FanPost

The Future of Our Team


So, after the disappointing loss to the LA Kings for the Stanley Cup, the most important thing we can do is to look ahead at the future of our organization. The past three years have been difficult, between the rise of the Rangers organization from a team full of peons to a defensive powerhouse, the controversial Kovalchuk saga that ruled the NHL headlines, and last year's awful first half under John Mclean, being in the cup finals (regardless of the outcome) has been both an honor and a surprise. If nothing else, defeating the Rangers was like winning the cup. It reminds me of the Miracle of 1980—the underdogs defeating the powerhouse organization, whom everyone across North America predicted would defeat us in less than seven games. Though USA went on to win the gold medal, the real win was against the USSR. Our real triumph was against our bitter rivals.

Now that the cup is being passed around the LA team, meeting towns in Canada, America, Slovenia and beyond, it's time to realize the path of our future, and how we could conceivably be back in the finals again in the coming years, next time as the victor.


I've been reading some rumors about Ryan Suter and the possibility of us buying his rights so we can sign him. While Suter would undoubtedly be the centerfold of an already spectacular defense (and I do mean spectacular), I just don't see it as a possibility. Between our monetary and ownership problems, and the fact that the remainder of this month will be spent signing Parise, it seems like too much for Lou to concentrate on. Remember, we also need to find a noteworthy goalie who can split the season with Brodeur (when we inevitably sign him for another year, which I am almost positive is going to happen). The only way I can see Suter on our team is if we trade Parise's rights for his, which, although I want our captain to remain on our team, should Parise wear a different jersey next season, it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world if we get an outstanding player in return.

But, what I am most excited about is the future of our defense. It may be way too early to tell, but I think the defensive tandem of Larsson, Merrill, Urbom, Gelinas, and Burlon, could someday rule the organization's back end for many years to come. I am very excited about those prospects, and while it could take at least two to three seasons for them to develop, if not more, I don't know that we'd need a Ryan Suter if we had such a great core of young guys. Watching their videos and progression (and how Larsson has been great all season) makes me think that this group could someday outplay the Girardis, Mcdonaghs, Del Zottos and Staals of our hated rivals.

Also, since we are not forfeiting our pick for this year, should it not be traded, I would love to see Malcom Subban in red. Every season I've picked a prospect out of each class who I believe will make a great impact in the league. In the past it's been Parise, Eberle, Oshie, and Fowler, and this year it's Subban. If he were our pick, I think he has the best chance to be the goalie of the future, which is what we need (meaning, I don't want to trade for someone who's already established, I want us to raise our own like we have for the past twenty-plus years). Also, if we were to get him, and maybe this is just me being a dreamer, I'd love for us to make some trades to get his brother PK. He's so exciting to watch and he's an awesome young two-way player. Though, I don't know what we'd have to sacrifice to get him, it could be too much.

Anyway, thoughts?

What would you like to see, and how do you feel about our defensive prospects, and the idea of obtaining Subban?

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