New York Rangers: Optimizing the defensive pairings

The New York Rangers have a wealth of options when it comes to deploying their defensemen in the coming season.

After an almost complete overhaul of the defense during the past few months, the New York Rangers approach the 2017-18 season with plenty of options.

Certain things are to be taken for granted. Captain Ryan McDonagh remains the #1 defenseman, holding the top spot on the left side.

Free agent signing Kevin Shattenkirk will see big minutes, especially on the power play. Second-year player Brady Skjei will likely get more responsibility after his impressive rookie season.

But beyond a few certainties, there are many questions that remain. Who will see more minutes? Who should play with whom? Perhaps most importantly, will Alain Vigneault adapt to his players’ talents and limitations?

Top tier top pair

The New York Rangers appear primed to have an elite top pairing. The assumption is that McDonagh and Shattenkirk will form an all-American, Olympic-caliber defense. After all, they’re two of the very best American defensemen playing the game today.

Shattenkirk’s puck-moving and skating abilities should translate well into a support role with the rock-steady McDonagh.

Indeed, this could be the year McDonagh finally takes the jump to true Norris Trophy contention. Without the weight of carrying around Dan Girardi, McDonagh should thrive.

As for Shattenkirk, he will ideally see the second-most minutes on the roster. He’ll quarterback the top power play unit, bringing his incredible prowess with the man advantage.

This serves a dual purpose, as well: McDonagh won’t get overworked again without those PP minutes. Vigneault can focus McDonagh on eating up even strength and penalty kill time.

Beyond this top pair, however, the questions get more involved.

Filling out the bottom four

After the two all stars on the top pair, the New York Rangers have a surprising amount of options. The presumption is that Brady Skjei and Brendan Smith will form the second pair, especially after their impressive performances together in the 2017 playoffs.

But this is a team coached by Alain Vigneault. This is the coach who benched Skjei and Smith in a game Skjei scored two goals in.

It could be that the second pair features two completely different defensemen. If Vigneault sticks to his guns, we could see Marc Staal and one of Nick Holden or Anthony DeAngelo on the second pair.

The thinking for both of these options is that Staal’s safe, stay-at-home style can complement the riskier play of Holden or DeAngelo. In reality, this is playing with fire.

Staal is, unfortunately, many years and two major injuries from being a true top-4 defenseman in the NHL. His in-zone work has suffered greatly, his puck control is lamentable, and his foot speed is woefully bad.

While DeAngelo may have some numbers that indicate he’s ready for a second-pair role, his shot suppression is dangerously worrisome. Ideally, he will play on the third pair in sheltered minutes.

He can drive play up the ice, and is undeniably talented in the offensive zone. With some cushy minutes and time with defensively responsible forwards, DeAngelo can be an impact #5 defenseman.

Added into the mix will be Russian import Alexei Bereglazov, whose KHL out-clause all but guarantees a spot with the Rangers. While he likely takes the 7^th slot on the depth chart, he can jump into the lineup. Giving Staal some rest and Bereglazov the chance to prove himself can only help the Rangers.

Next: Is Desharnais the Rangers' next Pirri or next Pouliot?

With a defense of McDonagh/Shattenkirk, Skjei/Smith, Staal/DeAngelo, and Bereglazov backing them up in case of injury or poor play, the Rangers will have a much-improved defense this season. On top of that, they could be looking at a top-five group in the entire NHL.

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