It is time for the 2024-25 season to be called what it is, an absolute disappointment. It may be the most disappointing season, in all of this franchise's storied and renowned history. At 16-19-1, with 46 games remaining, it is time to close up shop on this season and get ready for the summer.
I know, I know, they can come back and make this the most magical season ever. But, let's face facts, this team is down badly with broken chemistry, phantom leadership, and no all-star goalie.
It's over folks.
What Happens Now
Can the Rangers make an incredible comeback and march back to the playoffs? Absolutely. In fact, as a Rangers fan much like you all, I sincerely hope it happens. But, you cannot wish for sunshine and rainbows every year, and what we have seen over the last few seasons is coming to an abrupt end.
The best course of action for this team to take is as cold as the iron is right now, try to trade away as much as you can to start rebuilding. Let Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck, Alexis Lafreniere, Filip Chytil, Adam Fox, and Igor Shesterkin be your only locks for next season, and deep-six the rest. These has to be a new supporting cast for those core players because this lot is not cutting it.
Rangers hockey has come to being unwatchable, and it is a shame after the fantastic start to the year. Now, with Shesterkin out on Injured Reserve, this hole, as deep as it is, just got so much deeper. Even if Shesterkin came back in the minimum amount of time, it still isn't enough time for the Rangers to gain ground.
In the coming weeks, General Manager Chris Drury will be fielding a ton of calls about his "star" players, and one of them should gain the most amount of interest. That would be Mika Zibanejad, who currently has a no-movement clause, but rumors have swirled that he is ready to lift it to get out of New York and into a better environment. Even though this is a very down year for Zibanejad, he can still bring in a pretty return from the right team that is buying for their playoff run.
It is a sad time to be a Rangers fan, but keep your spirits high. The comeback of the ages may be upon us, but it likely will not. There are 46 more chances to either continue to break fans' hearts or lift them at least for a few nights. But, as things stand now, any dream of a playoff run in 2024-25 should be silenced until next year.