With holes to fill on the top line, the Rangers look to their bottom six signings for insurance this season through veteran presence.
After losing Patrick Kane to injury and Vladimir Tarasenko to the Ottawa Senators, GM Chris Drury had to look elsewhere to fill the holes in the New York Rangers lineup. Drury went thrift shopping in July and found some vintage bargains. Blake Wheeler replaces one of the two departures in the top six. Either Kaapo Kakko or Alexis Lafrenière will occupy the remaining spot. Yet, not everyone is talking about how the bottom six has improved. It will be these two lines that will determine the future success of this hockey club.
The New Look Bottom Six Provides Insurance
When you’re walking around the concourse of any hockey arena, you notice the different jerseys that the fans are wearing. Like myself, you might look at the unique names on the back of the sweaters. More times than none, you’ll see the names of your team’s “superstars”. If you are at Madison Square Garden, there is a great chance that you will see names such as Artemi Panarin, Adam Fox, Mika Zibanejad, and Igor Shesterkin. The names you won’t spot are your muckers, your grinders, players on the bottom six.
Sure, they are not the flashiest of players, but they deserve some love. An organization like the Rangers has thrived off of the success of their third and fourth lines. Players like Brian Boyle and Dominic Moore were integral to the 2014 Stanley Cup Finals run. And who can forget about those teams in the mid-2000s with names like Blair Betts, Marcel Hossa, and even the infamous Sean Avery? This year’s lineup features a new look at the bottom six that will determine whether the season is a success or an utter flop. The new names have experience and have performed on some of the biggest stages. Here’s what to expect from some of this season’s “supporting cast”.
Nick Bonino is the Perfect Fourth Line Centre
As a first-line centre, Mika Zibanejad does not possess many flaws. He carries a wicked one-timer, spectacular vision, and is a mastermind when on a breakaway. His one main negative is that his faceoff stats are almost laughable for a top centerman.
Zibanejad’s best year from the faceoff circle was two seasons ago when he put up a 52.3%. Last year was different, losing more than half of his draws at 49.5% (via StatMuse). New York has relied on its centre depth to carry the load of faceoff wins. Vincent Trocheck is easily the most impressive, as he won over 56% of his draws. Now, the Rangers look for help with their defensive play on the back end. Enter Nick Bonino.
Nick Bonino signs for the Rangers on a one-year, $800K deal. ? pic.twitter.com/wSAlvQYopZ
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) July 1, 2023
Excluding last season, Bonino has been over 50% at the dot since the 2017-18 season. Sure, he’s getting older, but he can still be a threat on an impressive checking line. He will likely be paired with Tyler Pitlick, another shutdown forward, and Jimmy Vesey, who can still find the back of the net. Having solid third and fourth lines has been a part of the Rangers culture. Usually, the top six gets caught sleeping for a game or two. That is when the depth players become those heroes that Blueshirts fans know and love.
Do Not Underestimate the Tyler Pitlick Signing
Drury’s offseason signings will be remembered by the Blake Wheeler bargain and bringing Jonathan Quick home. The acquisition of Tyler Pitlick will be one that will forever stay under the radar. A similar player to Bonino, Pitlick is one that belongs on a checking line. After starting his career in Edmonton back in 2013, the Rangers will be Pitlick’s eighth team in 11 seasons in the National Hockey League.
The Rangers have signed Tyler Pitlick to a one-year deal.@MollieeWalkerr reports that the deal is for $787,500 https://t.co/CFwkQUd1wv pic.twitter.com/6R4YhfOjjY
— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) July 1, 2023
It is evident that Pitlick is not a noted goal-scorer, so the fourth line will look to either Vesey or Bonino for their offensive chances. However, Pitlick will lay the body against any player or puck that comes his way. With 752 career hits and 256 blocked shots, Pitlick gives the Rangers that physical presence that they once lacked.
At the end of the day, everyone loves the superstars. Yet, this bottom six for the Rangers has the potential to make some noise this upcoming season. Not only does the powerplay have what it takes to stay in the top ten, do not count out the penalty kill either.
Main Photo: © Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
