The Rangers find themselves in quite a quandary, as they have positioned themselves over the salary cap with this week’s signing of winger Alexander Frolov. Unlike the Stanley Cup Champion Blackhawks, the Rangers weren’t a playoff team last season. They entered this offseason needing to improve an offense that finished the season ranked 16th in goals scored, and an even worse ranking of 21st in goals against.
Chicago was forced to shed salary of elite players to get under the salary cap as their promising young core progressed from their entry-level contracts to fair-market wages. The Blueshirts find themselves burdened with cumbersome contracts being paid to players who have proved unworthy of their wages. Making matters worse is the fact that the level of production for these players has made them virtually untradeable. Veterans Chris Drury, Wade Redden and Michal Roszival will eat up $18.55 million of the $59.4 million available to teams under the salary cap.
Chris Drury, 33, has two years left on a deal that counts $7.05 million against the cap per season. Drury, the captain of the team, is paid like a franchise center. His leadership and solid two-way play are definitely assets to this franchise, but there is no questioning the fact that he is grossly overpaid. Drury is an elite 3rd liner, an adequate 2nd liner, and a capable contributor on both the power play and penalty killing units.
I am a huge Chris Drury fan. He is a clutch player, and his presence is definitely a positive influence on the younger players on the team. Unfortunately, he is judged on his contract rather than the style of game he plays. GM Glen Sather grossly over-valued both Drury and center Scott Gomez in the summer of 2007. When he had to make moves to fit star forward Marian Gaborik under last season’s cap, he was only able to find a taker for the younger Gomez.
Michal Roszival, 31, is a puck moving defenseman that seems to forget he’s allowed to use his 6-2 frame to separate defenders from the puck and clear the crease in front of his all-world goalie. He is a decent puck mover, and can contribute on the second power play unit. At best, he’s an over-priced second pairing defenseman at $5 million per season charged against the salary cap this season and next. For that type of money, Roszival should be the anchor of the Rangers defense corps.
To Roszival’s credit, he isn’t the biggest albatross patrolling the blue line in Manhattan. That dubious distinction falls squarely on the shoulders of Wade Redden. Redden, 33, will be paid $8 million this season, $6.5 million of which will count against the salary cap. The 6-2, 212 pounder has shown the ability to run a power play, blast pucks from the point and lead a rush up the ice. Unfortunately, the last time he played up to his abilities was during the 2005-2006 season when he played for the Ottawa Senators.
Redden fell apart during the Senators run to the Stanley Cup Finals and has never been able to rediscover his once solid game. He shows flashes of brilliance, but nowhere near the consistency that is demanded when you consider his salary. Based on production, he has fallen to no better than the 4th best defenseman on this team behind Marc Staal, Dan Girardi and Michal Roszival. It doesn’t take an NHL GM to see that you can get a bigger bang for your buck than Redden is currently providing this team.
The Rangers have the money to bury Redden and his cap hit in the minors, which would immediately put them comfortably under the salary cap. The only question is whether Sather can bury his pride along with his defenseman and make the move. Youngsters Matt Gilroy, Ryan McDonagh, Michael Sauer or journeyman Steve Eminger are all available and talented enough to provide 10-15 minutes per game filling a spot from 4-6 on the depth chart. Combined, they earn less than Redden.
New York has one of the best goalies in the world in Henrik Lundqvist, yet they still finished 21st in goals against. Based on rankings, the defense appeared to be the bigger problem than an inconsistent forward group. The Rangers have prospects who deserve a chance to prove themselves more capable of the minutes dished out to Redden and Rosvival. They could use a winger capable of producing from the second or third line. They could use a physical defenseman who could protect the crease and their star goalie. And most importantly, they could use the cap space currently committed to Wade Redden to make this team a bonafide playoff contender.
The only question is whether GM Glen Sather can swallow his pride, admit he made a mistake, and convince his owners to eat the contract.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
Yzerman Wasting No Time Energizing Bolts
Winning fixes everything. Unless you are the Souoth Carolina Gamecocks football team or the Chicago Cubs, winning puts butts in seats, which sells concession-itmes, parking spaces, merchandise, etc. Just ask the fans of the Chicago Blackhawks, Boston Redsox or New Orleans Saints how much pain from losing seasons can be undone with one championship run.
There's been plenty to be frustrated and/or embarassed about when it comes to the Tampa Bay Lightning recently. Sure, they won a cup in the 90s, but that championship is getting further and further back in the rearview mirror for Lightning followers.
Enter Steve Yzerman...
Yzerman has totally changed the look of the Lightning since taking over the ship. Following today's addition of Simon Gagne, the Bolts now boast a forward group of Vinny Lecavalier, former league MVP Martin St. Louis, Steve Downie, Maurice Richard co-winner Steven Stamkos, and the physical Ryan Malone. That's 2 players who have scored 50 goals in a season (Lecavalier and Stamkos), a five time 30 goal scorer (St. Louis), and a sniper who has scored 25 goals 5 times (twice eclipsing 40 goals) in Gagne. Malone is a physical force who can make opponents pay for taking liberties against his skilled teammates while burying at least 25 of their beautiful passes. Downie should grow into the same type of role, but carries an upside of potentially scoring 30+ if he can keep his antics under control and cut his penalty minutes down from the 200+ he registered this season.
This team has the ability to score with anyone in the league, but can they keep the biscuit out of their own basket? Yzerman looks to have upgraded in goal, replacing the inconsistent Antero Niittymaki with Dan Ellis. Ellis won't dominate, but he should bring a steady performance level to the tandem he shares with Mike Smith. Smith battled injuries last year, and having ellis as a fall back option should ease the crease concerns.
The blueline has long been a trouble spot for the Lightning, but it appears better today than it did last season. Franchise blueliner Victor Hedman is sure to progress after a rookie season where he held his own. Mattias Ohlund is a shutdown veteran who can mentor him and cover when Hedman gets caught learning when not to pinch. Pavel Kubina brings his 6-4, 245 lb frame back to Tampa. Kubina is a solid all around defenseman who can log big minutes and fill the net, both from his impressive point shot as well as with a breakout pass ot the talented forwards. Mike Lundin is a fluid skater who can eat up minutes if need be, and Yzerman brought Brett Clark in from Colorado. Clark has shown excellent mobility as well as a knack for shot-blocking. Matt Smaby is a punisher in reserve, while Matt Lahoff could develop into at least a quality #4 some point soon. Veteran Paul Ranger, if he resigns and gets over his off-ice issues, could give them 9 NHL-quality blueliners.
That depth is something that hasn't been seen in Tampa since their championship season. Don't forget that they play in what is considered to be the weakest division in hockey. The Southeast division struggles in most seasons to send a 2nd team to the playoff dance (division winners are guaranteed at least the 3rd seed, no matter what their record is). As Carolina rebuilds with youth, and Atlanta does the same, it appears the Lightning only have to catch the President's Trophy winning Washington Capitals within the division. That looks a lot more likely with today's roster than the one that finished last season.
The ownership situation has stabilized, Yzerman has a coach he chose to run his ship, and has added proven pieces to the team that have produced at the highest level.
Steve Yzerman was the picture of class and determination during his playing days in Detroit. After a month as Tampa's GM, he appears to be on his way to continuing his legacy as a GM.
There's been plenty to be frustrated and/or embarassed about when it comes to the Tampa Bay Lightning recently. Sure, they won a cup in the 90s, but that championship is getting further and further back in the rearview mirror for Lightning followers.
Enter Steve Yzerman...
Yzerman has totally changed the look of the Lightning since taking over the ship. Following today's addition of Simon Gagne, the Bolts now boast a forward group of Vinny Lecavalier, former league MVP Martin St. Louis, Steve Downie, Maurice Richard co-winner Steven Stamkos, and the physical Ryan Malone. That's 2 players who have scored 50 goals in a season (Lecavalier and Stamkos), a five time 30 goal scorer (St. Louis), and a sniper who has scored 25 goals 5 times (twice eclipsing 40 goals) in Gagne. Malone is a physical force who can make opponents pay for taking liberties against his skilled teammates while burying at least 25 of their beautiful passes. Downie should grow into the same type of role, but carries an upside of potentially scoring 30+ if he can keep his antics under control and cut his penalty minutes down from the 200+ he registered this season.
This team has the ability to score with anyone in the league, but can they keep the biscuit out of their own basket? Yzerman looks to have upgraded in goal, replacing the inconsistent Antero Niittymaki with Dan Ellis. Ellis won't dominate, but he should bring a steady performance level to the tandem he shares with Mike Smith. Smith battled injuries last year, and having ellis as a fall back option should ease the crease concerns.
The blueline has long been a trouble spot for the Lightning, but it appears better today than it did last season. Franchise blueliner Victor Hedman is sure to progress after a rookie season where he held his own. Mattias Ohlund is a shutdown veteran who can mentor him and cover when Hedman gets caught learning when not to pinch. Pavel Kubina brings his 6-4, 245 lb frame back to Tampa. Kubina is a solid all around defenseman who can log big minutes and fill the net, both from his impressive point shot as well as with a breakout pass ot the talented forwards. Mike Lundin is a fluid skater who can eat up minutes if need be, and Yzerman brought Brett Clark in from Colorado. Clark has shown excellent mobility as well as a knack for shot-blocking. Matt Smaby is a punisher in reserve, while Matt Lahoff could develop into at least a quality #4 some point soon. Veteran Paul Ranger, if he resigns and gets over his off-ice issues, could give them 9 NHL-quality blueliners.
That depth is something that hasn't been seen in Tampa since their championship season. Don't forget that they play in what is considered to be the weakest division in hockey. The Southeast division struggles in most seasons to send a 2nd team to the playoff dance (division winners are guaranteed at least the 3rd seed, no matter what their record is). As Carolina rebuilds with youth, and Atlanta does the same, it appears the Lightning only have to catch the President's Trophy winning Washington Capitals within the division. That looks a lot more likely with today's roster than the one that finished last season.
The ownership situation has stabilized, Yzerman has a coach he chose to run his ship, and has added proven pieces to the team that have produced at the highest level.
Steve Yzerman was the picture of class and determination during his playing days in Detroit. After a month as Tampa's GM, he appears to be on his way to continuing his legacy as a GM.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Thoughts After Day 1 of Free Agency
I like the Pens roster after today. Here's how I envision the lines, taking into consideration GM Ray Shero was quoted last week that, with his expectation of spending big on the blueline, Evgeny Malkin or Jordan Staal may be moved to center. After what may have been the worst compound sentence I've ever written, here's the Penguins depth chart as I see it:
Forwards:
Kunitz-Crosby-Malkin
Cooke-Staal-Kennedy
Tangradi-Talbot-Dupuis
Rupp-Adams-Godard/Jeffrey
Defense:
Martin-Michalek
Orpik-Letang
Goligoski-Lovejoy
Goalies:
Fleury
Johnson
With Cooke and Kunitz on the roster, I see the Pens as heavier with gritty left wing type forwards, and lacking skilled, slick right wingers. That's why I put Malkin on Crosby's wing instead of Staal. Looking at that roster, and realizing they only have around $2 million left to spend, who do you add?
I would love to believe Eric Tanfradi is ready to make a serious impact as a rookie fulfilling his immense promise. But, you have to have a fall back plan in case the kid isn't ready, right? I would love the addition of Chris Higgins on this team. He could easily fill in a 2nd or 3rd line LW spot, kill penalties, and even play a little on the 2nd PP unit.
But if you spend the money on a forward, what do you do with that neon question mark looking back at you from the 6th defenseman spot? Ray Shero has said from the get-go the problem spot on this team was the defense. The Penguins ranked 5th in the league in goals scored. What was exposed in the playoff loss was the weakness on the blueline. This was the group that was reflected by the 20th ranking in goals against.
Mark Eaton has been steady since Shero wooed him to the city of bridges from his Nashville days. Shero likes Eaton. Unless a team drastically overpays for him, Eaton should cost roughly $1.5 million. He's under 35, so the cap risk isn't permanent. I definitely see Shero signing Eaton before I see him bringing in a risk at forward.
Aside from the Pens...
I love the addition of Minnesota-native Matt Cullen to the Wild. Cullen may never dazzle with regular season numbers, but he is money in the playoffs. Great move my Minny, filling their need with the best #2 center on the market.
Vancouver appears to be going the defensive route. The Canucks have added a 6 year deal for Dan Hamhuis and a 5 year deal for Keith Ballard. They are being paid roughly $9 million combined. Both have been given the opportunity to grow into Top 2 defenseman, and I hope they prove worthy. Both are quality men, good teammates, and very emotional and passionate. All good qualities.
Intersting to see Atlanta becoming the landing spot for the Blackhawks cap relief refugees. Chris Mason gives them an upgrade on their goaltending, and Byfuglien and Ladd, as well as Eager, make this a physical team to play.
Forwards:
Kunitz-Crosby-Malkin
Cooke-Staal-Kennedy
Tangradi-Talbot-Dupuis
Rupp-Adams-Godard/Jeffrey
Defense:
Martin-Michalek
Orpik-Letang
Goligoski-Lovejoy
Goalies:
Fleury
Johnson
With Cooke and Kunitz on the roster, I see the Pens as heavier with gritty left wing type forwards, and lacking skilled, slick right wingers. That's why I put Malkin on Crosby's wing instead of Staal. Looking at that roster, and realizing they only have around $2 million left to spend, who do you add?
I would love to believe Eric Tanfradi is ready to make a serious impact as a rookie fulfilling his immense promise. But, you have to have a fall back plan in case the kid isn't ready, right? I would love the addition of Chris Higgins on this team. He could easily fill in a 2nd or 3rd line LW spot, kill penalties, and even play a little on the 2nd PP unit.
But if you spend the money on a forward, what do you do with that neon question mark looking back at you from the 6th defenseman spot? Ray Shero has said from the get-go the problem spot on this team was the defense. The Penguins ranked 5th in the league in goals scored. What was exposed in the playoff loss was the weakness on the blueline. This was the group that was reflected by the 20th ranking in goals against.
Mark Eaton has been steady since Shero wooed him to the city of bridges from his Nashville days. Shero likes Eaton. Unless a team drastically overpays for him, Eaton should cost roughly $1.5 million. He's under 35, so the cap risk isn't permanent. I definitely see Shero signing Eaton before I see him bringing in a risk at forward.
Aside from the Pens...
I love the addition of Minnesota-native Matt Cullen to the Wild. Cullen may never dazzle with regular season numbers, but he is money in the playoffs. Great move my Minny, filling their need with the best #2 center on the market.
Vancouver appears to be going the defensive route. The Canucks have added a 6 year deal for Dan Hamhuis and a 5 year deal for Keith Ballard. They are being paid roughly $9 million combined. Both have been given the opportunity to grow into Top 2 defenseman, and I hope they prove worthy. Both are quality men, good teammates, and very emotional and passionate. All good qualities.
Intersting to see Atlanta becoming the landing spot for the Blackhawks cap relief refugees. Chris Mason gives them an upgrade on their goaltending, and Byfuglien and Ladd, as well as Eager, make this a physical team to play.
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