Jeff Gorton and John Davidson conducted a Zoom call with reporters yesterday, and there were some interesting nuggets. It’s rare that the Rangers make Gorton and JD available to the media like this, but given the events this week, it was the right thing to do. Vince Mercogliano has the summary of quotes, and it’s a great read. As per usual, I have thoughts.
1. Gorton was coy on the #1 pick, saying he will take calls. This is obviously his job. He needs to take calls, he would be foolish not to. You never know what the offers are. It’s almost a guarantee that the pick won’t be traded, so don’t expect anything crazy. But Gorton would be irresponsible if he didn’t at least listen. Gorton was also coy on who the Rangers will pick. Let’s be real, it’s going to be Alexis Lafreniere.
2. One of the more interesting quotes was Gorton being non-committal on qualifying offers for all the RFAs. The big ones will get their QOs, and I believe Tony DeAngelo has already received his. The Rangers need to extend QOs to RFAs to receive compensation if they sign offer sheets. This seems like a normal process, but it’s worth keeping an eye on. The only player I question about a QO is Phil Di Giuseppe.
3. Regarding Jesper Fast, it looks like the Rangers want to keep him. But that depends on who you ask. It sounds like Gorton wants to get something done before next Friday, when he can negotiate with other teams. All signs point to him staying, but crazier things have happened. Fast is a very good bottom-six forward, so it’s all about his contract demands.
4. As expected, the team was in constant contact with Henrik Lundqvist regarding future plans and the buyout. It was time for player and team to move on, and both parties were involved in the buyout conversation. This doesn’t seem like a disrespectful way to part ways with Lundqvist. However history will probably lose this nuance.
5. Much like last year, that extra 1st round pick is definitely in play. Gorton made it clear last year, and reiterated this year, that they have a plan. All options are open to move that plan forward. Last year they dealt that extra 1st rounder for Jacob Trouba. I’d believe that same strategy is in place this year.
6. Gorton did mention they want someone with experience on the left side of the blue line. I do hope that Gorton doesn’t make a foolish trade or signing that comes with a bad contract for an aging player. This is the danger area, and the only area of concern with the Jeff Gorton Zoom call.
7. I’d also read that into Gorton not believing Brendan Smith can be that experienced guy on the left side of the blue line. If that’s true, then expect Smith to be traded.
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