Since last December, the New York Rangers have been among the busiest teams when it comes to player movement in the trade and free-agent markets. Unhappy with the club’s poor start last season, general manager Chris Drury made several notable trades as he attempted to retool his roster.
Gone are Jacob Trouba, Kaapo Kakko, Filip Chytil, Ryan Lindgren, Reilly Smith, Chris Kreider, and K’Andre Miller. Their replacements include J.T. Miller, Vladislav Gavrikov, William Borgen, Carson Soucy, Urho Vaakanainen, and Juuso Pärssinen.
Miller, Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck, and emerging power forward Will Cuylle will provide the offensive skill, energy, and leadership. Elite goaltender Igor Shesterkin gives them a chance to win in every game, and former James Norris Trophy winner Adam Fox will anchor the defense corps.
However, questions remain whether forward Mika Zibanejad can regain his high-scoring ways, while winger Alexis Lafreniere’s long-awaited breakout has yet to happen. Their checking lines and bottom-three defense lack the skill and experience to match up well against deeper clubs.
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