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New York Rangers: Five questions going into training camp

By Nicholas Zararis

RALEIGH, NC - MARCH 31: Henrik Lundqvist #30 of the New York Rangers is congratulated for his win by teammate Mats Zuccarello #36 during an NHL game against the Carolina Hurricanes on March 31, 2018 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC - MARCH 31: Henrik Lundqvist #30 of the New York Rangers is congratulated for his win by teammate Mats Zuccarello #36 during an NHL game against the Carolina Hurricanes on March 31, 2018 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NV – JANUARY 07: New York Rangers Defenceman Brady Skjei (76) looks to pass the puck during a game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the New York Rangers on January 7, 2018 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Speer/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – JANUARY 07: New York Rangers Defenceman Brady Skjei (76) looks to pass the puck during a game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the New York Rangers on January 7, 2018 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Speer/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Is it Skjei and Shattenkirk?

The Rangers defense last season was an outright abomination. The lack luster talent combined with no logical system adjustment combined for the worst team in the league in terms of percentage of shots per game. The team only created 44% of shots during the course of their games.

Part of that issue was the lack of a number one defenseman down the stretch. Of course, trading Ryan McDonagh with no clear cut replacement for him was a necessary step in a rebuild. However, the result was forcing Brady Skjei into a role he was not totally ready for. The former Minnesota Golden Gopher was thrown to the wolves and often with an outright terrible defensive partner for the final 25 games of the year.

In addition to Skjei being forced into a top pair role, the team did not have anyone else worthy of playing first pair minutes. In theory, Kevin Shattenkirk should be able to serve as the complimentary partner on a good first pair at the NHL level. However, it’ll be imperative that the New Rochelle native have a strong camp and get his legs under him.

Even so, rolling with a Skjei and Shattenkirk first pair for an entire season seems like a tall ask. That’d be one of the weaker pairs in the entire league and one dependent upon a 24-year-old making a tremendous jump. The real problem lies in the alternative, if not these two, then who?

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