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How Will the Rangers Fare in the Metro? Who wins the Cup?

By Marvin Azrak

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 29: The New York Rangers celebrate a second period goal by Vladimir Tarasenko #91 against the New Jersey Devils in Game Six of the First Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 29, 2023 in New York, New York. The Rangers defeated the Devils 5-2. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 29: The New York Rangers celebrate a second period goal by Vladimir Tarasenko #91 against the New Jersey Devils in Game Six of the First Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 29, 2023 in New York, New York. The Rangers defeated the Devils 5-2. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 07: Kirill Marchenko #86 of the Columbus Blue Jackets celebrates with teammates after recording an assist on the eventual game-winning goal by Adam Fantilli #11 against the Washington Capitals during the third period of the NHL preseason game at Capital One Arena on October 7, 2023, in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 07: Kirill Marchenko #86 of the Columbus Blue Jackets celebrates with teammates after recording an assist on the eventual game-winning goal by Adam Fantilli #11 against the Washington Capitals during the third period of the NHL preseason game at Capital One Arena on October 7, 2023, in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

8. Columbus Blue Jackets(2022-23, 25-48-9, 59 points, 8th in Metro):

The Blue Jackets have some exciting prospects, like No. 2 overall pick Adam Fantilli, who’s projected to make a significant impact and might even be running for the Calder Trophy, just like Connor Bedard. It’s music to the Blue Jackets’ ears because they’ve been searching for a top-line center for ages.

Moving on, Johnny Gaudreau and Patrik Laine should lead the charge. The Jackets are also banking on Kent Johnson and Kirill Marchenko, who lit up the scoreboard with 21 goals last season, to improve.

There’s also Emil Bemstrom and Alexandre Texier. They could add some extra scoring depth to the top-nine forward group, which looks better than last season. Even if Cole Sillinger doesn’t make a giant leap in his development, they should be okay.

Columbus did beef up their defense by acquiring Ivan Provorov and Damon Severson. However, there are still some big question marks. Erik Gudbranson is a bit of a liability, and Adam Boqvist has a knack for getting injured. So, the defense should improve, but by how much?

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room – goaltending. It’s the Blue Jackets’ Achilles’ heel. Elvis Merzlikins had a tough season last year with a. 4.23 Goals Against Average, an 8.76 Save Percentage, and a league-worst -25.9 goals saved above expected.

However, there’s hope he’ll bounce back. The real question is, can he bounce back enough to be an average goalie? That’s the game-changer. And behind him, things are a bit uncertain. Daniil Tarasov has been dealing with injuries, and Spencer Martin is more of a backup goalie.

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