Quote:
Originally Posted by RangerFan10
I'm not doubting the Rangers could very well lose against those teams and could even lose in 5 games, I just have a really hard time being convinced we'd get swept when we're playing good teams well all year and just seem to be able to grind out wins the way we couldn't in years past. I think Colorado is almost a mirror team of us in terms of how competitive we are and how far we'd be ready to go. We have different weaknesses,
In regards to Richards, I just think it's the RIGHT player. I think often times in the past, the star players we've brought in were the wrong players, or just not the ideal fit. Maybe he doesn't make us a clearcut stanley cup contender, but IMO it makes us close. Our defense could probably be better, but you can't tell me Hank doesn't make up for that at least a little bit. I don't think there's one set formula to winning the cup, which is why I find these arguments that paying Hank so much means we can't compete nauseating.
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I'm not doubting Richards could significantly help either. I only have a few concerns. Two team's thought they would be much better with the additions of Kessel (throw in Versteeg and Phaneuf as well) and Kovalchuk. Thus far, it's not working out for either team. Especially with Kovalchuk's contract, I would not want to be NJ right now. I think the Devils will get better with him eventually, but they need significant help on defense, and Brodeur isn't exactly in is prime.
So I guess there's a sense of fear I have about obtaining Richards. First of all, I don't want to give him a 10+ year contract with a nmc. Then what happens if things don't go our way? After all, he'll be making a ton of money.
Secondly, who are we giving up? I'd rather trade Grachev than Anisimov, at this rate. I can make a list but there's a bunch of kids and young guys I'd prefer to keep if possible because after all, they are the ones who are responsible for the Rangers playing good hockey right now (i.e., Boyle, Anisimov, Prust, Stepan, Dubinsky, Callahan, Staal, Girardi, and obviously "Hank.")
Everyone is chipping in and that's why we're on the inside looking out right now. Not to mention they're still young and I think they will only continue getting better and better (I'm not even talking so much individually, although of course that's a by product.... but as a result of growing up, playing, losing, winning, and traveling together. All of the stuff that contributes to what I feel is most important, "team chemistry.")
Atlanta is a perfect example right now. Is that organization better off with or without Kovalchuk who, is a bonafide 40+ goal scorer, but hasn't gotten his former team to the playoffs except for once.
I feel like Rangers management is finally starting to spear head this organization in the right direction, and I hope it becomes like a cyclical status quo with continued emphasis on scouting well, drafting well, bringing the kids up together, and letting them develop and "gel" into an actual team, as opposed to signing "has been players" to long, crappy contracts.
I'm not saying I don't want Richards. He's won a championship with Tortorella, can form a good one-two punch with Gaborik, help the team on special teams and face offs, etc...I'm just not sure who I would want to give up, if he actually is available.
I think Lundqvist is still young enough (and has many good years ahead of him), to allow us to be more patient and see how far this team could take us before plugging in that missing piece or pieces.
With more young kids potentially joining the team in the up and coming years, It should become more clear who is expendable while evaluating other players out there who could become available without giving up anyone.
I guess what it comes down to are the potential pro's or con's that come with obtaining and signing Richards. I know there's only one way to find out whether trading for him will pay off or not. For me, it really depends on who Dallas wants (if they want anyone from us).