New York Rangers: Five thoughts as the preseason nears

1. A Shift in Talent

Remember when the New York Rangers were a team built primarily on offense? Dan Girardi and Marc Staal were in the top four? You should remember, as that was literally the case in 2017. Fewer than a half of a year ago! Dan Girardi received top pair minutes for the Rangers!

What a world.

Now, Girardi plays for the Tampa Bay Lightning, and all-world defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk replaced him. That’s like driving a mini-van, it breaking down, and you replacing it with a Ferrari. Marc Staal has been demoted to the third pair, while the top four consists of Ryan McDonagh, Kevin Shattenkirk, Brady Skjei, and Brendan Smith. Suddenly, the top four is one of the tops in the league.

Meanwhile, the offense has only gotten worse. Derek Stepan plays for the Coyotes. Mika Zibanejad and Kevin Hayes will both be placed in unfamiliar roles. Make no mistake about it, the defense is now the strength of this Rangers team. What a difference one offseason makes.