Sather Ready To Roll The Dice On Yakupov?

[Johnnydollaz89]

Glen Sather likes to roll the dice. It’s become abundantly clear over the years that when Sather has his eyes locked on a target, he’s not afraid to shake up his roster to land the front-line player he desires.

When there’s smoke coming out of Edmonton that the Oilers are dangling high-ceiling sniper Nail Yakupov, it’s imperative for Sather to kick the tires on the possibility of bringing the former 2012 first-overall draft pick to New York.

On Monday, the Oilers’ brain trust of general manager Craig MacTavish, president of hockey operations Kevin Lowe and special advisor Mark Messier were seated together on the Chase Bridge overlooking the ice at Madison Square Garden. It was an ample opportunity for the trio to get a closer look at a number of Rangers defensemen who are capable of plugging up their leaky defense.

The Oilers have surrendered 26 goals in their past seven games. Marc Staal and Dan Girardi are two names that spring to mind as players who would bring immediate stability to Edmonton’s faltering blue line.

Most interesting was the appearance of Messier, who parted ways with the Rangers this summer after failing to land the Rangers’ head-coaching gig. He’s now serving in an advisory role to MacTavish and Lowe. Messier spent the past four years working under Sather in a similar capacity. If anyone knows what’s going on inside Sather’s head, it’s Messier. He’s an invaluable resource should the Oilers seriously consider addressing their defensive woes via a potential blockbuster trade with the Rangers.

WHAT WOULD IT TAKE TO LAND YAKUPOV?

From the Rangers’ perspective, Staal and Ryan McDonagh are likely untradeable assets. That tag might now be lifted from 29-year-old veteran Girardi, who has struggled initially under new head coach Alain Vigneault.

Girardi has not managed a single point in 14 games in 2013-14. He’s also an upcoming unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2014. Girardi’s blood and guts, gung-ho style was a perfect fit under previous head coach John Tortorella.

The new uptempo system under Vigneault requires defensemen who can handle a greater emphasis on puck movement and quick decision-making. Girardi is regarded as a decent puck mover and an average passer. In time, Girardi will find his game. He’s a “pro’s pro” who logs enormous minutes and is as gutsy as any blue liner in the league, but is he an ideal fit under Vigneault? That remains to be seen.

Many have already speculated that Michael Del Zotto would interest MacTavish, but the Oilers already possess a similarly-skilled offensive defenseman in Justin Schultz. What Edmonton really needs is a stabilizing defensive anchor like Girardi.

Girardi alone wouldn’t be enough of a haul to pry Yakupov from the Oilers. 22-year-old winger Chris Kreider is extremely attractive to the Oilers given his rare combination of size, speed and natural ability.

Sather would be wise to break off talks should the Oilers demand the 6-foot-3 Kreider in return in any possible Yakupov blockbuster. Kreider has arguably been the Rangers’ best-performing forward since his October 24 season debut in Philadelphia. In seven games, Kreider has registered two goals and four assists. For the first time in his NHL career, Kreider has been given consistent minutes and is rewarding the Rangers for their faith in him.

20-year-old J.T. Miller has bounced in and out of the Rangers’ lineup, but he too could be attractive to Edmonton given his versatility, offensive upside and potential to grow into a power forward once he adds more bulk to his 6-foot-1 frame.

Perhaps a package of Girardi, Miller, a minor-league forward with enough size to crack an NHL lineup — such as Marek Hrivik – and a combination of draft picks could be enough to sway MacTavish into parting with Yakupov.

Edmonton is also desperate to deal away 30-year-old winger Ales Hemsky’s burdensome $5 million salary. Hemsky would be of little value to the Rangers, who would be unlikely to dedicate that kind of cap space to a declining player with a significant history of injuries

Hartnett: Rangers Could Be Ready To Roll Dice On Yakupov Blockbuster « CBS New York

Give em DZ/Girardi + Miller + Pyatt/Dorsett and a 1st and give me YAKUPOV!!!

 

[Pastafazul]

Hartnett: Rangers Could Be Ready To Roll Dice On Yakupov Blockbuster « CBS New York

Give em DZ/Girardi + Miller + Pyatt/Dorsett and a 1st and give me YAKUPOV!!!

OMG i stopped at the thought of gettin rid of girardi and staal !!!!!! YES YES YES PLEASE but who else for yakov????? kreider????????

 

[David_son]

Hartnett: Rangers Could Be Ready To Roll Dice On Yakupov Blockbuster « CBS New York

Give em DZ/Girardi + Miller + Pyatt/Dorsett and a 1st and give me YAKUPOV!!!

Your crazy I would give up Miller DZ and a second round for Hemsky and Yakupov