3. Depth down the middle wears too thin
The trade of Derek Stepan allowed the Rangers to improve the defense through trade and free agency, but it left them with a gaping hole down the middle.
As a number one center, Stepan was a reliable two-way player that could be counted on in big minutes. With him gone, the Rangers will have to lean on their other centers currently on the roster to step up.
Mika Zibanejad will assume the number one center role, and at 24 years old, has all the tools and potential to do so. It’s behind him where things get interesting. With Zibanejad moving up to line one, Kevin Hayes will have to move up to line two. Hayes did have a career year last year, but had a corsi for that was worst on the team at 43.9%. However, many think that has more to do with Hayes’ linemates than Hayes himself.
With a top six role cemented, Hayes will certainly be surrounded by players that will elevate his game. Like Zibanejad, Hayes has all the tools to succeed in a better role. The question is, will he take the opportunity and run with it.
Hayes and Zibanejad aren’t the biggest concerns down the middle. Right now, David Desharnais is a lock for a starting center spot on the third or fourth line. It’s expected that the Rangers latest first round pick Lias Andersson, and prospect Cristobal Nieves, will battle it out for the last opening.
With the center position already looking weak and unproven, an injury to any one of them would be a death sentence to the Rangers. The Rangers hope their young core can get the job done, but have little to no insurance if they don’t.