we need to address our defense badly I feel that our defense was so good this year only because Renny stresses 5 in the picture always and also that the Rangers I feel have some of the best Offensive Defensmen in the League. They back check like crazy. Im sorry but did anyone really think that the rangers were going to win the cup with Rozy Staal in his first year Girardi Tyutin Mara and Strudwick/Backman on Defense. Not only do we need a stand out defensmen who will not let players like Malkin and Crosby skate in the middle of the rink like they own the place. We most importantly need someone who can PP the QB and HIT THE NET!!! I CANT STRESS THIS ENOUGH HOW MANY TIMES ARE YOU GOING TO MISS WIDE TYUTIN AND MARA ESPECIALLY. I see the Rangers going and making a big splash defensively like they did last season with Gomez and Drury. I see them signing Cambell but i wouldnt mind them getting someone like lilles. We need Orpik this guy is a monster especially when there are people in the crease. If we just resign avery and jagr and go after Orpik and nobody else i will b a happy camper.
So the defense I think will look like this
Orpik Cambell
Tyutin Girardi
Stall Strudwick

Now if Jagr walks we need to sit tight this offseason as hard as that sounds. Im a die hard ranger fan but if the Rangers tank next season they will be unstoppable the following season. Now they will b stacked down the middle. If the rangers dnt bring back Jagr and play terrible next season the lineup for 2010 will look like this Malkin is going to be a UFA AFTER NEXT SEASON HE IS AN ABSOULUTE MUST IF YOU ARE SATHER. FROM WHAT I HEAR PITT is planning on signing HOSSA there is no way that they will be able to afford MALKIN.

Cherapenov Anisimov Malkin
Avery Gomez Rolston
Callahan Drury Dawes
Korpikoski Dubi Sjostrom

Cambell Stall
Orpik Sangunietti
Tyutin Girardi

Please tell me that isnt a Line up you wouldnt mind seeing in the future. Dont forget our future 1st round picks

[Jess]

Adam

I will address you first because you are the most recent

Your lineup I am sorry to say the kind of wish list for a fantasy hockey league. I mean not disrespect but I am sorry you are dreaming if you actually think the Rangers would have the money for what you are proposing.

Sorry you may mean well but the Rangers could not afford to sign Orpik, Campbell, Rolston in this UFA market sorry that simply is not realistic.

You take Dubinsky and tell people that no way would he be off the first line then you turn right around and drop him to the 4th line.

CraigZ

Flyer fans are actually Romulans since they are totally untrustworthy.

Dubi

Sorry but I have to say that you are missing 2 very affordable UFAs who the Rangers could add to address missing areas.

First Radim Vrbata who has gotten an unfair rep but showed he can play with the Coyos. Yes Vrbata had a late season slump but he still scored 27 goals which is better than most UFAs can say. IMO he can be had for 2.5-3 million which is basically Malik money.

Second on defense there is a solid dependable stay at home defenseman in Kurt Sauer of the Avs. Sauer would buy time for some of the kids (including his own kid brother Micheal) to develop.

[BackCheck]

Adam had a very attractive dream lineup which monetarily is impossible. But there is an important element to your thinking that the Rangers (and their fans) have to be cognizant of... Planning for the future in this age of the salary cap. This is what Jess has been talking about since I have been lurking at the BB site.

Which means the Rangers have to know the answer to the question: "How good are the youngsters?"

With the amount of money tied up in Drury, Gomez and Henke, as well as possible resigning of Jagr, there is not much money to sign the UFAs and RFAs the Rangers have, nevermind finding one or two UFAs to fill the Ranger's needs. This makes the import of new - cheap - rookies into the lineup imperative each year.

Needs:
1) scoring winger (possibly 2 if Jagr does not sign)
2) size on the wing
3) offensive defenseman
4) physical defenseman

From looking at the cap, and the availability of the UFas on the market combined with what they will command, it is apparent that not all of those needs will be filled this offseason. I am prepared as a Ranger fan to take a step back next year in order to see how good the prospects in the system are. Because many of the team's needs could possibly be filled in 09-10 with our prospects.

1) scoring winger possibly 2 if Jagr does not sign (Cherepanov + ?)
2) size on the wing (Byers, Moore, Dupont, Soryal)
3) offensive defenseman (Pock, Sanguinetti. [sp?])
4) physical defenseman (Sauer, Baranka, Liffiton)

If they can't be filled (looks like scoring winger with speed and size for Gomez may be a problem that can't be filled within), then holes can be filled with UFAs that offseason.

I do not want to see the cap filled just because they sign someone just to sign someone.

Just my two cents... Have a good day all!

[Godot]

Adam's lineup is a dream lineup, but let's face it--that requires all sorts of chips to fall into place, whereas, done right--good drafting, development of youth, keeping a core team around long term--a team can and should use FA signings as a means of rounding out a team, not building a team around.

This was Gomez's and Drury's first year with the team. Let's see how they are as full-blooded Rangers. Jagr and Avery will be back, as will Mara and Roszival (I do believe). Straka and Malik will not be; neither will Shanahan.

I do like the idea of adding Vrbita--an interesting option, Jess.
How would your lines look should the Rangers go that route?

G

[Mark W.]

I don't think a step back is necessary, let's make our tweaks and ease the kids in as they are deemed ready. I'm gonna trust Sather's crew since they were spot-on in bringing up Staal and Dubinsky.

[Jameson]

Adam,
What makes you think we can pay Malkin? That's a real stretch acquisition if I've ever seen one.

[adam]

Wait how is my lineup a fantasy league lineup. correct me if I am wrong the cap is going to go up next year and most likely the year following. With my lineup they have 10 players from there own syestem Cherapanov Anisimov Dawes Callahan Dubi korpikoski staal girardi tyutin sangunietti . Everyone on here wants the rangers to get a Banger(Orpik) and a PP QB(Cambell). Obviously we have a roster spot open on the wings thats Y I said (Rolston). Your going to have cap room cause Rozy can leave straka will go and so will shanny he will prob retire. Get rid of malik, mara and backman. Sign Jagr for 5 million I really think he doesnt care about the money as much anymore. He really wants to bring the cup to NY. So when Jagr leaves Y not go after Malkin when he is a Free agent next summer thats all I am saying. By that time there could be a very strong possibility of what this Ranger Lineup could look like in 2010. Listen its just an idea I can dream can't I? lol Now do we have to get Cambell and Orpik absolutely not but we need people that can strees what they do on the ice.

[Adam]

Adam-

Nice idea, if this was NHL '08 on XBOX we could get that lineup together.

Dubi, liked the article, still not quite understanding why we should bring Rosival back. Let's not spend money just to spend the money. The guy is clearly not worth it, whether its 3 mill or 5, he's not good. It is such a better idea to let a youngster take his place and bring in a Orpik\Jason Smith. I'd rather have the cap room then spend just to spend. What more are we really getting with Rosival than any of our young dmen. Will the younger players actually shoot or force every pass to Jagr? Will they turn the puck over more than Rosival? Is that even possible?

If we arent getting necessary value for the money we pay, then dont spend it. Clearly there isn't enough in the FA class to turn our team into a cup winner, this will be a process. What we can do is set up for the following year by getting 3-4 new youngsters playing time this year (Korpikovski, Anisimov, Potter, and another) I like the idea of a 2 year deal for a Jason Smith or one of the other cheap alternatives.

Also, we have built up a nice farm system, have all our picks, why dont we explore a trade for a player like Lecavalier? He'll be a FA in a year, take a long look at who has 1 year left and the situation those teams/players are in. They need a difference maker and I'm willing to sacrifice picks and 3-4 good youngsters to get the type of player we are missing. Thoughts?

Also, please Sather, Schoenfeld, whoever, do not under any circumstances bring back Straka. We talk about giving young players a chance, I have zero interest in veterans who make more mistakes than youngsters. I dont want to play someone just cause they are older, and thats what would happen if we resign Straka. Also, if Shanny wants to take a deal for about $900,000-1 mill, thats all I'm giving him and he'll play 4th line duties and PK, thats it.

[jason]

Adam,
As much as I like Lecavalier, the last thing we need to do is tie up another 7-8 million in another center.

[Bob Merchant]

A belated thanks to Dubi and staff for reporting on another exciting but disappointing season. As we know, the season never ends at the BB.

Looking forward to my next print copy, sadly no Ranger will be holding any hardware on the cover.

[Adam]

Jason-We dont have a stud, end of story. Look at Pitt and Detroit, who will be in the finals...Crosby, Malkin, Zetterburg, Datsyuk, Lidstrom and on and on. you need a superstar to win the cup and we are severly lacking. If we added a Levcavalier (and we definitely have enough money to add another stud at 7 mill per year) Drury can move to the wing and we'd have lines that look like so (the other forward positions must be younger players or cheap alternatives, thats the price theyd pay for Vinny)

Dawes-Lecavalier-Jagr
Drury-Gomez-Callahan
Korpikovski-Dubinsky-Sjostrom
Byers-Betts-Jessiman\Orr

Between Jags and Vinny, thats around 13 mill, but if we dump Hollweg, Backman and Prucha, that'll save us another 5 mill, on top of all the useless FA we have. There aren't any "power forwards" available that will produce at the dollar amount we'd spend, time to explore a blockbuster deal for a stud top 3 forward. Tampa blows, I'm willing to bet for a nice package of a 1st, 3rd this year, 1st next year and 2-3 prospects, I'm guessing they'd do that. Our system is strong enough we can move a few top picks coming up and still stay strong.

[Jess]

Godot

Well if you read my own site last week you would have already known the answer (is throwing temper tantrum because of this)

Jagr/Vrbata/Dubinsky: Yes I am giving Jagr a replacement Czech in Vrbata who if he could score 27 on the Coyos think what he could do on a real team.

Gomez/Lauri Korpikoski/Avery: I believe Korpikoski is going to make this jump along , you have 2 vets to protect/mentor him

Drury/Dawes/Callahan: Why break up what worked in the playoffs?

And the 4th line/checking line: Sjostrom/Byers/Betts/Orr/Moore

I made this a combo line because the parts are interchangeable as you can have a line for offense (Sjostrom/Moore) or a physical one (Byers/Orr), if someone gets hurt these are your spares since all but Orr can play 2 positions

Defense:

Staal/Hainsey: Hainsey is a dependable 2 way defender who as others have noted broke out under Hitchcock. In some ways he is an older version of Staal which will help Staal develop further. Hainsey will play a steady DEPENDABLE defense that will not scare people like Rozsival, Maliks or Backman do.

Tyutin/Girardi: Someone needs to pull these 2 aside and CLEARLY define what they want from them. I think Tyutin's main problem is that he does not know what role to play.

KURT Sauer/Baranka/Potter: Kurt Sauer gives you the stay at home banger, the mentor (I know what he does for his kid brother and younger Av defenders) and does it all without flash. Baranka is on his last chance while Potter is our stealth pick to steal a roster spot

Adam

correct me if I am wrong the cap is going to go up next year and most likely the year following.

It is not that the cap is going up BUT rather HOW MUCH will it rise. Answer no more than 5 mill per season and if both players make over 3 mill each then you have to find money to pay for them.

You also do not pay attention as it has been REPEATEDLY SAID HERE that Rolston is only going to sign with his hometown Wild so he can retire there.

You have to buy out Backman if you do not trade him so that costs too.

You want a Malkin but he is not going to be a UFA but a RESTRICTED one which gives the Penguins the right to either match or accept compensation which in Malkin's case would be as much as 4 first round draft picks which the Rangers could not afford to do.

Everyone on here wants the rangers to get a Banger(Orpik) and a PP QB(Cambell).

Not everyone wants what you do as your choices are going to want a ton of money.

The only thing you said which was real was that you were dreaming and that is exactly right.

I'm willing to bet for a nice package of a 1st, 3rd this year, 1st next year and 2-3 prospects, I'm guessing they'd do that. Our system is strong enough we can move a few top picks coming up and still stay strong.

Then you guessed very wrong as that is a bad deal for both sides. The Rangers have just started getting the propsect system off life support and now you want to empty it out just as fast.

Your math explaining how to pay for Vinny does not allow to address any other needs so please stop with these fantasy league lineups already.

Dreaming is one thing but you are really not even coming close to what the Rangers can actually afford to do

[emscam]

According to eurohockey.net, Ivan Baranka has signed with Spartak Moscow.

[Pavel]

Baranka is too injury prone. It's a shame though, he looked good when healthy. I didn't realize Potter had a brother, but that's awesome.

[Pavel]

Oops, I meant Sauer not Potter with the brother comment.

[rangerbill94]

Jess

I agree with almost everything you posted...except for your defense. Hainsey is fine and your Tyutin/Girardi comment is on spot. However, you just can't have another rookie on the defense. Nobody likes Rozsival, but he is the only defenseman we have that has PROVEN to be a point producer. Not only that, he puts up 27 minutes or so per game, Hainsey puts up about 19 minutes. To ask Staal and Hainsey to put up that kind of effort is only looking for trouble. That is why I want Commodore. He puts up 25 or more minutes per game and I think would make a good partner for Rozi. So I would see:

Commodore/Rozsival (25 min.)
Tyutin/Girardi (20 min.)
Staal/Hainsey (15 min.)

The TOI can easily be adjusted throughout any game to suit the pair playing best. I think these three pairs present a solid defense from top to bottom. Depending on what Rozi will take to stay in NY will be a determining factor. Too much and Potter or Polk or Baranka play. Need to dump Mara, Malik and Backman...just too much money for what they produce. BTW, I don't think Sauer will leave the Avs. I like Vrbata, think that is a good idea!

[jason]

Rangerbill...

Staal dealt with just under an average of 19 minutes on the ice a game this year and played very well for a rookie, why would you in his 2nd season, plan or want to cut his minutes by 4 per a game? That makes no sense to me.

[adam]

I never said get Vinny first off.
I said get a winger like rolston or someone who can skate with gomez and put some goals in. Also to get someone who can clear the crease and put a shoulder on crosbys chin and someone who can QB the PP like Cambell. I did however say that we should go after Malkin after next season if he is available. I didnt know those those things were considerd a Fantasy. I didnt think my line up of
Cherepanov anisimov malkin/Kovalev/Gaborik
avery gomez rolston/Vrbata/Huselius
dawes drury Callahan
Korpikoski Dubi Sjostrom

Cambell/Hainsley/Liles Orpik/ Sauer
Staal Sanguinetti
Tyutin Girardi

I didnt think this was such an extreme lineup to have in the future. Everyone doesnt realize how valuable Jagr is even when he doesnt put up as much points. We need a dominant player and face it Gomez Drury Avery are not a dominant force. Gomez is only valuable to us if he a sniper to pass to and finish. Nobody knows how good Cherapanov is yet he hasnt played a single NHL game yet same with Anisimov.Dubi could go back to being a role player without Jagr. I am just saying for the Future y could this be our lineup. Especially when Jagr Rozy malik backman which we can buy out so we have more cap space next year Mara's contract which is extremely high for someone who can't hit water if he fell out of a boat. When Jagr leaves we need a presence up front that will create room like Jagr does for Dubi. I am sorry but you are going to try and tell me if Malkin is available you wouldnt want Sather to go after him hard? He would be a perfect fit on our top line. Who would u want taking Jagr place when he leaves. Look at all the other teams they all have a dominant player in there lineup at least the ones in the playoffs. Crosby Hossa Malkin on Pitt Datsyuk Zetterberg Lidstrom on Detroit. Joe Thornton Cheechoo Marleau on San Jose. Modano Morrow Zubov Dallas. Briere Richards Umberger Carter Philly. Chara Savard Kessel on Boston Komasarick Koivu higgins ryder markov Streit. Gaborik Rolston Demitra Minnesota. These teams are just going to get better and better.

[jason]

It's a fantasy because there is no way to fit them all under a modern day salary cap. Think about it. Plus, I'm sure I'm not the only one, but I don't want Kovalev back for a THIRD time.

You need to give up something to get those types of players in the first place, would you like to go back to the late 90's-early 00's where we signed and traded the biggest names and had last place to show for it?

[rangerbill94]

Jason

My post was not to cut any minutes. If they could all get 20 minutes each, that would be even better. I'm just saying that these 6 present a very solid defensive picture. But remember, if Sags develops into the D'man we hope he will be, then he and Staal will be getting 28 minutes per game, so I do not underestimate Staal. As a sophmore I would rather keep his minutes down, but play him in the more critical situations. His poise is wonderful, I'm just concerned with his physical stamina. In 2-3 years I see him as the "Hoss" of the defense.

[Ice]

Dubi,my head is spinning with all of the above player/line combinations.Let's make this exercise even more mind boggling.Can you give us some of the top UFA's who might become available in 2009?

[captjameson]

all i'm seeing here are complete overhauls of the roster which would be a detriment to any semblance of team chemistry that has been created the last 3 seasons. a PPQB like redden is going to be too expensive and campbell is over-rated. i wouldnt mind seeing mara back on the cheap because he's experienced and if jagr stays it's likely roszival does too. provided backman is given the pink slip that leaves one spot on the starting D6 open. i'd target orpik, commodore, and sauer. commodore would be my preference because he's won a cup or two. i think we've seen all we're going to see out of tyutin. maybe trade him and target 2 steady d. that was a bone head contract sather gave him so it would be tough.

[rangerbill94]

With all due respect, captjameson, I see very little "chemistry" here. Yes, Dubi and Jags got together at the end of the season, but Shanny didn't mix with anybody, the PP was a mess and the defense were short 2 men. Mara played some good periods in the playoffs, but not enough for me to want him back. I never wanted him in the first place, but it was a gamble that he would be able to replace Ward, instead he was the same. What has been proposed are not wholesale changes. The core looks young and talented and Sather has kept to his word regarding them. Some seasoned defensemen can only help. Jess proposes Vrbata, sounds OK to me. The changes that will be noticed and cause everyone to question if the Rangers will be a playoff team next year will be the disposal of Shanahan, Straka, Mara, Malik & Backman. These guys won't be missed. With the right additions, like Hainsey, Vrbata, Commodore, the Rangers will add the right mixture of experienced players and a mid-career age and that will lead to better chemistry.

[Dubi]

Captjameson is right -- You can't just gut half of your top unit and a bunch of role players and expect the team to have any chemistry. That -- and the hope that cap savings in signing him and cutting Backman can help land another much needed defenseman -- is why I recommend keeping Rozsival even though fans are seeing only his negatives and not his positives these days (which is a shame -- Ranger fans can be infuriating sometimes).

That's why the right mix of bringing back people who have already been here, promoting people who have come up through the system, and filling in the remaining hole or two from outside is the right way to go -- and the way team management will certainly go, unless some of these guys don't want to return or want to go elsewhere for bigger bucks (how the worm has turned when players stay in New York because they want to play here and leave for bigger bucks elsewhere).

Players currently slated to become UFA a year from now (though you can bet that most of the important ones will be re-signed before they ever get there): ZETTERBERG, FRANZEN, LECAVALIER, GABORIK, HAVLAT, TANGUAY, COLE, GIONTA, LEHTINEN, COMRIE, HORCOFF, SEDIN, SEDIN, CAMMALLERI, AFINOGENOV, CONNOLLY, KOTALIK, and ANTROPOV. Here's one I bet will be a Ranger a year from now: LUNDQVIST, JOEL. There is also the usual plethora of aging veterans.

On defense, the big name that jumped out at me because of his age is KOMISAREK. But no way the Habs let him reach free agency. Others on D: OHLUND, KUBA, BOYNTON, MORRIS, WITT, and a whole lot of big names who are all getting very long in the tooth.

If the list holds strong, then this season is the season to go for D, next year will be the year to go for forwards -- all the more reason to re-sign Jagr and Avery now.

[joeymole]

as usual, it's gonna be some time to speculate on ranger changes and signings...per tsn website, here's the summer dates:

Jul. 1: Free Agency period begins
Jul. 5: Deadline for player-elected salary arbitration
Jul. 6: Deadline for club-elected salary arbitration
Jul. 20 - Aug. 4 : Salary arbitration hearings held
Aug. 6: Deadline for arbitration decisions to be rendered

it seems to me that jagr will return but straka won't so rangers (one big?) offensive forward signing may be a young (scoring) winger to play with jagr and dubi. it won't be hossa even though he's clearly the best winger that will be on the market. the rangers real goal should be IMPROVE THE DEFENSE!! just a gut feeling but think rangers are going to stick with and try and improve backman. maybe i'm wrong just a hunch. also, i'm figuring out of mara, malik and rozy that rozy will be the one to stick around. he's clearly the best of the lot to me.

anyway, that's my 2-cents today. wondering, when does the blog go over to a pay-site??

[captjameson]

rangerbill - i did say semblance of chemistry...;)
speaking of chemistry though, the chemistry between the D and the goalie is the single most important thing to focus on. too many changes can upset what is working (that said i retract my trade tyutin proposal, stoopid capt...)especially with this D as young as it is. that is why i wouldn't mind keeping mara at a discount, re-signing roszival, and signing one steady UFA to shore things up. the fwd chemistry will happen once the D solidifies. then they can play outside the "5 in the picture" a bit and take a few more risks on O. they were not able to do that this past season because the D was too young and needed more detailed support from the fwds.

[kovazub94]

How about not signing to the top of next season's cap to start with. I hope Sather & Co. learned their lesson from this season. If the cap goes up $5 mil. then they should leave maybe $2 - $3 mil for contingencies.

Separately, the organization has been on the pace of bringing 2 - 3 rookies per season. There's no reason to believe that it's going to be different this year. Rangers have needs both up front and on defense. It's generally easier to bring up forwards. So excluding Tomas Pock who's not a true rookie, then it's probably between Potter & Baranka with Sanguinetti being the dark horse. Korpikoski & Anisimov (in mid-season) would be my choice.