A season with so much promise and expectations came falling fast. The New York Rangers fell short and lost in the first round to their rival New Jersey Devils. The joy that was a 2-0 series lead got erased quickly. New Jersey would eventually win the series in Game Seven and advance to the second round. A 100+ point season filled with high expectations is all but gone. It was a hard-fought series, but the Rangers are headed for summer vacation. The pill is tough to swallow. With the offseason underway, it is time to look at the New York Rangers future.
The New York Rangers Future Beyond This Year
Disappointment Sets In
Before success comes disappointment. And it is safe to say that this first-round exit is a disappointment. In addition, upsets happened all over round one. The Presidents Trophy winner as well as the defending champions are all gone. This Rangers team had high hopes and expectations. Chris Drury knew of the team’s cap crunch and put all his chips in the middle. Drury acquired Patrick Kane and Vladimir Tarasenko at this deadline in hopes of a deep playoff run. That was not the case as a younger and more energized Devils team crashed the party.
After every defeat, it is cleanout day and addressing the media. Plenty of players have their thoughts on this series, and most are left with a bad taste in their mouths. This is a team that reached the conference finals just a season ago. With the moves that were made, expectations were raised higher.
"Extremely disappointed. We came into the season with higher expectations than the previous year."
Mika Zibanejad on the end of the Rangers' season: pic.twitter.com/RrGjYkwC2t
— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) May 3, 2023
Superstar centre Mika Zibanejad shared his disappointment. Chris Kreider felt that this was more disappointing than last year. This group fell short of their ultimate goal, but that does not mean this is the end.
The Future Of The Broadway Blueshirts
Unfortunately, the team’s season has come to an end and the pages are flipped to next season. For the most part, this team has its core locked up. Up front, the Rangers have Mika Zibanejad, Chris Kreider, Artemi Panarin, Filip Chytil, and Vincent Trocheck for the foreseeable future. On the back end, they are in good shape with Adam Fox, Jacob Trouba, Ryan Lindgren, and Braden Schneider. And of course, arguably the best goalie in the game Igor Shesterkin is in the fold.
Aside from a few players that need contracts, this team is in good shape moving forward. The nucleus of this core group is returning and will have a fire lit under them.
Youth Gaining Experience
Growing pains are part of the sport and in life. Think about the Washington Capitals who could never escape the second round. They finally broke through. All core groups go through growing pains and it is something you learn from. Not only has this left a sour taste in the mouths of the veterans, the younger guys feel this as well. For some of them, this is their second time in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
"It's going to be motivating taking this into the summer. I don't want to be done right now, I want to be around the guys. That sucks. I'm going to miss it."
– K'Andre Miller pic.twitter.com/X6bVBQfyXv
— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) May 3, 2023
Emerging defenseman K’Andre Miller had a few things to say about this early exit. Miller went on to say, “It’s going to be motivating taking this into the summer. I don’t want to be done right now, I want to be around the guys. That sucks. I’m going to miss it.” Miller has been a bright spot for the Blueshirts this year and is also part of the New York Rangers future. 2020 draft pick Braden Schneider went on to say he never wants to feel like this again.
Disappointment has set in, but the younger guys are hungry as well. It bodes well for the New York Rangers future returning next season. A competitive edge and a lit fire under them. And given the state of the team, the youth may see increased roles next year. Players like Kappo Kakko and Lafreniere could see higher roles on the top two lines next season. Take a page out of your rival’s book; let the kids loose and let them play.
Key Contracts Entering Next Season
The New York Rangers future gets tricky. Their cap situation for next season is strapped. However, they have two key restricted free agents to sign in Alexis Lafreniere and Miller. In addition, Kane, Tarasenko, and Niko Mikkola are free to walk away. It remains to be seen how Drury assembles the roster, but the future of this team is still bright. There is belief in each other and in the room that winning the Cup is achievable. For the players and fans, this was not what everyone wanted. But the New York Rangers future is bright.
Main Photo: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
