Trouba and the Rangers current core may have 2 seasons left to win
(Jana Chytilova/Getty Images)

It’s been a slow week here with the NY Rangers. The next step here is arbitration with both Brendan Lemieux and Ryan Strome. Until then, there won’t be much going on. So let’s dive right into my brain, shall we?

1. Larry Brooks mentioned that he sees Lemieux getting up to $2 million in arbitration. I find that to be a little high. If he gets two years in arbitration, I think it comes in under $1.5 million. He just doesn’t have the scoring numbers yet. It’s unfortunate for Lemieux, but for the Rangers this works out because it keeps his cost down. Even if it’s just by $500k.

2. I don’t think the Rangers walk away from Strome. His arbitration reward is only one year no matter what. It’s unlikely he gets more than $4.7 million. They can make it work. Having him walk for nothing is poor asset management.

3. However I do think they look to trade him. I wouldn’t be shocked if they sign and trade him. It’s now public knowledge that they don’t think Strome is the answer long term at 2C. All signs are pointing to Filip Chytil getting a long look next season. They will need to make a decision on Chytil sooner rather than later, and this is the season to test it out.

4. I am very intrigued to see how LD plays out. The only set player there is Ryan Lindgren. Options: Tony DeAngelo, Jack Johnson, Brendan Smith, K’Andre Miller, and Tarmo Reunanen. If we take the Rangers at face value, then the kids are going to get a chance, and they will keep Jack Johnson out of the lineup if the kids force them

5. That said, expect the Rangers to be conservative with the kids. Expect Miller to get a year in the AHL. Expect Reunanen to start in the AHL. Let them get used to the faster pace of play. This means you’re looking at an LD of Lindgren, Johnson, and one of Smith/DeAngelo, with the other getting 3RD duties.

6. To clarify, expect your opening night six defensemen to be Jacob Trouba, Adam Fox, Smith, DeAngelo, Johnson, Lindgren.

7. Ending with a question: If the Rangers keep Strome, do they still put Chytil as the 2C?

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