I don't think this means much of anything. With Immonen in Hartford, we have an empty roster spot. Krog is a decent 4th liner/healthy scratch type. He's just a spare part.
I don't think this means much of anything. With Immonen in Hartford, we have an empty roster spot. Krog is a decent 4th liner/healthy scratch type. He's just a spare part.
As much can be said about most of the team. Damn...I feel like the Old Man in 'A Christmas Story': "They have a whole damn team full of utility infielders."
Judging by Sams blog and Maloneys comments, it seems to me the Rangers arent going to deal their top prospects, but dont trust them enough to give them time in the NHL either.
They got Krog to play center. and theyve lost all faith in Immonen (in his words for the "short-term", whatever that means)
Maloney from above link -
Quote:
“It gives us a little more depth in the middle, which is the weakest part of our organization short-term,” Maloney said. “If you look at our middle now, you have Michael (Nylander) and Cullen and Blair Betts and that’s it. It just seems like a good fit.”
Quote:
“If you think there’s going to be some major movements, it’s just not happening. I don’t think it’s going to happen anywhere. Maybe closer to the deadline. Glen’s been very active on the phones, but it’s no different than it’s been for the last three or four months,” Maloney said. “It’s very difficult to find the right fit, whether it’s a player’s contract, his age, the compensation involved. It’s very hard to make a deal.
Quote:
“It’s an ongoing conversation that we’re having every day. Glen and our hockey staff. I know there’s people who say,’why don’t they bring up eight young guys from Hartford?’ Well, our young guys are still very young, and the way our team is structured, to bring up 20- or 21-year olds and not be able to afford him enough ice time, it doesn’t make sense. It’s all part of the deal, even with someone like Jason Krog. People ask about Brandon Dubinsky. This is allows us to keep Brandon Dubinsky playing a lot at Hartford, getting his power play, his penalty kill, all those good things. He’s playing well. That’s what we constantly assess. Is it the right time?”
Sam-
Quote:
The other part to consider is Maloney said pretty much every team that the Rangers have talked to has asked about their prized prospects, which isn’t something they’re willing to part with. I know, none of that makes much of a difference if those players are never given a chance at the NHL level. But I suppose it’s better than hearing the team is willing to dump all those players at a moment’s notice.
Last edited by HockeyBasedNYC: 01-12-2007 at 02:12 PM.
What is the big deal?? So maybe he is not the answer here but what the hell. He is free as in it did not cost us a pick or prospect. If he works out sweet. If not bye bye, plus he adds some speed to well a pretty damn slow team.
I'm willing to give Krog a few games to see what he can do with this team. On paper my reaction is "meh" but I'm willing to give him some time to see if he gels with the team.
Re: Maloney's comments... there's logic in that it makes sense to have the younger players get a lot of ice time in Hartford, but part of me also wants this team to tank and trade away everybody come the deadline and go total youth the rest of the way.
An organizational reset is needed, similar to the late 80s when, *GASP* Neil Smith came in and they actually played some kids.
“It gives us a little more depth in the middle, which is the weakest part of our organization short-term,” Maloney said. “If you look at our middle now, you have Michael (Nylander) and Cullen and Blair Betts and that’s it. It just seems like a good fit.”
Funny how there is no mention of Jarkko Immonen there from Maloney. Immonen is at least as capable as Krog, if not more.
