The “KING” but for how long?
With the New York Rangers in a state of transition in the near future, there is a lot of uncertainty with regard to the current roster. But one thing is for sure, the “King” Henrick Lundqvist is the man between the pipes for the near future. Coming off what can only be described as a sub-par season by his standards, he will be counted on like never before in his Rangers career to be in top form and steal victories for his team.
The upcoming World Cup of Hockey will once again thrust him into the spotlight, as Team Sweden will challenge for the title. This tournament will give Rangers fans a sneak-peek to see if he has returned to form or if age and workload has caught up with the “King”. At 34 years old and having played as much hockey as he has in the past, time and workload have definitely taken their toll on him. This upcoming season will determine where he fits into the Rangers plans and as hard as it may be to hear for the Rangers faithful, it may be time (in the next year or two) to move him.
Raanta must continue to share the workload this season
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With that being said, if the Rangers brass would like Lundqvist to remain at the top of his game a little while longer and also stay a New York Ranger. The team’s backup goalie, Antti Raanta, will have to continue to share the workload this season. His 25 games played last season is a great benchmark for the upcoming season, giving Lundqvist much-needed rest throughout the season. His SV% of .919 was on par with the league average and must remain there or improve.
What is lost in the stats from the previous season is the level of competition he faced. That must be addressed this year giving Raanta more responsibility, facing the upper echelon teams on occasion. There is no doubt in my mind that he can be counted on to share the workload as he has all the tools and has established himself as a solid NHL backup goaltender.
What is in the Minor League System?
There are 6 goaltenders in the Rangers system at the present time;
Brandon Halverson
Having watched Brandon over the past few seasons toil with the Soo Greyhounds of the OHL his path to the NHL is very similar to the rising star that is Matt Murray. Taken in the 2nd round (59th overall) which came as a bit of a surprise since his Soo team was a weak one. He possesses great agility and size but was hampered by injury this past season and saw his place at the WJHC with team USA fall to a backup role. Of all the goalies in the Rangers system, Halverson has the brightest future and within a few years (3 to 4). He is most definitely a legitimate goaltending prospect and after Lundqvist moves on from the Rangers, he will be looking to a fill the huge void the King will leave in net.
Originally property of the Nashville Predators, Hellberg was acquired for a 2017 6th round draft pick as a depth player at the AHL level. He is not thought of as an NHL caliber goaltender as he has spent the bulk of his North American pro career as a backup. He is most definitely thought of as a mentor to the younger goalies in the New York system even though at this point he is rated the number 3 goalie with the Rangers.
Adam Huska
The native of Slovakia will suit up for the University of Connecticut after a short stint in the USHL. He was selected in the 5th round in the KHL draft and in the 7th round the following year by the Rangers. He will be scouted tirelessly by the Rangers staff to gauge his progress. The one drawback with Eastern European players is the allure of the KHL. If in time he doesn’t progress with the Rangers, he may very well bolt for Russia. As with all young prospects, the jury is still out until he faces a high level of competition.
Igor Shesterkin
Another Eastern European goaltender drafted by the Rangers, the key with Shesterkin will be to have him make the jump from the KHL to the AHL. This might lead to a tough road ahead for the Rangers to get him to commit to them. He possesses all the skills to be an NHL goaltender other than his size (6’0″) a few inches smaller than most pro scouts look at, but his athleticism makes up for it. He may well work into the Rangers plans in the near future.
Another 6th round pick by the New York Rangers (2013), Skapski has been slowed by injuries and surgery to his hip last season. He is entering his final year of his entry-level contract, so he will have to prove himself worthy of an extension. The Rangers still have high hopes for him and most likely he will start the season in the ECHL with Greenville.
Tyler Wall
Wall is committed to play with Umass-Amherst of Hockey East as the Rangers picked him 174th overall in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft after playing Jr. B in Canada last season. He was by far the best goaltender at that level in Canada last season and the Rangers saw promise with his play. He is the farthest away from a pro career at any level than any of the New York Rangers goaltending prospects.
All in all, the Rangers have lots of promise and talent in their system and only time will tell who rises to the occasion.