The New York Rangers have certainly been busy between the former-captain Jacob Trouba trade, to the Igor Shesterkin contract extension, to previous and upcoming games.
Speaking of upcoming games, puck drop against the Chicago Blackhawks is rapidly approaching. The Rangers (14-11-1) are coming off of blowing a lead and falling 7-5 to Seattle on Sunday, while Chicago (8-17-2) most recently suffered a 4-2 loss against the Jets.
Also worth mentioning is the fact that last game Shesterkin was actually missing from the ice last game due to his wife being in labor. He makes his return to the line during Madison Square Garden's Monday night matchup.
Records, players and updates aside, Connor Bedard is obviously the opposing team's player to watch ahead of the Dec. 9 matchup.
Connor Bedard
Superstar center Connor Bedard was selected as the No. 1 pick in the recent 2023 NHL Draft. This selection came as a result of him coming in at No. 1 on NHL Central Scouting's final ranking of North American skaters presented by BioSteel. He won Canadian Hockey League Top Prospect, Top Scorer, and David Branch Player of the Year awards after leading the WHL in goals (71), points (143), shots on goal (360), points per game (2.51) and goals per game (1.24) in 57 regular-season games.
The Canadian was went on to be awarded the 2024 Calder Trophy voted as NHL rookie of the year after leading and/or co-leading both rookies and the Blackhawks in goals (22), assists (39) and points (61) despite missing 14 games with an injury. Bedard became the second-youngest player in NHL history (18 years, 276 days) to finish as the rookie leader, outright or tied, in all three categories.
At only 19-years-old, Bedard currently leads the Backhawks offensively. He sits with 20 points so far this 2024-25 campaign and is five points above the next player — teammate Ryan Donato.
His 20 points come from 15 assists and five goals across all 27 games played.
How to Tune In
Puck drop for the Rangershosting the Rangers is slated for 7:00 p.m. EST, tonight — Monday, Dec. 9. The game will be streamed via Fubo and Sling TV and be sure to tune into ourTwitter for live updates.