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New York Rangers: Five things that’ll make this season worth the wait

By John Williams

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 05: Filip Chytil
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 05: Filip Chytil /
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NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 18: Brendan Smith #42 of the New York Rangers looks on in the second period against the Buffalo Sabres during their game at Madison Square Garden on January 18, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 18: Brendan Smith #42 of the New York Rangers looks on in the second period against the Buffalo Sabres during their game at Madison Square Garden on January 18, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

A Fresh Start

For a number of players on the roster, a fresh start is needed. They’ll get it when training camp opens up in mid-September.

One of the poster boys of “The Players Who Need Fresh Starts” committee is Brendan Smith. After signing a four-year deal worth $17.4 million, Smith had a very rough season. He reportedly came into training camp out of shape and it showed.

The veteran only spent 44 lackluster games with the Blueshirts before the team put him on waivers. The once thought to be prized free agent signing went unclaimed to the surprise of no one, and he wound up finishing his season in Hartford.

Even his time in Hartford couldn’t steer clear of controversy, as he and teammate Vinni Lettieri got into a fist-fight at a Wolf Pack practice. Smith broke his hand and was out for the remainder of the season.

He’s not the only one desperately in need of a fresh start.

Vladislav Namestnikov was a guy that no one expected to be back with the Rangers.

After not producing well in his 19 games as a Ranger (he only tallied two goals and two assists in those games) it appeared that the team would deal either him or Ryan Spooner at the draft for another mid-tier prospect or mid-round draft pick. That ultimately didn’t happen, and both of them ended up signing identical two-year, $8 million contracts.

Other players including Kevin Shattenkirk, who’s coming off of an injury, Matt Beleskey, who’s coming off the worst season of his career, and more will be trying to do the same thing; reclaim their roles as NHL regulars who give the team a chance to win every night.

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