Tomas Sandstrom

This thing was a bit complicated and multi-faceted...in a vacuum, you are correct. But consider the following: 1. Rebuild 2. Hank's a legendary Ranger...and that's an awfully long shadow, especially for a young upcoming goalie to have to deal with on a day in day out basis. 3. Media capital of the world - don't underestimate this, Shesterkin / Geo didn't need articles on a consistent basis questioning why Hank was languishing on the bench while the Rangers were struggling. Media types don't give a crap about a rebuild or what's best for the young players, not when they could get a few more eyeballs by evoking a name all Hockey, and a good amount of non-hockey fans know in a headline. 4. They probably felt Shesterkin didn't need Hank's shadow hanging over his head 5. They may have actually been high on Geo and wanted to hang onto him / let him play a fair amount to see exactly what they had before letting him go for a song. Maybe they felt there was a chance, even if small, that he would actually be a better pro than Igor? Or at least good enough to be able to trade him for something significant down the road.

You are correct, however, to play Devil's advocate... They were probably looking at it through the prism of the rebuild. Something along the lines of "as long as Hank is around, he'll always cast a long shadow over Shesterkin, Geo, and this team". Also, being the strong, proud, awesomely competitive pro athlete that he is, Deep down I don't think Hank could ever accept being the #3...and to be honest, nor should he have to. From that perspective, was best to "rip off the band aid". I'm sure Hank would tell you the same. In fact, he may even look at it like the Rangers did him a favor. Even though it did not work out, he did have a shot to win a Cup with Washington while being a contributor to that team.

It really sucks that Blais got hurt. Trade looks a lot worse right now because of it. I thought he was playing real well before the injury, and he's got the type of game that could elevate in those tight, playoff type games. I think that's a pretty big loss for this team, especially when you look at our 3rd and 4th lines...he's 100% an upgrade over some of the players Rangers have been rolling out.

Yup, especially if they added pieces like Giordano and Jarnkrok, as has been mentioned. Just looking at the Seattle roster... Any interest in Eberle? Or a reunion with Blackwell?

So, any theories on why the Rangers aren't jumping on this market and making a move yet? I literally keep expecting every day to hear news of a big trade, but so far, nothing. Especially with the recent injuries to Rooney, and Kakko before that...you'd think they would want to get some reinforcements in here sooner rather than later. I mean, let's face it, whoever they draw in Round 1, it's going to be a battle. Be it Pittsburgh or Washington or Carolina... So, given all the Cap Space and given the way this season has gone so far, what's the hold up here? Sounds like some of the sellers are ready to go, Rangers know, or should know by now, what they need...let's go already. Are they waiting for specific teams / specific targets who may not be available just yet (and may not be available at all, at least at a reasonable price)?

You are assuming they would be playing on the same line. Might not be the case. That connection may just help make the transition smoother...it's always nice when you know someone like that as you are moving from one team to another.

LOL Fair enough. Sorry, I was very busy a few weeks ago, Christmas, Family and such, didn't read much if any of that thread...excuse my ignorance. I just want these kids to blossom while they are on the Rangers. My biggest nightmare is, they get traded, then turn into superstars on other teams....knowing how it typically goes for us, Kakko nets 50 in Pittsburgh, while Laf puts up multiple 100 point seasons on the Flyers

And the Rangers Organization bares none of the blame for this? Look, the players have to take responsibility. The stats are the stats, and they don't lie. But there are a lot of factors which play into this. I'm not giving up on these guys yet, and I don't think any Rangers fan should. Disappointed, sure. But I am still hopeful that it comes together, for both the players and the team. Hopefully, the talent can overcome other factors within the organization.

LOL...yeah, but no one said the guy was smart. Look, I know one thing for sure...the Owner sets the tone for the organization. We have an absolutely terrible owner. Do I think Drury is a smart hockey guy? Absolutely yes. Do I think Gallant is a good coach? Yes. Do we have some great players? Yes. However, everything must be viewed through the prism of ownership...because if I know one thing about the New York Rangers, it's that ownership, at any moment, can make a decision and get their grubby little hands into the dough. Understand that everyone in the Rangers organization knows this...don't think decisions aren't made with the ultimate point being "well, there's a better chance I don't get bothered by him if I do this....so that's what I'll do" Even if said decision is ultimately not what's best for the long term health and wellness of the hockey team. And don't think the media in NY doesn't have an impact on decisions, either. Dysfunction at it's finest....It's amazing that any Rangers team can overcome the hurdles to actually win, much less sustain success over time. Is it really that much of a mystery why talented young guys aren't thriving within this organization?

Great thoughts...I mainly agree. I'm not smart enough to know how to get these guys going. I do know they have immense talent...you don't go 1 or 2 overall without, right? So maybe some of it is focus, maybe confidence is part of it...maybe part of it is a lack of true leadership, both within the organization (Dolan's a clown, leading a clown show of an organization) and within the locker room (6 A's, but no true C...) Gallant and his staff are not focusing on it, as they are solely focused on WIN NOW. I'll point to this stew of dysfunction and just say that it's not an optimal environment to develop as an 18/19/20 year old kid... So, when I say "Hey, their winning", and you say "Yeah, but it's a lot of smoke and mirrors and it can all come crashing down", I just think all that plays into this. In general, when I think about young talent flourishing, I think about: Organizational support, Confidence, the ability to just go out their and play without having to overly worry about other responsibilities, a nurturing, supportive coaching staff, a veteran leader in the dressing room to help guide you through the inevitable bumps in the road... I just think, the firing of JD and Gorton was a truly bad thing for this organization. The worst part, is that you just know Dolan is sitting somewhere, all smug, thinking he's a damn genius...meanwhile, if this is all going to come crashing down as this season progresses, this organization is in way worse shape now than they were in March of 2021.

I Agree...but this was what the OWNERSHIP wanted after firing JD and Gorton last year. They laid down the gauntlet and said WIN NOW. The focus is absolutely not on developing these guys. The sad thing is, then when the focus the last few years was on developing them, the guy tasked with doing it was Quinn...and I don't think that was optimal. It sucks. I was absolutely hoping for more from these guys, but part of the blame absolutely needs to be laid at the feet of the organization for how they are being handled / developed.

I absolutely think there is a direct correlation to what happened the end of last year (JD / Gorton / to a much lesser extent, Quinn, getting fired), and the way the team is playing this year. The priority 100% changed from "let's focus on developing the kids" to "WIN NOW". That has absolutely had an impact on what these guys are focusing on. There is certainly an argument to be made either way. What's the priority? Is this franchise better off being where they are right now, top of the standings....or would they have been better off with this year being more focused on developing the kids and getting them into top offensive roles?

Honestly, maybe that's exactly what is needed to get these guys going? Maybe, it's been easy...not only easy, but exactly what the coaches are asking for to this point, because the team was winning so much. Maybe, they need that formula to fail a little bit before the coaches are willing to re-evaluate a little, and ask more from these guys offensively. Sometimes, it's a mind-set thing. You get put into a certain role, and your mind-set is "OK, defense first, don't make a mistake and give the other team an easy scoring chance....oh and by the way, if the play breaks right, try to score". Sometimes, there has to be a disruption to what's been working to change the priority / mindset.

Agreed...Hopefully this thread is the kick in the pants he needs to start getting it done. Believe me, I was expecting more goals from Kakko this year as well. I'm disappointed. But I'm glad the team is winning, and I am still hopeful he can get it done. Let's F'n Go!

The other point I want to make is....it's all going to play out in time, one way or the other. I hope they step up and become superstars on Broadway. I hope they develop to the point where they can take leading offensive roles, and thrive. If not, it will be really disappointing. None of us know how much having stars like Zib, Panarin, Kreider, Fox...and to a lesser extent, a respected vet like Strome...we just don't know how much having those guys in the lead stifle the offensive production of kids like Kakko and Laf. I mean, I think the team is in better shape with the roles they are in, obviously...they are towards the top of the NHL in points. Further, can you imagine asking those players to take a backseat to allow 2nd and 3rd year players to take the leading roles? Finally, after the mandate by ownership after last season, firing JD, firing Quinn...don't you think Drury and Gallant have strict marching orders to win now and damn everything else? Including the stats of the younger players? Look, they are on the a big boy, winning NHL team. In a way, it's sort of like sink or swim the rest of the year...I think that's going to tell us a lot. I hope we see some flashes as this thing plays out, into hopefully a long playoff run.

I'm saying that the team is WINNING... Why would you mess with what's working, just so these kids can be more productive offensively? Look, I'm not saying the production is not disappointing. I'm saying that these are 18, 19, 20 year old kids. Playing on Broadway. Playing for a winning team. I just think this criticism is kinda harsh. Let me ask you this...do you NOT think they are deferring offensive responsibilities on this team to guys like Fox, Panarin, Kreider, Zib, and Strome? Do you not think they are playing more support roles? As I said, all team dynamics are different. Would love to see these guys step up and be more productive...of course I would! Seasons have ebbs and flows. I think maybe they played a certain way and focused on certain things so far this season, because it was working. Who knows what happens the rest of the year. Maybe, with this little slump, and lots of days off, things change. Maybe the Coaching staff want Kakko and Laf to take more of an offensive role moving forward...or maybe their games have grown to the point where the coaches are more willing to allow them to focus on offense more, because they trust that they will be there for their defensive responsibilities. Just like you guys, I really hope we see it. I just started reading this tread and I was a bit taken aback by how harsh some of you were being...I mean, it's not like we are in 4th place fighting to make the playoffs here. As a NYR Fan, I think we should all show these kids all the support we can...I think they need it.

You guys are harsh. First of all, the team is exceeding most, if not all, expectations. Anyone care to argue with that statement? Second of all, I GET that we all had super high expectations out of the #1 and #2 picks in back to back drafts. However, we are still talking about kids here. While I understand some players hit the NHL at 18, 19, 20, and just dominate from day 1, putting up all-star stats, most do not. Not even high picks like this. Also, teams can have different dynamics. Perhaps the way this particular team plays, the coaches have instructed these kids to focus on things other than scoring? Maybe this coaching staff feels they can score enough between Fox, Kreider, Panarin, Zib, and Strome as the primary offensive contributors? Maybe they feel it's best for the team, and for the DEVELOPMENT of these kids at the NHL Level to have them focusing primarily on other parts of their game right now, knowing that when the time comes, these guys can pick up the production? Maybe all you folks criticizing these kids are doing yourself and them a great disservice. Unless you are inside that locker room and listening to the interactions between coaches and players, maybe you should think twice about criticizing when you truly don't understand.

Krav is a victim of circumstance, more than anything else. Sort of caught in the middle of: - Rebuild - Panarin signs - Get lucky 2 years in a row with Ping Pong Balls, selecting 2 wings with those picks - Kreider re-signs - Gorton and JD are fired (don't underestimate this, as this represents a sudden and profound change of direction for the organization) - New GM, New Coach, New mandates from the owner.... So, whatever plans JD and Gorton may have had for this team in March 2021 very likely have significantly changed. Not to mention the different personalities. We've read recently about Krav and Drury butting heads a bit in exit interviews and such. Now throw a new coach into the mix, add a dash of injury in training camp, and on top of it all, look who has options to be sent down and who doesn't. To address the original question...it's a very fair one to ask. However, the problem with questions such as these are we will never know because these moves are cornerstones. Without them, do they sign another big-time free agent instead of Panarin? What do they do with the picks in the years they hit the Ping Pong Ball Jackpot? Do they make another trade instead of the one for Fox? Most likely, the resources used for those players are used another way. Then other moves made might be different due to these different cornerstone moves. So, we'll never know. But, in general, I agree with your point that beyond these 4 cornerstones, the team hasn't been very well managed.

Honestly, upset that the organization as a whole seems to be schizophrenic. On one hand, they go through this rebuild. Actually adding younger talent. Things seem to be falling nicely into place, getting some ping pong ball luck and whatnot. Then, before the rebuild is complete (we can argue all day about where in the rebuild the organization was, but I doubt many thought it was actually complete), the Owner gets impatient and fires the President, GM, and Coach; completely changing the organizational dynamic. So, is now we find ourselves here...with Krav stuck in middle of this philosophical change. Basically, a casualty of this dynamic organizational change. No longer are they prioritizing the rebuild, rather now it's about winning. And if Krav has to become a casualty, well so be it. Because we need to get revenge on Wilson and the Capitals on Wednesday night. It's super frustrating, and Krav and his camp haven't handled this well...at all. But as an organization, the Rangers should have seen this coming, or at least known it was a possibility, and tried to do something before it got to this point. Maybe they did, and they felt this was the best outcome, given the circumstances. We don't know. But as a Fan, it's super frustrating that they couldn't find a way to make this all work out, one way or another. Maybe it still will, but man this smarts, and it reeks of desperation.

I agree. I would not have done it this way. I would have stayed the course with Gorton and JD...although I was not a fan of Quinn, would have been fine with him getting the ax. However, I think the point here is that the Owner got tired of being patient, and he made it clear that the rebuild was over and it was time to....Win Now. Given what we know, that puts an entirely realistic spin on this whole Krav debacle.

Probably a little of both, but honestly, we'll never really know. Put into this light, however, makes a lot more sense out of this Krav debacle. They are putting more value in squeezing every single win out of this season than they are worrying about taking care of a valued top prospect. It's so typical Rangers...schizophrenic at their core.

The edict has come down from the Owner - Win Now. JD and Gorton were fired, in part, because they did not fully agree with this edict. They were more in the camp of let's keep this thing moving along slowly, protect our assets, add pieces as we go....if we win, that's great, but it's not the Top consideration. The message was clear when they were fired. In comes Drury and Gallant, with a clear message. Let's hope our owner is right, we make the playoffs, and make a deep run, challenging for the Cup this year. I honestly truly hope he's right, and this is the best move for the franchise. I hope this debacle involving Krav today is a small asterik on our way to much bigger and better things. Go Rangers.

You know what, this whole mess is actually Dolan's fault. Think about it.... Basically by firing Gorton and JD last year, he laid down the gauntlet of WIN NOW So, how can we blame Drury or Gallant for making decisions based on the WIN NOW edict? Basically the choice was made to put the team on the ice tomorrow night which gives them the best chance to win this game. Above all other considerations. This is the consequence of that way of thinking.

How do you know they didn't? How do you know Drury didn't literally call every other GM in the league, ask for X in a trade for Krav, and they all said No? Maybe that happened. Then, maybe, he had that conversation with Krav and his agent. They didn't believe him. They demanded he be on the top line or top 2 lines, whatever their demand was. Now, if you are Drury and the Rangers, what do you do? Maybe this is their best option at the moment. Again, maybe they have absolutely no intention of trading the kid unless and until they get the value they have place on him. Once Krav and his agent are unable to find a team in the league to trade that value, then what do they do? Rangers hold all the cards here.

Ever consider that the Rangers have absolutely no intention of Trading him? At least not unless they get X? If they get X, they will gladly trade him - Rangers win. Otherwise, Krav and his agent are left in a position where no one else in the league values him as highly as they do...hopefully that leads to an attitude adjustment. If he changes his attitude and accepts what the Rangers are telling him, maybe he still has a chance to be a long-term player on this team. But it's clearly up to him and his attitude. He has to do the heavy lifting here.