John Williams: McDonagh finishes the season as a Norris Trophy Finalist
Perhaps the most exciting thing about the season opener is that we finally get to see Ryan McDonagh play with a partner of his caliber.
Kevin Shattenkirk will be making his Rangers regular season debut (in front of 120 friends and family in attendance). Outside of maybe Henrik Lundqvist, nobody on the team will benefit more from this than the captain.
McDonagh has never had a defensive partner of Shattenkirk’s caliber. The fact that he put up solid numbers with one of the league’s worst defenseman bodes well for what he can do with one of the league’s best.
With less pressure on McDonagh to carry the load defensively and a better overall team around him, he could do some serious damage. Keep in mind that at age 28, he is in his prime now, too. McDonagh set his career best in assists last year with 36.
We know McDonagh will bring it on defense, but if his offensive numbers improve, he will be going to the NHL Awards in Las Vegas as a Norris Trophy candidate.