New York Rangers: Five players in unfamiliar territory

With all the changes taking place this past offseason, many New York Rangers players will be taking on roles unfamiliar to them. Are they up for the challenge?

Even though the Rangers were eliminated by the Ottawa Senators in the second round last season, the team still exceeded expectations. With the arrival of some key free agents, and a revamped defense, the expectations for the Rangers are a bit higher this year.

Higher team expectations means more players elevating their game. The Rangers have one of the younger forward groups in the league, and it’s up to them to take their play to the next level.

An improved defense does come at a cost however. Longtime Rangers center Derek Stepan was part of a trade package that sent him to the Arizona Coyotes. This leaves the Rangers thinner down the middle. Let’s see if any centers will have to step up in Stepan’s absence, and which five players will take on a new role this coming season.