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Photo Credit: Getty Images / Minas Panagiotakis

We have officially entered the calm before the storm of the 2017 offseason. The Rangers have been active, signing Neal Pionk and Alexei Bereglazov as undrafted free agents, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The expansion draft, buyout period, and NHL draft are all places where many expect the Rangers to make moves to retool the team before free agency. As always, I have some thoughts.

1. As always, the main focus will be how the Rangers position themselves for the expansion draft. There are a ton of chances for the Rangers to add a quality defenseman from teams that need to deal to protect their assets. But in order for the Rangers to make such a move, they will need to dump one or both of Marc Staal and/or Dan Girardi. After all, what’s the point of acquiring a defenseman before the expansion draft, just to be forced to expose him?

2. Speaking of Staal and Girardi, I fully expect both of them to be gone by the time next season starts. I think Jeff Gorton will buy out one, and find some kind of deal for the other. Guessing which one is which is tough, but you have a 50/50 shot of getting it right. No matter what, this team will not be a true contender unless both are gone.

3. I think the Rangers will find a way to dump Kevin Klein as well. There is likely a taker for an expiring contract for a “rugged veteran.” There won’t be much of a return, and the Rangers may have to retain salary, but I don’t think he will be gone. That said, I think Nick Holden will still be with the club when the puck drops for next season.

4. As for the forwards, I think the Rangers will find a way to ensure Jesper Fast and Oscar Lindberg remain with the club. Whether that be by dealing a pick to Vegas to take Klein/Grabner, or by some other method we haven’t thought of, I think both will be Rangers next season.

5. No matter what Gorton does or doesn’t do, this offseason will define him.He did a masterful job of retooling the forwards last offseason. Now he needs to do the same with the blue line. The Rangers don’t have many years remaining an elite level Henrik Lundqvist. We’ve seen what the forwards can do, and how good Hank can be when the defense isn’t a total sieve. The blue line has been long identified as the weak link. Now is the only time to fix it.

6. As this is Memorial Day weekend, I wanted to take this time to thank all of you have serve, have served, or have plans to serve this country. For those looking to find a way to thank our veterans, there are many ways to give back. However the best way is to donate.

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