With the season kicking off tonight, the group with the most amount of question marks that will drive success this year is the Rangers defensemen. You could argue they are the most important group for the Blueshirts this season. After losing K’Andre Miller and gaining Vlad Gavrikov, the Rangers have the same number of defensemen, but a different style from their defense. The Rangers defensemen and their ability to adjust to Mike Sullivan’s system will be critical in the Blueshirts’ success this year.

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Adam Fox leads the Rangers defensemen

Adam Fox is a top five defenseman in the sport of hockey and if you can’t understand that, you either pay *far* too much attention to the 4 Nations Tournament, or you hate the Rangers. Though Fox was not great last year, he still managed to put up decent numbers and be the best and most consistent of the Rangers defensemen. This year Fox seems healthy and motivated to return to his typical play. 

When at his best, Fox is an elite defenseman both offensively and defensively, which is what the Rangers will need from him. One thing that strikes me about the current Rangers defense is that there’s very few players who look like they’ll be contributing on offense. Gavrikov will likely be on a pair with Fox and will allow him to focus more on his offense, which will in turn help the Rangers plenty. 

Look for Fox to return to elite form. 

Vlad Gavrikov brings stability defensively

I don’t know if there’s a more important player among the Rangers defensemen than Gavrikov. The Rangers need an elite defensive defenseman badly. They need a reliable defenseman badly. Most of all, they need their money to be put to good use. 

Gavrikov got paid this offseason and for good reason. He’s an excellent defenseman who has experience playing for teams in defensive disarray. Gavrikov should provide a steady partner for Fox, allowing both players to open up things for their partners. I loved this signing and look forward to seeing improved defense from the top pair. 

What exactly is Will Borgen, other than a good skater?

To be honest, I’m not quite sure what to make of Will Borgen. Many disliked his contract, but with the rising cap, $4 million is the new $2 million. Still, Borgen strikes me mainly as a good third pair defenseman, though he will likely be used as a second pair defenseman. I am hoping Mike Sullivan does not put too much on Borgen’s plate, as that seems to be when he starts to struggle.

Borgen at 18:50 TOI a night and some good penalty killing time is a valuable player. Borgen at 21:00 TOI a night and finishing off games as one of the shutdown Rangers defensemen is a weakness. Here’s hoping Sullivan gets it right.

Braden Schneider needs to step it up

Can you believe we’re in year 5 of Braden Schneider? Sometimes it still feels like the organization treats him with kiddie gloves, which there’s no room for this season. It’s time for Schneider to get the full trust of the organization that’s historically absolutely refused to trade him.

Schneider should get priority over Borgen, earning the third most TOI, minutes at the end of games, and any opportunities for growth that may arise. This is a big season for Schneider to prove he’s a reliable, two-way second pair defenseman. 

If Borgen is on the second pair and Schneider on the third pair, then the Rangers defensemen are lost.

Urho Vaakanainen is a good enough depth defenseman

Honestly if the Rangers traded Jacob Trouba straight up for Urho Vaakanainen they would have won the trade. That’s not even speaking to the salary difference. Vaakanainen may never be more than a third-pairing defenseman, but that doesn’t make him invaluable. 

Having a strong and steady third pair defenseman can help a team plenty. Think of Kevin Klein for the most part in his Rangers tenure. Additionally, with Vaakanainen looking to make Finland’s Olympic team and prove he’s an 82-game player, this should be a huge season for the third-pair defenseman. 

Carson Soucy hasn’t improved

The Carson Soucy trade was a disaster last season, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a disaster permanently. The Rangers traded for Soucy because of a solid track record, and that track record didn’t disappear with his struggles last season. There’s still a solid player in there, and with a new coaching staff, the Rangers may be able to bring that out. 

Soucy’s success could be huge for the Rangers. Having six solid defensemen not only helps in case of injuries, but also in case anyone needs to be used as a trade chip. These six don’t even include Scott Morrow or Matthew Robertson, so there are plenty of options. 

Soucy’s own career will follow in the direction this season takes him. He must step up his play or he’s going to see himself as waiver fodder. Of the Rangers defensemen, Soucy’s role is the most in question right now.

Matthew Robertson exists

We don’t know yet if Matthew Robertson will actually dress with the Rangers defensemen, but as the 7D right now they have some kind of role in mind. Or they just don’t want to lose him to waivers. He’s likely to take the Zac Jones role among the Rangers defensemen this year, playing only in case of injury.

Robertson doesn’t appear to have a future as any more than a big-bodied third pair defenseman, but he can do a whole lot of good for his career if he gets an opportunity and runs with it. Assuming Morrow improves in Hartford, look for him to get into the lineup in a more permanent role before Robertson.

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