New York Rangers: Five positives about the current situation

It may be hard to believe, but the New York Rangers do have a couple of positive things going for them.

It has been a rough year for the New York Rangers. They currently sit at the bottom of the metropolitan division, they are riddled with injuries and they appear to be selling hard at the end of the month. The puzzling decision’s of Alain Vigneault has not made the rough times any easier.

However, as bleak as things may seem there are some bright spots in the future for the Rangers. They could even be competitive as soon as next year if everything goes the right way. Executing a successful fire sale will be important to making this happen, but there are several things to look forward to.

Here is a look at five things the Rangers have going for them.

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Michael Grabner and Rick Nash may re-sign this summer

There have been several reports from credible reporters suggesting that the New York Rangers will be selling at this month’s trade deadline. On top of the smoke circling the trade market, Thursday’s press conference seemed rather ominous and an acknowledgment of failure.

Of all of the possible trade bait, Rick Nash and Michael Grabner are two of the most popular names in trade rumors. In fact, the Rangers asked Nash for his no-trade list earlier this week. That makes it all but certain that Nash will likely be moved.

In the final year of his contract at $7.8 million per year, Nash is the type of player teams look to add at the deadline. If the Rangers were to retain some salary in any potential deal, that makes  Nash a very popular rental option. At just 1.65 million per year, Grabner is an easy to move asset and one that should attract multiple suitors.

Trading these two would be tough goodbyes, but Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman believes it may not be goodbye for very long. Take a look at the video below.

If this turns out to be true, the Rangers would be very smart to move Grabner and Nash for the best return possible. It looks more and more like the Rangers will not be in this year’s playoffs, so they could possibly pick up some assets for trading these two.

Ty Ronning is making a name for himself in the WHL

Ty Ronning was drafted in the seventh round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft as a member of the Vancouver Giants in the WHL. He has stayed there ever since he was drafted, but he is putting on an absolute show this year.

Through 52 games, Ronning has 47 goals and 19 assists for 66 points. His previous high for points was 59, and that came after 67 games. It’s already a career year for Ronning that seems to be getting even better.

For those who are unfamiliar with NHL players who have histories in the WHL, there are several great alumni. Look no further than Ryan Getzlaf, Duncan Keith, Carey Price, Shea Weber and Patrick Marleau as a testament to what can come out of the WHL.

Ronning will likely start with the Hartford Wolf Pack next year and the Rangers will go from there. For now, he is a positive worth keeping an eye on. The Rangers’ prospect cubbord has been barren for some time, so players down the pipleline like Ronning are an exciting proposition.

Henrik Lundqvist is dedicated to the Rangers and rebuild

Henrik Lundqvist has been the most important face to put on a Rangers sweater for more than a decade. The team appears to be selling hard and giving up on a year for the first time in a long time with Lundqvist on the roster. The presence of Lundqvist on the team has made selling at the deadline a difficult pill to swallow.  However, that doesn’t seem to bother him too much.

This level of dedication from such an important contributor to the franchise is crucial to any rebuild. Successfully overhauling a roster requires veteran leadership to hold down the fort while young guys find there way. With a sage living legend like Lundqvist in the dressing room, the young talent will learn how to carry themselves the right way.

While this year may look and feel like a wash, hope is not lost for the remainder of Lundqvist’s career. The team shouldn’t look to move past him because he is the player the Rangers will need the most if they are to make a Stanley Cup run in the next few  years.

It’s certainly a positive having Lundqvist around, and it’s even more positive that he wants to be around.

There are only 27 games left in the season

The best news to help ease the pain of this season is that there are only 27 games left. The Rangers look to be in a position to make moves starting at the trade deadline and through the summer that should help them compete next year.

The team could acquire a litany of picks at the deadline for their veterans that could make the 2018 NHL Entry Draft a lot of fun. If the ping pong balls bounce the right way, the Rangers could select coveted Swedish defenseman Rasmus Dahlin.

The Rangers will have plenty of cap space to work with too. The free agent market could give them the extra couple of pieces they need to compete in 2018-2019. Hello John Tavares? Time will help heal injuries sustained to big pieces such as Chris Kreider too.

Next: Eight steps to fixing the Rangers

Whatever happens, the New York Rangers are not doomed for years to come. They slipped up this year and it didn’t go the way they planned, but there are plenty of signs that encourage a revamped group next fall.