Hot summer thoughts

Photo: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Nothing says “I want to talk hockey” like 95 degree weather and sweating uncontrollably whenever you step outside, am I right? Since we are all on the same page when it comes to hockey in the summer, and it’s a lazy Sunday, let’s gather some thoughts on our Rangers.

1. Last year we spent a lot of time harping on the defense. To Jeff Gorton’s credit, he did a lot to make the blue line more mobile. Alain Vigneault has ten viable options for seven roster spots, so the Rangers are now pretty deep on the blue line. However it all comes down to how AV deploys his defensemen. If he falls on old habits, then there will be no lessons learned. If he finally figures it out, then the Rangers are a dangerous team.

2. Not much has been said about Mika ZIbanejad’s contract. We took a stab at gauging his next contract two months ago, and nothing has really changed since then. He and the Rangers will figure it out before his arbitration hearing. I’m intrigued to see where he lands. A right-handed, shoot-first center who skates is worth a pretty penny in the NHL. But Zibanejad has no leverage as an RFA, so we shall see.

3. Right now, Matt Puempel is slated to be the 12th forward. That likely isn’t the best option for the Rangers. Puempel is best as a depth forward/injury replacement. So there is still work to be done. I don’t know if there’s any credibility to the Tyler Bozak rumors, and I likely won’t give credence to any rumor unless it comes from McKenzie or Friedman. But there is logical sense to a trade with the Leafs.

4. The more I think about it, the more I think Anthony DeAngelo isn’t a shoo-in to make the roster. He doesn’t need to clear waivers, so he’s not a risk to lose for nothing. Despite the logjam on the blue line, I think there is a reason why we haven’t seen any trades yet. It likely has to do with ensuring the kid earns his spot on the roster. They have the luxury of being able to take their time with him. It could also be a product of no good trades out there. In all likelihood, it’s a combination of both.

5. One last thought on this Sunday. Don’t think that Lindy Ruff is some savior if you’re an AV hater. They are almost identical coaches. From being old school guys right down to the systems they use on the ice, AV and Ruff are almost carbon copies of each other. Ruff is here as an AV guy, that’s it.