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New York Rangers Report Cards Part 3: The Defense

By Garrett Gartino

Dec 8, 2016; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; New York Rangers defenseman Brady Skjei (76) controls the puck past Winnipeg Jets center Bryan Little (18) during the third period at MTS Centre. Rangers win 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 8, 2016; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; New York Rangers defenseman Brady Skjei (76) controls the puck past Winnipeg Jets center Bryan Little (18) during the third period at MTS Centre. Rangers win 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 8, 2016; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; New York Rangers defenseman
Dec 8, 2016; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; New York Rangers defenseman /

Over the next week, we will be releasing a series of report cards for the New York Rangers here at the Blue Line Station. In this edition, we will review the members of the Rangers defensive group.

In 2015-16 the Rangers were limited by the shortcomings of a weak defensive corps. Fast forward to the 2016-17 season and the Rangers group was looking weaker after losing Keith Yandle for two draft picks to the Florida Panthers.

Ryan McDonagh continues to lead the defense as the Rangers’ captain and Jeff Gorton did his best to patch together a group that would allow the team to contend. The addition of Nick Holden from Colorado and the regular inclusion of Brady Skjei for his first full NHL season highlight his moves.

This group continues to settle for middling results from their veteran players, a factor that threatens the Rangers playoff longevity. However, the addition of a top-pairing right-handed defenseman is looming at the deadline.

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