The Rangers put together one of the most talented teams on paper this season, and the result did not work out. Every player, person inside the organization, and Rangers fan outside should be disappointed in how it ended.
But, the expectation for next season will be the same as it was entering this year: contending for a Stanley Cup.
New York will run it back with the same core, with Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, Chris Kreider, Adam Fox, and more, but with the situation they are in, Chris Drury will need to make smart financial moves to build a cup contender.
Will it be Tarasenko or Kane, who both showed their flashes in New York? Will Drury opt for a grittier team, as this was a reason for their downfall against New Jersey? Will the unthinkable happen in Lafreniere or Miller not returning?
The season ended early and the Rangers will have to wait longer for opening night. But, the message remains the same: Buckle up. It’s going to be a tense summer.