Blog Archives
Jeff Gorton deserves credit for a successful offseason
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of the New York Rangers.
Following the Rangers elimination from the playoffs, I had a feeling that this offseason would be extremely important, with the chance to have an impact on the long term future of the franchise and determining if they would compete or be forced to rebuild.
Keith Yandle was a free agent, the team had departures and deficiencies on defense, there were serious cap constrictions and a ton of really important, young RFAs to lock up with new deals. Honestly, I didn’t have high hopes for how the team would turn out heading into next year.
But in a situation with his hands tied behind his back, Jeff Gorton did an admirable job maneuvering through a very tough situation and making the absolute best of it for the Rangers. Read the rest of this entry
Michael Grabner could help rejuvinate the third line
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of John E. Sokolowski/USA TODAY Sports
Jeff Gorton didn’t have the same cap space and maneuverability as many of the other GMs in the league, forcing him to make a lot of under the radar, bottom six moves to try and improve the Rangers.
Given the fact that his hands were tied behind his back, Gorton did an excellent job with what he was given, signing quality players on the cheap like Nathan Gerbe, Josh Jooris, Adam Clendening and Nick Holden.
But my favorite signing of the bunch was Michael Grabner, the speedy 28-year old Austrian who played with the Toronto Maple Leafs last season. Formerly a Calder Trophy finalist with the Islanders in the 2010-11 season, Grabner has more recently been used as a third and fourth line forward who excels on the penalty kill. Read the rest of this entry
Stepan and Brassard are good, but do the Rangers need a superstar center?
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
When it comes to forward depth, especially at center, the Rangers are pretty good in that respect. Rick Nash, Chris Kreider, Mats Zuccarello, JT Miller, Jesper Fast, Viktor Stalberg, Kevin Hayes and Oscar Lindberg doubling as wingers.
More recently, the Rangers have seen a lot of improvement when it comes to the talent and depth of their centers. Derick Brassard and Derek Stepan have gotten better and better with each passing season, cementing themselves in the top six. Hayes has shown that he can be a playmaker down the middle, and Dom Moore and Oscar Lindberg are strong two-way forwards best suited for a bottom six role, or a fourth line player.
When the Rangers acquired Rick Nash, they were looking to add a superstar to their roster. Marian Gaborik wasn’t enough, and outside of last regular season, Nash hasn’t been a “superstar” per say. Read the rest of this entry
Deciding what to do with Kevin Hayes: winger or center? Top six or bottom six?
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Before the Rangers tackle the offseason and try and address their needs, the team has to decide one thing first – how are they planning on using Kevin Hayes in the future?
Hayes had a bit of a sophomore slump this season, scoring three goals and nine points less than he did in his fantastic rookie season. He wasn’t as effective this season, didn’t play with the same confidence or impact and was wrongly scapegoated by Alain Vigneault at times this season.
First off, the notion that the Rangers should part with Kevin Hayes is absolutely ridiculous. You don’t give up on a talented rookie like him simple because of one season where he struggled. So many players have gone through this in the past, struggling early on in their career after a great start in their rookie season (Jonathan Huberdeau, Matt Duchene). It’s not uncommon, and it’s not a reason to bail on a player with a lot of upside. Read the rest of this entry
Change is coming for the Rangers, but how much is necessary?
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
Since the Rangers were eliminated from the playoffs, the talk has been about the inevitable changes that this team will see happen this offseason. The Rangers themselves admitted that they will have to shake things up when talking to reporters on break up day.
“When you don’t meet expectations and don’t meet our fans’ expectations there are definitely going to be changes,” Alain Vigneault told reporters. “I think we’re at the stage now where we need to look at some changes. I think with any NHL team today status quo is not possible. You need to keep changing pieces, bringing in different players to add a different dynamic to your group. It is certainly time now to look into what we can do to improve, and that’s what we are going to do here moving forward.”
After a disastrous showing against the Penguins, where the team was totally outplayed and outclassed in a five game series, there is a need for change. Some things need to be shaken up and new players should be brought in or giver bigger roles. But a knee-jerk reaction to the loss could be the wrong way to approach things. Read the rest of this entry
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