As the New York Rangers attempt to jockey for position in the Metropolitan Division, it can be fascinating to think of the differences each year. Last season, division rivals Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers were eyeing playoff spots, while this year they may end up fighting for a top 3 draft pick. Last season, the New Jersey Devils were the disappointments of the league, whereas this year, the Devils have clearly shown a bright future ahead. The New York Rangers can learn from division rivals as the season continues and they attempt to flip from lottery pick to playoff contender.
Carolina Hurricanes: Get the right players: The Hurricanes are a team that are unabashedly themselves. There are players that fit into the culture and players that don’t. There are players that fit into the systems and players that don’t. The Rangers happen to boast a similarly successful head coach, so New York could benefit by ensuring transactions are fitting into Mike Sullivan’s preferred style of play.
Another lesson here is taking a chance on analytics and up and coming management talent. Carolina finally broke through with Eric Tulsky. The Rangers are run by Chris Drury. That matters.
New Jersey Devils: Take advantage of other teams mistakes: It annoys me so much how much of New Jersey’s roster is thanks to other teams being poorly run. New Jersey got Luke Evangelista for dirt cheap because Nashville wanted to make a move. The Devils got Connor Hellebuyck for nothing because he wanted out of Winnipeg, so much so that he refused to play when he returned (what a baby). New Jersey got rid of Jakob Markstrom’s contract *and* added Evan Rodrigues because the Panthers needed a goalie. They can’t keep getting away with this.
Meanwhile, the Devils also have an analytical mind in the front office.
It would behoove the Rangers to check in regularly with teams who have obvious needs and try to fleece a team. But again, Drury vs. Tulsky or Sunny Mehta isn’t really a fight he can win.
Washington Capitals: No complacency. Ever.: Chris Patrick has done a wonderful job with the Capitals because he is constantly tinkering to try to solve any weak points in the lineup. If the Capitals need a player, Patrick identifies a fit for that role and acquires said fit. It’s that simple and it works. New York could certainly stand to be more proactive in this area, as the Rangers haven’t had the same luck finding the right fits.
New York Islanders: Not much!: Could the lesson be to draft a generational talent? I personally hate everything the Islanders are doing in their retool/rebuild. Adding big contracts for little in return was silly. Trading top assets for an old Brayden Schenn was sillier. I guess the Rangers could learn from the Islanders trading Noah Dobson for a haul despite his not being all that great, but New York doesn’t quite have a player like that in the system. I’m stumped here. I’m not a fan of what the Islanders are doing.
Philadelphia Flyers: Oof, this is getting ugly: If I don’t like what the Islanders are doing, I hate what the Flyers are doing. Danny Briere has managed to put together the lowest upside organization I’ve maybe ever seen, while hiring the most boring coach in the NHL to coach them. What an absolute nightmare it is to watch this team play hockey. I hope the Rangers learn nothing from the Flyers.
Pittsburgh Penguins: Recognize where you’re at: The Penguins have taken a step back this season but I’m not convinced that’s a bad thing. Kyle Dubas has done a good job of threading the needle between rewarding his players for contending last season to being willing to sell with this team’s step back. He hasn’t been too reactionary, just realistic. That’s something the Rangers will need going forward.
Columbus Blue Jackets: Oh hey, they exist: Am I the only one who forgets the Blue Jackets are in the division? Columbus is mostly irrelevant these days, with Zack Werenski still likely to force his way out of Columbus. One thing I’d like to note here is that Columbus dealt very well with Kent Johnson’s off year last season. Johnson has come back with a vengeance, and a lot of that comes from the organization not giving up on him. New York could certainly benefit from a similar attitude toward young players.
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