Kaapo Kakko Stinks

[Phil]

10 minutes ago, Tomas Sandstrom said:

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.

 

The team is winning, and specific players — ones critical to their future success — are failing to make the kind of impact required to ensure said future success. They're getting by, for now, largely due to superior goaltending and an elite power play, but both of those things are fickle, and subject to change at the drop of a dime (not to mention injury or a positive Covid test).

 

I'm not asking to mess with what's working, I'm asking Kakko, specifically, to get it in gear so that their negative 5v5 goal differential improves. Because that's what he was drafted to do — score. Not play solid defense. That's what Jesper Fast's are for, who are taken in the sixth round, not second overall.

 

I'm asking that Kakko, specifically, contribute more because he's outside the bounds of "deferred offensive responsibility." He plays on the team's top line opposite it's highest-scoring center, and leading goal-scorer. They simply can't afford a passenger like this when the other players, who are also struggling at evens, are making up for it on the power play.

 

I'm asking that a third-year, second overall pick show some glimpse of the offensive talent that saw him taken there in the first place, because his ELC window is rapidly closing, and the team needs him to find the back of the net more than once every ten games.

 

Maybe I was too harsh, sure, but cut away the edges from my argument and my point still stands: he's nowhere near good enough.

[Tomas Sandstrom]

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.

[Phil]

24 minutes ago, The Dude said:

Dude says "prospects aren't doing well and are an issue with their lack of production.  

 

Boards respond with:

 

Phil's says "all the prospects fucking suck"

 

Boards respond with

 

Bunch of no good....

Grrrr. Jerks

 

 

 

 

[Tomas Sandstrom]

3 minutes ago, Phil said:

 

The team is winning, and specific players — ones critical to their future success — are failing to make the kind of impact required to ensure said future success. They're getting by, for now, largely due to superior goaltending and an elite power play, but both of those things are fickle, and subject to change at the drop of a dime (not to mention injury or a positive Covid test).

 

I'm not asking to mess with what's working, I'm asking Kakko, specifically, to get it in gear so that their negative 5v5 goal differential improves. Because that's what he was drafted to do — score. Not play solid defense. That's what Jesper Fast's are for, who are taken in the sixth round, not second overall.

 

I'm asking that Kakko, specifically, contribute more because he's outside the bounds of "deferred offensive responsibility." He plays on the team's top line opposite it's highest-scoring center, and leading goal-scorer. They simply can't afford a passenger like this when the other players, who are also struggling at evens, are making up for it on the power play.

 

I'm asking that a third-year, second overall pick show some glimpse of the offensive talent that saw him taken there in the first place, because his ELC window is rapidly closing, and the team needs him to find the back of the net more than once every ten games.

 

Maybe I was too harsh, sure, but cut away the edges from my argument and my point still stands: he's nowhere near good enough.

 

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!

[Scott]

let's not forget Chytil still sucks too.  He often gets overlooked because he's done it longer and is better at it. He's a proven vet at this point.  I know it's a lack of PP time and the fact he plays with stiffs and should be in the top 6??  

 

It would be truly light years better if they got contributions from these three. Instead of burning through the best years of Zib, Kreider, Panarin etc.  There's too many passengers, it's truly amazing they are where they are in the standings for now.  If the small handful of guys aren't rolling and Igor isn't at the top of his game this team is going to struggle. 

[Tomas Sandstrom]

1 minute ago, jsrangers said:

let's not forget Chytil still sucks too.  He often gets overlooked because he's done it longer and is better at it. He's a proven vet at this point.  I know it's a lack of PP time and the fact he plays with stiffs and should be in the top 6??  

 

It would be truly light years better if they got contributions from these three. Instead of burning through the best years of Zib, Kreider, Panarin etc.  There's too many passengers, it's truly amazing they are where they are in the standings for now.  If the small handful of guys aren't rolling and Igor isn't at the top of his game this team is going to struggle. 

 

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.

[Tomas Sandstrom]

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?  

Edited January 12, 2022 by Tomas Sandstrom

[Scott]

I don't think it's just a matter of "getting them into top offensive roles".  I guess it's because I personally don't think anybody this season has told them it's ok take your foot off the gas offensively and just work on everything else.  

 

I want to at least hold onto they're trying to produce every time they step on the ice. I also can't help but feel they're miles away. There's no sustained signs from game to game hey it's coming.  I mean keep working the boards and nothing else and eventually Kakko can work his way down to the third line again when they make some deadline deals and and if they get healthy.  Gauthier/Loaf/Kakko/Chytil/Hunt ugh.  That's giving a pass to 4th line if they're at least going to bang and forecheck hard, again IF they get healthy (besides Blais).

[Pete]

If you look at the biggest holes on the team, they are the roles that the "younger players who need to develop" are filling, they are the weakest links.

 

The entire right side....Kakko #1RW...not producing

The entire 3rd line...Laf, Chytil, Gaut....Trash

3rd pair...Lundkvist...just got sent down

 

I don't know how anyone can sit there and say "Well it's OK, we're winning" when you look at all that...Plus, again... The Rangers beat up on bad teams and teams with COVID issues and can't score 5v5. These kids' lack of production, right now are the biggest problems on the team.

[The Dude]

56 minutes ago, Tomas Sandstrom said:

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?  

This would make sense if both Kakko and Lafreniere hadn't had both opportunities to be a  supporting player in the top 6, or to be THE guy on the 3rd line.

 

The third line the Rangers have rolled out most of the season (so far) was Lafreniere-Chytil-Gauthier.  A line that I really liked for a while. They were controlling the puck and kinda keeping pressure going, so that the opponents couldn't let up. Definitely were getting their chances  (Gauthier anyway). But it fell apart.

 

I think Chytil is just shot. I don't think he knows WTF to do anymore. He looks incredibly lost. He's regressed. We saw the promise the 2 seasons prior.  He looks like absolute garbage now.

 

Lafreniere should have been able to carry that line, but he seemed to be dogging it. We didn't see passes being missed for tap ins, one timers or anything of the sort. Chytil and Gauthier WERE going to the front of the net for a little while, but nothing  transpired with the puck on Lafrenieres stick. That shit rolled downhill and is now exactly what's wrong with Chytil. Gauthier is atleast getting chances but hasn't been burying any of them. Certain players get the snakebit tag while people here will just say he sucks.

 

I see more from the guy who sucks than I do from the 1OA and 2OA picks. Offensively, compete level, skating ability, ability to create plays on his own, willingness to go to the net with and without the puck. Just more. 

 

Maybe a swap of Kakko and Gauthier would be beneficial for all three prospects.  Kakko does alright with the puck on his stick and has been finding the right places to go without the puck. He'd have a few more goals if Zibanejad didn't have the puck luck he's had lately. Let Kakko be THE guy on that 3rd line. Out of the 3 "prospects", I think he's the most ready to be handed the keys as the go to. His skill level isn't in doubt. It's using that skill. Before they give up on all, I'd like to see the lines switched up and made as:

Kreider- Zibanejad- Gauthier/trade

Panarin- Strome- Gauthier/trade

Lafreniere- Chytil- Kakko 

Rooney- Goodrow- Reaves/Hunt/ underpants 

 

Give it 5/10 games. 

 

I'm just trying to get Kakko to have to be more engaged in the offense. Any other ideas? 

 

Edited January 12, 2022 by The Dude

[Tomas Sandstrom]

17 minutes ago, Pete said:

If you look at the biggest holes on the team, they are the roles that the "younger players who need to develop" are filling, they are the weakest links.

 

The entire right side....Kakko #1RW...not producing

The entire 3rd line...Laf, Chytil, Gaut....Trash

3rd pair...Lundkvist...just got sent down

 

I don't know how anyone can sit there and say "Well it's OK, we're winning" when you look at all that...Plus, again... The Rangers beat up on bad teams and teams with COVID issues and can't score 5v5. These kids' lack of production, right now are the biggest problems on the team.

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.

[Tomas Sandstrom]

15 minutes ago, The Dude said:

This would make sense if both Kakko and Lafreniere hadn't had both opportunities to be a  supporting player in the top 6, or to be THE guy on the 3rd line.

 

The third line the Rangers have rolled out most of the season (so far) was Lafreniere-Chytil-Gauthier.  A line that I really liked for a while. They were controlling the puck and kinda keeping pressure going, so that the opponents couldn't let up. Definitely were getting their chances  (Gauthier anyway). But it fell apart.

 

I think Chytil is just shot. I don't think he knows WTF to do anymore. He looks incredibly lost. He's regressed. We saw the promise the 2 seasons prior.  He looks like absolute garbage now.

 

Lafreniere should have been able to carry that line, but he seemed to be dogging it. We didn't see passes being missed for tap ins, one timers or anything of the sort. Chytil and Gauthier WERE going to the front of the net for a little while, but nothing  transpired with the puck on Lafrenieres stick. That shit rolled downhill and is now exactly what's wrong with Chytil. Gauthier is atleast getting chances but hasn't been burying any of them. Certain players get the snakebit tag while people here will just say he sucks.

 

I see more from the guy who sucks than I do from the 1OA and 2OA picks. Offensively, compete level, skating ability, ability to create plays on his own, willingness to go to the net with and without the puck. Just more. 

 

Maybe a swap of Kakko and Gauthier would be beneficial for all three prospects.  Kakko does alright with the puck on his stick and has been finding the right places to go without the puck. He'd have a few more goals if Zibanejad didn't have the puck luck he's had lately. Let Kakko be THE guy on that 3rd line. Out of the 3 "prospects", I think he's the most ready to be handed the keys as the go to. His skill level isn't in doubt. It's using that skill. Before they give up on all, I'd like to see the lines switched up and made as:

Kreider- Zibanejad- Gauthier/trade

Panarin- Strome- Gauthier/trade

Lafreniere- Chytil- Kakko 

Rooney- Goodrow- Reaves/Hunt/ underpants 

 

Give it 5/10 games. 

 

I'm just trying to get Kakko to have to be more engaged in the offense. Any other ideas? 

 

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.

[The Dude]

8 minutes ago, Tomas Sandstrom said:

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.

If it was all ownerships doing Eichel would be here, Buchnevich would have been resigned and nothing would work past this or next season. 

 

There was more to it behind those firings. The Wilson thing, and the management's loyalty to Quinn, I think had more to do with the actual reason for their departure. 

 

We have pretty much the same roster as last season,  just with an overpriced 4th liner, a goon who can skate but hardly fights anymore and minus 1 PPG RW. 

 

If it were about win now and managements demands. I think we see a different roster instead of just a coaching change.  

 

[Tomas Sandstrom]

9 minutes ago, The Dude said:

If it was all ownerships doing Eichel would be here, Buchnevich would have been resigned and nothing would work past this or next season. 

 

There was more to it behind those firings. The Wilson thing, and the management's loyalty to Quinn, I think had more to do with the actual reason for their departure. 

 

We have pretty much the same roster as last season,  just with an overpriced 4th liner, a goon who can skate but hardly fights anymore and minus 1 PPG RW. 

 

If it were about win now and managements demands. I think we see a different roster instead of just a coaching change.  

 

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?

Edited January 12, 2022 by Tomas Sandstrom

[ThirtyONE]

I'm just glad we're done rebuilding. Sitting around and waiting for these prospects blows.

 

Can Kakko become something? Maybe. Laf? Maybe. Do I care at this point? Not really. 

 

So long as the team is good, I don't care if both guys turn out to be 4th liners. Not sure what else these guys need to succeed at this point. 

[The Dude]

2 minutes ago, Tomas Sandstrom said:

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.

But Gallant is a nourishing coach IMO. He wants to make players comfortable with their roles. IMO  he's one of the guys. I honestly think he's been extremely light on these kids.

 

I thought he'd be hooting and hollering that these kids need to be in the minors, which is something I've advocated for 2 years now. 

 

The only issue with that is that they don't have the depth to do that. The mishandling of Kravstov really hurt them,  because they have no options. After that debacle,  they really should have signed any FA available that was worth a damn. Even Ritchie who just cleared waivers should have been a move to make. Giving Tinordi a contract was a needless move with the depth they have on D. They have tons of cap space. No reason to not get depth before camp or after. 

Even if Blais were healthy today, they are still lacking depth. 

 

I think something is brewing though. They see it. They know it. 

[Pete]

27 minutes ago, Tomas Sandstrom said:

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.

 

Then it's a shame you jumped into this thread from today, instead of this one from weeks ago.

 

 

This isn't knee jerk hate. You can only go so long without seeing progress. I don't expect dominance, I expect competence. There's precious little competent play from these 2.

[Pete]

5 minutes ago, ThirtyONE said:

I'm just glad we're done rebuilding. Sitting around and waiting for these prospects blows.

 

Can Kakko become something? Maybe. Laf? Maybe. Do I care at this point? Not really. 

 

So long as the team is good, I don't care if both guys turn out to be 4th liners. Not sure what else these guys need to succeed at this point. 

Through this lens, they didn't rebuild. Rebuilding means your youth is your future. Our youth is plugs. Some future. 

[siddious]

There’s hardly a better empty net scorer in the league than laf. 
 

[The Dude]

13 minutes ago, Tomas Sandstrom said:

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?

Meh. I think Dolan has kept his nose out of his teams business for a good 10-15 years. With the Rangers, he just got embarrassed that his President and GM didn't back his comments about the leagues handling of the Wilson situation. 

 

Sather is still the overlord and doesn't give a flying fuck if Dolan wants something. 

 

Like I said. If Dolan had his hands on this team. We would have Eichel..  I honestly don't think he's as big of a factor as you think. Not saying you're wrong.  Just giving my take. 

 

No matter the situation.  These kids should be better.  I think they've been coddled. To be honest I don't have a problem with that.  But there comes a time where they need to see what other options they have for them. Like the AHL.

[Tomas Sandstrom]

1 minute ago, Pete said:

 

Then it's a shame you jumped into this thread from today, instead of this one from weeks ago.

 

 

This isn't knee jerk hate. You can only go so long without seeing progress. I don't expect dominance, I expect competence. There's precious little competent play from these 2.

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.

[ThirtyONE]

1 hour ago, Pete said:

Through this lens, they didn't rebuild. Rebuilding means your youth is your future. Our youth is plugs. Some future. 

Well, the team is good and we have our best players locked up long term, so the future has promise. We have the best Dman in the game and maybe the best goalie. Seems alright to me.

 

 

[Pete]

7 minutes ago, ThirtyONE said:

Well, the team is good and we have our best players locked up long term, so the future has promise. We have the best Dman in the game and maybe the best goalie. Seems alright to me.

 

 

I applaud the optimism.

[Pete]

10 minutes ago, Tomas Sandstrom said:

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.

I guess it was kind of implied that management was to blame ... because ... the thread  leads with "Lafreniere should be in the AHL"....and he can't send himself to the AHL...so...yea  ...

[Tomas Sandstrom]

8 minutes ago, Pete said:

I guess it was kind of implied that management was to blame ... because ... the thread  leads with "Lafreniere should be in the AHL"....and he can't send himself to the AHL...so...yea  ...

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