Entering last season, the Rangers had high hopes throughout the organization, with more than a few picking them to lift the Stanley Cup when all was said and done. That came crashing down, and now it’s possible they’re being overlooked by everyone from the fans to the rest of the league.
This team went from winning the Presidents’ Trophy and reaching the Eastern Conference Finals to missing the playoffs entirely the next season. That stunning fall led to some big roster decisions.
It can be argued the Rangers still have one of the top lines in the NHL. While their overall depth may raise questions, a top unit featuring Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck, and Alexis Lafrenière makes them dangerous. In fact, that line was the league’s best just two seasons ago.
On defense, Adam Fox needs to return to the elite form he showed during that same stretch. His play wasn’t poor last season, but the Rangers need more from their star blueliner if they hope to bounce back.
In goal, New York’s longtime strength remains intact. Igor Shesterkin returns between the pipes as the highest-paid goalie in the NHL and will look to prove that investment was worth it. When he’s at his best, few goaltenders can match his ability to take over a game.
The Rangers must be wary of Carolina, but beyond the Hurricanes, it’s fair to argue they’re the best team in the Metropolitan Division—and not far off from the best in the East.
The dominant Rangers of two years ago aren’t fully back, but the core of that group remains. They must turn the page on last year’s disappointment and return to form. If they do, they have the roster to contend—and the rest of the NHL might just be sleeping on a championship-caliber squad.