New York Rangers: Predictions following a ghastly October

Garrett Gartino- Fourth Place

I don’t think anybody anticipated this start to the season for the New York Rangers. Expectations were sky-high with a revamped defense and a wealth of young talent ready to contribute. However, after a miserable October, here we are with a below .500 record and more questions than answers.

Moving forward I expect big changes to occur. The biggest change being that we will see even more of a shift towards the Rangers of the future. This process began when Boo Nieves was called up before the game against Arizona to center the team’s fourth line.

When Alain Vigneault finally gets the boot, which I believe is very like to happen, a roster overhaul will be next in line. Veteran players such as Michael Grabner, Nick Holden, and even Rick Nash could be on their way out of town. They will be replaced by some of the Rangers’ top prospects such as Neal Pionk, Vinni Lettieri, and the reemergence of Filip Chytil.

The Rangers are forced to play at an above-100 point pace in order to sniff the playoffs. Therefore, the focus moving forward should be on development. I still expect the Rangers to finish respectably in fourth place in the Metropolitan Division. They will trail Pittsburgh, Columbus, and Washington, and land just in front of the lowly Philadelphia Flyers.