With the recent flurry of success in Ranger land, optimism reigns supreme. Prevailing winds of discussion are predominantly leaning towards Keith Yandle. Brought to the Rangers at enormous expense late last season, mysteriously miscast by a Coach who has often shown little tolerance for certain players mistakes, all the while overlooking certain others. See J.T. Miller prior to his recent golden play, and then Dan Girardi, Marc Staal, who more often look like Lou and Bud defending, than the former stalwarts long time Ranger supporters remember. Forced to finally use Yandle in the role he was brought here for, seeing the good results albiet with a miscue or two, leaves one wondering where Coach Vigneault’s head is at sometimes. To have over played Boyle on the starting power play all season while using Yandle for power play mop up duties has caused the trade acquiring him, to fester in many a fans craw.
Now the Rangers and Mr. Jeff Gorton have a conundrum on their hands. What to do with Mr. Yandle. Do they keep him for a playoff run that looks questionable, unless Mr. Gorton acquires some forward help, and a depth defenseman assuming McDonagh returns to his recent level of play. And then watch Yandle ride off on a 6 or 7 year $7.500,000 per season free agent contract July 1st, all the while mournfully looking at Giradi and Staal’s cap hits.
Another angle of the conundrum is this team is built for now, there are no guarantees in hockey other than everybody is another year older next season. Lundqvists advancing years shrink the window of opportunity every day. Its difficult to forsee a better Rangers defense next season without Yandle if he walks July 1st. In that line of thought this season has more opportunity than next season, then minus Yandle and Boyle who has capably filled third pair minutes. The problems with keeping Yandle are twofold, one is he is Gorton’s best trade chip, in theory replacing himself with a lessor player and acquiring a asset or two to help restock a depleted prospect pool. Two is until McDonagh gets back to form, Yandle is the go to defenseman on the Rangers, vitally needed by a team still not assured of a playoff spot.
Unless Gorton gets a generous offer requiring a immediate answer, it will be a question answered closer to the trade deadline, and after a decision is made to ante up or fold.
PIT
PHI