Jim Cerny breaks down the Rangers’ offseason crossroads and the Stanley Cup Final on this episode of Rink Rap from Forever Blueshirts.
First, the big question hanging over the Cup Final: should Rangers fans root for K’Andre Miller and Carolina, or John Tortorella and Vegas? Plus full Stanley Cup Final predictions.
Then Keith Kavanaugh of PuckPedia joins the show to dig into the decisions facing Chris Drury. Before Drury entertains signing Alex Tuch or any of the remaining top free agents, he has to define the Rangers’ competitive window. We weigh the merits of trading or keeping both Vincent Trocheck and Braden Schneider, and analyze why K’Andre Miller has thrived with the Hurricanes since leaving New York.
The show closes with a look at how Rangers players and prospects performed at the IIHF World Championship.
⏰ Timecodes:
0:00 — Rangers faithful, welcome back to the offseason grind
1:53 — Why Keith Kavanaugh of PuckPedia is the perfect guest this week
5:00 — Carolina vs. Vegas: do Rangers fans even have a horse in this race?
5:45 — The perfect storm brewing for John Tortorella in Vegas
9:44 — K’Andre Miller’s massive role in the Final—and his Rangers baggage
12:00 — Are you rooting for Miller? For or against Torts?
12:39 — Keith Kavanaugh joins the show
13:24 — A barren free agent class and what it means for Drury
18:46 — Defining the Rangers’ real competitive window before chasing Tuch
20:05 — Breaking down why K’Andre Miller exploded in Carolina
24:20 — Is Braden Schneider part of the future or a trade chip?
27:06 — The No. 5 pick and where the retool actually starts
28:31 — Draft prospects and the case for a prospect swap
32:05 — The bigger trade ship: what does Vincent Trocheck command?
38:10 — Do the Rangers really need to move Trocheck at all?
41:13 — Stanley Cup Final predictions
47:50 — Wrapping with Keith, back for the final segment
49:20 — Rangers at the IIHF World Championship: Finland gold and Blueshirt takeaways
53:13 — Closing it out
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Awesome show !!
keep on trading young defenseman, schneider next
carolina plays a more structured game.
with the rangers, miller was forced to use his hockey iq.
like when to pinch, like when to rush the puck, and he made his fair share of mistakes,
still, i would of kept him because of his age and physical abilities
Great stuff! Always enjoy listening to this podcast, Jim and co.!
As far as Cup picks go, I’m leaning Carolina. As much as it stings to see players immediately having huge success after getting traded from the Rangers, I’m happy for Miller! That would be pretty special to see him get a Cup. Same goes for Jordan Staal; he’s a player I’ve always respected, so it would be cool to see him get another one!
If Vegas wins, it’s a cool story for Torts as well! I’ll always remember his coaching time with the Rangers fondly! Those were some awesome teams he was behind the bench with! LGR!!!
Trading Miller gave us Gavrikov. I'll take that swap any time. No Miller does not have a high hockey IQ. He's protected on a really structured team.
We should make a run at Jason Robertson instead of Tuch.
Dallas is tight on cap, JR is 26, hasnt missed a game in 3+ years and had a great playoffs.
Absolutely don’t want see Miller win it !!! Headcase guy had to take time off because breaking up girlfriend give me a break 🤡 !!!
Rangers are not going where with Drury in the drivers seat this guy is a complete amateur !!!
I think big mistake letting shnider go he’s gonna break out he’s playing with garbage partners !!!