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The Rangers are near contender status, but what will they look like in three years?

By Andrew Chodes

OTTAWA, ON - OCTOBER 5: Mika Zibanejad #93 of the New York Rangers celebrates his first period power-play goal against the Ottawa Senators with team mates Chris Kreider #20, Artemi Panarin #10 and Jacob Trouba #8 at Canadian Tire Centre on October 5, 2019 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images)
OTTAWA, ON - OCTOBER 5: Mika Zibanejad #93 of the New York Rangers celebrates his first period power-play goal against the Ottawa Senators with team mates Chris Kreider #20, Artemi Panarin #10 and Jacob Trouba #8 at Canadian Tire Centre on October 5, 2019 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images) /
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Artemi Panarin #10 of the New York Rangers
Artemi Panarin #10 of the New York Rangers /

The wingers

Most of the promising talents for the Rangers are on the wings.

Look at Artemi Panarin’s numbers. I think its fair to say he’s the best Ranger since Jaromir Jagr and will carry the Blueshirts for the remainder of his $84 million contract. Not much else to say about him.

Panarin is already 28 years old, and besides from Chris Kreider, the other players on the wing are mostly in their early twenties.

But we do have to talk about the sad reality of Chris Kreider’s  future. His offensive production had been essential for the success of the mid 2010’s playoff squad and he is now a leader for the baby Blueshirts. Unfortunately, we have to face the fact that as New York turns a corner, he IS being traded (possibly alongside Alexander Georgiev). Getting rid of a $4.5 million cap hit will help the cap space conundrum and it’s no secret that Jeff Gorton is going younger.

“How did you not finish that opportunity!?” Yep, that summarizes Pavel Buchnevich’s season so far. The 24-year-old Russian is going to be a Ranger for a very long time (sorry Rangers Twitter). He’s still young and all the glorious chances he is getting will go in…eventually. The skill, smarts, and overall effectiveness are there but we must wait until it all comes to fruition.

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Jesper Fast knows what his role is on this team. He is a leader, a mentor, and a hard-worker. There’s a reason he is a three time winner of the Players’ Player Award. He always goes hard on the forecheck and will not shy away from putting his body on the line. The stat line may not be incredibly impressive, but his importance to help develop the incoming youth is key. Although not likely, I believe it is important that the front office keeps him for at least the next two seasons.

Ladies and gentleman, Kaapo Kakko is really, really good. I don’t care what his numbers are this season, or his plus/minus, he is an 18-year-old who was put into the greatest hockey league in the world and expected to score 30 goals. Unfortunately, that’s not going to happen. HE IS THE FUTURE of this organization. There is no doubt that Kakko, Artemi Panarin, and Mika Zibanejad will become a top trio in this league in the coming years.

Brendan Lemieux was acquired for a reason-to be a gritty, hard working, and skilled middle of the lineup player. It’s no surprise he has become an instant fan favorite because of his toughness and resilience. How can this ultimate “hockey guy” not be part of the Rangers for years to come?

I don’t see Gregg Mckegg or the Swiss army knife Brendan Smith having any real impact in the long term on Broadway.

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