New York Rangers: 5 Bold Predictions that will be true next Thanksgiving

Every year, NHL teams go under drastic changes whether it is the players fielded on the roster, coaching styles, or even records. The New York Rangers have seen some dramatic change. How much more can we expect?

Over the last year, several big moves occurred, changing the Rangers look drastically. Perhaps the biggest changes revolved around the Rangers movement involving Derek Stepan, and Antti Raanta. Including the acquisition of Kevin Shattenkirk, Anthony Deangelo, Filip Chytil and a slew of other small bits and pieces acquired.

The Rangers, 14-7 at Thanksgiving in 2016. This season, 10-9-2, the Rangers not quite up to standard, but not off base. In relation to coaching staff, the head coach Thanksgiving 20013 was not the same as the head coach by Thanksgiving 2014. Players also can have utterly different seasons. By Thanksgiving 2016, Nikita Kucherov had 25 points,  by Thanksgiving in 2017, Kucherov had 33 points. These are just a few examples of change that can occur over a year.

Coaching Change

A very common conversation among supporters of the Rangers is the presented idea of a coaching change. Rumor had it, that prior to the Rangers winning streak, Alain Vigneault’s job was on the line. It is still possible for Vigneault to be canned during the season or over the summer. Vigneault will not be at the helm by Thanksgiving next season, as his constant mismanagement of the defense and prospects does not change.

It is not quite clear who the new coach will be. Options such as Daryl Sutter, Paul Maclean, and unfortunately Lindy Ruff, and Scott Arniel as well. Sutter had mixed success in LA, and it seems his departure seemed to be a result of the players, as there was some discourse in the locker room. Maclean, has had some positive seasons, but also has had some rather disappointing results, particularly as an assistant coach of Ducks and head coach of the Ottawa Senators.

Arniel and Ruff are both current Rangers assistant coaches, and both are viable options. Ruff known for his head coaching in Dallas, and Arniel who had previously coached the Blue Jackets.

Goaltending Reform

As Henrik Lundqvist will turn 36 on March 2nd, and clear hesitance for Ondrej Pavelec to play, The Rangers need to really reassess the situation in net. Particularly with the loss of stellar backup goaltender Antti Raanta, the Rangers are at a great need for stability, which Lundqvist may not be able to provide for 75 games.

With Igor Shestyorkin locked up for at-least another season in the KHL, the Rangers may need to bridge a gap due to an aging Lundqvist and a questionable status of Pavelec as the backup. The Rangers need to investigate other options, as Pavelec is not particularly what the Rangers want as a 50 game a year guy.

The Rangers will go out and acquire a goalie in 2018, Some notable goalies who would be affordable and could provide support are Andrew Hammond, Johnathon Bernier, and Antti Raanta. Yes, that is correct, Antti can make a return and receive no argument..

Rick Nash will be a Vegas Golden Knight

This is a group of bold predictions and this is not that bold. With over 10 million in cap space, and Rick Nash and his value sinking, it would not be surprising if he received a compelling offer from the expansion team.

Nash, will be likely worth anywhere from $2 million to $4 million per year depending on how his stats pan out in this contract year. He will be 34 and has tons of playoff experience, despite it being hit or miss playoff experience. Nash can easily bring size and skill to the Knights and easily become a leader on that team, looking for more top 6 punch.

The large winger unfortunately will likely not return to the Rangers unless he presents and extremely attractive price and a good amount of years, which can probably be two or three absolute tops. The Rangers should honestly pursue different players in free agency just in attempts to get younger.

Mika making Moves

Mika Zibanejad has been slowly proving himself a first line center, pacing himself at nearly a point per game. Zibanejad will be a number one center no doubt by Thanksgiving next year. The pacing of Zibanejad this season is much faster than one hes had before and he will continue to stretch his pacing to break career highs in hopefully both goals and assists.

As well as succeeding in point production, Zibanejad produces points on the powerplay and contributes in every position on the ice. Thus far playing the most minutes he has per game this season, and if he follows the same pace, he will easily  surpass his offensive shot totals.

Zibanejad also boasts quite a high Corsi for %, at 53.2. Anything above 50% is generally considered pretty acceptable. With three quarters of the season remaining, Zibanejad has a ton of potential to really be more than a first line center for the Rangers.

Expect it by next Thanksgiving.