The game of hockey is getting faster. Teams are utilizing their speed and pushing the pace quicker and quicker. A team with speed is more dangerous in today’s hockey. Look at the Edmonton Oilers for instance. Their speed to go along with their talent has made them dangerous. This past season the New York Rangers relied heavier on aging veterans than their youth. With their current cap space and roster outlook, it is time for the New York Rangers youth to be front and centre.
Time For The New York Rangers Youth
After watching the first round, there was one key aspect of the series that stood out. The Devils speed was a problem for the Rangers. New Jersey was quicker, faster, and was skating circles around the blue shirts. They had no answer for it and ultimately was their downfall. However, with the roster turnover the team could take a page out of the Devils book. Let the youth loose and let them play.
Who Represents The Youth
It seems the Rangers lack an identity. After the Tom Wilson incident, the team went out and added toughness. That worked out for a short while, but the team was slow. So the toughness got shipped out and in came more speed and skill. But in reality, they don’t play fast but do have the skill. However, the club relied heavily on the acquisitions of Vladimir Tarasenko and an injured Patrick Kane. With them more than likely not going to return, the attention turns to the younger guys and increasing their roles.
Who They Are
The Defensemen
K’Andre Miller has solidified his role as a top-four defenseman on the roster. Braden Schneider has made his impact on the third pair as well. With Niko Mikkola a free agent, it opens the door for another player to step in. One glaring issue is speed and transition from the back end.
Having another offensive presence on the back end would do wonders for the club. One player the club could look to bring up is Zac Jones. He has played the past two seasons with the Hartford Wolfpack. Last year was a career season with nine goals, 26 assists, and 35 points. In addition, he followed that up with a 31-point season. Brennan Otthman is another highly touted prospect, but not sure if he is ready for the big-league level. The true x-factor of the youth movement lies up front.
The Forwards
There is much criticism when it comes to the New York Rangers and their youth. The biggest one appears to be their lack of development. Some of it is warranted, but now is the time for it to come up a notch. Filip Chytil has been a bright spot. He is coming off a career season, which earned him a four-year contract extension. Some say he could be perfectly in line to centre the second line, but him being on the third line makes the club deep.
Fans and the Rangers should want to see more out of Alexis Lafreniere and Kaapo Kakko. The 2019 and 2020 first-overall and second-overall picks have not lit up the hockey world as much as people thought. Kakko signed a bridge deal and Lafreniere is entering an RFA year. In addition, both players had career seasons for the team this year. Here is how they did:
- Kakko: 18-22-40
- Lafreniere: 16-23-39
It doesn’t sound like much, but primarily on the third line is good depth production. Just seems underwhelming given their draft status. Both should see increased roles which would help their development. But also, it is time the Rangers youth takes the reigns for this team.
"Maybe get some power play time and also play more. That's the next step."
Kaapo Kakko talks about his growth as a player and what his future goals are: pic.twitter.com/ReIq1S1OpN
— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) May 3, 2023
On media day, Kakko talked about his growth and his goals as a player. It is comforting to hear and to see. Kakko went on to say, “Maybe get some power play time and also play more. That’s the next step.” Kakko is a big body that protects the puck well. He has the tools and potential to be a special player in this league. Just needs to be put in more situations to have success.
The Time Is Now
As outlined, the core group is locked in for the long haul. With some veterans moving on, the time to rely on the Rangers youth is now. Getting older is not going to win you a championship. With key youthful players in the fold, the time is to develop them further and let them take the reigns for this team. As the game is getting faster, it would be a good decision for the Rangers to get faster as well.
Main Photo: © Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
