My thoughts on this deal

[dumpstralmannow]

Klein is signed to a very reasonable contract. I think the Rangers clearly want to build a defense of 3 right handed defenseman, 3 left handed defenseman.

McDonagh-Girardi
Staal-Klein
Moore-McIlrath

I also think this deal is insurance against Staal getting hurt. I figure Skjei will be ready sooner than later. Allen can play now. Ultimately, Moore might be used down the line as trade bait if his progress stalls.

I also think this deal makes Stralman very expendable at the deadline. He could surely return a second rounder.

I would have liked to get a pick back in this deal as Del Zotto has some upside. However, Del Zotto is dumb on the ice. I'm not sure that is something he can fix. If he does, he has higher upside than Klein. However, I really don't think the Rangers are worried about losing Del Zotto right now with the way Skjei is progressing.

Klein is pretty solid. Let's face it. Our defenseman haven't looked solid enough vs. the best lines this year. Perhaps, he will make the team tougher to play against.

 

[dumpstralmannow]

I also wouldn't put much into scouting reports on Klein. Nashville has been the worst offensive team in hockey for years. You think the Rangers are bad. Basically, Klein has played his entire NHL career with an offense that can never keep the puck in the other teams zone. He should benefit from having a better offense. The Rangers have spent a lot of this season in the other teams zone for a change. That should help Klein.

Don't forget that MDZ was going to be an UFA at the end of this year. He was pissed at the organization already. My guess is he would have gone out and gotten a big offer sheet and screwed the Rangers over.

 

[Stepupstepan]

dump,
why do you like starting your own threads with the same topic? It is not a knock on you, just curious.

 

[migman91]

I also wouldn't put much into scouting reports on Klein. Nashville has been the worst offensive team in hockey for years. You think the Rangers are bad. Basically, Klein has played his entire NHL career with an offense that can never keep the puck in the other teams zone. He should benefit from having a better offense. The Rangers have spent a lot of this season in the other teams zone for a change. That should help Klein.

Don't forget that MDZ was going to be an UFA at the end of this year. He was pissed at the organization already. My guess is he would have gone out and gotten a big offer sheet and screwed the Rangers over.

I would of loved to see DZ get a big offer sheet and we take the compensation.

 

[migman91]

dump,
why do you like starting your own threads with the same topic? It is not a knock on you, just curious.

The answer to this is obvious...

 

[dumpstralmannow]

I started my own thread because Edited for name calling every time the team loses or makes a trade and Edited for attacks on posters opinions

Listen up everyone, it is not acceptable for a mod to post the way Dump did in this thread. He is not above reproach. Name calling and saying he does not give a shit over what posters say is not going to continue! It is going to change one way or the other.

I apologize to the posters he attacked in here or has attacked up till now. If anyone has been wronged by him either recently and in the past, pm me with examples. I am also going to read over the forum and edit posts that need edited.

We have two rules here, 1. Have fun. 2. post in the manner you want posters to post with you! Just because someone is a mod does not mean that does not apply to them as well.

truebluefan

 

[dumpstralmannow]

So instead of reading the other thread where edited for personal attack on two posters and their opinions like the organization traded a guy who would lead the team to the cup, I started a new one where people might actually realize the Rangers didn't trade Ray Fucking Borque today.

Again Dump. Mods do not attack posters and their opinions. Especially if they are not what you think. Debate without name calling. We can't have that whether it be a poster, but especially a mod!

truebluefan

 

[Stepupstepan]

got it.

 

[Ranger71]

It's a nice depth move for a roster need. He sounds like a better Eminger which isn't bad for a 5th/6th guy.

 

[theProdigy223]

He's tougher than I originally thought. More of a defensibly-responsible guy. As we have said, need those types of guys in AV's system. My initial reaction was to hate it because I'm an infant and hate change. But in the long run, no way were they going to resign MDZ and the blue line just got more balanced, tougher, and smarter. Wanted more for him but lets see how it plays out.

 

[migman91]

I started my own thread because you two stupid bastards just cry like bitches every time the team loses or makes a trade and I really don't give a shit what either one of you thinks. Hope that sums it up.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HbNWGoSYV...sxLG8/s1600/2++internet+tough+guy+muscles.jpg

 

[migman91]

He's tougher than I originally thought. More of a defensibly-responsible guy. As we have said, need those types of guys in AV's system. My initial reaction was to hate it because I'm an infant and hate change. But in the long run, no way were they going to resign MDZ and the blue line just got more balanced, tougher, and smarter. Wanted more for him but lets see how it plays out.

He had one hell of a go with Roussel two nights ago.

 

[speeds]

I don't want anyone here to feel discouraged from posting their opinions on this deal or anything else. Dumpy may not be interested in what you have to say but he doesn't speak for everyone.

 

[migman91]

I don't want anyone here to feel discouraged from posting their opinions on this deal or anything else. Dumpy may not be interested in what you have to say but he doesn't speak for everyone.

Been posting here since ESPN, everyone gets it from dump eventually. Doesn't discourage anything.

 

[dumpstralmannow]

I've listened to the same posters on this board state for over a year how much Del Zotto sucks. Especially after the Devils series. So they trade him, and now those same posters are stating we got robbed. Please. I was one of the few who stood up for Del Zotto. We have too many fans that like to bitch about anything Sather does. Amazing how the whipping boy of this team is now a guy we got nothing for.

 

[dumpstralmannow]

They can speak all they want. It's a free country. These same people have spent over a year stating Del Zotto sucks. Now they are sticking up for him. Sorry, not buying into this crap.

 

[migman91]

Typical Dump, a couple of people said something so that means the whole board said it... Truth is the majority of the board said it would be dangerous to deal DZ now as they had destroyed his trade value. Turns out that was the case.

 

[dumpstralmannow]

There are times I value every post on this board on topics. It's interesting to see what different people think. Not in this case. I have watched this player be trashed by this fan base for over a year. He played good games and got ripped by a huge % of our fan base. Now, because Sather traded him he is a very good player. Hell no. You aren't going there with me. You trashed him, you blamed him, you ripped him on the radio, in the media, etc..... Deal with it. He got traded for a solid defenseman under 30. Get over it. I'm no longer backing Sather at this point. However, with the stupidity directed towards this player by our fan base, it's amazing we got a player like Klein for him.

 

[Ranger71]

I don't really see how anyone can argue with this deal. It fills a few needs plus he's signed for 4 years. I mean, did people think they were getting a top nine or top 4D straight up for him? This is a good deal for both sides and a fresh start for both.

 

[NYR1962]

It is true DZ got trashed by the entire fan base, sometimes to me unfairly. I don't like it or dislike it yet. I don't know Klein and have to see him play. I don't know he's solid either. In that article by Dreger, said he was supposed to be the anchor for the 2nd pair for years to come. In less than a year, he's gone. Why? I don't know he can be a replacement for Girardi or Staal, but I doubt he's as good as either. Will wait and see on him, but it seems to me DZ was playing much better, especially on the right side. A deal closer to the deadline might have gotten more. It seems AV just wanted him gone. So be it.

 

[cagedlion]

How many times has this organization given up on their
young players for another journeyman? I don't think
there is creditable personnel to help the youth in their
system. There are kids who are floundering on the team's
top farm team. And the beat goes on.

 

[chuckd3534]

My take is this. We all knew MDZ would be dealt sooner or later, no shot we'd re-sign him this summer as I have been saying.

Klein was obviously very well liked by the Preds at some point. No way you sign someone for 5 years if you don't like the player.

I like that he is a right hand shot. Sounds to me like he is a solid, physical, stay at home dman. Something we have clearly needed.

Now I do think we all would have expected more in return for MDZ at the start, but with that said this could be a good deal for us. Klein fits more of what we need IMO.

Seems to me like Klein struggled this season and that is why we were able to make this deal. Klein has played around 20 mpg each of the past 4 seasons.

If he comes here and keeps his game simple and plays a strong physical game I think this trade could work out really well for us.

I get the people who say really after all this back and forth and waiting on DZ this is the deal we make...I get that. But this trade could work out well for us, and DZ was gone, no way he was back after this season.

We got a righty dman, who has ability, is physical, and clearly was a big part of the Preds plans until this season. So let's see how he plays for us.

 

[chuckd3534]

The Rangers acquired Kevin Klein in exchange for Michael Del Zotto.

Klein is 6-1, 200lbs, a right shot defenseman and a veteran of 403 games, all with the Nashville Predators.

He is in the first-year of a FIVE-YEAR deal worth $2.9 million per season.

The Hockey News says that Klein is a “solid, versatile but inconsistent defenseman.”
-“Rangers have been looking for a right shot d-man for awhile. Vigneault’s influence also a factor from Canuck days facing the Preds.” (Darren Dreger)
-“NYR get reliable RS defender in Klein, with attractive cost certainty ($2.9M per thru to2018). Also, insulation if Girardi goes to UFA.” (Bob McKenzie)

Against Alain Vigneault’s Canucks in the 2011 playoffs, Klein averaged 20 minutes per game and was a plus one.

Since 2009-10, Klein has played 19:55 (09-10), 20:48 (10-11), 19:56 (11-12), 20:25 (12-13), 18:48 (13-14) per game.

Klein has 16 goals and 66 assists in his career, with a season high of 4 goals and 17 assists in 11-12.

Predators GM David Poile, in the release about Klein’s extension, “Kevin Klein embodies the Predators way – the culture and belief system we have worked hard to create. He was drafted and developed by the team, has become an integral part of our defensive corps, and is committed to being a part of our long-term success.”

Klein, last season, was a key penalty killer for the Predators and was expected to “anchor” the team’s second defense pair for years to come. (Josh Cooper)

Hockey Forecaster, in their season preview issue, writes of Klein “In 2013, the reliable blueliner was second on the team in blocked shots (89) behind Shea Weber and was Nashville’s top penalty killer. In fact, Klein led the Preds in shorthanded ice time by a wide margin. His value to his team is underrated and goaltenders love playing behind him. Klein is an unsung hero if there ever was one.”

Klein played with Ryan Callahan and Dan Girardi on the 2003-04 Guelph Storm. He also played with former Rangers such as Jed Ortmeyer, Matt Cullen and Jan Hlavac in his career.

According to Extra Skater, Klein has been on the ice for 571 shot attempts for and 726 against this season on the Predators third pair behind Shea Weber and Seth Jones.

 

[panzerporter]

I thought MDZ was unfairly criticized as well but he's gone so it's time to move on. Klein has a few fights on YouTube where he seems to handle himself well, if he plays a physical game he's an upgrade to MDZ who may be more offensively skilled but couldn't get it going here. The Rangers could have used more toughness last night.

 

[chuckd3534]

That's the key panzer. If Klein plays with a physical edge to his game, like he has the past few seasons, this could be a very good deal for us. He adds what we need way more than what MDZ did.

This is a guy who played 20 mpg the past few seasons as a top 4 dman for the Preds. They signed him for 5 years for a reason. That all speaks well to Klein. And the fact that he is signed for 4 more seasons at under 3 mill per is a big plus when you consider MDZ was gone this summer.

 

[dumpstralmannow]

I had to laugh when Al was criticizing our defenseman picks. Sauer and Staal were basically two the best defensive defenseman in the league before their injuries. Del Zotto had two very good NHL seasons as an very young player. McIlrath should be here soon and Skjei is looking like a top prospect. They had one bust. Sanguinetti. Gimme a break. There are tons of NHL teams that can't produce half of those defenseman with their picks. Not to mention the Rangers eye for picking up undrafted NHL defenseman or trading for young defenseman like Erixon and Girardi.

As I said earlier in this thread. This deal opens up a lot of options. Stralman now becomes a guy that can be packaged. You could put McIlrath or Allen on the bottom pair with Moore.

 

[BigDaddyAl1973]

I think criticism for two recent first round draft picks no longer on the team picked right after each other says a lot. First round picks. And I gave credit for the staal and Sauer picks except you blew past that part. Dylan is a project..not something you want or need as a first round pick. Erixon forced his way here...he was a gift not a genius ploy by our drafting department. But yeah lets be greatfull for all these wonderful picks.

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk

 

[cagedlion]

Yes, Klein can fight. And yes, strength/toughness is needed on Ranger D.
Now, can he move puck out of Ranger D zone, + - ratio, turnovers
Are other moves in the works? You get the feeling Mr. Sather is itching?

 

[Ranger71]

At least now with DZ gone they can figure out what other parts can fit into any deal for a forward. I still say Hemsky for a prospect/pick could help short term without giving up too much.

 

[panzerporter]

In ESPN's story on the trade AV said he was down on MDZ in November which begs the question why the hell did it take Glen two months to make a deal? MDZ surely would have had more value, too early to evaluate what Klein adds to the team but I think trading MDZ in November would have brought more back.