The New York Rangers are a very good team. Last year they proved that to all of us. The Rangers have at least one perennial superstar on offense, defense, and in goal. Not every team can say that.
But if the Rangers want to win the Stanley Cup this year, who MUST the 5 most important players be to get them there? Let’s dive in…
*Note: List does not include Artemi Panarin, Igor Shesterkin, and Adam Fox, this is more so players who need to bounce back or take a jump*
5. K’Andre Miller
2023-24 stats: 8 goals, 22 assists, 30 points
Does he need to bounce back or take a step? Take a step
The 2023-24 season for Miller was one in which he saw his point production take a step back. He put up 43 points in 2022-23. His defense steadily improved as the season went on. When he was paired with Braden Schneider, he looked as good as he ever has on the back end. If he can replicate the last few months of the season, and get north of 40 points again, the Rangers should be in good shape with Miller and Adam Fox. Getting real power play time will also be crucial if his points were to go up.
4. Alexis Lafreniere
2023-24 stats: 28 goals, 29 assists, 57 points
Does he need to bounce back or take a step? Take a step
Lafreniere had the best season of his young career last year. The line of himself, Vincent Trocheck, and Artemi Panarin were one of the best in the whole league. He was just one goal shy of 30. The good thing is a lot of his production came at even strength. He has never really gotten a real opportunity on the teams first power play unit, and some even think he might have eclipsed 70 points last season with a chance on the top unit. The key, however, is not just replicating last season, but surpassing his totals. As good as Panarin and Trocheck were, it is highly unlikely that they will replicate their career best seasons. That makes it all more important for Lafreniere to elevate his linemates, which we saw glimpses of last season. As a former number one overall pick, the bare minimum for this season should be at least 70 to 75 points, if not more.
3. Kaapo Kakko
2023-24 stats: 13 goals, 6 assists, 19 points
Does he need to bounce back or take a step? BOTH
If it couldn’t be any more obvious, this is probably Kakko’s last chance to prove his worth to the Rangers organization. He is going into his sixth pro season and has only reached 40 points once. Although he has been up and down in the lineup, it is very fair to say that he has not reached expectations. The good thing is that he is still young, he turns 24 in February, but that should not excuse his mostly lackluster play. However, he is good in his own end. He has solid defensive metrics. But the Rangers are trying to win the Stanley Cup, their window might not be open in a year or two. They cannot keep experimenting with Kakko if they want to win. If he proves himself, he can be a vital piece. If not, it is best to part ways.
2. Jacob Trouba
2023-24 stats: 3 goals, 19 assists, 22 points
Does he need to bounce back or take a step? Bounce back
Jacob Trouba will try to silence the haters this season. Saying no to a trade to the Red Wings upset many fans. He has a big chip on his shoulder this season. He was on the ice for over half of the goals the Rangers allowed in the 2023-24 playoffs. His offense took a dip as well and he was a minus 4. If the Rangers want to win a championship, he has to double or even triple his effort on the defensive end. His constant miscues and being out of position may have cost the Rangers a Stanley Cup last season. He has so much to prove in 2024-25.
1. Mika Zibanejad
2023-24 stats: 26 goals, 46 assists, 72 points
Does he need to bounce back or take a step? Bounce back
In my opinion, Mika Zibanejad is the Rangers most important player. Last season, he only scored 12 goals at even strength. Although he had 72 points, many of them came on the power play. His one timer was not effective at all, and his accuracy was also a concern. He was still good on the defensive side of the puck, but just the season prior, Zibanejad put up a career high of 91 points. A near 20 point drop off is troubling. The good news, however, is that he has shown that he can be a dynamic offensive player. In the 2019-20 season, he had 41 goals in just 57 games before the league shut down due to COVID-19. If the season never came to a halt, he would have been on pace for 59 goals, and might have even flirted with 60. It is possible that Mika can get back to the 40 goal and 80 to 85 point player. He has shown it before. But with Vincent Trocheck’s emergence last season, it does raise questions and concern.
Now let me ask you guys:
Who do you think is the Rangers most important player for next season? Who has to step up and who needs to bounce back?
BS Reports 
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