Three Bold Predictions for the New York Rangers 2024-25 Season
By Joe Nuzzi
As the 2024-25 NHL season approaches, anticipation is building for what could be a pivotal year for the New York Rangers. With a talented core—some young, others aging—and following disappointing playoff exits, the Rangers face a crucial season ahead. Here are three bold predictions for the Rangers as they chase Stanley Cup glory in 2024-25.
1. Alexis Lafrenière Scores Over 40 Goals and is a Point a Game Player
After a strong breakout campaign in 2023-24 with 28 goals, 29 assists, and 57 points, Alexis Lafrenière is set to explode in 2024-25. He finally solidified himself as a top-line winger, and his overall play improved as he played alongside two of the NHL’s best players, Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trocheck. His newfound confidence was a game-changer, which is crucial for any young athlete aiming to perform at a high level. This growth in his mental and physical game sets the stage for Lafrenière to take another big step forward in the upcoming season.
Lafrenière’s role as the top right winger at 5-on-5 should remain the same this season, playing alongside Trocheck and Panarin. I believe he will finally get consistent playing time on the Rangers' lethal number one power play unit, which will give him more opportunities to boost both his point and goal totals this season.
There's no reason why he shouldn’t be able to score 40+ goals and finish with over a point per game. Expectations for Lafrenière in 2024-25 are high, and I believe he will not only become a cornerstone piece of the Rangers but also evolve into a truly elite player across the NHL.
2. Kaapo Kakko Fails to be Key Contributor in the Top 9 and is Traded
After another disappointing season, Kaapo Kakko is undoubtedly on the hot seat regarding his future with the New York Rangers. He followed up his best season in 2022-23 by playing only 61 games in 2023-24 and totaling a mere 19 points. In addition to his underwhelming performance, Kakko dealt with injuries that caused him to miss extended time for the second time in three seasons.
He has struggled to secure consistent playing time in the top six, often being shuffled around the lineup, unable to find a solid role alongside top players like Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider. Kakko also appears to lack confidence, especially when playing with veteran teammates, and has been unable to produce much offensively without extended minutes on the ice.
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Kaapo Kakko has yet to showcase elite offensive or defensive abilities, and his lack of confidence continues to impede his growth. Under Peter Laviolette's leadership, Kakko's role in the top six could be in jeopardy, and he may not see much time on the Rangers' powerplay. With the pressure mounting in this contract year, and concerns about playing time and injuries, it’s difficult to envision a breakout season. Despite being a fan of Kakko, I fear that by March, the Rangers may explore trading him for a more impactful player at the trade deadline.
3. Filip Chytil Overtakes Zibanejad as the 1st Line Center
The Rangers' x-factor for the 2024-25 season is center Filip Chytil. Over the past few years, Chytil has demonstrated explosiveness and the ability to score at 5-on-5. In the 2022-23 season, he registered 22 goals and 23 assists for 45 points in 74 games. Coming off a career year, he earned the confidence of new head coach Peter Laviolette, starting the season centering superstar Artemi Panarin and Alexis Lafrenière.
Chytil began the season strong, recording 6 points in the first 10 games. However, he suffered another concussion in the 10th game—one of many in his career—putting his future in jeopardy.
Chytil missed the remainder of the regular season after returning mid-season and experiencing a setback in his recovery. Fortunately, he was able to rejoin the team for the playoffs, although his impact during the Rangers' run to the Eastern Conference Final was limited. Despite this, I believe Chytil has the potential to stay healthy in the upcoming season and build on the flashes of brilliance he has shown.
His explosiveness and ability to create opportunities off the rush make him a valuable offensive weapon. With continued development, Chytil could realistically challenge Mika Zibanejad for the top center spot in the Rangers' lineup. Chytil has a very high ceiling, and I believe that if he stays healthy, he will surpass Zibanejad as the number one center for the New York Rangers.