john moore

 

John Moore was the last regular from the 2013-14 varsity to sign a new deal for the upcoming season. That he wasn’t a priority speaks of the Rangers cap crunch but also of Moore’s uncertain future as well as his underwhelming performance as a Ranger. Although Moore has played well at times for the Rangers, it is hard not to expect more when you analyse his talent, size, pedigree and the need the Rangers have for another defenseman to step up offensively.

Had John Moore developed as hoped there’s every chance the Rangers wouldn’t have pursued Dan Boyle and would have had a sizeable chunk of cap cash to pursue a big name center this past summer but Moore didn’t develop into the two way defenseman both the Blue Jackets and the Rangers hoped for and Dan Boyle is indeed a New York Ranger. Meanwhile the Rangers have a merry-go-round at center in Derek Stepan’s absence.

Moore is entering a pivotal year as a Ranger. He has essentially signed a ‘prove it’ type deal and while Moore has been steady, if the 6’3 defenseman doesn’t step up he could easily be the next talented Rangers defenseman to be discarded after the season ends. The Rangers don’t have any long term commitment or investment in the talented defenseman and a 23 year old with a cap hit of 850k is not hard to move if he struggles out of the gate. Hope sells after all.

With talented blueliners such as Brady Skjei, Calle Andersson, and the AHL trio of Bodie, Allen and McIlrath in the wings, if it’s ‘just’ a 6th defenseman the Rangers require there are plenty of option in-house for the next year. The difference however is the upside. Moore projected as a high end, two way defenseman with sound decision making skills, elite level mobility and an accurate shot. We haven’t seen that combination of traits nearly enough, nor has Moore used his 6’3, 200 lb frame particularly often. Yet the talent and the tantalising upside still remain.

The Rangers would love Moore to kick on this year and depending on how the Marc Staal situation develops they may need him to. With a modest career high (set last year) of 15 points Moore has room to grow offensively. With teams crying out for mobile blueliners who can carry the puck into the offensive zone the Rangers would dearly love Moore to develop into their third offensive guy behind McDonagh and Boyle.

With a one year deal, restricted free agency looming and no guarantees beyond it, now would be a great time to do some growing. With a fine balance of youth and veterans on the roster, perhaps no other ‘established’ Ranger has more to prove than John Moore entering the 2015 season. His development will be an interesting side act to follow.

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