The last few months have been a roller coaster for the Rangers. There is a lot to uncover from how the playoffs ended, the leadership group/core, their offseason, and much more.
With all being said, here are the Blueshirts top storylines for the upcoming season.
Note: There is no particular number or order, they will all be ranked at random.
Jacob Trouba’s Mixed Bag With the Fanbase
About three months ago, there were rumors of Rangers captain Jacob Trouba getting traded. However, nothing ever fell through, leaving many fans upset. It also goes both ways: Many fans are eager to see a motivated Trouba this season in hopes of elevated play from the 30 year old. The Rangers captain has a lot to prove this season and since he only has one year left on his contract after this season, will he ultimately get moved?
A Healthy Filip Chytil Can Go a Long Way
Filip Chytil, in my opinion, is one of the more underrated young players in the league. But there has to be worry and concern about his future and health. Over the last few years, he has already suffered four concussions, leaving him out of the lineup for a good chunk of games. When he did play last season, he recorded 6 points (all assists) in 10 games, which would be about a 50 point pace. If he can provide good scoring, say 45 or 50 points and 20 to 25 goals, that will go a long way.
Another Year of Improvement for Alexis Lafreniere and (Hopefully) Kaapo Kakko
Lafreniere and Kakko were drafted just a year apart at picks one and two, respectively. They are both coming off opposite seasons. Lafreniere broke out, and Kakko took a step back (though he was injured for a good portion of last season). More fans are optimistic about Laf, and rightfully so. Kakko, however, is more of a question mark. Assuming Lafreniere gets into the 70 or 80 point range, it will be essential for Kakko to provide at least 45 points. But we shall see how both of them fare in the upcoming campaign.
Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trocheck coming off career years, Can They Replicate It?
Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck, and Alexis Lafreniere were part of one of the best lines in hockey last season. Panarin put up a career high 120 points (49 goals, 71 assists), and Trocheck put up 77 (25 goals, 52 assists). But the question is: Can they repeat, or come close to last years totals? I will say, if Lafreniere continues his emergence and becomes the player that he is expected to be, it is possible that they have similar seasons (but probably not the same high point totals). On the other hand, Panarin will be 33 in October and Trocheck just turned 31 in July, so having better seasons than last is probably unlikely. But crazier things have happened…
Who Will be the First Line Right Winger For The Majority of Next Season?
Since Pavel Buchnevichs’ departure, it has been a revolving door on the first line with Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider. From Vladimir Tarasenko, Frank Vatrano and Jack Roslovic, to name a few, no one has found a permanent home on that line. But today, during the start of training camp, fans saw newly acquired Reilly Smith on the line with Mika and Chris. It is also possible that eventually Kaapo Kakko can get reps on the first line, but in past years, it has not worked out how fans wanted it to. If the Blueshirts want to win that elusive Stanley Cup, that first line has to click. Perhaps maybe Lafreniere can get the opportunity, but then who will replace him with Panarin and Trocheck?
What Young Forwards Make the Team, If Any?
Fan favorite Matt Rempe has a decent chance to get real playing time this season. He has recently said that he has practiced his skating every day over the summer with Chris Kreider. He can very well be the answer for that fourth line. As can the 6 foot 7 Swede, Adam Edstrom. He was very solid in the games that he played last season. Brett Berard and Brennan Othmann also have some competition to earn a spot at camp. Othmann, the former first round pick, is a shoot first player who is expected to be a decent player at the NHL level. Berard is a very good forechecker who has put up good numbers in the AHL. All of these guys have potential to be underrated difference makers for the Blueshirts.
How Long is Chris Drury’s Leash?
Drury was hired in 2021 with the expectation to make the Rangers a Stanley Cup contender. And although he has done that, the Rangers haven’t gotten over the hump in his tenure. His trade deadline this season left many fans puzzled as to why he didn’t put in all his chips to get a real top line winger. But we saw a few years ago giving up a fourth round pick for Frank Vatrano turned out to be a great deal. Making the Conference Finals is great and all, but eventually if the Bluehsirts don’t win a Cup, Drury’s time as GM may be near its end.
Igor Shesterkins’ Contract Year (Or Will it Be)?
There is no doubt that Igor Shesterkin is the Rangers most valuable player. Without his performance in this years playoffs, the Rangers would have found themselves going home much earlier than anticipated. However, last season is over with and Igor only has one more year left on his current deal at 5.6 million. One of the best contracts in the league. But the expectation is that number will double at the very least. And there is still the possibility of a deal getting done before the start of the season in approximately three weeks.
The 2024-25 season for the Rangers should be an interesting one, to say the least. There will be a lot to watch for.
BS Reports 
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