The NHL Draft is scheduled to begin tomorrow night. This is usually an exciting time for hockey fans as draft day always brings a flurry of activity. Here are some random thoughts as we head into the draft weekend.
1. There's been some speculation that the Rangers may try to trade up in the draft. I've heard some talk that Sather may try to work a trade with Phoenix and former Ranger assistant GM Don Maloney who now runs the Coyotes' front office. I'd only do it if the pick can be obtained at a very reasonable price. Most critics agree that this years draft is not very special. Why trade good young players for garbage? Remember Marc Savard for Pavel Brendl or was it Jamie Lundmark? Who remembers, and besides, what's the difference!?! Furthermore, the Rangers have a chance to build a special team this year, I'd rather use trading chips to acquire good players who can help the team win today (and tomorrow) while Jagr's still around.
2. I was just about ready to concede to thedirtyboy and let the Yashin thing go. I was even ready to admit that resigning Nylander, even for the approximate 5 million per he's allegedly looking for, was in the Rangers' best interests. But now, Larry Brooks reports that Shanny wants to come back to NY. Even if Shanny accepts a pay cut and re-signs for less (Shanny allegedly says that he's willing to listen to any offer the Rangers feel is in the team's best interests to make) it'll still take at least 3 million per to sign him. Anything less would be an insult to this great hockey player and leader. So now, you're looking at approximately 8 million per (if not more) to bring back Nylander and Shanny. Do we have enough left to still go after Drury, Smyth or Gomez? Doesn't it make sense to at least consider Yashin over Nylander and the 2.5- 3 million dollar per year savings that such a move would bring in? Not including Nylander, the Rangers have about 18 million dollars in available cap space for next season (assuming a cap of 49 million). If they spend 8 million plus on Nylander and Shanny they've got less that 10 million to play with. In light of the insane money thrown around by Philly recently, it's not out of the question that drury, smyth or gomez might command even more than the 6-7 million dollars per year that most people expect. The Rangers would be able to sign one of these guys and then have no room for anyone else. If they sign Yashin instead of Nylander, they'd still have enough to go after another B level free agent to bolster the line up.
3. How about Prucha, Montoya and Sanguinetti for Vinny L. over in Tampa Bay? What if we throw in a first rounder? He's big, strong, skilled and fast. He's a champion and a leader. He played a gritty game for Tampa in their cup run. Despite Tampa's denial as to his availability, the speculation won't die. Tampa recently acquired Chris Gratton leading some to speculate that either Richards or Vinny are being shopped.
4. If the Rangers can't land a premiere free agent how about the second class citizens? How would Kariya look on Jagr's left wing? Or maybe the Rangers should ignore the big name free agents all together and sign a few B level guys and then go on a field day at the trade deadline? Drury is a great player, but is he really worth 7 million per year? What about in 4 years from now when he's still getting that kind of money (as he's certain to land a long term contract). Maybe a better approach is to sign Kariya to bolster the first line and sign a d-man like Schneider. The Rangers would certainly be in playoff contention at the trade deadline and they'd have the cap space to be aggressive buyers at that point? Sounds intriguing, I'll have to make it the subject of a later post!
If I don't speak to you tomorrow, enjoy the draft!
Petr Prucha who is the definition of sophmore chump- i mean slump, Bobby Sanguidoetti, and Inigo Montoya you killed my father prepare to die... for Lecavelier? I think Tampa should throw in Martin St. Louis, no?
Posted by: thedirtyboy | June 21, 2007 at 03:18 PM
the second year chump still scored over 20 goals this year. He's a legitimate 25 goal scorer who is skilled AND gritty AND young. Montoya is the real deal and has put together back to back quality seasons in the AHL. He'll be a legit #1 goalie in this league. Sanguinetti is a top defensive prospect who scored over 20 goals in 67 games in the juniors this season. Bottom line is that Tampa has far too much money invested in 3 players. The salary cap structure will prevent them from being truly competitive if they don't move at least one of those players. I dont think Richards is tradeable at the salary he makes. Same with St. Louis. That leaves Vinny. It'll be a tough move, but if they want to compete on a high level I don't think they have much of a choice.
Posted by: The Hockey Rabbi | June 21, 2007 at 03:26 PM
I don't disagree that they may have to trade one of them and it may ultimately be Vinny who goes... your package just doesn't seem tempting. I also just can't see them trading him because I think he has become the face of the franchise more so even than St. Louis. I can see St. Louis getting traded or Tampa eating part of that absurd contract given to Brad Richards and trading him. Remember when the original Tampa owner referred to Lecavelier as "the Michael Jordan of hockey"??!!
Two notes completely off the topic:
1) I am 1 for 1 in my free agent predictions. Giguere was just signed for 4 years at $24M. I will wait for the little guy to come back from his honeymoon to pat myself on the back. It's his favorite thing to witness.
2) While I'm on a roll, here's another prediction: The Devils will suck this year. I am not saying that with any bias or because in some way I wish it will be true- I really believe it. I wish I had the time to list all my reasons for it, but for now you will have to take my word for it. You heard it hear first.
Posted by: thedirtyboy | June 21, 2007 at 04:07 PM