{"id":23077,"date":"2018-02-16T09:00:32","date_gmt":"2018-02-16T14:00:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=23077"},"modified":"2018-02-16T00:13:40","modified_gmt":"2018-02-16T05:13:40","slug":"the-end-of-an-era-for-new-york-rangers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2018\/02\/16\/the-end-of-an-era-for-new-york-rangers\/","title":{"rendered":"New York Rangers Rebuild Is Looming"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>With this\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/2018\/02\/08\/new-york-rangers-gm-president-pen-letter-fans\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">ominous memo released<\/a>\u00a0last week, it&#8217;s clear that the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/teams\/rangers\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">New York Rangers<\/a> 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.\u00a0 The end of an era for the Rangers could be coming sooner rather than later.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">A Message from Glen Sather and Jeff Gorton. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/Q56CXS8vDc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/Q56CXS8vDc<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; New York Rangers (@NYRangers) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/NYRangers\/status\/961669453804130304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">February 8, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h1><strong>New York Rangers Rebuild Could Be Coming<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p>As part of this rebuild, some core players will have to go. Unfortunately, there is no escaping that fact. Although the truth\u00a0of 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\u00a0changes for the Rangers.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Which Beloved Ranger Could Be Out?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/mcdonry01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ryan McDonagh<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>It is likely that captain Ryan McDonagh may\u00a0be traded as it&#8217;s a hot topic already sparking much interest around the league leading\u00a0up to the February\u00a0deadline. Currently out with an upper-body injury, skeptics would say this is a ploy to keep McDonagh fit for this trade.\u00a0 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\u00a0NHL 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\u00a0little extra next season.<\/p>\n<h3><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/n\/nashri01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Rick Nash<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Another long-timer speculated to move on at the deadline is <a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/n\/nashri01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Rick Nash<\/a>. It is rumored that the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/lightning\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tampa Bay Lightning<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/predators\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nashville Predators<\/a>\u00a0are among the few that are interested. At 33 years old, Nash&#8217;s performance at times can be\u00a0considered past his prime, but with 17 goals and 10 assists, the big\u00a0winger still contributes.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Rick Nash: &#39;I have no idea how I&#39;m gonna explain to my son that he can&#39;t cheer for the Rangers&#39; <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/9BCe3Hv0Cv\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/t.co\/9BCe3Hv0Cv<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/w2HsIyLGcx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/w2HsIyLGcx<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; NY Daily News Sports (@NYDNSports) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/NYDNSports\/status\/960600057467867137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">February 5, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>The departing of these strong, loyal permanent\u00a0fixtures 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.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Who Needs To Stay<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Although a rebuild is needed to raise the Rangers chances next season, it&#8217;s important in this new era that the &#8220;heart and soul&#8221; of the team is not forgotten. Without these figureheads, the Rangers will lose their identity altogether.<\/p>\n<h3><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/z\/zuccama01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mats Zuccarello<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>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&#8217;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&#8217;s hoped he will continue to direct the Rangers into becoming a force to be reckoned with.<\/p>\n<h3><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/l\/lundqhe01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Henrik Lundqvist<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>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.\u00a0 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, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/v\/vigneal01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Alain Vigneault<\/a> 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\u00a0 Stanley Cup.<\/p>\n<p>Despite this, Lundqvist made it clear in an interview with\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/2018\/02\/02\/rangers-rebuild-or-not-henrik-lundqvists-intent-is-clear-im-in\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Larry Brooks<\/a>\u00a0of the\u00a0<em>New York Post<\/em>\u00a0where he envisions himself playing.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI made a commitment to this organization a few years back. It was a big decision in my career.\u00a0I 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\u2019s important to me.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Young One&#8217;s Key To Rebuild<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<h3><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/v\/veseyji02.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jimmy Vesey<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<h3><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/skjeibr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Brady Skjei<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Another young gun proving his worth is Brady Skjei. With McDonagh and <a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/shattke01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kevin Shattenkirk<\/a> 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&#8217;s new role includes making an\u00a0impact on the power play.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Rangers getting a look at Brady Skjei in an expanded role with Ryan McDonagh\u2019s future in doubt\u00a0&#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/J_Tasch?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@J_Tasch<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/7cxSIusQqK\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/t.co\/7cxSIusQqK<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/q8OWBnAOCN\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/q8OWBnAOCN<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; NY Daily News Sports (@NYDNSports) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/NYDNSports\/status\/963563283935612928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">February 13, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>There are many other young players to watch for,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/g\/gilmojo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">John Gilmour<\/a> and\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/p\/pionkne01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Neal Pionk<\/a>\u00a0included.\u00a0 Both have been called up from Hartford Wolfpack and may end up staying.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Keeping The Faith<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<p>Main Photo<br \/>\n<a id=\"XFn89UnNTJRObmbWcWiz2Q\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/918772502\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'XFn89UnNTJRObmbWcWiz2Q',sig:'flVmahYuydDiddZ3Ar83BFAjf80SVdyQOv6YkAlr_bg=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'918772502',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With this\u00a0ominous memo released\u00a0last week, it&#8217;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.\u00a0 The end of an era for the Rangers could be coming sooner rather than later.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2344,"featured_media":23461,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[14,2],"tags":[372,1351,48,370,1131],"class_list":["post-23077","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-rangers","category-featured","tag-henrik-lundqvist","tag-mats-zuccarello","tag-new-york-rangers","tag-rick-nash","tag-ryan-mcdonagh"],"modified_by":"Christian Holmes, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23077","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2344"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23077"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23077\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23461"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23077"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23077"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23077"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}