[wh1t3bread]

[ QUOTE ]
But should they go after Chara? I mean, are you sure this team is ready for a deep run in the playoffs?


[/ QUOTE ]

I think they should go after Chara. Chara would be an excellent fit in New York and like Mantooh said, he just turned 29. The guy still has 4-5 good years left in him. I don't think one should assume that by signing Chara you are committing yourself to making a run at the Stanley Cup for the next two years. Barring the always potential injury issue, Chara should be able to play at a very high level at least the next 4-5 years.

A top five of Chara, Rosival, Malik, Kaisparaits, Poti is solid (and all 30 or younger except Kasper). And you would still have a spot or two for younger guys like Tyutin (who has played well this year but still needs more work, IMO), Pock & Staal.

[ QUOTE ]

Should the Rangers really build a team around him [Jagr] given that he is irreplacable (given his salary/performance ratio) and beginning the end of his career?

[/ QUOTE ]

Jagr has 1-2 years left of being able to play at his current level. History has shown that what he has done this year is just not sustainable into your mid to upper 30's. While I don't think they shouldn't necessarily build a team around him they should continue to promote their younger players and continue to add younger (< 30) FA's in an effort to compete now (and compete in the playoffs) as well as build a team that can compete past 2010.