Looking At The Michael Del Zotto Rumors

When news broke that the Rangers inquired about Fedor Tyutin, the rumor mill became very active. Now that news has broken that the Columbus Blue Jackets inquired about Michael Del Zotto, the rumor-mongering exploded. But let’s take a step back for a moment. Both inquiries came when the respective player was a healthy scratch from the lineup. Nothing (that we know of) came from these inquiries. It’s a safe assumption that these inquiries were just tire kicking, and general managers doing their jobs.

But let’s look at the theoretical MDZ trade. First, analyzing what exactly MDZ brings to a lineup. He is a young puck moving defenseman who had a very productive rookie season. Although he is struggling offensively this year, especially on the power play, his defense has been a huge improvement from his -20 rating last season. He has seen his share of criticism this year, with only some of it –the healthy scratch with homework–earned. The fans are unfairly giving him the Tom Poti treatment, which is utterly ridiculous. However, despite that, he is excelling at the defensive portion of his position, and considering he is a defenseman, that’s probably the best route to take. The offense will come, especially considering his skill, once he works out the kinks in his game and gets more adjusted to the defensive aspect of his position.

It would take an awful lot to pry MDZ from the Rangers’ grasp, and probably a severe overpayment. If he were to be traded to Columbus, there are likely a few players that are marked as “untouchable”, such as Derek Brassard and Rick Nash. It is likely that Tyutin would be one of the people coming back. But Tyutin is just a start in a package that would land MDZ in Columbus. Tyutin, as we know, is a left-handed defenseman who plays a physical game. He has been playing in some very defensive systems with Tom Renney and Ken Hitchcock throughout the years, but has been struggling in new head coach Scott Arniel’s system. So much so that he has been a healthy scratch for a few games this year.

Read more after the jump

Rumor Roundup: Richards, Tyutin

One of the things I love about hockey is the business behind the game, and the management of an organization. So when these rumors come out, I generally read them, and wonder if they actually make some sort of logical sense from a Rangers standpoint. There are two main rumors we have been hearing about lately. The first is an oldie, one that dates back at least two years in Brad Richards. The other one is relatively new one which stems from a Larry Brooks article which looks to be taken completely out of context by many around the interweb.

Starting with the new Tyutin rumor, because it’s fun to talk about the new one, Brooks states that the Rangers may have some interest:

The Rangers may have interest in re-acquiring Tyutin, a left-hand shot (who played the right side) with one more year at $2,843,750 remaining on his contract.

There is some logic here, in that the Rangers need a lefty defenseman on the third pairing. Columbus also has five lefty defensemen, Tyutin included, and just two righties. So from that standpoint, it makes sense for both teams to begin talking. But unfortunately, that is where the logic ends. Tyutin has been a healthy scratch from the Blue Jackets blue line for a few games this year, a blue line that really isn’t all that formidable after Rostislav Klesla and Marc Methot. Mike Commodore is struggling, and Jan Hejda is Jan Hejda. So if Tyutin can’t crack that lineup, why would he crack the Rangers lineup? Sure, I’d swap Steve Eminger (and his 0.2 GVT) for Fedor Tyutin (and his 0.5 GVT), maybe throw in a spare forward (not Alex Frolov, who seems to be playing better), but that’s as far as I’d go. Tyutin has the GVT edge, but Eminger has the hits and blocks edge (and by a significant margin too). However, considering the chemistry of this team, and the fact that Eminger is a blue-collar guy, does it make sense to give him up for someone who may not mesh with the club? There’s (minimal) logic for a deal like this, so let’s toss this in the “kicking the tires” category.

Back to this Brad Richards rumor, which has been the subject of many of my Twitter rants, this one makes tons of sense for the Rangers from a “win-now” perspective. If the Rangers are going to compete this season, they need a top line center, and Brad Richards is just that. However, looking at this from a Dallas perspective, unless the package blows them away, why would they trade him when they are in the thick of the Western Conference playoff picture? He is their leading scorer, one of their leaders, and plays a significant role on their team. They are hurting financially, but playoff ticket sales trump that of savings from dumping Richards (which isn’t much, because they will need to take some salary back).

Looking at what it would cost to acquire Richards, I think it’s best comparable to the Marian Hossa and Ilya Kovalchuk deals as a start. Remember, Dallas isn’t looking to deal him right now since they are winning. The general package for Hossa/Kovalchuk was a young roster player, a top prospect, a first round draft pick, and some salary pieces here and there to make it work. From the Rangers perspective, you’re starting with a package of Artem Anisimov/Michael Del Zotto, Evgeny Grachev/Ryan McDonagh, a first round pick, and probably some combination of Matt Gilroy, Erik Christensen, and maybe another piece (for salary purposes) for Richards plus a few spare parts to round out the dollar figures.

But let’s remember that Dallas isn’t looking to deal Richards while in the middle of a playoff hunt unless they get players back that help right away. So that probably means adding one of Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan Callahan, Marc Staal, or Dan Girardi to the deal, with the pieces coming back from Dallas being slightly more valuable. Of course, that’s a significant overpayment for someone who is going to be a free agent at the end of the year.

These rumors are exactly what they are: rumors. The Richards deal, although it makes sense short term, is not consistent with the Rangers moves of the past five years (post-lockout). Big trades that sacrifice core youth have not been Glen Sather’s style recently. If I had to pick a rumor to believe from this, I would believe the Tyutin rumor because it’s more in tune with Sather’s specialty of late: low risk deals that address a need without sacrificing core youth. I don’t think Tyutin is the answer, but I’m not the general manager either.

Top Draft Picks of The Decade

Yeah, yeah, I know. The decade ended already. We’re in a new one. But, better late than never, right? I’ve seen a lot of these, and wanted to throw in my two cents. Here are the Rangers top 10 draft picks of the decade (Note: I considered time played with the Rangers. Marek Zidlicky was a great pick, but he never suited up. So he’s not on the list.)

10. Lauri Korpikoski

The “Korpedo” was the 19th overall pick in the 2004 draft. In his one full season on Broadway, Korpikoski established himself as a nice defensive forward with some offensive skills. He was later traded for Enver Lisin. He was 6-8-14 last year. I’m kind of disappointed the Rangers gave up on him so early. While Lisin clearly has some great offensive skills, the “Korpedo”could’ve been another Ryan Callahan type.

9. Bobby Sanguinetti

He hasn’t played much in the NHL, but he clearly has a lot of talent. He has offensive skills, and is improving defensively. He’s playing well in Hartford, but still needs time in the AHL. You’ll see a lot of him next year.

8. Fedor Tyutin

Fedor Tyutin was a stalwart on the blueline for the first couple years of the Rangers resurgence. Big, strong, composed, he had a bright future ahead of him. Still does. Only it will be in Columbus. Tyutin was part of the Nik Zherdev deal. Again, I’m disappointed that they gave up on him. We could’ve used him now.

7. Artem Anisimov

Still only a rookie, Anisimov  is showing flashes of offensive brilliance, with an improving defensive sense. So far, he is 7-8-15, and he seems to improve every game. We know he can score; he scored 37 goals in Hartford last year. I think he has star potential. He’s 6-4 and has room to put some weight on his frame.

6. Brandon Dubinsky

Dubinsky is starting to live up his potential, as he’s getting first line duty with Marian Gaborik. Selected in the 2nd round of the 2004 draft, Dubinsky is a talented forward. Score, hit. He can do it all. He has the potential to be a big time player.

5. Petr Prucha

One of the surprises coming out of the lockout, Prucha posted 30 goals in his rookie year. Of course, he fell into the doghouse after that, and saw his goal totals dip, before being shipped off to Phoenix. A fan favorite, Prucha really got the short end of the stick. Once Jagr left, he wasn’t getting the same chances. Making this pick even better was that it was in the 8th round of the 2002 draft. A steal, to say the least.

4. Michael Del Zotto

Taken in the first round of the 2008 draft, MDZ surprised some by making the team this year. He quickly took the lead on the power play, and has been one of the best rookies in the NHL. He has Leetch-like skill. Great vision, unbelievable passing, and a good shot. He’s a keeper, that’s for sure.

3. Ryan Callahan

Taken in the 4th round of the 2004 draft, Callahan’s rise has been breathtaking. He’s an energy winger, who works hard, but it pays off as he scored 22 goals last year. A great penalty killer, and he loves to hit. He is the alternate captain of the Rangers, and was named to the US Olympic team. He’s a future captain.

2. Marc Staal

Another first round pick, Marc Staal is quickly becoming a shut down defenseman. His offensive skills are still a work of progress, but he is always paired against opposing teams best players. He is one of the best young players in the league, and will anchor the Rangers blueline for a long time.

1. Henrik Lundqvist

Some may say this was the best pick of the decade for the entire NHL. He was taken in the 7th round of the 2000 draft. He wasn’t even the first goalie the Rangers took. They took Brandon Snee in the 5th  round. Who is Brandon Snee? Exactly. Lundqvist is one of the best goalies in the league. He led Sweden to a gold medal. He has been nominated for the Vezina trophy multiple times. He is the key to the Rangers success. What a draft pick.

There are others who didn’t make this list. I didn’t include promising youngsters such as Chris Krieder, Derek Stepan, Ryan Borque, or Evegeny Grachev. They haven’t played a game yet in the NHL. Alexei Cherepanov would be on this list somewhere, if not for his tragic death. But, in the last part of the decade ,the Rangers have done a great job of drafting. Some really promising players in the system. I can’t wait.