The New York Rangers have impressed so far this season. I expected some learning pains under new coach Peter Laviolette, but for the most part, the Rangers have proven to be up to the task this season. While some offseason acquisitions didn’t work out, it hasn’t impacted the bottom line too badly.
After a long hiatus from writing about the Rangers, I figured it’s time to return with one of my “thoughts” posts. I’ll be writing a Rangers thoughts post for every 10 games or so. Today we start with the powerplay, K’Andre Miller, and the goalies.
1. The most relevant current topic is the powerplay. The team practiced with new units, showing a new look for the first time in almost 3 seasons. While I agree this is nothing to worry massively about, giving Blake Wheeler a larger opportunity on the power-play is unwise. While in theory power-plays will be split evenly, it will surprise me if the players can actually manage that within the flow of the game.
My other concern here is that the powerplay didn’t need to change at all. They’re in a disastrous stretch, but this happens to every team every season. I don’t like messing with something that’s been a major plus for the team just because of a dry spell.
I typically agree with Laviolette’s decision making, but I’d like to see the team return to their normal units sooner rather than later.
2. My biggest trade deadline targets are on the Seattle Kraken. Jordan Eberle, a shoot first, ask questions later kind of player and Yanni Gourde, an excellent two-way center. Such a deal would certainly require a contract going the other way, but I’d 100% give up a first round pick and more for that duo.
Imagine a lineup of:
Kreider-Zibanejad-Eberle
Panarin-Trocheck-Lafreniere
Cuylle-Gourde-Kakko
Vesey-Brodzinski-Wheeler
3. Of course, you may immediately be thinking that that fourth line is weak. I’d agree with you. The trickiest part of this Rangers roster and this Rangers season has been figuring out the forward depth. Simply put, Blake Wheeler isn’t doing anything. Jonny Brodzinski is fine, but do you want him in the lineup come playoff time? I certainly don’t.
What I’d love to see before the March deadline is players like Adam Edstrom, Matt Rempe, and Brett Berard getting some time in the NHL lineup. Throw them on the fourth line and see who might stick. If one of those players can force their way into the 4RW spot, that saves you a trade.
Note: This was written before the Edstrom call up, hopefully he sticks.
4. K’Andre Miller has been a huge problem this season. I wouldn’t trade him under any circumstance, but I’d certainly pair him with Adam Fox to give him a jolt.
5. Genuine question for my fellow BSB writers (column, anyone?) and commenters: Is Braden Schneider ever going to become a true top-four defenseman? If not, shouldn’t he be trade bait? I understand the Rangers need a spare defenseman right now, but his trade value will never be higher than it is today if he doesn’t become a top-four defenseman.
Besides that the Rangers top four is essentially settled for a while, I haven’t seen what I need to see from Schneider. I feel confident that Columbus and Montreal would give major assets or talent for Schneider, and I’m sure other teams would do the same. Could Schneider be the headliner in a piece for a forward? With maybe a third pair guy coming back? Food for thought.
6. I want to acknowledge the Igor Shesterkin/Jonathan Quick situation, while saying I have basically no idea what the right thing to do there is. I believe Igor should be getting 65% of the starts, but geez he’s making it difficult to defend that decision.
7. I have soured on Kaapo Kakko more than any player possibly in my Rangers fandom. I just don’t enjoy watching him play and while I appreciate his defensive capabilities, he needs to provide more offense. He’s a fine 3RW, but I don’t believe he belongs on 1RW.
That being said, trading him for anything but a player under term would be ludicrous. Unless you’re doing something like Eberle+Gourde for Kakko (lol), it makes no sense. I’d trade him in the offseason unless he has a monster postseason.
8. I feel bad for my favorite player, Alexis Lafreniere. He’s playing like he should be, but he cannot catch a break. The other big thing is he can’t find his way onto PP1, and probably won’t for many years to come. There’s no solution for that. Until he does, he will likely top out at 50-60 points. I’m fine with that.
My only concern about Lafreniere is his shot. Can he beat goalies purely with his shot? The OT goal vs. Colorado definitely added some confidence there.
9. Michael Peca faceoff appreciation moment. That’s all.
10. I want to give a shoutout to the team here at Blue Seats Blog. This is not meant as a callout to other blogs, but I don’t think there’s another blog in the Ranger-sphere that covers things as fluently and without being condescending as the writers at this blog.
It’s an honor that Dave lets me randomly decide to write again when I want and it’s an honor to have my byline amongst the other writers here.
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