The NY Rangers are being slept on this season, and that's fine.
Jan 12, 2023; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers defenseman K'Andre Miller (79) celebrates with New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox (23) after the pair scored the game-tying and then the game-winning goals against the Dallas Stars at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports

Per Colin Stephenson, K’Andre Miller is getting the first look on the top pair with Adam Fox at camp today. This has long been the desired top pair for the Rangers on this site, and it appears to be Peter Laviolette’s first instinct as well. Ryan Lindgren was moved to the second pair with Jacob Trouba, another pairing that should pay dividends by unlocking Trouba’s offensive game.

Other interesting tidbits from the lineup:

  • Alexis Lafreniere and Filip Chytil were given looks in the top six, with Laf notably on the top line and Chytil centering Artemi Panarin and Blake Wheeler.
  • Kaapo Kakko is currently on the third line in what could be a shutdown line with solid offensive potential, with Barclay Goodrow and Vincent Trocheck. It would be interesting to see Jimmy Vesey on that line.
  • The fourth line has the expected Tyler Pitlick and Nick Bonino with Vesey for now. Will Cuylle will likely be given a shot.
  • Erik Gustafsson is getting the first look with Braden Schneider, as expected.
  • Not listed in the tweet, Ben Harpur was paired with Zac Jones. That’s likely your 8D/7D to start the season. Jones will get looks with Schneider.

Things will change and we will get other line combinations as Laviolette looks to see what will work. The goal is to get the most out of the lineup while also looking for injury backup plans for later in the season.

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