Rangers get an offseason C grade by CBS Sports
Evan Berofsky of Rotowire.com and CBS Sports gave the New York Rangers a C for their offseason moves. Here’s what he had to say:
Taking on Emerson Etem (NHL: 31 in 112, AHL: 93 in 119) will be quite the project, not only due to his slow progress to date, but getting fans to forget Carl Hagelin went to Anaheim in the deal. No-brainer locking up Derek Stepan (6, $39M), while taking the remaining funds on a smart pickup in Jarret Stoll (1, $0.8M) and an enigmatic talent in Viktor Stalberg (1, $1.1M). After Cam Talbot was set free to seek starting duties, Antti Raanta was acquired to firm up the No. 2 role.
In essence, the grades were based on improvements. Prime examples were the Detroit Red Wings and Buffalo Sabres who received the only A+ in the grading. Berofsky cites the signings of Mike Green and Brad Richards as significant additions which is only bolstered by a young core led by Gustav Nyqvist.
My take is that the Rangers did not have to revamp a team that made it to the the Eastern Conference Final 3 times in the last 4 years, including 1 Stanley Cup Final appearance. Where I think Berofsky misses on his grading, is he is underestimating the Rangers youth of Chris Kreider, Kevin Hayes, J.T. Miller and Jesper Fast.
For me, I feel the Rangers deserve a B+ for their moves. The signing of Jarret Stoll is what gave the Rangers the + by solving their face-off issue. As always, these grades are based on one person’s unique perspective and can only truly be justified when the Cup is lifted in June.
P.S. The Canucks and Hurricanes received the only F’s. The Devils were graded with a D and the Islanders got a C. Pittsburgh and Columbus both received A’s and Washington was given a B+ and the Flyers got a C+.
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