The New York Rangers are currently tied for last in the Metropolitan Division with an overall record of 16-17-1 — for a total of 33 points. While the New York Islanders share the bottom of the barrel with them, there's certainly plenty of things the Rangers could do to improve the rest of their 2024-25 season.
To get in the holiday spirit, let's take a look at five things that the Blueshirts should have on their holiday list to hopefully see a season improvement.
1. The Return of Chris Kreider in his Prime
At his prime, the longest-tenured player on the Rangers' roster — Chris Kreider — had everything a modern NHL power forward needed: top-end speed, game-breaking ability and a physical approach to the game. In fact, on March 16, 2024, Kreider became the 10th New York Ranger to play 800 NHL games. His 298 goals were the second-highest total by anyone in franchise history through their first 800 games.
Unfortunately, this is not the Kreider Rangers fans are seeing on the ice this season. He has just one point in his past eight games, thanks to a goal on December 20 against the Dallas Stars. As a whole on the season, he also only has one assist.
Seeing a jump in productivity from Kreider is both an easy want and something that is realistically atainable for the Rangers. Hopefully the healthy scratch against the New Jersey Devils on Dec. 23 will give him the motivation to return to his usual skill-level on the ice.
2. A Matt Rempe Lessened Suspension
22-year-old enforcer and forward Matt Rempe has brought youthful energy to the ice for the Rangers over the past two years. However, the NHL Department of Player Safety suspended Rangers Rempe for eight games for boarding, elbowing due to misconduct for play against Dallas Stars.
While Rempe is definitely an aggressive player, he is quickly becoming a fan-favorite among those Rangers fans who prefer the more brutal side of hockey. He also has the ability to produce on the offensive side of the puck — having scored his first career goal in 2023-24 playoffs.
He may not be well-liked by everyone in the league, but Rempe has a love for the game and heart. He currently has seven games left in his suspension. The sooner he's back on the ice for New York, the better.
3. More Goals for Brett Berard
For his first league goal, rookie Brett Berard sniped home an amazing shot on the odd man rush against the Hurricanes. Building off his assist from Will Cuyle's goal against the St. Louis Blues on Nov. 25, this makes Berard the first Blueshirt to start his NHL career with a two-point game streak since March of 2018.
Just like Rempe, Berard is another young guy on the roster who could get the Rangers out of this rut if he was given the opportunity.