Quote:
Originally Posted by eco's bones
The problem with that analysis is that Asham and Rupp have been regular game in--game out NHL players for years because they find ways to fit into roles that teams do need. No argument that Gilroy is more talented and a better skater but he's also 28 years old and hasn't established himself after 3 years knocking around 3 teams and back to the Rangers. Part of the problem is he's about as soft as it gets for a defenseman. Part of the problem is his frequency of getting caught in the gray area between attacking and defending which means he doesn't read plays well. Part of the problem is that even as gifted as a skater, passer with good offensive instincts he hasn't produced much offense. Lee Baldwin can skate and pass very well too--think is another thing. Gilroy's hockey sense has some holes.
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Like i said, imperfect players that are cheap, and can fill roles.
Rupp and Asham had been able to fill a role in the league, and then they grew older and their contracts inflated, and the CBA expired, and the cap is going to drop 10 million.
Guy who do not produce and are there to forecheck for 5 minutes ATOI, don't need to be paid the way Rupp and Asham are. And can't be if you want top line players on the top lines and if you want top four defensemen in the top four and if you want a #1 goaltender as your #1.
Cheap, adequate, and versatile players in the bottom roles of the lineup is how teams will have to operate moving forward.
Gilroy has deficiencies. But 11 SOG, 2 G, 3 Pts in 3 games.
He can be effective when used right. Dont put him with Redden and Del Zotto (like he was). Put him with Staal and let him skate the puck up the ice.
The Rangers can't afford to waste cap space on the Rupps and Ashams, 3.5 millon of it, when literally the entire roster needs new contracts within two years.
Haley (600k) can fill the role Asham (1m) does.
Bickel (750k) can fill a 4th line wing role. Rupp (1.5m).
You're paying 3.5 million for a combined 9 goals (Rupp and Asham) and for 5 minutes of ATOI forechecking.
Or you can bring in a kid from Hartford.
When the last lockout broke. We had a fourth line of Hollweg, Betts, Ortmeyer. Two of our top penalty killers. And all three could skate. And all three were dirt cheap.
No more overspending on Rupps and Ashams. Cant happen.
