After suffering their first regulation loss of the season on Thursday night, the New York Rangers return to action tonight against the Anaheim Ducks. Anaheim is off to a 3-2-1 start to the season and we will see the return of former Rangers Ryan Strome and Frank Vatrano.
Here's three Rangers to watch as New York looks to bounce back.
1. Alexis Lafreniere
Lafreniere is locked in - yesterday, he signed a seven-year, $7.45 million AAV contract that will keep him as a Blueshirt for a long time. This is a bargain for both sides; Lafreniere was projected to get over $8 million but settled at this number.
In his past 40 games, the 23-year-old has been averaging a point per game and keeps flashing superstar potential. Now that he's signed for years to come, the sky is the limit.
2. Zac Jones
It looks like Jones will be back in the lineup tonight after two games off, replacing Victor Mancini as the team's sixth defensemen. Jones has the potential to be an every-game player, and now he has an opportunity.
Throughout the season, expect Jones and Mancini to be battling for that final spot assuming the rest of the defensive core stays in tact.
3. Adam Edstrom
New York sent a message by sending fan-favorite Matt Rempe down to Hartford - Edstrom has been playing better hockey and is a better fit for the fourth line right now. He's played all seven games and has been noticeable for the Blueshirts.
Right now, the fourth line is Edstrom, Sam Carrick and Johnny Brodzinski, and when Jimmy Vesey returns he'll be placed on that line. Edstrom has made a real case to be an every-night type of player at this point in the season.
Puck drop is slated for 7 p.m. EST and the game will be available for streaming on ESPN+.