that would be good as Eminger is a fine spare but Vtank is out then and if he has no options it means he is gondie on waivers or dealt. I think he gets a spot like Sauer did. They wont want to lose him
that would be good as Eminger is a fine spare but Vtank is out then and if he has no options it means he is gondie on waivers or dealt. I think he gets a spot like Sauer did. They wont want to lose him
I agree with this. Besides, if we need another vet during the season we can always call up Redden.
That has to be the youngest defense a team has ever iced...
And that's why it'll probably include an inexpensive vet (eg, Eminger) by training camp's commencement. Since blueline depth is so critical to playoff success, its more valuable to forecast a top nine IMO.
Staal L - Girardi R
McDo L - Sauer R
Erixon L - Gilroy R
DelZotto L - Emminger R (or UFA equivalent)
Valentenko L
Last edited by JawandaPuck: 06-02-2011 at 06:05 PM.
that would be good as Eminger is a fine spare but Vtank is out then and if he has no options it means he is gondie on waivers or dealt. I think he gets a spot like Sauer did. They wont want to lose him
Did not realize this. I think Vtank deserves a spot but I have a hunch that Del Zotto arrives at camp motivated like 2009/10 preseason. He no longer has a spot on the team. He has to work his way into the lineup again
There will be one heck of a battle for the 5 & 6 spots. An offensive defenseman is still badly needed. The Rangers have quite a number of young prospects but which one's are ready to play now?
I have trouble slotting in MDZ or Erixon early on.
Erixon- An automatic starter? Is his game currently at the NHL level? Does he need time in Hartford to adjust to the NA game? Training camp will tell.
MDZ- Yes he's young. However he went through an entire season last year and showed little. I understand taking a step back during one's sophomore year.
However, MDZ took his game down a full notch. My gut tells me there is something more going on with MDZ than just a confidence issue. I hope his problems will prove relatively easy to fix and shows last year was a fluke. He certainly has time on his side. Until I see his game return I can't slot him in as
automatic starter this coming season.
What about this Pashin? Nobody seems to mention him...Anyone got an accurate scoop on him? Is he close, is he truly a physical player? The Rangers site lists him as 6'1. Doesn't seem too big.
My gut tells me MDZ has a solid camp rebounds and makes the club, however...Glen Sather is in a position of power here. If a disgruntled player becomes available he has assets...Lots of em!
Can I just stress that Del Zotto will be 21 when the season starts. If he's in the top 6, at best he's the second youngest member of the defense. His stellar rookie season makes people forget he's not a Gilroy type of player who should be nearing his peak. The kid's young at probably the toughest position in the NHL, give him time. The team can afford to be patient, that defensive position isn't going to make or break the team winning the cup.
Can I just stress that Del Zotto will be 21 when the season starts. If he's in the top 6, at best he's the second youngest member of the defense. His stellar rookie season makes people forget he's not a Gilroy type of player who should be nearing his peak. The kid's young at probably the toughest position in the NHL, give him time. The team can afford to be patient, that defensive position isn't going to make or break the team winning the cup.
This. I'm not saying he is a lock to be a fixture moving forward (or heck, even to improve at all) but people forget just how young DZ was when he made the team in 09. I remember going into that camp some people gave him an outside shot of making the team, but most fully expected him to return to Junior (that's right, still not even eligible for the AHL at that point).
Then he came in, had a phenomenal rookie year, and a lot of fans mentally considered him as a vet, a lock, a known commodity. This year was clearly a big step back, and his flaws were made manifest and really stuck out. But I still think it would be foolish to count him out and would stress that he still has a lot of learning / growing to do.
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"Here we can see the agression of american people. They love fighting and guns. when they wont win they try to kill us all." -HalfOfFame
It would be rather presumptuous to assume Erixon will make the team...
We'll have to see if we sign any guys through UFA, as well as the status of Gilroy an any potential training camp invitees.
Having Erixon, Vtank, MDZ, as well as possible Kundratek and Pashnin as outside options is a nice pool of kids to choose from, however i'd prefer at most one of them start the year, and be paired with a savvy veteran.
This. I'm not saying he is a lock to be a fixture moving forward (or heck, even to improve at all) but people forget just how young DZ was when he made the team in 09. I remember going into that camp some people gave him an outside shot of making the team, but most fully expected him to return to Junior (that's right, still not even eligible for the AHL at that point).
Then he came in, had a phenomenal rookie year, and a lot of fans mentally considered him as a vet, a lock, a known commodity. This year was clearly a big step back, and his flaws were made manifest and really stuck out. But I still think it would be foolish to count him out and would stress that he still has a lot of learning / growing to do.
Strongly agree with this and would like to add that this organization needs offense from the blueline and he has the potential to add that. Whether he makes this team in September or not, it would be downright stupid to trade him.
I'd prefer to hold on to Del Zotto, but if we miss out on Richards and decide to go after a guy like Stasny, I'm all for DZ being a centerpiece of the deal. I don't want to trade him for a pick.
This D will be Nashville in two years (hopefully).
