New York Rangers: Five thoughts as the preseason nears
Here are five thoughts I have as the preseason gets closer.
The preseason is closer than ever. It seems like just yesterday that the New York Rangers were bounced out of the second round by the Ottawa Senators. It was a crushing series defeat leading into an all-important offseason.
Jeff Gorton opted to shift around the roster by moving Derek Stepan and Antti Raanta to the Arizona Coyotes for Anthony DeAngelo and a first round pick that became Lias Andersson.
Dan Girardi was forced not to play for the team anymore, as he moved onto the Tampa Bay Lightning. Tanner Glass was not brought back for the upcoming campaign, with David Desharnais joining for fourth line fray.
Oh, and Kevin Shattenkirk joined the team.
For the most part, the Rangers will be the same. However those minor changes create an interesting new dynamic that will be worth watching. Let’s look into five thoughts of mine as the preseason approaches.
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.
2. A Fascinating Preseason
This projects to be one of the most fascinating preseasons in recent New York Rangers history. I will provide an article going in depth on the different storylines on Monday, but there are so many worth watching.
Mika Zibanejad and Kevin Hayes getting their first tastes of their new roles will play a large part in how confident Rangers fans should be. Meanwhile, the third line center spot currently looks like it will be a battle between Lias Andersson and J.T. Miller. Who will win? Who should we even want to win? So many questions.
On defense, this is a huge offseason for Alain Vigneault and Lindy Ruff. Do they dare separate Ryan McDonagh and Kevin Shatenkirk ahead of the upcoming season? What do the Rangers do about Marc Staal and Nick Holden? The rookies? Once again, there are plenty of questions, and the preseason should shed some light on the answers. We’re so close to finding out more.
3. Let’s Relax About Jaromir Jagr
Let it be known that I believe Jaromir Jagr would be a fantastic addition for the New York Rangers. He can take a third line wing spot, allowing J.T. Miller to shift into the vacant center spot. Additionally, Jagr would provide plenty of expertise on the game and work ethic for a still somewhat young team.
However, if Jagr does not sign wsith the Rangers, the world will not end. It seems like many believe Jagr is the missing piece to the Rangers’ offensive needs. While Jagr would be a fine addition, he does not push the bill much at this point in his career. He can put up some points, but in an upbeat system his age will show.
The best case scenario is bringing him on board on a cheap, one-year deal, and hoping he can keep up with the rest of the team. However, Jagr has options. He can play overseas or likely sign a more expensive deal elsewhere. I’ll put the chances of him signing with the Rangers at 2%. I’m fine with that.
4. Prospects Pending
The talk of Rangers town is Lias Andersson. On defense, everyone is looking forward to seeing how the battle between Alexei Bereglazov, Anthony DeAngelo, Ryan Graves, and Neal Pionk plays out. However, I am most interested in seeing if any prospects make a major push when not expected to.
Perhaps it’s personal favorite Sean Day pushing down the door to win a spot on the opening night roster. Maybe it’s Boo Nieves convincing the Rangers the best course of action is to use him as the fourth line center and David Desharnais as the third line center. Alexander Georgiev could give Ondrej Pavelec a run for his money. It could be anyone who gets the opportunity to make an impression.
The preseason is the perfect time to make your name known, and every player who is given the opportunity to step onto the ice will be looking to do just that. I’m most excited to see who can make the most of the chances they get.
5. HOCKEY
Typically I try to approach my articles as an analyst first and a fan second. But for the fifth thought here, I simply want to scream the word “hockey.” Is that too much to ask for? We have not gotten to watch live NHL hockey since the NHL determined to end the postseason once the New York Rangers were eliminated in the second round. It’s wild how the Pittsburgh Penguins weren’t even given a chance to defend their title! I’m not mad! Not mad at all!
Anyway.
It’s going to be a treat to get to watch live NHL action once again. Sure it’s only the preseason, but it’s going to be a lot of fun. Kevin Shattenkirk will wear a Rangers jersey during a hockey game for the first time! Henrik Lundqvist is back! Brady Skjei is back! Their faces are back!
Next: Five fears every Rangers fan should have
The season is so close, and the preseason is like a tap on the shoulder reminding you it’s on its way. I can’t wait.