The Rangers signed the number-one free agent in Kevin Shattenkirk this off season to add to their defence but lost a lot more players than they gained. Included in the departures was number-one center Derek Stepan, creating a hole on the first line to go along with the lack of star power they have at forward. They still have one of the best goaltenders in the NHL and with good depth all around they should fight for a wild card spot.
Arrivals/Departures
Arrivals: Kevin Shattenkirk, Ondrej Pavelec, David Desharnais, Anthony DeAngelo, Steven Kampfer
Departures: Derek Stepan, Antti Raanta, Dan Girardi, Kevin Klein, Oscar Lindberg, Brandon Pirri, Adam Clendening, Tanner Glass, Magnus Hellberg, Marek Hrivik, Nicklas Jensen
Forwards:
The Rangers have lots of good depth at offence but they lack a true star up front who is going to give you a 40-goal or 70-point season. The team's best forwards is Mats Zuccarello who has turned into a consistent 50-point performer at the first-line right wing spot. Chris Kreider has also evolved his game to be a solid option on the top line at left wing but it would be nice if he could contribute more offensively in 2018. The number-one center spot will be Mika Zibanejad even though he is unproven and based on past performances not capable to be a number-one center. JT Miller had a breakout season putting up 56 points and with Derek Stepan gone, he should get even more time to showcase his talent. Rick Nash is no longer a 40-goal scorer as he has only put up 15 and 23 over the past two seasons but he can still be a top-six forward and power play specialist. Speedster Michael Grabner had a great first year in Broadway after a couple of down seasons with multiple teams but he will have to prove he can perform like he did again. Kevin Hayes will be asked to play a bigger role with Stepan's departure and after his first three seasons it seems like he should be capable to do what he is asked. Last year's big college free agent was Jimmy Vesey and he chose the Rangers. His season started off with a bang but as it went on he slowed down; he will need to play like he did during the first month of the season. Another one of New York's young forwards who has played well is Jesper Fast. Fast will not put up huge offensive numbers but he will do all the small things needed. Veteran center David Desharnais was brought in to play the fourth-line center role as the Rangers don't have any prospects ready to take the spot. Pavel Buchnevich was OK during his rookie season where he played in 40 games putting up 20 points but he will need to be better for this team to make the playoffs. Matt Puempel will probably be the 12th forward while the depth slots will be up for grabs for many prospects.
Defenceman:
The leader of the defence is undoubtedly Ryan McDonagh as he captains the team while playing lots of minutes against the other teams' best players. McDonagh is slowly becoming better offensively as he cracked 40 points for the second time during his career in 2017. Kevin Shattenkirk was the biggest name on the free agency market and he chose the Rangers to bring his offensive game to. Shattenkirk makes lots of mistakes defensively but he ranks among the best offensive defencemen as 40-point seasons have become regular for the 28 year old. Brady Skjei may have been the best rookie defenceman last year after Zach Werenski, putting up 39 points and playing more minutes than you would expect from a rookie. Brendan Smith got overpaid this summer to remain with the Rangers and based on what he is payed, he will be in the top four. Marc Staal struggles to produce offence but he is in New York for his shutdown defence that he brings to every game; Staal's role will likely be reduced due to the emergence of Skjei. Nick Holden will likely try to keep his job on the top six from Anthony DeAngelo who is ready for a full-time NHL job.
Goaltending:
Henrik Lundqvist may not be the elite goalie he once was but he is still good enough to steal games for the Rangers on a regular basis and take them to the playoffs. Lundqvist remains a top-tier goaltender and with a decent team in front of him, don't expect a drop off in play. Antti Raanta is gone so if Lundqvist struggles they will have to rely on Ondrej Pavelec who spent most of last year in the AHL.
Projected Lineup:
Chris Kreider
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Mike Zibanejad
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Mats Zuccarello
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Michael Grabner
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JT Miller
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Rick Nash
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Jimmy Vesey
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Kevin Hayes
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Jesper Fast
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Matt Puempel
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David Desharnais
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Pavel Buchnevich
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Ryan Gropp
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Lias Andersson
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Malte Stormwall
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Ryan McDonagh
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Kevin Shattenkirk
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Brady Skjei
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Brendan Smith
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Marc Staal
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Nick Holden
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Steven Kampfer
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Anthony DeAngelo
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Henrik Lundqvist
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Ondrej Pavelec
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Brandon Halverson
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Top 10 Players:
10. Brady Skjei
9. Kevin Hayes
8. JT Miller
7. Rick Nash
6. Mika Zibanejad
5. Chris Kreider
4. Kevin Shattenkirk
3. Mats Zuccarello
2. Ryan McDonagh
1. Henrik Lundqvist
Projected Finish: 93 Points (5th in Metropolitan)
Last Year: 102 Points (4th in Metropolitan)
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