So we start up the ‘ole PS4 (sorry Xbox owners) and we get to “Be A GM” mode once again. We didn’t like the trade of Yandle to the Jets for a 1st round pick since the pick was a dud (wouldn’t make sense to move your best D-man in real life either). Now we're back in January of the ‘15-’16 campaign and the Rangers Front Office is looking for a smarter trade that will give them the little umph to right the ship.
Disclaimer: I loved Girardi, but the system that he’s in just doesn’t play to his strengths and Staal, well, he’s in a different category.
In todays game, there is no such thing as a good "stay at home D-man" or strictly an "offensive D-man." The game as evolved to the point where all 5 players on the ice (goalie's are in a league of their own) need to have the ability to make contributions all over the ice. They dont need to score every night or even at all, but they must be able to make an outlet pass to jump start the offense.
Let’s take a look at some D-men that could really give the Rangers a different look aside from the "business as usually" model - running around the zone like a chicken with its head cut off.
Let’s take a look at some D-men that could really give the Rangers a different look aside from the "business as usually" model - running around the zone like a chicken with its head cut off.
1. Hampus Lindholm
Duck, Duck, Goose. The system that AV has implemented, for quite some time now, flourishes off the transition game and having defenseman with limited ability (or diminished ability) in moving the puck, hurts them. Lindholm is a former first round pick in the 2012 draft (6th overall). Lindholm has never had a season under 30 points, yet he is on pace for 18 points. He is also a left handed defenseman, which they could use should they move guys around. I am not surprised as the Ducks, as a whole, have had their struggles. His cap hit is under a million, which certainly make this possible with the movement of another defenseman. I doubt that the Ducks would want to part ways with the rising star as he is just showing some growing pains. However, I don't think it would hurt for Gorton to kick the tires over on the West Coast.
Duck, Duck, Goose. The system that AV has implemented, for quite some time now, flourishes off the transition game and having defenseman with limited ability (or diminished ability) in moving the puck, hurts them. Lindholm is a former first round pick in the 2012 draft (6th overall). Lindholm has never had a season under 30 points, yet he is on pace for 18 points. He is also a left handed defenseman, which they could use should they move guys around. I am not surprised as the Ducks, as a whole, have had their struggles. His cap hit is under a million, which certainly make this possible with the movement of another defenseman. I doubt that the Ducks would want to part ways with the rising star as he is just showing some growing pains. However, I don't think it would hurt for Gorton to kick the tires over on the West Coast.
2. Tyson Barrie
One word - STUD. I have always loved the way Tyson Barrie plays (Maybe it's because I think of chicken and I like chicken - I digress). He was an All-Star last year when he had 53 points in 80 games. This year he has 28 points on the year with 6 goals and 22 assists in 37 games. Eleven of those assists are on the PP, while the other 11 are at even strength, so you know hes a good puck moving guy. He is on pace for 64 points - 50 assists. It may be unlikely that the Av's move this guy as they are currently in 6th in the West. However, that doesn't mean things change as we head closer to the trade deadline. Another thing to note is his cap hit is at 2.6 mil and he's in the final year of his contract (RFA). Yes, I know the Rangers are trying to move money around to save it but I think he's just entering his prime. He can also be comparable to a Keith Yandle. Who doesn't like a defense man that can get the puck out of your zone and in to their zone. I would welcome this trade with open arms but I highly doubt the Av's move their number 1 D-man.
One word - STUD. I have always loved the way Tyson Barrie plays (Maybe it's because I think of chicken and I like chicken - I digress). He was an All-Star last year when he had 53 points in 80 games. This year he has 28 points on the year with 6 goals and 22 assists in 37 games. Eleven of those assists are on the PP, while the other 11 are at even strength, so you know hes a good puck moving guy. He is on pace for 64 points - 50 assists. It may be unlikely that the Av's move this guy as they are currently in 6th in the West. However, that doesn't mean things change as we head closer to the trade deadline. Another thing to note is his cap hit is at 2.6 mil and he's in the final year of his contract (RFA). Yes, I know the Rangers are trying to move money around to save it but I think he's just entering his prime. He can also be comparable to a Keith Yandle. Who doesn't like a defense man that can get the puck out of your zone and in to their zone. I would welcome this trade with open arms but I highly doubt the Av's move their number 1 D-man.
3. Ramus Ristolainen
The Fin is a former first round draft pick that is living up to his potential. He is in the final year of his contract and is a Restricted Free Agent next year. The Sabres would have a big asking price for their number 1 D-man. This year he has 26 points in 40 games and has been said to be comparable to Victor Headman. He is another young guy that I think could make an impact on the back end both currently and in the future. In his last 20 games he has had 19 points, which even for a defenseman, is fairly impressive. If the Rangers want to succeed in the system that AV currently has implemented, then they will need a few guys that can not only move the puck but are an offensive threat. The ability to have an offensive threat on the blue line not only keeps the opposition honest on your point man but it also opens up space for your forwards with their play-making ability. If I had to characterize him for NHL 17 he would be the "Two-way defenseman" but has significant ability to jump into the play and make things happen - a game changer.
The Fin is a former first round draft pick that is living up to his potential. He is in the final year of his contract and is a Restricted Free Agent next year. The Sabres would have a big asking price for their number 1 D-man. This year he has 26 points in 40 games and has been said to be comparable to Victor Headman. He is another young guy that I think could make an impact on the back end both currently and in the future. In his last 20 games he has had 19 points, which even for a defenseman, is fairly impressive. If the Rangers want to succeed in the system that AV currently has implemented, then they will need a few guys that can not only move the puck but are an offensive threat. The ability to have an offensive threat on the blue line not only keeps the opposition honest on your point man but it also opens up space for your forwards with their play-making ability. If I had to characterize him for NHL 17 he would be the "Two-way defenseman" but has significant ability to jump into the play and make things happen - a game changer.