Is Getting Kilger a Good Move?

In a recent column, the Rodent declares the
supposed pursuit of Chad Kilger to be nonsensical.
The only explanation he finds is Sather's foolish
hope to reincarnate John LeClair into Chad
Kilger on a line with Eric Lindros.

Reading the message boards, it seems like a bunch
of people agree, as jrosario writes that the team
should be given time to gel.

Sounds like a fun debate...

What is our team weakness?

The Rangers started the season predominantly a team
with either perimeter players or pugilists.

Yes, some perimeter players are mixing it up more
than expected - like Mikael Samuelsson. And some
pugilists displaying skill, like Matthew Barnaby.

But this team is woefully short of players who
relish the play that takes place in the corners and
in front of the net.

Ripe for Success

The team makeup is ripe for these types of players
to come in and have success.

Ronald Petrovicky is a good example - his tenacity
and physical play opened the ice for skill players
Nedved and Dvorak. There is question regarding
whether he has the size to be consistent over the
course of a long season, but his success does
reinforce the philosophy: skilled players need
grit guys to prosper.

Realizing Potential

Yes, I think Kilger would look very good on the wing
with Lindros and Bure. His position in front of the
net would clear ice for the star pair.

And he has the potential where Lindros and Bure
could raise his stature in the league, as Forsberg
and Sakic tend to do for young forwards in Colorado.

At 26, Kilger is the same age as other players
noted for their potential, Shane Doan and
Mike Leclerc. (Actually the three are separated
were born within 50 days of each other in 1976.)

It's not Just Lindros-Bure

Kilger could fit in a number of ways - a winger
with Holik and Lundmark wouldn't be a bad trio.

Heck, a guy who creates havoc in front of the net
would do well on just about any of our lines.

We're Still a Flawed Team

This isn't about Chad Kilger being a savoir. The
two players mentioned earlier (Doan or Leclerc)
would serve in a blueshirt just as well, if not
better.

But we need at least one more wing who's able to
play a gritty game along the boards and in front
of the net.

Fact: Kilger would be a valuable pick-up, provided
that the return to Montreal is manageable.

-Gabe

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