With the new NHL season approaching, it’s that time of year again to brainstorm which New York Rangers players will have a great year, and who will struggle. This list will focus on the players that’ll most likely make some type of impact next year, whether it’d be a bounce-back season or providing depth during an injury. This point predictions article also omits any trades, so it assumes every player will stay a New York Ranger for the duration of the season.
Forwards
1) Jesper Fast: 2015-16 stats: 79 GP, 10 goals, 20 assists, 30 points
2016-17 Prediction: 67 GP, 9 goals, 11 assists, 20 points
With the addition of depth players like Gerbe/Jooris and the re-signing of Hrivik, there is a definite chance NYR potentially moves Fast for help on the blue line at some point next season. The penalty kill has been addressed and so has depth scoring, and Fast isn’t skilled enough offensively to crack the top-6. As defensively solid as the fan favorite is, a change of zip code for the 24-year-old could benefit the Rangers.
2) Nathan Gerbe: 2015-16 stats: 47 GP, 3 goals, 4 assists, 7 points
2016-17 Prediction: 48 GP, 6 goals, 8 assists, 14 points
The former 30-point scorer struggled mightily on the Hurricanes last season, however, a change of scenery and more offensively-minded teammates could see a better result from the 29-year-old. He will most likely be a healthy scratch some games in favor of others, but when he’s in the lineup, look for the speedy center to provide a threat. If nothing else, at least Zuccarello (5’7″) isn’t the shortest player on the team anymore (Gerbe is 5’4″).
3) Tanner Glass: 2015-16 stats: 57 GP, 4 goals, 3 assists, 7 points
2016-17 Prediction: 14 GP, 0 goals, 1 assists, 1 point
Gerbe and Glass scoring the same amount last season is quite scary, however, Gerbe has more than surpassed Glass’s 16 point career-high season on multiple occasions. Glass provides the ‘grit’ some fans want, but it’s not necessary in today’s NHL. There was no designated ‘grit’ player on the Pittsburgh Penguins or San Jose Sharks in the Final, and that’s quite telling. Successful teams are opting for skilled depth forwards that can provide a threat with the puck, not put their head coach into a laughing frenzy when they score (Alain Vigneault Laughs as Glass Scores Against Ottawa). Glass will hopefully be demoted sooner rather than later.
4) Michael Grabner: 2015-16 stats: 80 GP, 9 goals, 9 assists, 18 points
2016-17 Prediction: 79 GP, 16 goals, 22 assists, 38 points
This prediction might be hopeful, however, Grabner has everything to prove following a dismal season with a dismal Toronto Maple Leafs team. He was signed to a 2-year $1.65 million per year contract, and if he doesn’t perform well this season, he will definitely be a player the Rangers won’t protect in the Las Vegas expansion draft. Grabner will revitalize his career in the Big Apple.
5) Kevin Hayes: 2015-16 stats: 79 GP, 14 goals, 22 assists, 36 points
2016-17 Prediction: 81 GP, 22 goals, 28 assists, 50 points
After a not-so-stellar sophomore year in the NHL, Hayes will definitely be turning heads next season. Signing a 2-year $2.6 million per season deal in July, “lazy” Hayes will look to prove doubters wrong and show why he was chosen in the first round of the 2010 draft. 50 points is a definitely attainable expectation for the 24 year-old.
6) Marek Hrivik: 2015-16 stats: 5 GP, 0 goals, 1 assist, 1 point
2016-17 Prediction: 31 GP, 5 goals, 6 assists, 11 points
The undrafted 24-year-old re-signed with the Rangers to a one-year two-way deal this summer. If he doesn’t have some success in New York, the consequences are minimal. That said, Hrivik could be a good depth player for the Blueshirts, and he might even surprise by performing better than expected. Time will tell.
7) Josh Jooris: 2015-16 stats: 59 GP, 4 goals, 9 assists, 13 points
2016-17 Prediction: 38 GP, 4 goals, 5 assists, 9 points
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Jooris is a solid defensive player and can help the broken penalty kill. He probably won’t see much ice time because of the lack of roster space the team has, but he’ll still fill in when possible and be a good extra forward for the team. He did score 24 points a season before, so it is possible he can steal a spot from a newcomer if they underperform and he exceeds expectations.
8) Chris Kreider: 2015-16 stats: 79 GP, 21 goals, 22 assists, 43 points
2016-17 Prediction: 82 GP, 26 goals, 30 assists, 56 points
It’s not unreasonable to assume Kreider will have a monster season. The unnecessary hatred from the fanbase will stay silent as the 25-year-old behemoth that can jump out of a pool will demolish anybody in his path, except for goaltenders if Alexei Emelin isn’t there to trip him up.
9) Oscar Lindberg: 2015-16 stats: 68 GP, 13 goals, 15 assists, 28 points
2016-17 Prediction: 50 GP, 12 goals, 12 assists, 24 points
Lindberg is coming off a successful simultaneous bilateral hip labral repair which isn’t expected to heal until around November. Once he comes back and shakes off the rust, he should find moderate success. Lindberg probably won’t have a sensational next season, but fans should definitely keep an eye on him during the 2017-18 campaign, granted he’s healthy.
10) J.T. Miller: 2015-16 stats: 82 GP, 22 goals, 21 assists, 43 points
2016-17 Prediction: 30 goals, 25 assists, 55 points
Miller will be a monster next season. Glimpses of greatness were beginning to appear last season, and Miller will build on those in the upcoming campaign. There shouldn’t be much doubt Miller will be one of the Rangers’ leaders both on and off the ice for years to come.
11) Rick Nash: 60 GP, 15 goals, 21 assists, 36 points
2016-17 Prediction: 77 GP, 24 goals, 30 assists, 54 points
Rick Nash has everything to prove. He had a lackluster season plagued by injuries, and now he has to go out on the ice and show the NHL world he’s still got what it takes to be the all-star he once was. If he struggles, a trade is very likely with the Rangers retaining salary, or worst-case scenario is Gorton lets Nash go to Las Vegas for nothing.
12) Derek Stepan: 2015-16 stats: 72 GP, 22 goals, 31 assists, 53 points
2016-17 Prediction: 76 GP, 21 goals, 36 assists, 57 points
Derek Stepan is an extremely solid center for the Rangers, and his production won’t decrease. Stepan will likely match his career high in points with 57, solidifying his consistent play.
13) Mika Zibanejad: 2015-16 stats: 81 GP, 21 goals, 30 assists, 51 points
2016-17 Prediction: 82 GP, 25 goals, 35 goals, 60 points
Rangers’ general manager Jeff Gorton stunned fans by trading fan favorite to Ottawa for Zibanejad and a 2nd round pick in 2018. But Mika will be even better than Brassard was. The 23 year old scored 51 points last season, while Brassard, who is 5 years older, scored 58. The idea that Zibanejad will score more than Brassard next season might shock some, but it’s a bet that might just come to fruition.
14) Mats Zuccarello: 2015-16 stats: 81 GP, 26 goals, 35 assists, 61 points
2016-17 Prediction: 80 GP, 28 goals, 38 assists, 66 points
Nobody expected Mats Zuccarello, who was coming off a horrific head injury that left him without the ability to speak for a few days, to have the monster season he did. Stronger than ever, it’s fairly plausible the ‘Hobbit’, as fans affectionately refer to him, topples his career high and becomes even more productive.
15) Pavel Buchnevich: 2015-16 stats: 58 GP, 16 goals, 21 assists, 37 points (KHL)
2016-17 Prediction: 64 GP, 14 goals, 20 assists, 34 points
Buchnevich is no doubt a talented prospect that will grow into a solid player for the Rangers, but perhaps the bar is currently set unreachably high. There will be times throughout the year in which he struggles, and since he’s a NHL rookie, Alain Vigneault will keep the 21 year-old on a short leash. However, like Lindberg, keep a close eye on him during the 2017-18 campaign, as that’ll be the time he really starts to shine.
Defensemen
1) Ryan McDonagh: 73 GP, 9 goals, 25 assists, 34 points
2016-17 Prediction: 75 GP, 13 goals, 33 assists, 46 points
McDonagh will continue his steady offensive production. With Keith Yandle gone, someone needs to pick up the slack, and McDonagh is just the player to do it. He’ll establish a new career-high as he attempts to mask the critical blunder that was letting Yandle go.
2) Dan Girardi: 2015-16 stats: 74 GP, 2 goals, 15 assists, 17 points
2016-17 Prediction: 65 GP, 3 goals, 11 assists, 14 points
Dan Girardi isn’t a good hockey player; this is a fact that’s been beaten to a pulp. However, AV will continue to play him, therefore fighting his at-least 65 GP isn’t going to do anything. Best-case scenario is Girardi gets demoted to the 3rd pairing, where he might improve his play. He’ll get the occasional goal and can tally a helper every couple of games, but there isn’t much hope in Girardi improving.
3) Nick Holden: 2015-16 stats: 82 GP, 6 goals, 16 assists, 22 points
2016-17 Prediction: 81 GP, 3 goals, 11 assists, 14 points
Holden played top-2 minutes on the Avalanche, something that likely won’t happen on the Rangers, so his production is almost guaranteed to drop as a result. He’s a serviceable defenseman that can eat up minutes when called upon, but there isn’t much hope Holden can score more than he did last season.
4) Kevin Klein: 2015-16 stats: 69 GP, 9 goals, 17 assists, 26 points
2016-17 Prediction: 75 GP: 11 goals, 20 assists, 31 points
With Yandle gone, Klein will likely be another player called upon to be more offensively in tune. Klein already has a rocket of a shot, and if he uses it more often, 11 goals or even more is something the 31 year-old can definitely accomplish.
5) Dylan McIlrath: 2015-16 stats: 34 GP, 2 goals, 2 assists, 4 points
2016-17 Prediction: 59 GP: 6 goals, 7 assists, 13 points
McIlrath will continue to improve while on a short leash with coach AV. His offensive production will grow with his confidence to carry the puck, and if told to use his strong slapshot more often, he’ll have a good season.
6) Brady Skjei: 2015-16 stats: 7 GP, 0 goals, 0 assists, 0 points
2016-17 Prediction: 43 GP, 4 goals, 9 assists, 13 points
Much like McIlrath, Skjei’s confidence will increase and he’ll be better with the puck. He might even go on a streak in the middle of the season and put up some points in consecutive games. He’s definitely another player to watch for in the 2017-18 campaign, as that’ll most likely be his breakout year offensively.
7) Marc Staal: 2015-16 stats: 77 GP, 2 goals, 13 assists, 15 points
2016-17 Prediction: 46 GP, 2 goals, 10 assists, 12 points
Staal is the 7th defenseman on this list that’s ‘NHL ready’, so there definitely will be a shakeup. Ryan Graves is also a name that keeps appearing as someone that is almost good to go. If Staal stays, he’s probably the odd man out if Skjei and McIlrath can impress AV enough. His offensive productive will decrease somewhat, as will his ice time. If Staal isn’t moved, he likely won’t reach more than 55 games played.
8) Chris Summers: 2015-16 stats: 3 GP, 0 goals, 0 assists, 0 points
2016-17 Prediction: 4 GP, 0 goals, 1 assist, 1 point
Summers is, unfortunately, a former first round pick (Phoenix) in the 2006 draft that just didn’t pan out. The Rangers will only play him out of necessity, and it’s unlikely Summers will get much of anything done next season.
Goaltenders
1) Henrik Lundqvist: 2015-2016 stats: 65 Games Played In, 35 Wins, 21 Losses, 7 OT/SO Losses, .920SV%, 4 SO
2016-17 Prediction: 63 Games Played In, 34 Wins, 22 losses, 6 OT/SO Losses, .921SV%, 6 SO
The King isn’t getting worse, no matter what any doubter wants to think otherwise. But Lundqvist will be 35 in March, and he isn’t getting any younger. He’ll have a sensational season as always, carrying the team to the playoffs like he’s been doing for almost every season since he first put on the Rangers jersey.
2) Antti Raanta: 2015-16 stats: 25 Games Played In, 11 Wins, 6 Losses, 2 OT/SO Losses, .919SV%, 1 SO
2016-17 Prediction: 26 Games Played In, 12 Wins, 6 Losses, 3 OT/SO Losses, .917SV%, 1 SO
Raanta will continue to be a serviceable backup for the King, giving him much needed rest throughout the season. This is potentially his last season as a Ranger as he probably won’t be protected in the expansion draft. Mackenzie Skapski and Brandon Halverson will soon be knocking on the NHL’s door, so it’s safe to assume Raanta won’t stay a Blueshirt long term.
Next: What the Penalty Killing Units Will Look Like
Overall, the New York Rangers should enjoy success on the stat sheet. Now it’s the team’s mission to turn good statistics on paper into points in the standings.