The New York Rangers retooled their roster, and wound up moving on from two of their top forwards on the roster. The first to go was Artemi Panarin, who worked with the Rangers to trade him to the Los Angeles Kings, as it became evident that New York had no desire to re-sign the star winger. Then, this offseason, they traded Vincent Trocheck to the Utah Mammoth in exchange for defenseman Sean Durzi and forward prospect Cole Beaudoin.
The team did do what looked to be impossible by bringing in a young scoring forward in Pavel Dorofeyev after giving up two first-round picks to the Vegas Golden Knights, and signing him to a seven-year, $77 million contract extension. If the Rangers had not landed Dorofeyev, the Rangers' outlook for the upcoming season would have looked bleak. Now, the Rangers have to figure out how to deploy their forwards before the start of the regular season.
With Dorofeyev in the mix, Gabe Perreault may very well be the odd man out.
The Athletic's Peter Baugh wrote an article predicting what the top two lines could look like for the Rangers from most likely to least likely. The most likeliest lines would be Dorofeyev on the top line alongside Mika Zibanejad and Alexis Lafreniere, with Perreault dropping to the second line with J.T. Miller and free agent signing Oliver Bjorkstrand.
Gabe Perreault could be bumped from top line for Pavel Dorofeyev
"Bjorkstrand, like Dorofeyev, is a willing shooter who could benefit from playing with a linemate capable of getting him the puck," writes Baugh. "The 21-year-old Perreault, who had 27 points in 49 games as a rookie, is known for his vision and playmaking. They could be a good match for each other. Perreault is in line to get significant opportunities this season, and the Rangers have a lot riding on his growth. He’s one of their only young forwards with high offensive upside."
Rangers fans will look back on this past season not too fondly. After all, they did finish in last place in the Eastern Conference, and waved the white flag back in January to let the NHL know they were willing to trade away players. But if there was one bright spot, it was the top line combination of Zibanejad, Lafreniere, and Perreault.
The top line trio were responsible for 14 goals scored last season, so there was legitimate promise there. Enough so, where it felt as though the team didn't have to worry about the top line. It felt as though it was set.
But with Dorofeyev being the $11 million per year player who is expected to put up 30 goals per season, it would make sense that he would get top line minutes. For Perreault, it would give the Rangers a bit more balance across the second line.
This past season with the Rangers, Perreault put up 12 goals and 15 assists in 49 games played.
Pavel Dorofeyev being on the top line makes sense for Rangers
When looking at the Rangers roster, it's difficult not to put the player who had over 30 goals in each of the past two seasons when he was with the Golden Knights. This past season, Dorofeyev had 37 goals and 27 assists in 82 regular season games. In the playoffs, Dorofeyev recorded 12 goals and four assists in 22 games.
It's already evident that the Rangers don't have the quality of teammates that Dorofeyev had on the Golden Knights. But Zibanejad is one of the most underrated playmakers in the game, and having Dorofeyev alongside him on the top line simply makes too much sense.
Dorofeyev, who scored at least 35 goals in each of the last two seasons with the Vegas Golden Knights, has elite finishing ability and needs to skate alongside playmakers. That could lead to him fitting nicely with Zibanejad, who drove play more than any returning Rangers forward," writes Baugh. "The 24-year-old Lafrenière finished the season strong while skating alongside Zibanejad, and he and Dorofeyev could fit well together."
Putting Dorofeyev on the top line could also benefit Lafreniere, who shined this past season. Lafreniere tied a season-high in points with 57 by scoring 24 goals and dishing out 33 assists. He was much more productive after the Olympic break, recording 25 points in 25 total games.
Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan has his options heading into training camp and the preseason before the games count. But don't be surprised if one of the Rangers' top paid players will be on the top line.
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