NHL Trade Rumors: Should The New York Rangers Beef Up On Defense?

I think this question’s answer is strongly tied to Sauer. IF we have Sauer healthy and playing at 85-90% before the concussion, then I would say, and adamantly so, that we do not need defensive depth. I know that is a very large if, but if that were to be the actual case here is my reasoning for not needing extra depth. Staal in my view has progressed since his return. I would absolutely concede he is not at the top of his game but I think it will get there. This part is entirely speculation on my part, but I feel Staal’s inadequate play stems mostly from the time away from the game not the injury itself (it was a concussion in case you need reminding). In conjunction with that, I think that he will continure to improve up until the playoffs. If Sauer were to return and if he was nearly as effective as he was before injury we are looking at one of the best d-cores in the league. Assuming the pairs were as follows:

McD Girardi
Staal Sauer
MDZ Stralman

Then we are looking at MDZ and Stralman playing against weak competition, which I believe not only will they be defensive responsible against but will also open things up for their offensive game (MDZ and Stralman being arguably our best pair offensively). We also would be looking at the top two pairs being able to handle virtually any competition thrown at them. That situation is most definitely a favorable one, but it rests heavily on the return of Sauer.

If Sauer were not to return this season, then yes for the simple fact that I feel as our defense stands today we should upgrade Eminger’s spot if we want to make a serious run at the cup. Emmy would be a good 7th defenseman but I’m not sure he is anything better than “steady” which, while certainly a complimentary thing to say, is not what I want to be the best thing I could say about the bottom pair.

Yes if the rangers can get a stay at home D on the cheap. Like a 3rd or 4th rounder. Depth is important if you want to go 4 rounds in the playoffs. I suspect Sauer is done for the year.

My friend just text me that there are rumors that rangers asking avs about D rfa kyle quincey. Evidently a puck moving d.

We have given up more than 2 goals in 2 of our last 14 games. No, I don’t think we need any help on D. Eminger and Bickel are both competent 6/7th D men.

The defense and goalie are the reasons the Rangers are #1 in the East. They have the lowest GA in the NHL yet they rank 13th in goals scored. Defense is fine, I say they need more scoring.

Another very low level guy out there is Theo Peckham on the Oilers. He was hit in the face with a puck and is back now but a healthy scratch. I just checked his stats and he’s basically a breakeven +/- but he had almost 200 hits last year and has 74 in 46 games this year. Obviously a gritty stay at home D. Sounds like Bickel but I don’t know how good a skater Peckham is. Bickel’s major flaw is his skating (obviously, lol).

I have a question for the powers that be (Joe, George, etc). Do you know if there are any issues with signing Kreider? We all assume he will be signed by the team after this college season. Is that the case or are there any rumblings to the contrary? Thanks in advance.

I will say this: Eminger and Woywitka are liabilities IMO. Watching Eminger the last few games after not having seen him for a while, illustrated to me just how average he is. I would not want to go into the playoffs with either Eminger or Woywitka as one of my top 6. I’d actually feel better with Bickel.

Except I don’t think Eminger pre-injury was better than Stu Bickel IMO. I feel Bickel is at least just as good plus he plays physical and with an edge.