The New York 'New York Times' Times

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The New York 'New York Times' Times

Post by NYRNYRNYR »

As the Rangers hit their 1/4 season mark (the last team to do so along with San Jose), there's more much to unpack than a good kid does on Christmas.

Results:
The team has performed in streaks, ultimately ending up 10-9-1 in their first 20. That's good enough for 5th best points percentage in the East, 10th overall. The team sits 1-point out of a playoff spot, but with anywhere from 4(!) to 3, or at a minimum 1 game in hand over teams ahead of them or tied. They are 5-back in the division race, though while PIT and PHI are playing well by their own right, they too have multiple games in hand and are tied (PIT) or 2-points up (PHI).

They will have to pick up their pace as the season is now up-and-running if they want to improve on last years totals.

Special Teams:
The NYR could use some pep injected in their special teams numbers. Their PP converts 1/5, which is good enough for 7th in the East and 13th overall. Not horrendous numbers, but with their top end talent they would hope to crack the top 5 / top 10, respectively.

Their PK is altogether different, with an abysmal 74%, barely above the basement. Funnily enough the NJD are the only team worse, and below 70%, yet they sit comfortably at the top of the division. The team needs a radical redesign and renewed efforts when playing a man down.

By the Numbers:
The team leader in points is shockingly Nik Ehlers, putting up 21 in 20 (7+14). Though the top 6 for the Rangers is fairly evening distributed. So while Nik's lead is tenuous at best, its incredible for a guy playing along side such elite talent. He prides himself a la Chris Kunitz when he played for the Penguins and Team Canada along side Sidney Crosby. The others in the hunt and putting up good numbers include:

F
Toews, 20 pts (9+11)
Nash, 20 pts (10+10)
Novak, 18 (7+11)

D
Suter, 14 (1+13)
Lindholm, 11 (3+8)
Touba, Team-leader in +/- (+9) and shot blocks (34, 3rd in the league)

What Needs to Change:
The easy answer is Michael Dal Colle needs to return to action. The Rangers captain was knocked out for a month by a dirty hit, leaving the team to play most of November without him. They've hovered around .500, though are still slightly under that without der leader. He will return in just over a weeks time, after approximately three (3) more games. If the Rangers can end that run 2-1 or at least 1-2, Dal Colle's return will be a huge boon. Prior to the injury MDC was humming with 11 pts in 12 games (5+6), +5, no penalties (!), +17 hit differential, and a +21 takeaway differential.

The other piece that needs to fall into place is that Jack Eichel is struggling to find his footing. The teams biggest acquisition, and arguably biggest singular talent with all apologies to Nash and MDC, has only 14 pts (7+7), 2 of those coming on the Powerplay. A player like Eichel can't have 5 even strength goals for the first 1/4 of the season, thereby equating a 20-goal pace. Thankfully, Eichel's talent is still easy to see. He's shooting just over 10%, which means its likely he's been on the side of the unlucky coin flips for the start of the season. If Eichel even returns to his prior season forms, 13% -17%, the Rangers can expect to see big dividends.

Between the Pipes:
While also able to be listed under possible "needs to change" the Rangers entered the season happy to be icing what the NHL has now shown to be a successful "goaltending duo". Unlike the days of Brodeur, Hasek, and Roy, teams look to have 1A and B and keep guys healthy year-round. Unfortunately, while certainly not catastrophic, the duo of Hellberg and Subban has struggled early.

Hellberg, the teams de facto starter, has a 2.96 GAA and 87.5 save % after 11 starts. Subban boasts 3.1 / 86.34, respectively. Both sets of numbers are subpar and not the numbers these goalies have put up in the past.

As of now, the team is standing pat, hoping one or both goes on more of a heater and averages out to their prior numbers. Otherwise a change in scenery isn't out of the question.

Young Guns:
Three major rookies are in the system this year: Alex Campbell, Quinn Hughes, and Jonah Gadjovich.

Campbell is doing exactly what he's always been good at, scoring goals. He has 16g in 20g. The defensive side is still a work in progress, but he's avoided showing any major liabilities.

Quinn Hughes continues to develop, putting up a strong +8 and while playing almost 20 minutes a game. He needs to contribute more offensively (0+3), but the team isn't pushing him.

Gadjovich has been the biggest standout of the three, though also the elder statesman. After putting up 16 pts (11+5) in 18 games, Gadj has been given his first cup of coffee in the NHL at the tail end of the MDC's injury. He hasn't done much in his first few games, and will probably get his chance in another 2-3 while he is finally more acclimated to the speed the NHL requires.

First Quarter 2020/2021:

Simply put the Rangers have been completely mediocre. There is no black hole or horror show to point to. However, there is no spot, young guns development perhaps aside, that is shining brightly. The Rangers off season was anything but mediocre and as we move into the next 20 games and the end of the first half of the season, the team and its fans are ready to find out just what they think they can do. See you in 20 more games when we all find out.
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Re: The New York 'New York Times' Times

Post by NYRNYRNYR »

Well just like sand in an hourglass, the season has continued to tick along and the Rangers have hit the 1/2 way point. There's a lot to unpack so let's get into it

Results:
First Quarter: 10-9-1
Since: 14-7-0
Total: 24-16-1

The return of MDC understandably led to a better second quarter for the Rangers. Going two wins for every loss has put them comfortable-ish at the top of the division. They are 7 points up with 1 or 2 games in hand against the Penguins and Devils, respectively. It's far from a lock, but its a good spot to be in. In the East in general they are 3rd, but the Canadiens and now-surging Lightning are neck-and-neck and no home ice advantage is guaranteed to anyone - save OTT who remain top dog in the East and league. The point total is 47, which if repeated, puts them at 94, a full 10 better than last season. And it's important to note this is the first season without the loser point, which undoubtedly will lower everyone's total.

Special Teams:

The powerplay has continued along its average pace, though slightly worse. From 20% and 13th overall to 18.9% and 14th. It's still top 1/2 of the league, but they are going to want to grow that pace if they want to get the wins against the top of the league.

The PK, on the other hand, is a great story. From 74% and 2nd-from-last, the Rangers have climbed to 82.1% and 14th. Compared to where they were, this is a huge improvement and no doubt MDC has been a difference maker.

By the Numbers:
The team has continued to be strong throughout the top 6, with everyone over 30 points, including MDC and his 30 games played. Ehlers is no longer the team leader, but it's not by a wide-margin. Toews has a team-leading 21g which puts him on pace for 40+, the form the team hoped he could return to with the right talent around him.

Here's how the top lines shake out -

F
Toews, 42 points (21+21), keeping his first 1/4 pace
Ehlers, 39 points (14+25), similar to Toews
Eichel, 37 points (18+19), an insane increase putting up 23 points in the last 21 games
Novak, 35 points (11+24)
Nash, 33 points (17+16)
MDC, 31 points (10+21), playing only 30 games b/c of the injury

D
Lindholm, 27 points (8+19)
Suter, 25 points (4+21)
Yelshansky, 104 HG, 30 more than the next best Rangers D, Trouba
Trouba, not to be outdone, 65 SB

What Needs to Change:
Last time the Rangers needed MDC back and Eichel to find another gear. Check and check. MDC has led the team to a great pace and Eichel has been a monster. His shooting is up 3% and a 10->13 change makes a big difference over 21 games.

Looking to the second half of the season the team needs put the puck in the net more. It's that simple really. The team is 3rd best in goals against, but 13th in goals for. MDC scored 39 last year, a career high. And while the injury certainly means he can't hit that number, he's on pace for just over 20.

In general though the team should continue to gel, try to convert more on the powerplay, and get to the net for the hard goals. If they run the same or similar numbers the second half of the season, they will be hopefully be gearing up for a deep playoff run.

Between the Pipes:
The Mountain (Tm) is another bump that this team has been happy to see. Hellberg has lowered his GAA from 2.96 to 2.64, and his save % from 87.5 to 88.63. While still the occasion confusing outing, in general the Mountain has been cruising.

Subban, on the other hand, continues to struggle. He's gone the wrong way, with a GAA increase of .2 and a save % loss of 1.5%. Subban is arguably the better talent and his inability to play at this level continues to frustrate the Rangers.

It still remains to be seen if the team keeps the duo together or if they go sniffing for a potential upgrade.

Young Guns:
Gadjovich, Hughes, and Campbell continue their dominance at the AHL level.

Campbell followed up his 16g with 14 more, and has 52 points in 41 games. The defense may not come in a flashy way, but he is a +24, making up for any deficiencies for now.

Hughes is a speedster and went from only 3 points to 17, meaning a full 11 point increased pace, including 3 goals. Hughes looks NHL-ready, though this years cap may prevent that.

Gadjovich, like Hughes, could be putting in NHL-time. His struggling during his "cup of coffee" when MDC was hurt not withstanding. He followed up his 11 goals with 16(!) more. He's throwing his weight around too, up to 50 hits, tied for third on the team.

First Half 2020/2021:

The Rangers are no longer "mediocre" like they showed a flash of before. However, along with this play comes expectations that the team needs to be prepared to shoulder. The Rangers will look to keep pace, at or near the top of the East, and we'll see exactly what the team looks like as we continue into the new year. Next milestone - the Trade Deadline!
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Re: The New York 'New York Times' Times

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U23 Rangers Report - 2021/2022 Season Edition

The idea of a "prospect" review isn't, or shouldn't, necessarily be what it used to be. Treating a teams youth movement as purely those just drafted, or with only a cup of coffee in the AHL makes little sense. So with this in mind, while the line may be still arbitrary, it's an attempt to more accurately describe the pipeline of young talent in the Rangers' system.

22 year olds:
Quinn Hughes
Pavel Koltygin
Maksim Sushko
Morgan Frost
Jacob Paquette
Tyce Thompson

Leading off those about to age-out and make their impact, or lack-there-of, on the organization is Quinn Hughes. Hughes has all the promise in the world as the 2018 5th overall pick. He spent last season marinating in the AHL but the road is open now - Suter was moved for youth and cap space and Hughes is going to be called upon to fill it. At the very least, a big impact on the PP is expected.

Pavel Kotygin was a 5th rounder in 2017. A player with some offensive upside, he's looking at some long time production in the AHL and fringe AHL time.

Maksim Sushko was a 3rd rounder in 2017 with all around talent on both sides of the ice. Ultimately likely someone who can fill in at the bottom-6 in the NHL while putting in hard minutes in the AHL.

Morgan Frost was a 2nd rounder in 2017. Frost looks ready to make the jump and looks like 3rd line talent in the NHL. There's even some above average playmaking, stickhandling, positioning, and skating that make him an intriguing prospect.

Jacob Paquette was a TBL 4th rounder in 2017. He's a quintessential below average offensive, but high-side defensive prospect. Look for him to patrol PKs for the foreseeable future.

Finally Tyce Thompson was a 4th rounder in 2019.and the Rangers believe he has some real enigmatic potential. Any NHL cups of coffee would be bonuses.

21 year olds:
Allan McShane
Alexis Gravel


Allan McShane was taken in the 5th round of 2018. Average in pretty much all respects, the Rangers are happy with his higher offensive capabilities and good CON. He put up 23g last year in the AHL last year, up from 16 the year before, and the Rangers think he could top 30.

Alexis Gravel, the loan U23 goaltending prospect, was taken in the 5th by DET and came over in the deal that brought Donski for their playoff run. He's a fine goalie who can play solid AHL minutes and fill in for a game or two if truly needed.

20 year olds:
Alex Campbell

Alex Campbell remains a highly touted offensive prospect taken by the Rangers in the second round of 2019. He put up 59g in 62g in the AHL last season, his first. His offensive capabilities are NHL-ready, and he could easily take on 2nd line PP duties, and 2nd/3rd line time, if it wasn't for the vast work needed in his defensive game and overall consistency. If those ultimately don't develop, the Rangers need even more offensive star power to emerge to justify the even strength time.

19 year olds:
Sam Colangelo
Luke Tuch


Sam Colangelo was taken in the 2nd round in 2020 and the Rangers want to give him more time to simmer. The Rangers are truly excited at his prospects. He has incredible ceilings in Shooting, Checking, and Hitting. They see him similar to recently graduated from U-23 Gadjovich. Guys like this are great to have in the system and the Rangers are expecting him to earn an NHL spot in a few years.

Luke Tuch was a 2nd rounder from ARZ. Like Colangelo, his defensive upside is quite good. He plays the LW as opposed to Colangelo's RW. They could look to develop together and be one of the most annoying twosomes for teams to line up against and try to answer.

18 year olds:
William von Barnekow

William von Barnekow was the Rangers only selection in 2021, and he was taken in the 3rd round. A likely 2nd round talent that fell to the Rangers in the 3rd, they were happy to grab him where they had their pick. What's there to say? The kid is 18 and 6'4. That's something you can't teach. His 190 lbs frame needs to fill out, but there's no rushing this kid and there's upside to the moon.
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Re: The New York 'New York Times' Times

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NYR 2021/2022 SEASON PREVIEW:

Captain: Michael Dal Colle
Alternate: Jack Eichel
Alternate: Jacob Trouba

The NYR went from missing the playoffs under rookie GM Evanovich to their 2nd best result of all time - losing in the ECF to the eventual champions, the Montreal Canadiens. While the Rangers have generally be playoff mainstays, missing only 3 times in EHEC history, success there has not been as hoped. But with an ECF birth now just behind them, they have spent the off season on a bit of a "retool" after leading the league in goals scored last season, looking to be harder and tougher to play against this one.

OFFENSE:
Novak - Eichel - Dal Colle
Lucic - Danault - Horton
Gadjovich - Lodge - Jacques
Faksa - Spooner - Kolesar

Tom Novak led all Rangers in scoring last year and was 2nd in the NHL overall. His 37g and 91 points were great, but his toolkit really did not fit full-time, hard fought, C minutes. Enter Phillip Danault, and while Jon Toews was a lot to give up, Danault was the right fit, at the right price. Rounding out the new second line, the Rangers used the cap space saved by the loss of Nash to trade for Milan Lucic and sign Nathan Horton. What the first line has in skill the second has in grit. Rounding out the bottom six are real solid additions. Jonah Gadjovich is ready to make his NHL full time debut after being a first round selection. He's slotted with Lodge and the hard shooter Jacques. Faksa, Spooner, and Kolesar make up a brand new 4th line that prides itself on its positional play.

Last year the Rangers scored more goals than any other team. Are they likely to do so again without Toews and Nash? Probably not, but with Novak on the wing setting up Eichel and MDC, and Lucic hoping finding his hands again, the Rangers are hoping their forward group is relentless from the first puck drop

DEFENSE:
Murphy - Trouba
Hughes - Yelshanky [Pending RFA]
Backman - Zadorov

The defense looks quite different this year with Ryan Suter, the minutes eater for the Rangers for 2 seasons, being moved for cap space and general youth movement. Connor Murphy has similar defensive skills to Suter, but is obviously lacking in his offensive upside. The Rangers have morphed their defense from admittedly "silky smooth" to "sandpaper grit". Any one of these guys is willing to block a shot and put in hard minutes against the skilled members of other clubs.

The one question will be Quinn Hughes, the 5th overall pick, who is looking to be called on to fill basically the entirety of the offense at the blue line with Lindholm and Suter's departures. It remains a big gamble, but the Rangers are confident in his play and currently have him slotted to skate with Pavel Yelshanky, the hard hitting young D with a rocket shot himself.

GOALTENDING:
Tuukka Rask
Josh Harding

Over the past few years the Rangers have either had average goaltending from goalies making large sums, or below average from goalies who hadn't quite developed. This year's UFA has them exactly where they wanted to be going into the season. Rask was picked up the Rangers for the later part of last season and for their playoff run. He was quite good in that capacity. They retain him this season for only $800,000. Josh Harding enters at only $700,000 himself, bringing the total netminding at 1.5m, around an entire 1-2 million less than spent in recent years, and for goalies the Rangers think are A-tier. The Rangers look at Rask as a 1A and Harding their 1B, and in a perfect world, Harding will get 25-35 games in and both goalies will look to provide a hot hand in the post season.

EXPECTATIONS:

The reality is this team lost star power (Nash / Suter) but stayed skilled (Lucic / Horton). They are stacked down the middle (Eichel / Danault / Lodge / Spooner) and have basically the best 2-way winger in the game with MDC, at least, when Nash finally hangs up the skates in a few seasons. The future is bright, yes, but management sees no reason this team won't compete now as well as for the foreseeable future. While winning the division last season was great, and the team believes they should compete for that spot again, there are a lot of good hockey teams in Atlantic, and the Eastern Conference in general.

Step one is to excel and be a playoff-favorite by the trading deadline, and to see what doors that opens for them then.
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Re: The New York 'New York Times' Times

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2022 NY Ranger Prospect Analysis

GM Evanovich's first real draft since joining the team yielded quite a crop. Since taking over in 2019, the previous three drafts had minimal pick counts. A quick recap:

2019: 2nd rounder Alex Campbell has become exactly what was expected, an offensive-only dynamo in the minor leagues. (back to back 50g seasons). Of the 3 4th-Rounders, only one remains, Tyce Thompson, who is a bottom-6 minor leaguer himself.

2020: With a pair of 2nd-rounders, Barron is out in CGY whereas Sam Colangelo had a less-than-stellar year in Hartford, but was serviceable in his cup of coffee with the big league. 3rd rounder Lukas Reichel is patrolling for Boston now.

2021: The sole draft pick in round 3 was William von Barnekow who got moved to Philly in the Tavares blockbuster.

So from 2019->2021, GM Evanovich has made 8 total selections. 3 in the 2nd, 2 in the 3rd, and 3 in the 4th. This year, 2022, the Rangers had 7 picks, almost doubling their total amount from the past 3. The picks made this year were the following: 1st (#9), 2nd (#37), 2nd (#53), 2nd (#58), 3rd (#67), 3rd (#86), and 5th (#132).

With the above in mind, let's take a look at the Rangers farm system as it looks now:

L/R Luke Tuch (ARZ 2020, 2nd, #32)
Brought in from ARZ for Joe Pavelski near this past years deadline.
POT: 77; CON: 68
Highlights: Checking/Hitting

Tuch is a brutish wing that was brought in play tough minutes. The GM hopes he will spend his time in Hartford throwing his body around and maybe earn a few minutes with the big club. He isn't gifted offensively, but won't be a liability either. If Tuch develops as they hope he's a 3rd liner that you can dream about.

C/L Marco Kasper (NYR 2022, 1st, #9)
POT: 80; CON: 87
Highlights: Everything, but get your major offense elsewhere

Kasper is the highlight of the Ranger system. The creme de la creme. The excellence of execution. The best there is, the best there was, and...well hopefully not the best there ever will be, but for now, for sure! Kasper had the highest CON in the draft, with a 6'2 frame. Offensively fine, but makes up for it in his natural skill and aptitude defensively. The offense isn't lacking enough to count out a top 6 role, but the Rangers could be gifted enough to run him on a third line trap to shutdown the toughest competition.

D Lian Bichsel (NYR 2022, 2nd, #37)
POT: 67; CON 75
Highlights: 6'5

Bichsel is a potential POT booster that the Rangers were excited to find still available at #37. He's already shown in the preseason that even at this point he can hit hard and a lot. If he boosts next year, Bichsel could prove capable to top 4 minutes. If not, he likely still rounds out the bottom pair for the AHL afiliate.

C/R Matthew Poitras (NYR 2022, 2nd, #53)
POT: 68; CON 85
Highlights: All-Around Player

Poitras is the second booster the Rangers nabbed. He's a solid all-around player who if he boosts, can play fairly high up in the Rangers lineup in 3-4 years. He can play really any role at that point and would provide great depth as a late 2nd rounder.

G Cameron Whitehead (NYR 2022, 2nd, #58)
POT: 76; CON 86
Highlights: Obvious

Not much to say considering Whitehead was moved out in a small deal that brought up a 2nd next year for the Rangers. Alexei Kolosov has 83 CON and 76 POT, and should serve a similar 1B role.

C/L Gavin Hayes (NYR 2022, 3rd, #67)
POT: 73 (No wait, 53); CON: 42
Highlights: None, oops

Hayes was signed this year to begin his development path, but the problem was you don't sign CON boosters before they are 20. A rule I should have known, but didn't really think about at the moment. After a double-POT fall, Hayes will stay in oblivion until the contract runs out. Sorry really only to my stupidness and apologies to the real Gavin Hayes, who was drafted in the 3rd by the Blackhawks in, funnily enough, the 66th spot.


C/L Filip Bystedt (NYR 2022, 3rd #86)
POT: 66; CON: 75
Highlights: Checking, Hitting, Strength

Bystedt is the third POT booster nabbed by the Rangers. He's big and strong and if he boosts, would serve a great bottom 6 role. At 6'4, 205 lbs, and only 18 1/2 years old, the size is already something special. Unfortunately, Bystedt got injured after 2 preseason games, however, he wasn't going to be the Rangers underager this year, so while he will miss most of his last junior season, it won't really effect his development.

C/L Dans Locmelis (NYR 2022, 5th #132)
POT: 55; CON: 75
Highlights: Faceoffs

The final booster of the 2022 draft, Locmelis looks to possibly become a bottom line C with also help to the AHL Wolfpack. If he does the possible double boost, he could look to be a mid-70s center with a skyhigh Faceoff rating, the type of player everyone likes to have one of for a lower line role.
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Re: The New York 'New York Times' Times

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NY Rangers 2022/2023 Season Preview

Here ye, here ye! Come one, come all! It's preview season time and the Rangers aren't immune from giving the 411 for the upcoming season.

Oddly Specific Preview Kickoff: The Rangers will start the season 4-0-0-1 with 20 goals scored, and 11 against.

Last season ended both expectedly (a first round loss to a superior team) and unexpectedly (a first round loss that didn't include MDC because he suffered a season ending injury 28 games into it). There's been a lot of change heading into the new season, so let's breakdown the team.

FORWARDS

The "Top 6" - Thomas Novak, Milan Lucic, Jack Eichel, MDC, Brendan Perlini, Jon Tavares

The Rangers are more than satisified with their forward core. They are a mix of highly offensively talented (JT and Novak) and grind you to the ice tough (Lucic, MDC, Perlini). Jack Eichel heads the start studded group in an all-around capacity, as in the last two seasons he's netted 28/31g, 66/69p, and with over 200 hits and 140 takes. The Rangers committed to this core long term over the last few years, with Eichel at 7 years, MDC at 6, Novak/Perlini at 5, and JT at 4.

Depth down the lineup - Peter Holland, Philip Tomasino, JF Jacques, Kyle Turris, Jonah Gadjovich, David Backes, and Tuomo Ruutu

In a pretty radical redo of their bottom two lines, the Rangers bring in Holland (faceoff specialist with a good defensive game), Kyle Turris (brings an offensive flair to the bottom group with good consistency), David Backes (mouths punched), and Tuomo Ruutu (Mr. #7). JF "Old Man" Jacques returns for the second year of his 2-year deal. While sometimes inconsistent, he has a wicked shot and at 6'4, 217, shys away from no one. Not everyone here is elderly, as Jonah Gadjovich returns, a former late 1st round pick who looks to round out his game and get more consistent minutes. Philip Tomasino joins from FLA, another late 1st, who lack Gadjovich, is looking to continue his growth with some solid ice time.

GRADE: A
STRENGTHS: Defensively sound
NEEDS: Some more offensive firepower

DEFENSE

"Returning Crew" - Connor Murphy, Jacob Trouba, Alex Peters, Nikita Zadorov

The core of the Rangers defense returns, although whether that's a good thing or not remains to be seen. The team likes Murphy's all-around nature, and in all candor, asked him to play above his role last season. This year looks to be a more reasonable request which should help him excel.

"New/old Blood" - Dougie Hamilton, Keith Yandle, Jared Hauf

Rounding out the rebuilt defense is Keith Yandle, the elder statesman on a 1-year deal in what the Rangers hope will be a cup chasing one before he vaps into the sunset. Hauf and Hamilton both signed 2-year UFA deals (at the reasonable rates of 800K and 1.5m respectively). Hamilton, the more well-rounded of the two is just shy of 30 and looks to relieve Murphy of some of the harder minutes. Hauf, 27, is a hitting machine who they love in a bottom-pair/PK role.

GRADE: C
STRENGTHS: Will hit you, potentially multiple times, and likely illegally
NEEDS: Better players

GOALTENDING

The Rangers replaced both goaltenders from last year, as was sorely needed. After a lackluster UFA, they brought in Jacob Markstrom to be the starter, while the remarkably consistenly average Oscar Dansk will be his huckleberry. The Rangers have already preliminary begun to pray to the old gods and new in an attempt to achieve a solid and respectable .85 combined save percentage

GRADE: ?
STRENGTHS: ??
NEEDS: ???

THE "WILD" CARD - Zach Kassian

Perhaps the most interesting situation that has presented itself this year is the signing of Zach Kassian. Kassian signed a monster 5.1m, 1y deal. Now I know what you're saying - The Rangers cap can't afford that. And you would be right. Of course, you would be if Zach Kassian wasn't on LTIR until February. A little over 2.5m over the cap when healthy, the Rangers have the spare parts necessary to get cap compliant when needed. And, of course, with it being that far away, there could be new injuries on top of any trades the Rangers end up making by then. It's unknown how EXACTLY the pieces will fit, but GM Evanovich noted that Phil Tomasino remains waiver-ineligible because of his age, a large potential savings of 1.6m. Of course, if he plays well, that's its own unique problem.

In the end, however the Rangers shake it, the addition of Zach Kassian to this crew is a scary proposition. It presents a very-real situation where one of MDC/Lucic/Kassian/Backes will never not be on the ice, potential in multiples. However the line up is arranged, it's a good problem to have. As if the team needed further defensive help and grit/toughness.

EXPECTATIONS

After tearing down a decent team that went to the conference finals to rebuild younger, the Rangers took a step back last year. Admittedly, losing a top 5/10 player in MDC would hurt any team, and the Rangers did sell off much of their bottom role players for picks that ultimately netted them some good prospects (hey - check out that write up too!). Still, they feel ready to compete again. A full year of JT, a healthy MDC, and the addition of Perlini make this team awful to play against. While everything is made up and fake, and no one can ever tell, the Rangers have built themselves some lofty expectations, and are prepared for a deep playoff run. Will it happen? That's a future-me write up issue. See you all then.
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Re: The New York 'New York Times' Times

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NYR 2023 NHL DRAFT REVIEW:

This years draft has come and gone and the Rangers added some nice depth to their prospect pool. While not as deeply as last year, it bears mentioning that the first three years of GM Nick's tenure netted a pool that was quite lacking. The 2019-2020-and 2021 drafts totaled 3 2nd rounders, 2 3rd rounders, and 3 4th rounders. 2022 was the first time GM Nick drafted in the first round, and Marco Kasper still looks to produce for quite awhile with the team.

Turning to this year, NY had its own 1st, as well as 2 3rds and 2 4ths. Here's what shook out:

1st (#21): Calum Ritchie
Ritchie is generally regarded as the best boost prospect (66/75) in the draft. As such, and with such a deep early-draft, it was questionable where Ritchie would fall. Ultimately, the Rangers were happy to nab him as the 1st round really started to drop off from its top talent. Ritchie has many high-ceiling stats including hitting (111) and faceoffs (115), with additiona ceilings above 100 in 6 other stats. If he boosts, the Rangers could potentially have Kasper and Ritchie in bottom-6 roles, with talent far exceeding such.

3rd (#63): Brady Cleveland
3rd (#76): Zach Nehring

Cleveland is a defensive boost prospect (62/82) with a whopping 121 hit ceiling. There is not much else to discuss, but a boost means a 5/6 defensive role for years to come. Nehring was the Rangers first non-boost pick. He's a solid 3rd-round value, with average-to-below-average offensive skills (low 70s) but 78 check and 84 hit. For 76th OA, Nehring can play good minutes in the AHL and easily fill in a bottom-line role as needed.

4th (#92): Mathieu Cataford
4th (#111): Tuomas Uronen

Cataford was the first double-boost prospect (59/79) of the year. Overall he's a 4th rounder, but with the rare shot at a double boost, could end up with both enough OFF and DEF to eat some minutes. Uronen is a CON boost (80/44) prospect that the Rangers will be smart enough to NOT sign until he is past 20 years of age (see Hayes, Gavin). For a late 4th, even without better CON, he looks to be a mid-70s player that could fill many roles with the AHL club.

It's a nice crop to add to the mix, especially since 2nd rounder Matt Poitras, a nice boost prospect from last year, was moved for Matt Tkachuk. But that's a post for a different day.

CURRENT U-22 CLASS RANKS:
1) Marco Kasper
2) Calum Ritchie
3) Lian Bischel
4) Zach Nehring
5) William von Barnekow
6) Filip Bystedt
7) Brady Cleveland
8) Mathieu Cataford
9) Tuomas Uronen
10) Dans Locmelis
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99,991) Gavin Hayes (sorry bud)
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