The 2023-2024 New York Rangers, coming off a 114-point season, an Eastern Conference Final (ECF) loss, and their fourth Presidents’ Trophy (their last one being in 2015), have a lot to build off of for the 2024-2025 season.
The team hasn’t made much noise thus far during the offseason but has had numerous conversations about their captain, defenseman Jacob Trouba.
Let’s dive a bit deeper into the captain:
The 12-year NHL veteran has experienced many ups and downs throughout his career but has been a middle of the line player for quite some time. This past season, Trouba recorded 3 goals and 19 assists, totaling 22 points in 69 regular-season games. In the playoffs, he contributed 1 goal and 7 assists in 16 games. As the team captain with a 7-year, $8 million per year contract, fans and the team expect more from him. This performance has led many fans to question his value and hope for a trade. Trouba has a lot to prove given his price tag, and it will be interesting to see if he can come out strong in the upcoming season.
Key Players:
- Chris Kreider
- Regular Season Stats: 39 Goals / 36 Assists
- Artemi Panarin
- Regular Season Stats: 49 Goals / 71 Assists
- Mika Zibanejad
- Regular Season Stats: 26 Goals / 46 Assists
- Alexis Lafrenière
- Regular Season Stats: 28 Goals / 29 Assists
- Igor Shesterkin
- Regular Season Record: 36-17-2 / 2.58 GAA / .913 SV%
When Kreider, Panarin, Lafrenière, or Zibanejad are on the ice together in sync, the Rangers often produce high-pressure offense with constant shots, fast puck movement, and quick transitions. One of the team’s strengths is their speed in various aspects of the game, which sets them apart from many other teams in the league.
The team’s defense is led by Adam Fox, who is widely regarded as one of the best in his position. Fox is an outstanding skater with quick reflexes, excellent stick positioning, and impressive transitional skills. The Long Island native will look to continue his success and aim for a career-high 75+ points.
Igor Shesterkin will look to continue his career campaign and prove he is one of, if not the best, goalkeepers in the NHL. Throughout the playoffs, Shesterkin played more consistently and at a higher level than any other goalie. The team notably feeds off his performance and relies on him for their success. While many fans often credit the offense for most games’ successes, Igor is consistently at the top of his game.
Overall, the season appears to be shaping up as a “Run it Back” year for the Rangers. While trade talks continue and free agency is still active, many fans hope the Rangers will add one more piece to this star-studded team. Although nothing is set in stone at this time, it raises the question: If Trouba has another down year in his sixth season with the Rangers, will he be wearing a different jersey in the seventh year of his contract, or by the trade deadline of his sixth year?
All in all, the New York Rangers have decided to stick with their current roster and give it another shot this year, hoping what they have is enough to win a Stanley Cup Championship.
My Prediction: The New York Rangers will continue their strong performance, make the playoffs, but will fall short again in either the Eastern Conference Final or the Stanley Cup Finals.
@Wandy_D3 on X
BS Reports 
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