I just got home from work so can someone give me a recap on what has happened? Now we are in on Keith Yandle? Why? Rick Nash possibly to ottawa? Howsons demands of 2 of Lucic,Seguin,Hamilton ++. What has this world come to? I really hope the Rangers have moved past the Rick Nash infatuation unless Howson enters rehab.
When do the excuses stop? You're telling me he didn't show up because he can not sustain a full season physically? He's not had 2 seasons on conditioning under Torts? That should not be an excuse, period. If you're limiting the sample size, for example to the last series of the season, when the Rangers had played the maximum amount of games possible and were all fatigued, I would accept that argument. But we're not. I'm talking about the last 40 games, including playoffs.
As for stepping up in big moments? He hasn't. Name me 3 moments he rose up in a deciding game and was clutch during these playoffs. I don't think there was 1 against the Devils or Senators. There might have been a game against the Capitals, but even there I'm uncertain.
He was great during the first half of the season. He has undeniable talent. Don't get me wrong. But he is not untouchable.
Look, I think you're using a small sample size period with this kid. If you remember, Steps was a 2nd round draft pick due to his size and skating. Otherwise he would have been a lottery pick. He filled out a bit and his skating is okay. So, he's not without faults.
That said, what most experts missed with him is how well he thinks the game and sees the ice. It's helped him overcome all of his deficiencies to get to this level. Did he tail off at the end of the year in both of his two seasons? I would agree with and say yes. But considering that, he STILL finished 7th in scoring on the team. Not earth-shattering, but also not bad for a 22 year old who was playing with wings who are 3rd line skill-level minus the shifts he played with Kreids.
I think you have to be really careful about underestimating the ceiling of a kid who thinks the game and sees the game as well as he does. If he's 24 or 25 and seems to have stagnated in his physical development and he's just not getting it done when the games get tougher, then I'd be more willing to move him in the right deal. He may not be untouchable, but he's not far off from being untouchable as there are few moves with him in it that truly make sense.
Aaron Portzline @Aportzline
Spoke to #CBJ GM Scott Howson about an hour ago. Said nothing changed w regard to possible Rick Nash trade. #elephantgestation #chillmaryhoy
Look, I think you're using a small sample size period with this kid. If you remember, Steps was a 2nd round draft pick due to his size and skating. Otherwise he would have been a lottery pick. He filled out a bit and his skating is okay. So, he's not without faults.
That said, what most experts missed with him is how well he thinks the game and sees the ice. It's helped him overcome all of his deficiencies to get to this level. Did he tail off at the end of the year in both of his two seasons? I would agree with and say yes. But considering that, he STILL finished 7th in scoring on the team. Not earth-shattering, but also not bad for a 22 year old who was playing with wings who are 3rd line skill-level minus the shifts he played with Kreids.
I think you have to be really careful about underestimating the ceiling of a kid who thinks the game and sees the game as well as he does. If he's 24 or 25 and seems to have stagnated in his physical development and he's just not getting it done when the games get tougher, then I'd be more willing to move him in the right deal. He may not be untouchable, but he's not far off from being untouchable as there are few moves with him in it that truly make sense.
2 years is a small sample size? I'm not questioning his talents or ceiling. He's incredibly talented. I'm questioning where he goes at the end of the season when the team needs him the most.
If there is ANY truth to this rumor and the organization strikes out on some of the bigger guys like Nash (do not want anyway), Ryan (would cost a lot including, probably Step), I would love to go out and get Stalberg. I feel like he'd be an ideal fit on our third line and wouldn't come too expensive. He is a 15-20 goal secondary scorer that would give us a solid scoring boost to the Bottom 6, but I don't know what it would take? He had a career year last year in Chicago playing with some good players, so I don't know how high is value is. Maybe a 2nd and a solid prospect could get it done? Maybe for our 1st straight up? Stalberg is only 26 and had 40 + points last year, so he'd be just entering his prime. I'm not good on gauging value here.
Insert Stalberg and you get when everybody's back and fully healthy:
Hagelin/Richards/Gaborik
Cally/Step/Kreider
Artie/Doobie/Stalberg
Rupp/Boyle/Prust (Resigned)
Extra
McDonagh/Girardi
Staal/Del Zotto
Erixon (Hopefully)/Stralman
(Bickel/Eminger, whoever they'd be more comfortable bringing back)
Hank
Biron
Allows everybody to continue to develop and it doesn't break the bank for anybody without giving up our best assets. I'm a big fan of Stalberg, so I can't say what the rest of the board would think.
You are trading MDZ who is what? 21? 22? ... or younger assets...? This site is starting to seep into your brain ;-)
Probably! Just meant draft picks/legit prospects who have significant upside. If necessary, you can trade those down the road for immediate help.
It's becoming apparent that Howson is an either an idiot, living in a fantasy world or completely clueless. I don't blame him for asking for a king's ransom, but at some point you have to get a grip on reality and deal with the cards you're dealt with and go from there. Either he is this stupid/stubborn, or he is getting really bad advice. I believe former Ranger and Penguin GM Craig Patrick works for the Blue Jackets as a consultant/adviser. Trying to fix years of hockey management mistakes with one trade is delusional at best and idiotic at worst.
wonder if the pens would give up Malkin and Staal for Nash?
