New York Rangers: The five biggest problems for Jeff Gorton

Five big problems for Jeff Gorton and the Rangers

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 07: Henrik Lundqvist #30 of the New York Rangers congratulates Igor Shesterkin #31 after he gets the first win of his NHL career against the Colorado Avalanche at Madison Square Garden on January 07, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images) /

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New Jersey Devils Defenceman Sami Vatanen (45) and New York Rangers Center Ryan Strome (16) /

Problem #3: Ryan Strome

Ryan Strome is practically a point-a-game player and has proven in his 106 games with the Rangers that he is for real. Has he been helped by his pairing with Artemi Panarin? Absolutely. But he is finally living up to his billing as a top five draft pick and his acquisition for Ryan Spooner was highway robbery.

The problem is that he is another arbitration eligible restricted free agent. While his $3.1 million salary isn’t chump change, you can be sure that if he ends up with his projected 23 goals and 78 points, he will want and deserve a raise. Again, the Rangers are in salary cap hell and keeping him will be a challenge. He may take a hometown discount to stay with the team and continue to be the beneficiary of Panarin’s skill, but it will take more than $3 million.

Do they dare trade Panarin’s center? Stanley Cup contenders are built on strength up the middle and right now, with Mika Zibanejad, Strome and Chytil, they are looking pretty solid in that category.

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