The New York Rangers are in for a fascinating season. Many believe the Rangers will improve, while there’s also reason to wonder how much improvement will actually come. With the Rangers retool on the fly, it’s about seeing meaningful progress, both in the NHL standings and in the performance of the young players on the roster. For the Rangers retool on the fly to be even remotely successful, as in a playoff appearance and a few wins, some of these improvements need to be evident early. Patience is not a virtue that Chris Drury has anymore.
1. Alexis Lafreniere and Gabe Perreault have strong seasons
Alexis Lafreniere and Gabe Perreault are the next offensive core for the Rangers. The organizational focus should be on these two young, potentially franchise-shaping forwards. That is not hyperbole. Lafreniere is locked into a cheap contract, and Perreault doesn’t have the track record to warrant a huge deal just yet. Cheap production is a key to the Rangers retool on the fly, and it begins with these two.
If Lafreniere and Perreault are perennial 60-point players, that’s all fun and games but does not provide what the Rangers will need for their top six as playoff contenders. If Lafreniere and Perreault are perennial 50-point players, we’re looking at middle-six forwards from the two best forward prospects the Rangers have had in ages.
But what if Lafreniere and Perreault both show they can be focal points of the Rangers offense moving forward? Suddenly, the whole trajectory changes. Now, the Rangers have two top-six stalwarts in the organization at young ages. That’s how you build a winner.
2. The team looks competent
This may be an obvious one, but given how the Rangers have performed each of the last two seasons, I wouldn’t take this for granted at all. While New York may have some trouble scoring, the additions of Marcus Pettersson and Sean Durzi should help with their consistent defensive woes, including getting the puck out of their own zone. While I would love to see the Rangers make a playoff push, I would absolutely settle for a team that truly competes night in and night out.
3. Prospects actually develop
With Tanner Glass (yes, that Tanner Glass) leading player development now, it’s time to see some actual progress. I want to see Hartford winning some games….any games….and I want to see young players throughout the organization improving and growing their games. It’s imperative that prospects continue to develop and cycle through the team if the Rangers retool on the fly is going to be successful. Otherwise, it’s just continuing the same garbage as always….on the fly.
4. Somebody unexpected makes a leap
Good teams typically see unexpected players figure something out and make a run that surprises people. Finding hidden gems (or surprising gems) goes a long way toward organizational growth. For example, a 60 point season from Oliver Bjorkstrand may feel shocking and cause New York to consider a questionable extension. However it would also give the Rangers the chance to trade him for a bounty or reap the benefits of his improved play.
What if Eeli Tolvanen, only 27 years old, suddenly finds his NHL niche? How about Will Cuylle? While I’ve never been a huge believer in the player, he’s had two 20-goal seasons. Could he reach 30? That would skyrocket his value in the league and to the Rangers retool on the fly.
This may sound obvious, but for the Rangers retool on the fly to stand a chance, there needs to be significant improvements from young players all over the roster.
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