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It’s Christmas! Some gifts the Rangers could be wishing for

By Jake Mozarsky

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 06: Pavel Buchnevich #89 (l) of the New York Rangers celebrates his first period goal against the Philadelphia Flyers and is joined by Chris Kreider #20 (c) and Mika Zibanejad #93 (r) at Madison Square Garden on October 6, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 06: Pavel Buchnevich #89 (l) of the New York Rangers celebrates his first period goal against the Philadelphia Flyers and is joined by Chris Kreider #20 (c) and Mika Zibanejad #93 (r) at Madison Square Garden on October 6, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Artemi Panarin #10 of the New York Rangers congratulates Kaapo Kakko #24 ( (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

The second line

This line is going to be an interesting one. The Rangers re-signed Ryan Strome in the offseason after a breakout season, and with the departure of Jesper Fast it is predicted that Kaapo Kakko will slide in at right wing. But, this line all revolves around the Hart Trophy candidate.

Artemi Panarin: The Hart Trophy

Panarin was a finalist for the Hart trophy last season and in the off-season all he can be wishing for is to finally win the trophy. He tallied 95 points last season (32 G, 63 A) and needs to replicate MVP numbers to keep up with the likes of Connor McDavid, David Pastrnak and other NHL elites.

Every NHL analyst believes that Panarin can replicate his production from his first year in New York. He is the glue that brings this line together and all eyes will be on him from every team he plays. His production is key to New York’s success and getting the coveted trophy, meaning he is the best player in hockey.

Ryan Strome: Prove his worth

Strome was re-signed to a two year contract this off-season and many believed New York should have let him walk. Strome needs to show more than being a setup man for Artemi Panarin. Many people will target Panarin and that is why Strome becomes much more important. There is also the lagging question that has been around for years: Can Strome be the number two center? Filip Chytil might have something to say about that.

Strome needs to prove his worth not only by providing for Panarin, but also helping Kaapo Kakko become a star. He also needs to score goals on his own, take some of the pressure off of the two wingers. Many believe this is feasible and that is why Strome is still wearing a Rangers sweater.

Kaapo Kakko: The next step

After an underwhelming rookie season, many are expecting Kakko to take the next step in his development. The former number two pick showed tons of improvement in the short postseason for New York, and now it is time for Kakko to show why he was so highly touted. It’s only his second year but with that comes expectations.

He will be helped by playing next to Panarin and Strome, which is an upgrade from Brett Howden or Filip Chytil, who he was partnered with last year. It will also help that there is less spotlight on him, as Alexis Lafrenière and Igor Shesterkin are two favorites for the Calder Trophy. Hopefully the lack of spotlight will allow Kakko to become a star all of the attention.

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