Mods, shift this into another thread if you like. Wasn't sure where specifically to put this one.
I think the Rangers should re-sign both Prospal and Fedotenko if they get Richards, with Prospal playing 2nd line LW and Dubinsky on the first line. But if they feel Prospal is too big a risk because of injury concerns, one possible solution to the dilemma at LW could be to move Boyle to LW (where he would probably be a more effective player) and sign a veteran like Halpern to a cheap one or two year deal. 600-700k. Adds a calm veteran presence in the locker room, good defensively, and quite good at faceoffs.
I wouldn't mind a guy like Konopka, who some people have proposed, but I think he'll cost more. The Islanders will probably be eager to retain him, at least I think they should. He's not bad.
But in 2 years, we'll have Lindberg here. We really only need a stopgap till then.
I'm okay with the Halpern deal and Boyle to LW and signing Feds. I think Prospal's done, though. I'd much rather fill that hole with another signing or youth. Don't get me wrong, I love Vinny and what he brings, but I think it's time to let that ship sail.
Would Boyle be a good fit next to Gabby and Richards should we get him?
I am not really sure on Prospal, wouldnt be to disappointed whether he signs or not as i think he is replacable even though he did well towards the end of last season.
one possible solution to the dilemma at LW could be to move Boyle to LW
It could work for sure, and Boyle have what it takes to be a effective winger.
But I would definitely not bet the house that Boyle even would last 10 games on the wing either.
To play center you need a certain type of abilities. Like for example you need to be comfortable at moving the puck up ice from your own end. If the other team backs down and traps, you need to be able to take a pass from your D's and try to gain the redline. Stuff like that. Many wingers just do not have it in them to play at center, they have never practised on those aspects.
As a winger its different though. You do not need all that different skill set. Like mainly the battles along the boards is the big difference, but thats more like you'll win some you'll loose some no matter what. Its not a disaster either if you loose a 50/50 battle, unlike if a center coughs up the puck heading up ice.
But, it can be hard to get involved on the wing for a center. And I definitely think there is a risk for that with Boyle. Its an art to be able to get in on the forecheck fast enough for a winger. You cannot do sheit if you are a second late. Odds are that he would be a non-factor on the forecheck on many plays. And while he of course would be strong a long the boards, thats a positioning/timing issue as well. If someone gets behind you you are screwed big time. And the biggest problem he would have is of course the transition play. I doubt Boyle takes many passes from behind per season. He would not be comfortable at receiving a pass in the neutralzone skating forward from a D standing 60 feets behind him so to speak.
I really like many aspects of Boyle's game. I wouldn't rule out that he could workout on the wing. And I think he even has a tad higher potential there. And you get a line with two centers that would be good in FO situations late in games and what not. But I am certainly afraid that he would like end up a zone behind the play in the wrong type of games, and you just cannot have that.
Would Boyle be a good fit next to Gabby and Richards should we get him?
I am not really sure on Prospal, wouldnt be to disappointed whether he signs or not as i think he is replacable even though he did well towards the end of last season.
I like the idea of Boyle moving to the wing. Some people still call the guy a 4th liner howerver, he's rpoven he's got a goal scorers touch. He hits everyone...and adds both size and that physical element. Can he log top 6 minutes? Guess that's the million dollar question.
I love Prospal. He has proven himself here in NY as a veteran guy who signed for less and contributed far more than others that carried a much bigger paycheck.
But...Is Prospal top 6 material at this age? I mean, can he sustain it over a full season? And...Can he handle it come playoff time if he does play a full season? I have my doubts...If Sather brings him bacl. 1mil, 1 more season. Play him on the wing on the 3rd or 4th line.
I'd be OK with addition of Halpern and moving Boyle to the wing but a top line winger with Gaborik and possibly Richards? Come on now. I think he'd do OK with someone like Stepan and Zucca on 3rd line.
I'd be OK with addition of Halpern and moving Boyle to the wing but a top line winger with Gaborik and possibly Richards? Come on now. I think he'd do OK with someone like Stepan and Zucca on 3rd line.
It's not always about putting all of your best players together. It's about balance. Richards and Gaborik are skilled players that aren't great along the boards. They need that presence on the other wing to win the puck battles and create space. Boyle would be just fine there.
You can't put Boyle with Gabs and BR (if signed), because he has ZERO playmaking ability. All he possesses is a bid body and good shot. You need a LW on that line that has some creativity and won't throw off the incredible amount of skill that is going on. Gagne is the type of player that would be a good fit there, but he will be too expensive to sign.
BTW- there is some logic to putting a guy like that in front of the net and having him bat home rebounds, but I am 99.9% sure that Torts does not want Brian Boyle playing that many minutes a game. He will never be more than a 3rd line guy.
You can't put Boyle with Gabs and BR (if signed), because he has ZERO playmaking ability. All he possesses is a bid body and good shot. You need a LW on that line that has some creativity and won't throw off the incredible amount of skill that is going on. Gagne is the type of player that would be a good fit there, but he will be too expensive to sign.
BTW- there is some logic to putting a guy like that in front of the net and having him bat home rebounds, but I am 99.9% sure that Torts does not want Brian Boyle playing that many minutes a game. He will never be more than a 3rd line guy.
So having one of the best play makers in the league on the line isn't enough play making ability? Holmstrom looks fine with Datsyuk and Zetterberg. Knuble was just fine with Backstrom and Ovechkin. I'm not really sure what "throw off the incredible amount of skill" even means.
It's not always about putting all of your best players together. It's about balance. Richards and Gaborik are skilled players that aren't great along the boards. They need that presence on the other wing to win the puck battles and create space. Boyle would be just fine there.
I'd rather see Dubinsky there. He's shown the ability to complement skilled players in the past, and, on the current roster, I think he's the best fit. Unlike others, I'm not that concerned about breaking up the pack line. IMO, Stepan has surpassed AA as the 2nd line center, simply because he's the better offensive player, so I can see a 2nd line built around Stepan. If anything, I'd put Boyle with AA and Callahan for a true 3rd line/checking line.
i think shifting boyle to LW is something we should definitely explore, especially if he gets himself a nice raise, you don't want him buried on the 4th line...it would mean splitting up the pack line but the thought i have in my head is that boyle-anisimov-callahan could potentially be a pretty solid two-way checking line.
but determine that its best to leave boyle at center with prust...but something i'd look at and it gives us some flexibility.
that said if we do shift him to wing, the guy i'd want to target is konopka (who i heard the isles aren't going to sign but not 100% sure on that). i like the toughness he adds to help take some of the load off prust...plus he is good on faceoffs (57.7%) which we need help with. halpern is great on faceoffs too (56.9) but doesn't really bring the toughness.
also if we move boyle to LW, i think that would make the plan to roll mainly 3 lines with the 4th line mixed in instead of rolling 4 lines...as a result you could use that 4th line for some 'specialist'. a shootout guy? someone that kills penalties, etc??
Meh, if we want Halpern, promote someone from the Whale. Let Hagelin center the 4th line for now. Use the 4th line to break in kids, not resuscitate the careers of guys like Halpern.
Meh, if we want Halpern, promote someone from the Whale. Let Hagelin center the 4th line for now. Use the 4th line to break in kids, not resuscitate the careers of guys like Halpern.
its a valid argument to play kids there especially when we don't really have cap space to be wasting on 4th liners (hagelin is a lw though). although i don't think its always an either/or scenario. bring in a veteran if its the right veteran doesn't have to mean its at the expense or determent to a kid...
what if for example you bring in a veteran center like halpern and put hagelin on his wing, then during the year hagelin becomes a better player because he has a veteran center to take him under his wings...there can be positive sides to sprinkling in a few vets
I like the idea of Boyle moving to the wing. Some people still call the guy a 4th liner howerver, he's rpoven he's got a goal scorers touch. He hits everyone...and adds both size and that physical element. Can he log top 6 minutes? Guess that's the million dollar question.
We know he can log top 9 minutes, averaged over 15 min of ice last season.
Meh, if we want Halpern, promote someone from the Whale. Let Hagelin center the 4th line for now. Use the 4th line to break in kids, not resuscitate the careers of guys like Halpern.
But just to plug a guy from hartford in even the 4th line role, there is going to be a learning curve/probationary period before they earn the spot for real. For the right price, as someone already said, you have a proven NHL vet with experience who plays a responsible game.
I'd be much more inclined to give a shot to Lindberg after he gets his feet wet in the AHL, as he has the experience of playing in the SEL, plays a responsible 2-way, and is a ace on faceoffs (eff Konopka).
Point being however, it'll be at least another year before any of our prospects at center in the system will be ready. I just don't see enough experience at the pro level, if any, to give any of them the responsibility of even 4th line minutes.
Halpern for the right price (and I mean the right price) for no more than two years is something I would go for.
Meh, if we want Halpern, promote someone from the Whale. Let Hagelin center the 4th line for now. Use the 4th line to break in kids, not resuscitate the careers of guys like Halpern.
I'd rather have a kid get more time than Torts gives his 4th line.
What I find amusing is...if I suggest bringing in someone like Eric Boulton, I get crucified, but the same guy(s) will suggest bringing in Jeff ****ing Halpern, which is a complete joke in itself.
What I find amusing is...if I suggest bringing in someone like Eric Boulton, I get crucified, but the same guy(s) will suggest bringing in Jeff ****ing Halpern, which is a complete joke in itself.
"Jeff ****ing Halpern" is a valuable bottom-6 centerman that is excellent on faceoffs and can kill penalties.
