Some Sunday Thoughts

Photo Credit: Jim McIsaac/AP

We are officially in the dog days of summer. The Rangers have made some housekeeping moves, re-signing Boo Nieves and Rob O’Gara to their qualifying offers this week. But it looks like until the Erik Karlsson deal is finalized, nothing else on the trade market will materialize. So we wait. But there’s still some stuff to talk about.

1. I’m not surprised that both Nieves and O’Gara signed their QOs. It’s a standard 5% bump on their salary from last year, with a normal AHL salary. For borderline players who may or may not have a future with their current club, it’s a show me deal. Personally, I think Nieves has a good shot at sticking with the NHL roster, whereas O’Gara is likely headed to the AHL.

2. There has been a lot of talk about whether to bridge the RFAs or to sign them long-term. The only RFA that makes sense to extend long term is Brady Skjei. The Blueshirts historically don’t like to bridge their defensemen, but if they can’t reach a long term extension with Skjei, they will. I say sign Skjei long term because under a new coach, there’s the chance he breaks out this year, which means a much more significant payday down the line.

3. There’s also been a lot of talk about extending Pavel Buchnevich now, instead of waiting until next season. I’m on board with this, since Buchnevich is my candidate for a breakout season, where I’m expecting him to get consistent time on the top line and powerplay unit. Once those counting stats start piling up, that contract gets more expensive. Sign him now, lock him up. You can probably get him a bit cheaper than you’d expect, and then it’s a phenomenal deal.

4. I’m wondering what the plan is for the backup goalie. Ondrej Pavelec looked strong until he got hurt, but as more time passes, I’m thinking the Rangers are going to let Alex Georgiev be the backup. I’d prefer he play the year in the AHL, but anything that gives 36 year old Henrik Lundqvist a break is good for me.

5. We still only have one confirmed assistant coach (Lindy Ruff) and one rumored (Greg Brown). I’m not overly concerned, but it’s just interesting that the coaching staff hasn’t been filled out yet.

6. There’s still two more months of this before hockey starts up again. I love summer. But I also hate summer.