New York Rangers: Top Five Moves of 2017

Passing on Tanner Glass

One of the best moves this year was the decision to not re-sign Tanner Glass this offseason. For three seasons, Glass was used on and off down on the fourth line as a gritty, physical presence.

This happened even as the Rangers made roster moves that improved depth throughout the offense. At points last year, Glass was used in the bottom six over Pavel Buchnevich, who has been one of the most productive players on the Rangers roster this season.

In the 11 games he played last season the winger had one point and one assist. In the Rangers postseason last year, Glass was better than usual. He ended up recording a goal and three assists for four points in seven games.

Glass is a player whose style of play used to be valued in the league. Passing on him this off-season allowed the Rangers to add better players in the bottom six.

As skill has become more and more important in the league, Glass became less useful. Even as the 12th forward in the lineup he was a negative on the ice that burned the team. Every single shift of a hockey game has value even as someone who only plays ten minutes a game.