The Wojtek Wolski Dilemma
by Joe Fortunato on Jan 12, 2012 12:00 PM EST
in New York Rangers Analysis
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The New York Rangers have dealt with injury issues all season. And with both Marc Staal and Michael Sauer out for extended periods of time this season it was easy to forget that Wojtek Wolski was also on the shelf. Woski -- was was penciled in on the first line during preseason -- has played just six games this year, registering two assists.
The Rangers' offense, lead by a rejuvinated Marian Gaborik, points from the blue line, Ryan Callahan and the addition of Brad Richards, hasn't suffered much without him.
Tonight, however, they might get a chance to see what life is like with him in the lineup again. According to Andrew Gross, John Tortorella will use Wolski in place of Brandon Dubinsky (sore) if he can't play against the Ottawa Senators.
Join me after the jump for more.
Meanwhile, a conditioning assignment has also been discussed with Wojtek Wolski - who is currently discussing that option with his advisers - but the Rangers need Wolski to stick around at least through tomorrow. Brandon Dubinsky did not practice today as coach John Tortorella said he was "sore" and would be a "game-time decision" for tomorrow night's game against the Senators. Dubinsky took a hard hit from the Coyotes' Taylor Pyatt late in the first period of Tuesday's 2-1 shootout victory but was able to play the rest of the game.
The Rangers have probably been itching to get Wolski into some games, if for no other reason then to showcase him for a trade. It's highly unlikely, especially with the team's success so far this season, that Tortorella feels he needs Wolski in the lineup.
Yes, Wolski brings more offense to the table than the entire bottom half of the roster, but the defense and forechecking from players like Brandon Prust, Ruslan Fedotenko and Brian Boyle is too valuable to this team's identity. Personally, I see no reason why Wolski can't be a "reserve forward" who cycles in and out of the lineup on a daily basis to give guys like Prust, Boyle, Fedotenko and John Mitchell a rest.
His cap hit, however, is an issue, and not something the Rangers need on the cap if they see an opportunity to make a move this trade deadline -- Bobby Ryan anyone?
In the end, if Dubinsky ends up not playing tomorrow, Wolski will have an opportunity to show that he belongs. Although it should be noted that Tortorella is still considering a conditioning assignment for Wolski like the one Erik Christensen has taken.
Either way, the Rangers become a stronger team with him in the lineup. Whether or not he stays there depends on him.
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i got this feeling
That groin injury is gonna haunt him. I feel like no matter what, he will constantly be out with that thing.
I wouldn’t make him a stay on the team. I think another team would love a guy like him.
"It's far from done, but we did get something accomplished."-#19 B.Richards
by -19-AgainstAll on Jan 12, 2012 12:04 PM EST via mobile reply actions
It’s a perfect time for Wolski to showcase himself. His contract is up, and he’s shown nothing to this point to warrant getting even 1/4 of that in his next deal. I would think he’s going to try his damnedest to prove he belongs on A roster (maybe not this one, but somewhere in the NHL). It’s the perfect time to get him playing again too, because if he plays hard (which he’d be an absolute shithead NOT to since he’s playing for his NHL life at this point), he actually garners some trade value besides being a cap relief swap.
Or he possibly plays well enough that maybe he winds up sticking on the team. I think everyone agrees we could use some more scoring punch. He’s got the skill, he’s got a big body, but like many others before him, and many that will come after him, the desire is severely lacking. If playing for his next contract, and I think for his NHL life at this point, doesn’t motivate the shit out of him, McDonald’s is always hiring.
if WW can keep his offensive game consistent
there would be less need to trade for someone, WW has the potential as a 20-goal scorer, I believe.
"Fantasy, reality, science Fiction. Which is which? Who can tell?"
Let's see what WW has to offer
Torts has to ascertain if WW can contribute to this team this year. Give Dubi the night off tonight. Put Mitchell in the press box in Toronto on Saturday. Give Prust a night off against the Canadians on Sunday. Give WW a 3-game stint to see if he has game once and for all!
Why would they possibly mess with the lineup like that? Inconsistent lines and scratches was a trademark of struggling Rangers teams.
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
by Brandon C. on Jan 12, 2012 1:42 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
There’s already been talk of trading for various players to help add some scoring. Instead, we’re trying the in-house option. I actually think it’s a good idea to get Wolski into some games to see where he’s at. He’s healthy and been doing nothing but practice/conditioning work for over a month. Get him in the line-up and see what he can do. If he plays well enough, either we have an extra scorer to add to the line-up or he at least increases his trade value if Sather tries to add somebody at the deadline.
Besides, the last 2 lines have been pretty fluid anyway, hell even the 2nd line with Dubinsky and Hagelin switching spots at random times this season.
I hate hate hate hate (did I mention hate?) messing with success when you don’t have to. If someone needs time off then you can put in Wolski, but replacing a player that has helped the Rangers win five straight and be in first place is silly.
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
by Brandon C. on Jan 12, 2012 1:51 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Yeah, that didn’t work out so well in ’94 when we were sitting in first and traded all those players ;)
Aucune clause de Mouvement
by Blueshirt in Paris on Jan 12, 2012 4:18 PM EST up reply actions
Off Topic but...
Just saw the list on NHL.com, Danny G is an All-Star! Gabby and Hank the only other Rangers.
~R.I.P. Derek
~Those Caps fans sure think they can make some noise.... too bad their team can't.
-Biggest dissapointment of the year so far? Not being able to hear that fat ass Boudreau get heckled at MSG!
mcd ww woly and mats z for bobby ryan? works out cap wise. bring back erixon til sauer or eminger is back. question is who do u sit for ryan?
by birdmansns on Jan 12, 2012 1:56 PM EST via Android app reply actions
They want a proven top 6 roster player in return. WW and MZA may be top 6 potential, but have no proven anything yet. Plus im sure many of the people here would much rather throw them Erixson than McDiesel.
well of course…if we could convinve them to take erixon over mcd id do it….but i dont think thats a strong enough package or we have the salary space to make a prospect for star trade
by birdmansns on Jan 12, 2012 4:26 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
The stepdown from McDonagh to Erixon would be immense at this point in time. Especially without Staal being 100%. And the other guys aren’t going to return a whole lot.
by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Jan 12, 2012 2:10 PM EST up reply actions
could be a risk..i agree with that. but if staal keeps going back to normal and stralman and bickel keep being consistant…i think its a risk u can take (assuming eminger is back mid to late feb) ryan on the third line would make us even deeper and see him return to form skating against weeker defenses…
by birdmansns on Jan 12, 2012 4:30 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
Fuck that.
I’m not giving up McD, the dude is going to be an all-star within a year.
"Mr. Madison, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul."
LET'S GO RANGERS!!!
by Moshe52792 on Jan 12, 2012 2:41 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Agreed
He is extremely underrated. I’ve been studying him. His acceleration, and strength make it impossible for guys to get around him. I can see players getting frustrated when he stops them again and again. I really think he is integral to the teams success.
In fact the normal procedure is that McD works players so far wide that they have to skate behind the net. Danny G comes by and finishes the job (takes the man off the puck)
other than the fact that the rangers cant take on much more salary and ryan makes more than mcd…we would need to throw in expiring contracts like woly and ww. maybe u should put down the pipe…just saying
by birdmansns on Jan 12, 2012 4:22 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
Ryan can fit under the cap at deadline with no salary going the other way. That said I would be hard pressed to send McD in that trade.
Aucune clause de Mouvement
by Blueshirt in Paris on Jan 12, 2012 5:22 PM EST up reply actions
I made a similar post in the other thread, so I’ll summarize it here. While inconsistent, in a contract year on a team with good leadership and a great work ethic, Wolski will contribute here.
The best situation for him AND the Rangers would for him to get healthy and to slot him in the lineup on the 2nd or 3rd line for some extra firepower. Don’t forget, he’s a big body and while not a gritty player, can win the battles in the corners and be a presence in front of the net. He’s also great working below the hashmarks, which is essentially the Rangers entire offensive game.
I would attempt to trade Zucs and some picks or decent prospects for a Prospal, Doan, or Boyes type player. That way we essentially aren’t loosing anything while adding to our lineup.
AA Step Gabby
Wolski Richie Cally
Hags Dubi Doan/Boyes
Feds Boyle Prust
Mitchell Rupp
Having that deep team allows us to keep guys fresh, and will allow us to remain a solid team even with the possibility or an injury or two. Trust me, Rupp and Feds could use a day off, or two.
And these Bobby Ryan trade scenarios really need to calm the fuck down. Trading guys like McD and Sauer like they are waiver wire feed. Bobby Ryan is a great player, but he gives you ~15 more points a year than Dubi, and isn’t as good defensively and isn’t an asset in the faceoff circle. I would be okay trading Dubi and a pick and decent prospect for Ryan, but some of these scenarios are just ridiculous.
The goal is to improve the team going into the playoffs, just move sideways and potentially fuck up team chemistry.
"Mr. Madison, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul."
LET'S GO RANGERS!!!
Totally agree, as well except I wouldn’t take Prospal at this point if you are planning to keep Wolski – stick with Doan. Woslki and Prospal both are not tough on the puck, imho.
True.
I’d love to see Doan the most out of all of them, but I wouldn’t protest Boyes or even Propsal. Maybe we could trade Wolski, Zucs, etc. for Prospal and Doan in two separate deals.
All of a sudden we go from a young inexperienced team to a team with a SC winning coach, and guys like Prospal, Richards, Doan, Feds, and Rupp who all have extensive playoff experience.
Looks like a good mix to me, although I’m getting ahead of myself.
"Mr. Madison, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul."
LET'S GO RANGERS!!!
Prospal- Stepan- Gaborik
Wolski- Richards- Doan
Anisimov- Dubinsky- Callahan
Fedotenko/ Rupp/ Hagelin- Boyle- Prust
Could win a cup.
Absolutely. I’d keep the Gas line together, but yeah those forwards would be nice.
Although, I doubt we get Prospal and Doan without trading Wolski. I don’t see that happening. 2 of the 3.
"Mr. Madison, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul."
LET'S GO RANGERS!!!
If Columbus was smart, they’d sell Carter and Nash for Bobby Ryan and Jonathan Bernier. I could see them letting Prospal go for only a pick, especially since he’s a UFA and I doubt he’d re-sign with them
I could see Phoenix taking a pick and/or Zuccarello and a prospect for Doan. Again, they wouldn’t have much leverage since Doan is a UFA. It’d essentially be like Dallas with Richards last year, but Maloney probably won’t be stupid like Nieuwendyk and ask for a ransom and end up with nothing.
And these Bobby Ryan trade scenarios really need to calm the fuck down.
Who died, and left you boss??
I don’t care what you say…a young player who has the talent to play, who has been part of a Stanley Cup winner is a player I want here. And if there’s a way to get it done without getting rid of the core, is STILL a way.
And if you need a “fuck”…any body willing can help with that.
"Fart like a man! It's hockey!"
Ouch
Aren’t you bring a little harsh there, Danz? I didn’t care for the profanity, either, but his point was not unreasonable.
cmont
I get a little tired of the “regulations”: you know, the ones that aren’t placed by the editors here in the banter.
Harsh, indeed. But, I’m sincerely tired of the “you say it, you’re right….I say it, I’m wrong” routine. Fine, I’m not perfect. And, I don’t often take it personal. But, it’s gotten to be a little too much…and I’m over being “a nice guy”. I can be wrong, without being undressed. I admire every great post, and respect point. I don’t put out a condemnation on points I don’t agree with. Some I let be, and don’t reply to at all. But, like I said, I’m over it.
Graveyards are full of irreplaceable men
I completely agree…and so are men who placed irreplaceable men in irreplaceable positions.
"Fart like a man! It's hockey!"
by Danz10 on Jan 12, 2012 9:29 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Don’t worry about the last part.
And I was pointing out how ridiculous these scenarios were. Yes, he’s a young player with talent, but so is Dubinsky.
And if you can do it without getting rid of the core than sure, but all these offers are giving up 2 core players AND picks/prospects, for a guy who is marginally better than Dubinsky.
"Mr. Madison, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul."
LET'S GO RANGERS!!!
His cap hit, however, is an issue, and not something the Rangers need on the cap if they see an opportunity to make a move this trade deadline — Bobby Ryan anyone?
I’ve been on this kick since last season, so with me, Joe…you’re preaching to the choir.
From Sather’s perspective (IMO) this is an opportunity to get Wolski some game time without the conditioning assignment. Putting Wolski in if Dubinsky can go tonight, may see Mitchell out of the lineup (possibly).
WW would end up on the third line, with either Feds moving up or Hags rejoining the line.
"Fart like a man! It's hockey!"
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