The Tale of Michael Del Zotto And How It Affects Tim Erixon
by Brandon C. on Nov 18, 2011 5:27 PM EST
in New York Rangers Analysis
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As many of you may know, I am a big fan of the Rangers' young defensemen. Michael Del Zotto is my favorite player, and Ryan McDonagh is quickly working his way up the list as well.
McDonagh found a way to stick in the NHL once he was promoted, but Michael Del Zotto was a different story. Del Zotto almost was able to stay in the NHL, but was demoted after sub-par play in the NHL. Del Zotto quickly got injured during his time with the Connecticut Whale, and his season ended.
When Del Zotto returned this season, the expectations were low. Del Zotto has so far quieted the majority of his critics, thanks to outstanding play in the early part of this season.
Tim Erixon was demoted after a shaky few games in the NHL this season. Erixon has so far started to fit in with the Whale, and has received extra coaching help and veteran advice from Mother Whale Wade Redden.
If Erixon can follow the Del Zotto path to the NHL, you can expect to see an improved Tim Erixon either this season, or starting with the Rangers next season.
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Sadly the Rangers have too many good defenseman which is a great problem to have. Staal, Girardi, Sauer, Mcdonagh, Erixon, Del Zotto, Mcilrath. One of these 5 must go. Very difficult decision to make down the road.
Regarding the post I think Erixon will make it back to the NHL sometime this season. I think once Stralman is ready to go Woywitka is out of the picture, and with Staal back (hopefully sooner than later) Woywitka will be sent down or something for good. Leaving Erixon to battle with Eminger and Stralman down the road this season.
We are going to go to Philadelphia... and we are going to win.- Glen Sather
by RichieToGabbySCORE on Nov 18, 2011 6:05 PM EST reply actions
Not sure I agree with this post and the one below, that we have tough decisions to make. (Also, you meant to say one of these 7 must go). The decisions are going to be made for us.
The biggest factor to keep in mind is timing. The shortest amount of time before McIlrath is ready is TWO years.* This year with Moosejaw and next year with the Whalers. I refuse to say “the Whale”, it’s the goddamn Whalers, ok. That is the very soonest we will see him, the 2013-2014 season. A lot of things will come to light in 2 years, as some players may fizzle out, may become superstars, or may price themselves off the team unfortunately. McIlrath may not even be ready in 2013-2014, or not until halfway through the season, and again who knows if all 7 are healthy by then. Who knows if he will reach his full potential either.
Obviously, a decision will be made at some point, I just mean it won’t be as straight forward as “Oh wow we have 7 all star defensmen, I have to choose 6 now!”. A ton of factors will make it easier.
For the next two seasons this is not going to be a problem, and 3 seasons from now, depending on development, injuries, and what contracts people get, we’ll see what cards we are dealt.
I don’t think ANYBODY can say right now how long it will take for McIlrath to be ready for the NHL. From what I hear, the consensus in the organization is that it will be next season. But to say that 2 years is the SHORTEST amount of time I believe is misguided.
Right, nobody knows how long but pretty much everyone agrees that he is at least 2 years out. He obviously is playing in Moosejaw all of this season. His type of game, skillset, and junior hockey experience doesn’t really speak to him jumping straight to the NHL next season. Tim Erixon, who has played pro hockey among men in the SEL, wasn’t ready to come straight in.
I think it is misguided to think McIlrath could possibly skip the AHL next year.
And I have not heard any buzz from the organization to back up what you are saying, that he’d be ready next year.
It might come down to salary cap...
If all of the young defensemen continue to get better and are able to “earn” an NHL spot with the big club then it may come down to who is the most affordable- aka most cap friendly for the longest period of time.
I think it would be in Erixon’s best interest to stay in Hartford for a full year and learn as much as possible. Ditto McIlrath. If Staal can make it back this year I’m very comfortable with Staal, Girardi, McD, Sauer, Delzotto and Emminger/Stralman/Woywitka as the 6, 7th defenseman. It will all hinge on Staal’s health.
If he returns and stays healthy then we could trade either a veteran defensman or a young up and coming one for an accomplished forward. As stated- it will be a great problem to have eventually. However- right now we only have 4 solid defensemen with Staal out.
"Shoot the Puck Barry, Shoot the puck !" Bill Chadwick
by RangerFanInChicago on Nov 18, 2011 6:50 PM EST reply actions
Someone needs to put wade’s head on that twitter “fail whale” thing.
Hell now that I think about it, that could be Sather’s slogan for big free agent signings: “Fail? Whale.”
by teknics on Nov 18, 2011 7:32 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
Rec’d
Reminded me of the lyrics from ‘Ranger State of Mind’ (Sather rapping – it just doesn’t get old), pre-Richards signing (excerpt):
Don’t listen to my scouts
Not sure what I’m getting
How else could you explain
39 million for Wade Redden
Now he’s out in Hartford
Ex-home of the Whalers
But I kept handing out the cash
Like a drunken sailor
by dbmaven on Nov 18, 2011 8:13 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
WOW!! Quite a statement!! I hope you’re right! Wait a minute, actually I hope they’re both about even -——Great Ranger defensemen, for a long, long time!!!!!
Can’t compare… two different players…
@clalicata17
by Clalicata17 on Nov 19, 2011 10:00 AM EST up reply actions
Without putting the cart too far in front of the horse
I’d say that development of the defense on this team already has to start being pointed to the 2013-2014 season. The end of that season finishes out contracts on both Gabby and Hank, while Cally and Girardi will both be hitting the UFA market for the first time. The following season you’ve got Dubi and Staal hitting UFA, as well as guys like MDZ, McD, & Sauer getting arbitration rights.
As it is, right now, we’ve got 5 “home grown” NHL defensemen on this team (Girardi,McD,Sauer,Mdz,Staal) and Erixon and McIll (both former 1st round picks) waiting in the hopper. If these guys are ALL projecting to be the clear top 4 defensemen they often get built up to be, there’s simply not enough seats at the table, even if you’re going to take some of this top 4 talent, and enjoy the luxury of using it in the bottom pair. Gordie Clark and his crew have done a good job of FINDING some NHL level talent, now they need to start showing they can really evaluate it, and identify who’s gonna get their, and who’s not. This way we can sell high on the guys we don’t see having a future with us, and fill other holes in the system.
Huge point Buck, Its true we have all this talent there is no way were going to be able to keep all of it, once everyone hits UFA in a few years. This is precisely the reason why EPSN I believe wrote an article before the season started, stating that we have a 3 year window to win the cup, starting this year.
by CrazyRangerFan on Nov 19, 2011 1:22 PM EST up reply actions
Just by literary standards
this is more of a short story than a tale…
"Don't look now, but there's one too many people in this room and I think it's you." Groucho Marx
In Prust We Trust
"Kovalev would work with Tortorella like a kitty would work in a microwave.
A lot of smoke and desperate clawing at the door. It wouldn’t work. It would just be a big, hot mess." -Dig Deep
Follow me @8kpower
This is a good topic...
but probably the hardest issue for Sather to answer.
There’s a case for every guy here, from Staal to Woywitka. My guess in the short term, Stralman will replace Eminger in the lineup, and Woywitka will partner with him. Upon Staal’s return, two of the three will be in Connecticut and the other watching the rafters. As for McIlrath and Erixon, I believe one or both will be in this top six by next season.
As wonderful as Del Zotto has played, there are other needs for this team. And with a deep defense, trades are always possible.
"The winner of the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award is Number Eight, Brandon Prust!"--Ofc. Colin McDonald, NYPD, April 7, 2011
"I'm a doctor, not a barber, Jim." Dr. McCoy to Captain Kirk
"Thanks, Chris. Enjoy your retirement."
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