kevin hayes

The Rangers are likely done making moves this summer, which means we are in the dog days and there isn’t going to be new stuff to analyze and write about. Luckily we have a good group of writers here, and the content will keep coming. It’s been close to 10 years here after all, and we’ve never disappeared in August. So here’s what’s on the docket until summer is over.

1. Pat is going to continue with his David Quinn video breakdowns. They are great posts, and he’s really putting in a ton of effort on them. I love the posts. So that will continue. When the Blueshirts start playing actual games under Quinn, I’ll be looking into how it ties to NHL systems.

2. To continue with tradition, expect the Top 25 Under 25 to come out in August. It’s one of my favorite summer pieces to do. With all the top picks we’ve had lately, I’m expecting a big change in this year’s rankings.

3. To celebrate the run we had from 2012-2017, I’m thinking of putting together a site “tournament” to vote on the best play from those years. If you have any suggestions, put them in the comments. Things like Hank’s windmill save, the many OT winners, Dom Moore’s goal against Montreal, Chris Kreider’s goal against Washington in Game 5 in 2015. Things like that.

4. Off of the summer plans here, and on to Rangers stuff. I’m intrigued to see what the next two years bring for the Rangers. Based off contract expiry dates, it’s clear the front office pictures that as the next time to load up and begin their quest for a Cup. That means the next two years could be a little rough to watch. That means full steam ahead on the rebuild though. That’s good. They aren’t going with half measures, something we feared.

5. I think Chris Kreider is the next captain. I’ve been vocal about this. I don’t think it will be this year (3 A’s, probably), but he’s the link from the 2012 Rangers to the next group of Rangers. He’s the only link in the long-term plans as well, since I’m of the belief that Mats Zuccarello will be traded (ugh).

6. I love the commitment to Brady Skjei. He’s going to be the rock on the blue line that helps the newer guys transition. He’s also the only blue liner signed beyond 2020-2021 as well. The team will belong to him, Kreider, and Mika Zibanejad (and Pavel Buchnevich) as the “old guard” during the next transition.

7. Don’t sleep on San Jose and Kevin Hayes. They need another center, missed out on John Tavares, and are also in a win-now scenario. They can’t fit the full $5 million under the ceiling, but a retained salary transaction works here for both teams. I’m intrigued to see what happens with Hayes.

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