For the record, Klein was a + 7 in the playoffs over 25 games, not a - 7, which was 2nd best on the team after Pouliot. And was a + 4 during the regular season with the Rangers. I like Klein and think he is a solid 4/5 dman.
I agree on McIlrath panzer. We should play him this season, at least to start and see what he can do. Now is the time to give him a real shot to start with and see where it goes. He has had enough seasoning in the minors, let him play early and see if he can handle it.
The interesting thing are the numbers on D and how he fits in. McD/Girardi, Staal/Stralman?, Klein/Moore. So unless they let Stralman go and don't sign anyone to replace him, that D is pretty full. No open spots for a guy like McIlrath or Allen. I am NOT in favor of giving Stralman 4 mill per season, so I wouldn't have an issue letting him walk, and if the powers that be deem him ready plug McIlrath in and see if he can be that big physical dman we badly need.
Upfront, I would like to give a kid a shot also, and expect that if Boyle goes elsewhere there could be a spot for a kid like Lindberg to C the 4th line. I would have no issue with that.
Sprinkle in a kid or two this season, that is cool. I just doubt it is more than two because that is not really what we do usually. I would be very surprised if we didn't add a big C to replace Richards. Outside of that I have no issue with a kid upfront and on D starting the season with the big club and getting some minutes.
As for Kreider I think some resoponsibility is on him for sure, but I also think Torts wasn't a big fan for whatever reason (and maybe he had reason not to be a fan because of something Kreider was or wasn't doing). Then AV took over and I think he wanted to show Kreider how he had to play and act if he wanted to be a pro. I also think this may have validated some of what Torts felt towards CK. But whatever button AV pushed worked, because CK had a very solid season and showed his worth to the team, especially when he came back in the playoffs. I expect 20 + from Kreider this season. He is an exciting player to watch, no doubt.