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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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Tony DeAngelo #77 of the New York Rangers celebrates his second period goal against the Washington Capitals at MSG.
Tony DeAngelo #77 of the New York Rangers celebrates his second period goal against the Washington Capitals at MSG. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

The third defense pair

At least for the start of the year, this line is an enigma when it comes to playing time. On one side is the Rangers’ top offensive defensemen, Tony DeAngelo, but on the other is Jack Johnson, who was criticized after New York signed him in the off-season. They will wish for opposite things this Christmas.

Tony DeAngelo: K’Andre Miller

In order for DeAngelo to be maximized on the ice, he needs a defensemen that David Quinn wants to play. No Ranger fan is convinced that Johnson will be a great addition for the team, but hopefully K’Andre Miller will have a strong camp and make the team for opening night. It’s not likely but can happen.

Miller, who played at the University of Wisconsin the past two years, is a highly touted defensemen prospect, and he is a lefty who pairs perfectly with DeAngelo. It will allow DeAngelo to show his offensive talent and even improve defensively too, which he did in the second half of the season.

Jack Johnson: Not K’Andre Miller

Let’s face it: When Miller comes Johnson goes. Hopefully Johnson can hold down the fort while Miller is developing, but once New York calls Miller up, Johnson will become a healthy scratch. That’s all.

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