New York Rangers: Projecting the bottom six forwards

After a decisive spring and start to summer, the New York Rangers have made a handful of acquisitions that shake up the lineup.

After collecting assets such as Artemi Panarin, Kappo Kaako, as well as officially signing Vitali Kravtsov, the New York Rangers have to shake up their lineups. Last season, the Rangers toyed around with many potential lineup options, with players like Pavel Buchnevich bouncing up and down the lineup. Even power forward winger, Chris Kreider was subject to some rather aggressive line changes over the course of the season.

This can be attested to an experimental mindset by head coach David Quinn. Quinn certainly shuffled the units frequently and few players were free from the constant movement except for Mika Zibanejad. Zibanejad, until this past off-season may have been the sole lock for any set line for the Rangers. Players such as Kreider and Buchnevich have both had some questions raised regarding commitment and defensive talent among other things.

Assessing New Talent

As a result of the Rangers very productive off-season, the team has added some pretty impressive pieces in their search for success. Adding top tier winger Artemi Panarin through free agency is one of the biggest motions the team has made since the acquisition of Rick Nash in 2013. The addition of Panarin brought along not only a serious contender for the top line, but also a serious cap hit. Netting more than 11 million dollars in average annual value causes complications for some other players in the top six of the forward group. This could very well cause issues with Kreider and Buchnevich to name a few.

Regarding The Future

With all else remaining equal, assuming the Rangers retain Buchnevich, Brendan Lemieux, and do not make any additional forward acquisitions, the bottom six could be pinned to look like this –

Fast – Chytil/Strome/Namestnikov – Lemieux

The center position on the third line is not locked down in any sense, and with questions looming regarding both Ryan Strome and Vlad Namestnikov, it is hard to say what to expect come October. Lemieux saw some time on multiple lines last year, however he would likely fit the best on a line that can push the pace and produce for him. both Strome and Namestnikov have put up strong seasons with solid players on former teams. Filip Chytil does not bring the same leadership, however a potentially greater skill level may be on the table. Regardless of who remains, it would benefit Lemieux and his game most  having a play driver between him and two way forward Jesper Fast. Namestnikov could also play a role on the wing, however Coach Quinn may opt to see recent draft selection Kappo Kaako take a wing role on a lower line before Namestnikov gets time.

Andersson – Howden – Nieves

The Rangers have a certain overage when it comes to center depth. This probably makes the forward line groups a nightmare for David Quinn, however it also allows for the fourth line to be somewhat interchangeable. On the fourth line is three young centers. Flanking the wings are Lias Andersson and Boo Nieves. With both players being natural centers, it took some thinking to decide who would be winning draws for the team, but after quick review of the faceoff statistics it seemed neither would fit very well. Both Andersson and Nieves had faceoff percentages below 45%. Brett Howden came clocked in with a 48%. It does not take much more than that to dissuade me from a young center. In any case, this line would probably get deployed in some interesting moments, however two fairly edgy wingers and a gifted young Howden could impress some.

Everything considered, David Quinn has some serious thinking to do especially regarding his logjam of centers. Over the course of the coming months he will certainly toy with new ideas and only in September will anyone truly start to see what he is planning.