10 things on the New York Rangers Christmas wishlist

Youth development

For such a young team, the Rangers have made a statement with their ambitions of the Stanley Cup. With players like Kakko, Lafreniere, Kravtsov, Miller, Fox, and Schneider all far from the finished articles of players they are, it is very exciting to think about what each of these players could become. There is so much talent in the young on the roster that it is easy to see why this team has such a bright future.

For the Rangers, it is important that the organization keeps the development of the kids in mind during the season. Everyone wants to win, but the organization will be better in the long run if the kids are taking strides and fulfilling their great potential abilities. New York needs to try and walk that fine line between winning and developing the kids. It’s a difficult line to walk but it is needed for success.

Whether this means trying to find a spot on the top powerplay for someone like Alexis Lafreniere or trying to fit K’Andre Miller into the penalty kills on the top unit, it is going to help these players develop the skills to do these things when the elder statesmen of the roster are no longer around to do the things they are currently doing. Mika and Kreider are not going to be here forever, so allowing the youth to gradually take their place is a good thing.

This applies to more than just the young kids on the roster. Guys like Brennan Othmann down in Peterborough of the OHL need to keep developing. Stagnating prospects and young players are how you end up in the situation of an eternal rebuild. New York shouldn’t have that issue with the knowledge they can attract any major talent that they want. It’s still difficult to replace good players, in any sport.