With young, budding forwards and reliable veterans, here is a prediction of how the New York Rangers forward lines will look this upcoming season.
Newly named head coach Peter Laviolette and his staff have some essential decisions to make before the 12th of October. Although the 20 names are pretty much set in stone, we could see some surprises during training camp. Who knows, maybe a PTO makes their way into Tarrytown or even a surging prospect finds his way onto Laviolette’s lineup card.
With all of these lingering possibilities, the Rangers are in a position where they need to revive their winning mentality of old. Laviolette, Muse, Peca and the rest of the staff were brought in to do just that. Here’s how the Blueshirts should line up just one month from now.
Predicting The 2023-24 New York Rangers Forward Lines
One of the most prominent complaints from Blueshirts fans over the years was how often the lines were changed mid-game. It was done frequently by the past three head coaches: Alain Vigneault, David Quinn, and Gerard Gallant. Will that trend continue under the regime of Peter Laviolette, or will he find four perfect lines that will make every Ranger fan grin from ear to ear? Only time will tell.
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The lines, to me, are predictable and do have the potential to be swapped around during the course of the season. Let’s face the music and admit that it is difficult for a line combination to stay intact for the duration of 82 games. You need players that complement one another and not just your three best forwards on the first line. Also, young players who have the ability to grow deserve as much ice time as possible. Here’s how the Rangers line combinations should line up in Buffalo a month from now.
First Line: Chris Kreider–Mika Zibanejad–Kaapo Kakko
One of those young players who just reeks of potential is the former 2nd overall pick back in 2019. Numbers aside, one cannot deny the fact that Kaapo Kakko is so strong on the puck. The way he shields his body plus his skating ability makes it difficult for defencemen to take the puck away from him.
You add his skills on the puck and his shot, add it with Chris Kreider’s strength and immaculate hand-eye coordination, plus Mika Zibanejad and his impressive playmaking ability and there is your first line. No disrespect towards Filip Chytil, but Kakko’s goal tally will skyrocket playing alongside Zibanejad more frequently. And with Chris Kreider being the net-front presence, this line will be producing goals left and right come the start of the season.
Second Line: Artemi Panarin–Vincent Trocheck–Blake Wheeler
This is the point in the article where some of the heads will begin to shake. Yes, Blake Wheeler should start in the top six. He was brought into the lineup to replace one of Patrick Kane or Vladimir Tarasenko. Wheeler is one of the very few Rangers who is a “shoot first” type of player. He is projected to play with a center who will win more than half of his faceoffs in Vincent Trocheck. In order for these offensive chances to happen, these faceoffs need to be won.
On Wheeler’s far wing will be the Rangers leading point scorer Artemi Panarin. The two wingers could be a fascinating duo to watch throughout the season. Both Wheeler and Panarin could thrive off of one another. We all know Panarin loves making that extra pass. If that extra pass finds the tape of Wheeler, there’s a great chance it hits twine frequently this upcoming season.
Third Line: Alexis Lafrenière-Filip Chytil-Barclay Goodrow
Sadly, it looks like it will be another year without Filip Chytil and Alexis Lafrenière in the top six. There is a debate to be made that this could be Wheeler’s landing spot to begin the year. However, I do not see this staff playing Lafrenière on his off-wing. In order for the former 1st overall pick to grow, he has to stay at LW. He will be more successful as a 3rd line LW than a 2nd line RW.
Still having Chytil at 3C will benefit both young players. Chytil, who just signed a 4-year extension last season, has turned into one of the most beneficial draft picks in this century for New York. Add the two youngsters with a shutdown player like Barclay Goodrow and you can have one of the most offence-heavy third lines in the entire league.
Fourth Line: Jimmy Vesey–Nick Bonino–Tyler Pitlick
Say what you will, but Jimmy Vesey has been one of my personal favourite depth players for the Rangers. He still has the ability to be the main offensive weapon on a line with Nick Bonino and Tyler Pitlick. On this line, Pitlick will play the role of “the brute.” He will hit anyone in sight and will not be afraid to sacrifice his body.
Nick Bonino as the fourth-line center is a match made in heaven. The Rangers have longed for another centerman who is capable of winning almost as many faceoffs as Trocheck. Although he is no longer in his prime, Bonino is that player who can win crucial draws, especially in the defensive zone. Fans should be excited for this year’s lineup. With forwards who have the potential to breakout this season, the possibilities are endless for this Rangers roster.
Main Photo Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports
