New York Rangers: Predicting the 2017-18 offense

Brandon Cohen

Chris Kreider-Mika Zibanejad-Mats Zuccarello

Pavel Buchnevich-Joe Thornton-Rick Nash

J.T. Miller-Kevin Hayes-Michael Grabner

Dwight King-Oscar Lindberg-Jesper Fast

Please don’t hate me.

Yes, I have the Rangers trading Derek Stepan. Recent rumors have Stepan’s name swirling around, which makes sense given New York’s need for a defenseman. Sure, the Rangers could just sign Kevin Shattenkirk, but his price tag may be too high. Additionally, I feel no-movement/no trade clauses activating scares teams.

Just ask P.K. Subban.

So, New York will trade Derek Stepan for a defenseman. To replace him, the Rangers will sign Joe Thornton after being surprised of his availability. While Thornton won’t be able to fill Stepan’s role, the Rangers will ask him to anyway.

Finally, Jeff Gorton will appease Alain Vigneault and sign Dwight King. King fits into the “enforcer/grit” role Vigneault loves on his fourth line. I sincerely hope this does not happen.

The good news is none of the forwards are lost due to the Expansion Draft, as the Las Vegas Golden Knights take Nick Holden instead. With zero bribery.

At least there’s that!