As the 2024-25 NHL season approaches, the New York Rangers find themselves at a crucial point for this current core of players. After a relatively quiet and underwhelming offseason with few roster changes, fans are eager to see how the team will shape up for Opening Night. With a mix of veteran leadership and emerging young talent, the Rangers are poised to defend their Metropolitan Division first place spot and attempt to break through to the Stanley Cup Finals. Let's dive into the projected roster for the season opener, analyzing the key players and potential surprises that could define the team’s success this year.
Forwards (13)
Left Wings: Panarin, Kreider, Cuylle, Edstrom
The New York Rangers have a solid left-wing group, led by two All-Star veterans in Artemi Panarin and Chris Kreider, who should continue to be key contributors for the team. The other two players in the group consist of younger talents with much to prove: Will Cuylle and Adam Edstrom. Cuylle had a promising rookie year, playing in 81 games and recording 13 goals, 8 assists, for 21 points. He should be able to build off this success, and with his tenacious and physical style of play, he'll be a key factor in the lineup. Lastly, Adam Edstrom is an under-the-radar player who appeared in 11 games. He is a big, physical presence with some upside, and I can see him being a significant part of the Rangers' 4th line this season.
Centers: Trocheck, Zibanejad, Chytil, Carrick
The Rangers have one of the best center groups in the NHL when they are all on the ice together. Zibanejad had a down season by his standards, scoring only 26 goals last year, but he should be poised for a bounce-back season. Trocheck, who posted career highs in assists (52) and points (77), is arguably the best center on the team. He was also one of the top face-off specialists in the NHL, winning 58.7% of his draws. Both he and Zibanejad will be key contributors in all aspects of the game, from 5v5 play to special teams. Chytil is set to be the team's biggest X-factor this season, with his speed and skill making him potentially the best 5v5 player on the roster. The key for him is staying healthy, and if he does, a breakout year is expected. Finally, Carrick, who is replacing Goodrow, should be a reliable 4th-line center and contribute on the Rangers' 3rd pairing in penalty kills.
Right Wings: Lafreniere, Smith, Kakko, Rempe
The right wing group for the Rangers is their biggest weak spot. Outside of Alexis Lafreniere, the group is riddled with question marks. Smith is an aging veteran on a regressing career path, looking to bounce back after a disappointing season with Pittsburgh. He’ll start the season alongside Kreider and Zibanejad. Another major question mark is Kaapo Kakko, who is on a one-year "prove-it" deal. His career with the Rangers is on the line, and he needs to prove he can be a consistent top-six forward this season. Finally, there's fan favorite Matt Rempe, a polarizing player. He’s not a good skater and brings little offensive output, but at 6'7", he throws massive hits and isn’t afraid to drop the gloves. If he can improve his skating, he could solidify his place on the Rangers’ 4th line for the foreseeable future.
Extras/Injured: Brodzinski, Vesey (LTIR)
Defensemen (7)
Defensemen: Fox, Trouba, Miller, Jones, Schneider, Mancini
The Rangers bring back the same defensive core as last year, with the exception of letting Erik Gustafsson go. Zac Jones will step into his spot, and the Rangers' defense looks to improve from last season. Fox is arguably the best defenseman in the league, and if healthy, he’ll be contending for the Norris Trophy. Miller remains a question mark, as it's still unclear if he will become an All-Star or settle in as a top-four defenseman. He has struggled in the defensive zone, at both blue lines, and has been underwhelming offensively. Hopefully, this will be his breakout year. Trouba has been disappointing for the Rangers, taking many costly penalties in the playoffs. He was shopped around all offseason, and this could potentially be his last season in New York. Schneider, a young player, will take on a bigger role this season, and he looks poised to become a solid defenseman for years to come. Lastly, filling in for the injured Ryan Lindgren is youngster Victor Mancini, who impressed during the preseason. If Mancini wants to establish himself as an NHL defenseman, this is his chance to make his mark. The Rangers' defensive core has the potential to be one of the best in the league, but only time will tell.
Extras/Injured: Ruhwehel, Lindgren (IR)
Goalies (2)
Goalies: Shesterkin, Quick
The Rangers' most reliable position is their goaltending. Igor Shesterkin is entering the final year of his contract, which will undoubtedly loom over the season. However, he remains the best goalie in the league and should be the favorite to win the Vezina Trophy while carrying this team deep into the playoffs. Backup Jonathan Quick returns after seemingly finding the fountain of youth last season, where, at times, he outperformed Shesterkin. While his numbers may regress, as long as he wins most of the games he plays, Quick should once again be a serviceable backup for the team.
This Rangers team is in a win-now season with many uncertainties after this year. The roster and core players need to break through and win the Stanley Cup. I am cautiously optimistic, but we are surely in for another exciting season as the Rangers aim for the Stanley Cup in 2024-25.