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New York Rangers: Building a Contender like the Contenders

By George Ruggiero

DALLAS, TX - JUNE 22: General Manager Jeff Gorton of the New York Rangers looks on from the draft table during the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 22, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - JUNE 22: General Manager Jeff Gorton of the New York Rangers looks on from the draft table during the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 22, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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Obviously, all teams are built differently. However, there seems to be a formula for building a contender. The New York Rangers should take a page from four of the league’s perennial leaders.

This quickly approaching season is the first of a hopefully quick and effective rebuild. The Rangers have put their focus in the draft and players that were already in the organization.

Striking the right balance between homegrown talent and imported mercenaries is key for a front office. Free agents are more expensive to acquire, but draft picks need time to develop into finished products.

Typically, we’ve seen the Rangers try to import as much talent as possible at every level of the roster. However, in the past 24 months, there was a fundamental shift in approach.

The majority of trades made have been ways to stock up on draft choices. The only free agent signings made so far have been to retain pieces or stock up on depth skaters. The Rangers seem to be on the straightened path towards contending sooner than later. Before making a conclusion on the Rangers, let’s take a look at some of the NHL’s current contenders.

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