Rue De Rumeur: The New York Rangers Conundrum
Ever since he stormed into the NHL as the first overall pick, Alexis Lafreniere has been the poster boy for "Buildup To A Letdown." Lucky for Big Al GM Chris Drury has patiently avoided trading the French-Canadian who plays ball in the Summer.
But that could change soon; maybe sooner than expected.
Rookie left wing Brennan Othmann has been treating every exhibition match like it's a Game 7 of the Cup Final. B.O. is reminiscent of an A-1 Drury in mint condition. I can see canny Chris saying he's tired of waiting for Lounging Lafreniere to wake up. Trade-wise, Alexis can bring in plenty; and wouldn't he just look ginger-peachy in the blue, blanc et rouge of Les Canadiens?
Rapid's Response: No organization ever wants to have to trade a prospect, especially one taken first overall. But Lafreniere's struggles to live up to the hype don't seem like they are coming to an end, and it may be best for both sides to part ways before it's too late. The positive for the Rangers is that Kaapo Kakko, their second-round pick in 2019, has grown into a legitimate NHL player after struggling earlier in his career.
THE BRISEBOIS BOLTS BOMBSHELL:
In order to fill the gap caused by goalie Andre Vasilevskiy's 10 to 12 surgery-recovery program means the test of all tests for Julien BriseBois.
For a change, the Lightning boss will trade while bargaining from weakness. It will cost him a handful of players and a Draft pick or two in order to land a competent stopper. Then again, Julie could go very cheap and gamble on Jaro Halak, working out in Boston. With zero cap space in Tampa, the return of Vas will mean that someone will have to go. Or, as one Florida reporter puts it: Finding someone with near the ability of Vasilevskiy is near impossible." He's talking about Martin Jones, Magnus Hellberg, and Tony Stolarz, all on the BriseBois radar screen.
Rapid's Response: This is why having a strong backup/tandem is incredibly important in today's NHL. It was clear that Vasilevskiy had been overworked over the years. But now the Lightning are in a pickle with just Jonas Johansson available. Martin Jones makes sense. While unlikely, the Lightning should monitor Rangers' Jonathan Quick as Dylan Garand has been exceptional so far in training camp and preseason, despite his lack of NHL-caliber experience.
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THE SKINNY ON SKINNER:
We all know that Connor McDavid cannot play goal. What we don't yet know is whether Edmonton's Stu Skinner is good enough to be Edmonton's top banana between the pipes. We do know that Jack Campbell can not -- repeat not -- do the full-time job despite the $20 million remaining on his contract. Okay; so what if Skinner gets skinned?
Then, what does ex-NHL goalie GM Ken Holland do? Trade, of course. Kenny has to know that -- inwardly, at least -- Master McDavid is sick and tired of Holland filling nets No-Goodies. For now, at least, the onus is on Skinner; but don't bet on him; whatever you do. (Egad! Edmonton's backup for Campbell is Oliver Rodrigue.)
Rapid Response: It's actually a sin to the sport of hockey that Connor McDavid hasn't played in a Stanley Cup Finals yet, but Stuart Skinner finally may be the goalie that makes that happen. Upper management had continuously tried to cheap out, talent-wise, in between the pipes. The Jack Campbell signing hurt the team in Year 1. Anaheim's John Gibson would have been the guy for me a few years ago, but...
BENIERS HAS A BIG DEAL A COMING:
Winning the Calder Trophy not only has been an honor for Matty Beniers, but the prize also will be converted into big bucks. With his entry-level pact ending next Summer, Benie and his agent have to figure out how high his figures can grow.
According to Seattle Times' Kraken beat guy Geoff Baker, Matty's agent could either go for a two-to-three-year "bridge" contract or longer-term. If I'm GM Ron Francis, I'd want this guy around for at least five years; or more. Meanwhile, Francis has to figure out how to retain Jordan Eberle, who's in the final season of the five-year pact he originally signed with the Islanders.
Rapid's Response: Like Stan said Francis has to go with a longer-term deal if he wants to get a bargain for a player of that caliber. Eberle's been such a good fit for that team on and off the ice, so I'm sure something will get done.
FISCHING LURES:
- Any thoughts that right-wing Mats Zuccarello might be dealt (Rangers?) were deleted when Billy Guerin signed the nifty Norwegian to a new deal.
- One keen Rangers watcher believes that it once again opens the possibility of Patrick Kane wearing the Blueshirt.
- Marc-Andre-Fleury is thinking about retiring after the season. Perhaps, Julien BriseBois is thinking about Fleury right now!
- Leafs Cap issues must be relieved.
- The Athletic has Calle Jarnkrok or TJ Brodie out of Canada's Queen City. Ducks are one reported destination
- The list of possible Patrick Kane destinations has grown from Rangers to Maple Leafs to Stars and now Red Wings. Pattycake says he'll take his sweet time before deciding.
- Jets Josh Morrissey is entering the new season with an interesting motivating tool; that is, being only fifth in balloting for the Norris Trophy. With arithmetic like 16-60-76, he's got a point.
- The Sharks and Senators supposedly are talking. Ottawa GM Pierre Dorion had better produce for new ownership. His Sens didn't come close to their supposed potential last year
