New York Rangers: Finding David Desharnais’ proper role

The recent injury to Mika Zibanejad left the New York Rangers with few options at center, and the brief elevation of David Desharnais to first line center was a questionable decision at best.

The New York Rangers are thin at center. This is not a secret, and when Mika Zibanejad went down with a concussion, that dearth of talent was glaring.

Alain Vigneault elected to place David Desharnais on the first line, centering dynamic forwards Chris Kreider and Pavel Buchnevich.

During those games, Desharnais underwhelmed. Beyond the lack of scoring from what should have been the Rangers’ top line, they were on the losing end of the possession battle.

Upon Zibanejad’s return, Desharnais was demoted to the fourth line. With Boo Nieves and Paul Carey, they scored key goals and helped the Rangers to wins in mid-December. The change in results was dramatic if driven a bit by percentages.

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A proper role

Despite the amount of vitriol directed at Desharnais from New York Rangers fans, he does have a role on this team. The problem is that Alain Vigneault seems to want him anywhere but in that proper role.

Whether it’s centering a top line and getting caved in at even strength, playing distributor on the ineffective second power play unit, or playing shutdown minutes, Desharnais hasn’t performed very well.

But looking back at his most successful season, it seems there’s a ray of light. During the 2013-14 season, Desharnais saw a lot of ice time in sheltered minutes alongside Max Pacioretty and Brendan Gallagher, scoring 51 points.

While the Rangers don’t have a player of Pacioretty’s caliber, they do have skilled forwards primed for easy matchups. The likes of Michael Grabner and J.T. Miller, in particular, have feasted on offensive opportunities over the last two seasons.

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Sorting out the lineup

If the New York Rangers do eventually ice Desharnais on the third line in sheltered minutes, they have options to fill out the rest of the roster.

Playing Miller on the wing maximizes his impact, as he can lead rushes and create zone entries. Grabner, likewise, is a threat on fast breaks. Desharnais can be a playmaker for the two scorers, especially given heavy offensive zone starts.

Ideally, the first line is reunited, with Chris Kreider (when healthy) and Pavel Buchnevich on Zibanejad’s wings.

The second line would consist of Rick Nash and Mats Zuccarello alongside Kevin Hayes, taking on heavier matchups. Hayes’ performance in those tougher minutes this season has been exemplary.

That leaves a dynamic fourth line of Jimmy Vesey, Boo Nieves, and Paul Carey. The three played well together earlier in December, executing a heavy forechecking style and creating headaches for the opposition all over the ice.

When Jesper Fast returns from injury, he would replace Carey. A Vesey-Nieves-Fast fourth line could be one of the most effective in the entire league.

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If Alain Vigneault can figure out the clear slot to place Desharnais, the rest of the lineup sorts itself out. With four lines, each with a clear role, the Rangers can deploy deep and dangerous forward group.