The New York Rangers front office has taken an unprecedented step by releasing a letter from Glen Sather and Jeff Gorton directly to fans, seemingly admitting that they will be sellers at the upcoming trade deadline. The letter explains that though the team has been competitive for more than a decade, it is time now to move in a different direction. Most telling may be the admission that “familiar faces” will likely be lost:
As we approach the trade deadline later this month and into the summer, we will be focused on adding young, competitive players that combine speed, skill and character. This may mean we lose some familiar faces, guys we all care about and respect. While this is a part of the game, it’s never easy. Our promise to you is that our plans will be guided by our singular commitment: ensuring we are building the foundation for our next Stanley Cup contender.
The Rangers already made an unexpected move today when they waived Brendan Smith less than a year after re-signing him to a four-year deal, and have been rumored to be listening on core players like Ryan McDonagh and Mats Zuccarello all season. Still, for a team to come out and admit publicly that they are going to clean house while they sit just three points out of a playoff spot is unheard of in the NHL.
Now, all eyes will quickly turn to the roster players who have a good shot at being traded in the next few weeks. McDonagh and Zuccarello are two, but unrestricted free agents Rick Nash, Michael Graber, Nick Holden and David Desharnais all could be moved as well. Beyond that, J.T. Miller, Kevin Hayes, Jimmy Vesey and Brady Skjei are all restricted free agents this summer and no one seems untouchable at this moment.
The Rangers very clearly want to do what they Yankees did two years ago, but they don’t have the pieces or the prospects of their own ready and waiting as NYY did. The Rangers are looking at a long rebuild if they tear this down.
I would have interest in JT Miller to the Pens, though.
He wouldn’t be cheap, and considering its an in-division deal, the deal would likely be more expensive than the Penguins would be comfortable with.
The right move. Any Ranger fan upset by this likely has unrealistic expectations. As long as the younger, potentially core players aren’t moved (unless the return is substantial) I’d be fine with gutting the roster. Not counting the guys in the AHL/overseas, the guys on the roster who shouldn’t be moved are Skjei, Miller, Vesey, Zib, and Buch. Trade Nash and Grabner. See if anyone wants Holden or Smith. Don’t just give away McDonagh, Zucc, or Kreider but if a team is willing to part with some good pieces then do it.
My sentiments exactly. They need to get healthy and better in the defensive end. They arent that far away from being a playoff team.. Just make the right moves.
I trust Gorton and Sather, its not the same mentality pre and post lockout until 2009 where they are scooping up aging veterans left and right on bad deals. They have been building perennial PO teams for the last 10 years, they should be able to do it.
Is Kreider expected to play again this season?
I think he was upgraded to week-to-week recently. No definite timetable for him since his injury isn’t a matter of rehab though. I don’t see him getting traded this year, but he’s also been pretty inconsistent in his career so I wouldn’t be complaining if they found a decent haul for him. I don’t expect much, maybe a mid-level prospect and a mid round pick.
Possible March return I think is the last thing I saw
What type of return for McDonagh would Rangers fans be satisfied with?
Nash Holden and Grabner need to be traded
McDonagh and Zucc should only be traded if they can land a good package. I heard a few weeks back of a Nylander + for McD, would love that kind of deal. If you don’t get your offer, they can still be traded in the summer.
You have to try and trade Smith and if not consider a buyout
Staal definitely needs to be bought out
I would keep Lundqvist as long as he wants to stay, but he has been very good this year, even counting the last few games, most of his troubles come from a floundering D.
Build around Miller, Kreider, Skjei, Pionk, Fast, Hayes, Buch, Vesey, Chytil, Shatty, Zib and Andersson and others. This is a very good foundation comprised of young players, prospects, and young veterans. This can be a quick turnaround if they do it the right way and can be back in the playoffs next year.
I’m sorry to tell you leafs aren’t trading Nylander+ to get mcdonagh. They aren’t gutting the core that’s taken so long to build to get 1 aging dman having a bad year. Only way I see nylander or marner is a trade like the Seth Jones for johansen
Aging? You do know McDonough is only 28 right? Yes he is struggling this year but I am sure a team somewhere will make a deal for him. If not now then at the draft.
I am a diehard Ranger fan. This rebuild (assuming it actually happens) is long overdue. They had a great run, but the window to win a cup with this core group is closed. Time to move on.
Ya 28 years of age declining and inline for a major pay raise. Not saying a team won’t pay a lot for him just don’t think it’s the leafs giving up one of the 4 core players (Reilly,Matthews, nylander and marner). I would say leafs trade a 1st and 3rd any prospect not named kappenen or liljeren And a player like JVR/bozak who can be flipped for more picks.
If I’m NYR I don’t have a use for JVR/Bozak. I want young talent and draft picks, and I bet they’ll be able to get that from different places other than TOR
I never said this was going to happen, and I don’t think it will, but It was something I read a few weeks back and a man can dream.
I’d love if the Bruins could get in on Vesey and then sign him to an extension. He’d fit well on that team
Nash and Smith for a 2nd round pick and a bottle of Henrik’s hair gel.
As much as it hurts to see this happen it’s the right thing for us to do. I’m sure between Nash, Zucc, Grabner, Smith, McDonagh, Pavelec, and many more we can start the rebuild and be back to being relevant in possibly as soon as 2020.
Great article. They waived Brendan Smith less than a year after re-signing him to a four-year deal –on his 29th birthday. —
One goal and seven assists in 44 games this season, is how bad you need to be, to get waived on your birthday.