As we approach the 2016-17 season, we’re previewing what’s ahead for each of the 30 NHL teams. Here’s a look at the New York Rangers.
MAIN SUMMER HEADLINES
• Jimmy Vesey ends drama, signs with New York Rangers
• New York Rangers promote Chris Drury to assistant GM
• Forward J.T. Miller agrees to deal with New York Rangers
• Senators trade Mika Zibanejad to Rangers for Derick Brassard
• Rangers re-sign RFA Chris Kreider, avoid arbitration
• Michael Grabner joins Rangers on two-year, $3.2 million deal
Head coach: Alain Vigneault
GM: Jeff Gorton
Team payroll: $71.6 million ($73 million salary cap)
2015-16 Record: 46-27-9 (3rd in Metropolitan)
GF: 236 (7th in NHL)
GA: 217 (14th in NHL)
Result: Eliminated in Round 1 by Pittsburgh Penguins, 4-1
Key acquisitions: Jimmy Vesey, Mika Zibanejad, Brandon Pirri, Josh Jooris, Michael Grabner, Malte Stromwall, Nathan Gerbe
Key departures: Derick Brassard, Keith Yandle, Eric Staal, Dan Boyle, Viktor Stalberg
Rookies to watch: The Rangers’ prospect pool is relatively shallow compared to others around the league, but they will still look to inject some young talent into the lineup this season.
Jimmy Vesey took an unconventional route to the NHL, ramping up expectations in the process.
The college standout at Harvard was selected by the Nashville Predators in the third round of the 2012 Draft, but opted not to sign with the club and instead chose to field offers in the free agent market come Aug. 15.
Vesey’s decision to join New York was met with a bit of surprise from around the hockey world, as many had him pegged as a future Bruin or possibly even a Maple Leaf. His decision drew plenty of praise from some of the Rangers’ most famous fans.
When asked to describe his own playing style, Vesey called himself a “hybrid.”
“I can play a skilled game or a gritty, power-forward game,” he told Sportsnet back in March.
That description fits the “peripheral scorer” label that has also been applied to the 6-foot-3, 203-pound forward as someone who can be a threat off the rush as well as a player who isn’t afraid to battle in the corners.
Vesey’s strong offensive instincts are apparent when you look at his numbers — 24 goals and 22 assists in his 33-game final season at Harvard, which resulted in him receiving the Hobey Baker Award.
Forward Pavel Buchnevich is another rookie who should factor into the Rangers’ lineup right out of training camp. At just 21 years old, Buchnevich is new to the NHL but not a stranger to playing pro having spent the last four seasons in the KHL. The 6-foot-2, 176-pound playmaker registered 37 goals and 50 assists for 87 points in 158 career regular season KHL games.
The Rangers will have a successful season if…
Their core veterans can find consistency.
The Rangers looked their age last season — especially in the playoffs — and will need to rebound if they want to make waves in a division that has only gotten stronger this off-season.
Sure, there’s a noticeable injection of youth on this year’s Rangers squad, but the key to the team’s success will still likely fall on the shoulders of the club’s core. Marc Staal and Dan Girardi must find another gear, while Ryan McDonagh will need to step up as even more of a blue line presence in an effort to reduce the loss felt by the absence of puck-moving Keith Yandle.
Up front, Rick Nash will need to rebound from a career-worst season that saw him register 15 goals and 21 assists in an injury-riddled 60-game campaign. Luckily, speedy forwards such as Derek Stepan, Chris Kreider, and newcomer Mika Zibanejad will be there to pick up the slack.
The Rangers will have an unsuccessful season if…
Henrik Lundqvist doesn’t play like The King.
Without question, Lundqvist is one of the league’s best goaltenders—and the Rangers have been leaning on him accordingly. But the King is now 34 years old, with his window of opportunity narrowing.
He stood tall for Team Sweden to lead the nation to the semi-final of the World Cup, but has shown cracks in his foundation in post-seasons past.
The Rangers netminder held a 2.48 GAA and .920 save percentage in 2015-16 — not his most consistent campaign. He also struggled mightily in the playoffs, being pulled in back-to-back games against the Penguins and registering a 4.39 GAA and .867 save percentage.
No doubt, the Rangers are hoping not to add any more photos and memes to the Internet’s ‘Heartbroken Henrik’ photo album.
Indeed, the time is now for the Rangers.
