What’s a successful season for the New York Rangers?

Maximize certain players…to sell high on

Pavel Buchnevich is high on the list of players who need to have a good season, so the New York Rangers can maximize their value. As I argued in another article, Buchnevich no longer fits this team. They now have more skill players than they know what to do with, and he is too inconsistent a player to depend on.

Unfortunately, Tony DeAngelo falls into the category of trade bait. I would love the Rangers to keep him as I think he’s a tremendously talented offensive defenseman, and he brings a snarl to the blueline. Having said that, the Rangers have two defenders ahead of DeAngelo on the depth chart, and ADA’s pricing himself out of New York with this play. Well earned, but the best move for the franchise will be to trade DeAngelo at the deadline or in the off-season.

Finally, Ryan Strome is another player the Rangers need to have a good season while also figuring out what life looks without him on the roster. If Chytil can take the number two center slot and run with it, make the move.

A bounce-back year from Jacob Trouba

Jacob Trouba looked much like a tourist visiting New York City throughout his first year on Broadway–he was lost, uncomfortable, and wasn’t sure exactly what he should be doing. The Rangers signed him to be their number one defenseman. He was much better in the playoffs, but he still left a lot to be desired. He’ll have to prove that he was worth the term and value of his contract, or else it’ll be a long seven more years.

The Rangers are going to be a fun, young team in 2021. The likelihood they make the playoffs may not be great, but there’s no reason that the upcoming season can’t be successful.