Buy or Sell: Tough Decision Looms for Sather
After last night’s victory (HIGGINS!), the Rangers sit seventh in the conference with 45 points (20-17-5), and a plethora of teams that are very, very close in that rear view mirror. With just three days in between the end of the Olympic roster freeze and the trade deadline, it is very likely that we will see a few trades occur before the Olympcs in Vancouver. GM Glen Sather has a very tough decision that he has to face; are the Rangers good enough that adding a few extra pieces can increase their chances of advancing in the playoffs?
For four years, we have seen Ranger teams fair no better than one-and-done, sometimes even none-and-done. Sacrificing youth and picks just to get the team to the playoffs is not going to cut it this time around. We expect the Rangers to advance in the playoffs, or build towards a team that will advance through the playoffs.
What exactly is the sign of a team that is ready to make a big push to not only solidify a spot in the post-season, but win a couple of rounds as well? Would another seven-game win streak do it? Maybe. Personally, I think a consistently strong performance over the next month means more than a poorly played win streak. Despite the fact that the Rangers are 6-1-2 over the past nine games, that Philly clunker really sticks out in everyone’s minds, especially when you see that of those six wins, only one was against current playoff teams (Boston). The Rangers are simply making the best out of a stretch of games that they needed to dominate. The next four games (Dallas, Atlanta, Boston, NJ) are the games that will really show if the Rangers belong in the playoffs.
Should the Rangers win convincingly –meaning they play a solid, two-way, consistent game– during that four game streak, they I think most of us will be OK with selling off some non-essential youth to try and fill a hole. Should they play like they did against Philly, then we should expect Rangers brass to sell off some contracts and get a few extra draft picks for what is looking like a strong draft. There will be takers for Chris Higgins and Vinny Prospal, and maybe some takers for some of the “tough guys” as well.
The worst thing the Rangers can do is continue with the inconsistent play that has plagued this team from the start. It will not help Slats make the necessary decisions he needs to make to make this team better, either for the current or the future.
By dbmaven, January 5, 2010 @ 12:13 pm
“Inconsistent play” should be a clear and unmistakable sign that they should be selling, not buying.
I don’t agree with shopping Prospal – he’s had great chemistry with Gaborik, knows the Tortorella system, and has stood out as a leader both on-ice and in the dressing room (witnessed by his “A”). He can be had for next year for little more than his current 1 year deal (if they give him 2.5mm that would roughly get him back to the deal he had in Tampa, including the fact that they’re paying his buyout @ 1.2mm).
Any nibbles on Redden (not likely) and Rozsival (slight chance) should be seized with reckless abandon.
Regardless of what happens – they need to clear cap before July 1. The question becomes “How do they do that?”
By Dave, January 5, 2010 @ 12:38 pm
When selling, the Rangers need to get what they can, and Prospal (only signed for this year) can fetch a lot in return. He’s probably their most tradeable asset. With the year he’s having, he’s going to command at least $3 million in free agency.
I think they are going to buy out Rozsival, I really do.
Jordan Reply:
January 5th, 2010 at 4:05 pm
I am hoping your prediction streak continues.
Dave Reply:
January 5th, 2010 at 5:31 pm
I wrote a post on it a while ago, it just makes sense from a financial point of view.
Dave Reply:
January 5th, 2010 at 5:37 pm
http://www.blueseatblogs.com/2009/12/03/buying-out-michal-rozsival/
By Pete, January 5, 2010 @ 7:17 pm
why buy out roszival instead of waiving him. you are paying him either way and if you waive him there is no cap hit thus actually saving cap room