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New York Rangers Rebuild Is Looming

With this ominous memo released last week, it's clear that the New York Rangers rebuild could be coming soon. Numerous injuries and general lack of fighting spirit by all are contributing factors to the Rangers current 27-26-5 record.  The end of an era for the Rangers could be coming sooner rather than later.
New York Rangers Role Models

With this ominous memo released last week, it’s clear that the New York Rangers rebuild could be coming soon. Numerous injuries and general lack of fighting spirit by all are contributing factors to the Rangers current 27-26-5 record.  The end of an era for the Rangers could be coming sooner rather than later.

New York Rangers Rebuild Could Be Coming

As part of this rebuild, some core players will have to go. Unfortunately, there is no escaping that fact. Although the truth of who will go has yet to come forth, trading is the main viable option for inserting new talent. Any core player movement means big dynamic changes for the Rangers.

Which Beloved Ranger Could Be Out?

Ryan McDonagh

It is likely that captain Ryan McDonagh may be traded as it’s a hot topic already sparking much interest around the league leading up to the February deadline. Currently out with an upper-body injury, skeptics would say this is a ploy to keep McDonagh fit for this trade.  General Manager Jeff Gorton, however, may be tempted to wait until June for a better return. Either way, it would be bittersweet for Rangers fans as the 28-year-old has spent his whole eight-year NHL career as a Ranger. The captain is vital to an already poor defense. The argument for trading him would be the potential for a top pick and perhaps a little extra next season.

Rick Nash

Another long-timer speculated to move on at the deadline is Rick Nash. It is rumored that the Tampa Bay Lightning and Nashville Predators are among the few that are interested. At 33 years old, Nash’s performance at times can be considered past his prime, but with 17 goals and 10 assists, the big winger still contributes.

The departing of these strong, loyal permanent fixtures would mark the end of an era for the Rangers. With the Rangers unlikely to make the playoffs at this point in time, the management team needs to reevaluate what they have.

Who Needs To Stay

Although a rebuild is needed to raise the Rangers chances next season, it’s important in this new era that the “heart and soul” of the team is not forgotten. Without these figureheads, the Rangers will lose their identity altogether.

Mats Zuccarello

Mats Zuccarello has been integral to the Rangers family since he joined eight years ago. But unlike Nash, he has continually performed solidly throughout his career and shown no signs of stopping. Currently, top in points (40) and assists (31), Zuccarello’s passion knows no bounds despite his smaller stature. He easily combines his aggression with silky passing. The 30-year-old provides experience and a willing attitude that the Rangers need to replicate during this potential rebuild. He cannot stay forever, but it’s hoped he will continue to direct the Rangers into becoming a force to be reckoned with.

Henrik Lundqvist

The Rangers All-Star, Henrik Lundqvist, is without argument the most valued member of the team right now. At times Lundqvist has been the only player with the willingness to win games. He has endured punishment after punishment without much downtime or support.  The 35-year-old has started 37 out of 39 games this season and faced 30+ shots most nights, giving him a 2.74 GAA. As appreciation, Alain Vigneault has blamed goaltending as one of the main reasons the Rangers are not in the playoffs. On this basis alone, Lundqvist should find a team that deserves him and provides the Swede a realistic chance of the  Stanley Cup.

Despite this, Lundqvist made it clear in an interview with Larry Brooks of the New York Post where he envisions himself playing.

“I made a commitment to this organization a few years back. It was a big decision in my career. I want to play for one organization. This one. I love it here. I want to be here and battle through the ups and downs, the good and the bad. It’s important to me.”

With Lundqvist at the helm, the Rangers have potential to power forward next season with the right decisions. Inserting new enthusiasm should be the top priority for the Rangers rebuild. The Rangers have struggled in past seasons with promoting young talent on their team. One positive of Rangers injury woes this season is that it has put some exciting players in the spotlight.

Young One’s Key To Rebuild

The last few games for the Rangers are a preview of what they can become after rebuilding. Tempo is high and although not perfect, the young ones on the team are stepping up. These players fit the mold of who the Rangers can become.

Jimmy Vesey

Jimmy Vesey has potential to grow in this new era of Rangers hockey. He is fast and can score goals, already with 11 goals and 7 assists. The 24-year-old is close to matching last years stats of 16 goals and 11 assists. His average ice time has also increased to 13:50 per game.

Brady Skjei

Another young gun proving his worth is Brady Skjei. With McDonagh and Kevin Shattenkirk injured, the 23-year-old rookie has propelled to the top defensive pairing on the team. With this, he now gets the second most ice time of any player. Part of Skjei’s new role includes making an impact on the power play.

There are many other young players to watch for, John Gilmour and Neal Pionk included.  Both have been called up from Hartford Wolfpack and may end up staying.

Keeping The Faith

But most importantly the Rangers need to keep a few things in mind. If they are striving for this young high tempo and exciting team next season, they need to create this vision and stick to it. Retaining players that engulf this idea is key, but they need to make every move from here on out with this goal in mind.

The team should continue to keep the faith. So the New York Rangers rebuild rumors appear true. The loss of key players will be difficult and perhaps inevitable. Instead of seeing it a sign of failure, however, it should be looked upon as a positive and exciting step into the new era of the New York Rangers.

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Toni Schleemann

Toni Schleemann

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