That being said, there is work to do in his game with faceoffs and in the defensive zone. However, just look at his roster the previous 2 years where he had over 60 points. The roster completely sucks. He had 43 points and 48 points at even strength the previous two years to this one. In case you haven't noticed, this team sucks moose dong at even strength offensively. I would not be so quick to dismiss Zegras based on a bunch of jackasses that probably play with a superior supporting cast. If you put Zibanejad or Trochek on the Ducks, there offensive production would drop like a rock and I'm sure the rest of their game would decline as well.
I think the presumption that teams get worse offensively on bad teams is not linear, though I think there is a stronger correlation between defensive play, and perhaps bad habits on worse teams. Good teams are ones that can play both ends of the ice - and obviously need above average goaltending.
So I don't accept that Zibanejad and Trocheck necessarily are going to immediately bad on the lowly Ducks, any more than I believe Zegras would automatically be better on the Rangers.
The reason I think he's overrated is because he's strong offensively, but has yet to demonstrate much at the other end of the ice (or when he's playing center - in the faceoff circle). He's more like Panarin than say Zibanejad.
Could he clean up that side of the game, maybe...but that will require maturity and that as we've seen can be hard to predict.
As for what the Rangers need, they could certainly use 5v5 creativity...no doubts there, but they also have a significant challenge defending against the rush...wish a 5-man job. As we've seen with the Trocheck line, while they're the top offensive driving line for the team, they're also one of the worst defending against the rush. Adding Zegras would just make that worse IMO...in a more expansive way than what adding Kane did last year.
If we were talking replacing Panarin with Zegras, then maybe that would make more sense (Zegras is 10 years younger, and has 2 more years after this at $5.7M), but that's almost certainly not happening.
So for me, Zegras is the wrong type of player for the team as constructed. If he is on track to achieve as much as Panarin is, then you have to wonder why he'd be available in the first place...especially for a team that isn't very good, it's not like they have Cap issues, nor anywhere near the UFA threshhold.
He's overrated because people tend to overrate offense, and overlook the other parts of his game, which is also a weak area for the Rangers right now.
I'd rather Drury spend assets to find other types of players...unless they magically figure out a way to move Panarin, which would only make sense in the offseason.
Ottawa thought the same thing about Zibanejad. Overrated. Inconsistent.
Sounds about right. I'd add Overpaid.
Other than the Ranger window is this year and next. I get the optimism in Zegras. But think the Rangers need something big here, starting with Lindgren one of the only tradeable guys with some value in a package, which would have to include Kakko and Jones for a Parayko off St. Louis or a Chychrun off Ottawa type dman. The Rangers need a upgrade in the top two, and he has to have size and use it. Fox needs some beef playing next to him. Although I hope like hell Drury is smart enough to circle grit and size as neccessary for any player coming in, including a top right wing. And then a couple bottom 6 moves same money for same money just different types. More nasty competitors. I still hope after watching Edstrom he can find his way to New York and be a asset by playoffs. Othmann also wouldn't be the first callup to join a NHL team and make a impact in the playoffs, and might even be front and center in Ranger plans. Especially if Kakko gets traded. Then this summer they might have to go deeper and a guy like Kreider has to be moved. Bottom line any move at the deadline has to be useable next year except the fourth liners who are readily available for minimum contracts.
The Rangers suck at drafting centers, so they have to roll the dice. No team is going to trade a young center they are confident will be either a number one or number two. If you think so you’re on fucking drugs. Zegras is well worth a risk. I would prefer Cozens but I don’t think Buffalo is going to do that.
Corey Perry making a impact in Edmonton. What a great pickup by the Oilers. Reportedly Drury was in on him but missed. Rangers could have used him for the stretch run. Would have saved trading assets for a incoming player that won't have a tenth of the attributes Perry would have brought.
Buffalo is said to have interest in Kakko.
If they need me to bleed, then I'll bleed for my team
Perry is a douchebag and he's a relic. No interest in him. He's exactly what we don't need. What we need to do is build a young, 4th line. Edstrom is a start. He's also made no impact there. They are 3-2, in his 5 games there. He's had 1 point and they lost to the two best teams they played in those 5 games.
They should do the right thing and trade Jones who clearly can play in the NHL. They are wasting his career here. I'm guessing they are looking to package Goodrow and Jones for a third line center.
The Rangers don’t need a young fourth line, they need a fourth line that helps them win. Perry would do that, and still plenty of room for Edström to. The Rangers are probably going to have to move Goodrow because of cap room potentially needed to beef up Rw and defence. The only other moveable guy that gives some cap room is Lindgren if Drury wants a different look on D.
Trading Kakko is a little soon. He seems to just be finally entering manhood an important part of being a nhl’er. See how he finishes this season. So much skill there to give up to soon and regret it for the next ten years. Also the name I keep hearing is one Pavel Buchnevich, who would be a fabulous pickup. But at what cost? Drury does have familiarity with deadline deals with St. Louis.
I'm sure they are trying, though disagree with your second point.They should do the right thing and trade Jones who clearly can play in the NHL.
With Wheeler going down for what appears to be a season ending (possibly career ending) injury, does the focus now shift to RW?
With Brodzinski doing well as 3C, I don't want to break up that line. They have chemistry, leave it alone. I wouldn't mind seeing Vesey getting more minutes on the first line, call up Rempe to have the twin towers on the 4th line, just for a little while. But we will need more depth for the playoffs and probably should target a top RW. I don't think Othmann is ready.
With Wheeler going down for what appears to be a season ending (possibly career ending) injury, does the focus now shift to RW?
With Brodzinski doing well as 3C, I don't want to break up that line. They have chemistry, leave it alone. I wouldn't mind seeing Vesey getting more minutes on the first line, call up Rempe to have the twin towers on the 4th line, just for a little while. But we will need more depth for the playoffs and probably should target a top RW. I don't think Othmann is ready.
I also like the third line chemistry, and unless it goes south before the deadline I agree leave it alone. At this point it’s Vesey’s ball to run with Zib just don’t drop it. Being as good as wheeler is not a very high bar for Vesey to reach. IMO Vesey has always been a top six bottom six tweener and just needs the right fit to be top six. I think he will be ok as long as he doesn’t forget what got him there. One more tweener that can play Center or wing with sand, bite and grit is the cheapest add, allowing Vesey, the new guy, Othmann and even Kakko if need be to play with Kreider and Zibanejad. And like u say I like the Remke add and looking forward to Belzile to see what kind of fourth line job he can do. Whoever the new fourth line player is learn from what Pitlick failed to do. And that’s have zero impact in every game he played. The guy was just there accomplishing nothing. You want to play on the fourth line, get noticed by, running over opposing players every chance you get, finish every check, skate your bag off, be responsible defensively and go to the opposing net angry and hard every time.
Need a top 6 RW who can grind and finish. I'll take a veteran with playoff experience and skills. Not easy to come by but there are a couple of options.
And let's not be fooled by guys who play a couple of good games against some depleted scrub teams.... We need guys who can perform against the proven gritty teams llke Dallas and Florida.
If they need me to bleed, then I'll bleed for my team
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