Quote:
Originally Posted by manwiches
Everybody thinks Tampa wins in this deal, but I think the potential for of Howden and Hajek, and the now/potential of Namestikov, outweigh it. In addition, they get that 1st (late) and second as well.
I don't see McDonough resigning in Tampa, and he's approaching the wrong side of 30.
|
Howden and Hajek are really nice long-term pieces, yes. Still, Namestnikov/Miller is pretty much a wash (similar age, similar production, similar contract status). Tampa will surely be able to fit McDonagh under the cap next season (Kunitz and Sustr are UFA, which frees up almost 4m; plus they could easily trade a guy like Johnson for cap relief). Yzerman clearly feels they have a wide open window for a year or two and McDonagh is a perfect fit in that regard.
Still I feel the Rangers are in a good position for a quick on-the-fly rebuild. Three 1sts this year, plus two 2nds and two 3rds ... that's a lot of ammunition in the draft, plus Spooner and Namestnikov are young enough to be a part of their next core. Howden and Hajek immediately upgrade their prospect pool too, next to guys like Andersson and Chytil. Plus they even have cap space for the first time in ages.