The Case for Ray Whitney
by StoneWallHank on Feb 10, 2012 9:11 AM EST
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PrintESPN's Pierre Lebrun has noted:
ESPN Insider Pierre LeBrun posted this update.
Ray Whitney is on the radar of a few contenders and with good reason. The Wizard is amazingly leading the Phoenix Coyotes in scoring at 39 years old.
An unrestricted free agent July 1, he could be on the move if the Coyotes fall out of the playoff race over the next two weeks.
Sources have told ESPN.com that Boston, San Jose and the New York Rangers covet the slick playmaker.
The tricky part is that Whitney has a no-move clause that calls for him to list eight teams to which he’d be willing to be traded. A source told ESPN.com on Thursday that that conversation had yet to happen, which makes sense since the Coyotes remain very much in the playoff race at this point.
Still, a name worth keeping an eye on.
Lets Take a look at a few things here and as to why Ray would be a nice fit at the deadline:
Whitney currently has 16 goals and 33 assists for a total of 49 points. If he were a Ranger, he would be leading the team in points. He could easily hit 70 points or more at his age. He is pushing 40 years old and has been around the block but he would bring tons of playoff experience. Whitney played a key role during the Hurricanes cup run in 2006. He would add much needed balance to our lines and would most likely give Richards the spark he needs. He would also bring some nice offensive skill to the powerplay.
The benefit here is that we would not need to break the bank for Whitney and hold on to all of our key prospects. As we all know the rangers have a solid rep with Phoenix with Don Maloney as GM. Sather and Maloneys relationship probably give us the edge over Sharks and Bruins if we wanted Whitneys services.
I just think Whitney would make the most sense at teh deadline to give us a nice jolt going forward into the playoffs?
What do you guys think?
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FYI
Where it says still a name to keep an eye on ….thats where Lebruns quote stops…..then I responded…thanks
Well...
Rick Kehoe (a Ranger scout) was at the Calgary-Phoenix game last night, but the Coyotes have now won 4 in a row, (putting them in the 8th spot in the West), so they’re right in the thick of things playoff-wise.
Hmm
"It's far from done, but we did get something accomplished."-#19 B.Richards
by -19-AgainstAll on Feb 10, 2012 10:30 AM EST reply actions
I know hes got a decent sized cap hit but hes a UFA come next season
but Ales Hemsky has put up pretty good #s when he’s been healthy
wouldn’t he be someone we could go after.
...when he is healthy
His health is the concern. He’s very talented, but his stats don’t really tell the full story I don’t think. He might be a guy to look at in a trade in the off season, but i don’t think hes a guy that we would want to add now for a deep playoff run.
I think Whitney is the perfect rental for a top seed playoff run. He’s older, lot of experience, can play multiple styles of hockey, and is durable. On top of all that he’ a great setup man.
Not to mention
He’s the kind of guy you want, he’s looking to win a cup before he hangs them up and those players can be dangerous in the playoffs.
totally agree. Hemsky is made of glass, streaky and not great defensively.
by DieselCane22 on Feb 10, 2012 11:32 AM EST up reply actions
I agree, Whitney should be atop the list of rental possibilities. Hemsky’s health is a huge issue…only played in 110 out of the last 218 games.
I agree
regarding Hemsky is a bit inconsistent and theres a injuury risk involved with taking him, but honestly we have enough playmakers.
We do not need another playmaker like whitney, we need someone who can put it in the back of the net, someone like Carter,Ryan or Hemsky.
note the three above players are only there as an illustration of people who could be available and who would fit our need for a shooter.
by rain-g-errs on Feb 10, 2012 11:42 AM EST up reply actions
I agree 100%
Character, veteran, offensive skill for fill a need and not very expensive. He would be a great add to this team.
but he's a playmaker
we need a goal scorer….
by rain-g-errs on Feb 10, 2012 11:49 AM EST up reply actions
the problem with the PP is movement and puck movement. whitney can help in this way.
by Richter1994 on Feb 10, 2012 12:28 PM EST up reply actions
dubi, prust, boyle, anisimov are all having trouble putting it in this season, even when great bank ins or 1v1 shot opportunities come their way, they fail to put it home ie the back of the net.
if we are going to get someone it should be someone who can consistently capitalize on opportunities like that.
I think more of our goal scoring woes come from not putting opportunities in like that then from not having chances.
by rain-g-errs on Feb 10, 2012 11:51 AM EST up reply actions
I agree with what you’re saying, but say the carters and the ryans of the world aren’t available why not whitney? Out of potential rentals he’s gotta be near the top of the list.
whitney has good skill that the Rangers can use.
by Richter1994 on Feb 10, 2012 12:29 PM EST up reply actions
I am not saying he wouldn’t help, but you are going to expect scoring from either one of them Whitney or Richards, two guys who have proven to be better playmakers than scorers, don’t get me wrong both can put the puck in the back of the net, it is just not their strong suite.
But yeah i’de prefer to go after someone whose strong suite is shooting/scoring but if we can’t get anybody like that I wouldn’t mind getting Whitney
by rain-g-errs on Feb 10, 2012 12:34 PM EST up reply actions
actually I’m not looking at Whitney as a “savior” but a cheap rental that will add offensive skill to the team. he will help in all offensive areas and his vast experience will benefit the team as well.
by Richter1994 on Feb 10, 2012 12:41 PM EST up reply actions
The problem is how prohibitively expensive pure scorers are. There are so few of them that their demand greatly exceeds their supply. Add in to that the fact that all but 8 teams are within 5 points of a playoff spot and there will be very few sellers and a lot of buyers. Those buyers will drive up the cost of anybody that adds scoring.
Without selling the farm we won’t be able to get a goal scorer, the next best option is to get a responsible play maker that can fit into Torts style and hopefully elevate the players that are supposed to be goal scorers (Dubi and Boyle particularly).
I would prefer Nash/Ryan BUT if someone of that caliber is not available for too costly then i think Whiteney is a great plan B. Much better than some other junk Ive heard around here like Brad boyes.
by DieselCane22 on Feb 10, 2012 1:37 PM EST up reply actions
I just think that for the price it will cost….Whitney is the best option because we still would be able to keep everything intact….Nash/Ryan your giving up some serious compensation ….I think it would be too much…
I would trade Dubi for Erikson in a heartbeat.
by DieselCane22 on Feb 10, 2012 4:57 PM EST up reply actions
Then I hope you’re willing to part with our first rounder this year AND a decent prospect. Dubi is no wear near comparable skill wise to Eriksson. Don’t think he’ll be going anywhere any time soon.
by I.LikeMittens on Feb 10, 2012 9:07 PM EST up reply actions
Eriksson has a sweetheart deal as well, they’d never let him go unless it was a gross overpayment. In all honesty, it would have to be Dubi/AA, Kreider, 1st and 2nd, and that might not even be enough.
That would definitely be enough
I mean I love Eriksson and to see him on the Rangers would be awesome, but that’s way to much.
"Just reload my weapon, you know?" - Artem Anisimov
"We are going to come to Philadelphia, and we are going to win." - Mr.Sather
"I'm not a screamer or yeller. If I would try to scream and yell at people, it's not what I'd naturally do. So if I tried to do that, it would be awkward, I think." - Eli Manning
Stars Beat Reporter Posted that Dallas Should Explore a Dubi for Erikson swap
both players are about the same age, contracts are nearly identical, and a change of scenery might be good for Dubi. What do you guys think?
eriksson is a better offensive player than dubi, but lets give dubi more than 50 games before we say he needs a change of scenery to be successful.
by nyrangerfan521 on Feb 10, 2012 4:45 PM EST up reply actions
It's not that he needs a change of scenery
But if the opportunity of getting Eriksson comes along and all we have to do is make a little package around Dubi, then you gotta do it. Eriksson is a scoring threat. Dubinsky is a great all around player with above average offensive upside. I love Dubi and his play away from the puck and being physical, but Loui Eriksson is a great talent.
"Just reload my weapon, you know?" - Artem Anisimov
"We are going to come to Philadelphia, and we are going to win." - Mr.Sather
"I'm not a screamer or yeller. If I would try to scream and yell at people, it's not what I'd naturally do. So if I tried to do that, it would be awkward, I think." - Eli Manning
pull the trigger
depending on what else comes in that deal, if they want a high prospect and a 1 pick forget them.
But I don’t see them asking for much less…
the chemistry he would have with Richards is a very very positive thing :)
We’d have to give up a bit more, but I’d be game.
"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!!!
So
We get rid of Dubinsky AND we get Erikson? Oh, I’m down.
by Guess Who's Back? on Feb 11, 2012 2:17 AM EST up reply actions
Whitney is easily the best option of all the realistic names linked to the rangers. hes better than ruutu and we actually have a chance to get him unlike ryan, parise, carter, nash, weber, suter, etc
we can realistically get Carter not the other names
by Prustyballs94 on Feb 10, 2012 5:02 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
How much will he cost?
"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."
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no i think we need highly skilled two way forwrds that can play wing and center
i like carter.. and erikson better.. rather put a package together if possible.. for a trade that adds skill and scoring to our lineup..
by Stuart Pinnetti on Feb 10, 2012 11:41 PM EST reply actions
yes but why whitney when hes 40 next year and ufa? then he gets older etc...
i think we need a young player to swap with dubi or picks / young d man prospect we can give up now with all the talent we have on defense.. for a skilled offensive player while these guys are availble, for the right trade though.. otherwise lets focus on getting them via free agency..
by Stuart Pinnetti on Feb 10, 2012 11:44 PM EST reply actions
carter fits this teams needs but dooes he have enough skill and speed?
his contract lenght scares me though the most for our future stars coming up with richards signed for so long as well.
by Stuart Pinnetti on Feb 10, 2012 11:55 PM EST reply actions
His contract is front-loaded as hell
Last 3 years are 3m, 3m, and 2m. Worst-case scenario, it’s a really cheap buyout or can be buried/traded.
yes but w
yes but what would we reaally give up for whitney then?
by Stuart Pinnetti on Feb 11, 2012 12:13 AM EST reply actions
is carter the complete package????
two way player, score skill, speed? hitting taking a hit..not getting injured and working hard and helping the coach and the team improve and get better and stronger win a cup.?
by Stuart Pinnetti on Feb 11, 2012 12:29 AM EST reply actions
Please use the Reply button, Stuart
And don’t forget to take your Ritalin… You can make one larger post instead of 6 small ones in 10 minutes!
I was going to say the reply button is your friend!
"Anson Carter is a highly skilled, versatile player who we feel will play a very significant role on our team this season. He is a very intelligent player who brings a strong presence and leadership qualities." - Sather
"He's the best first passer in the game. He moves the puck up exceptionally."- Sather on signing Wade Redden
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by RichieToGabbySCORE on Feb 11, 2012 10:08 AM EST up reply actions
I've been saying Whitney for awhile now
Getting him shouldn’t cost us an arm and a leg and he adds depth scoring and another option on the PP. Done.
@DigDeepNYR
"It's just pain." -Brandon Prust | "In Prust we Trust."
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Just a 2nd/3rd rounder. He’s a pure rental player. Would love to have him though, if the price is right.
@DigDeepNYR
"It's just pain." -Brandon Prust | "The arsonist has oddly shaped feet." - Ron Burgundy
Blueshirt Banter
Really we have to see what the trade market is like and what players like Ray Whitneys are getting. I don’t think the trade market has been established yet. Last year it was set at a crazy high price.
@DigDeepNYR
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if the Flyers buy out Bryzgalov's salary
do we get him?! ahahha
Sure, if Biron takes a starting gig elsewhere rather than re-signing, I’m more than happy to bring in Bryz for $1m or so. I don’t care whether or not that’s what he asks for, that’s the most I’d give him to be Hank’s backup.
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by George E. Ays on Feb 11, 2012 10:41 PM EST up reply actions
not being serious
but honestly i feel bad for bryz for having to be in philly
by rain-g-errs on Feb 12, 2012 12:18 AM EST up reply actions
If you’re a goalie and you’re going to sign in Philly, you’re either completely ignorant or a total masochist.
i have a feeling
bryz was probably thinking “it can’t be that bad”
by rain-g-errs on Feb 13, 2012 12:35 AM EST up reply actions
Whitney is the only player on the market that can provise what we need (scoring) for a reasonable price. He is proven in the playoffs and brings a ton of experience. If we could pick him up for MZA+pick I would do it in a second. He is less of a risk both on the ice and against the cap than Carter and Nash or even Ryan.
and we would of gotten him
if PHX didn’t surge back into the playoff picture in the last two weeks.
by rain-g-errs on Feb 13, 2012 11:30 AM EST up reply actions
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