The Rangers have their work cut out for them in a season when nearly every team in the Metropolitan Division appears to have improved.
That’s just one obstacle on the outside. Internally, the Blueshirts have many other hurdles to clear as they embark on a mission to redeem themselves after a disappointing playoff performance last season.
New head coach Peter Laviolette is spearheading the Rangers’ initiative to rediscover their identity, develop winner’s habits and make that final jump from playoff contenders to Stanley Cup champions.
And the 58-year-old bench boss is leading the charge in a manner that has commanded respect around the Rangers’ locker room.
“I think last year, it was a little more laid back,” Vincent Trocheck said. “I think we were maybe not as prepared as we should’ve been going into the first little bit of the season. It’s been a little bit more tougher camp, for sure. I think guys are definitely going to be in shape coming out of it. I think we’re focused on the details a little bit more this camp.
“Going into the season, I think we’re going to be prepared. So that’s one main thing you have to be coming out of camp.”
The fact that the Rangers core is another year older can be seen as both a blessing and a curse. Either way, it’s another year of growth together.
The Rangers have reaped the confidence benefits of a long playoff run, but they’ve also learned the hard lessons that come with disheartening, early finishes. One could argue that this Rangers team has been battle-tested.
Adjusting to a third coach’s system in four seasons, however, is a lofty task for any team.
The Rangers won’t be able to spare any effort if they want to make it work.
Offense
Laviolette’s system is designed to foster an aggressive offense, one that encourages puck possession and defensemen joining the rush. The Rangers, however, won’t find offensive success unless their top players are holding the flashlight and leading the way.
Mika Zibanejad, Artemi Panarin and Chris Kreider will have to continue to shoulder a bulk of the offensive responsibilities, while secondary scoring from Filip Chytil, Kaapo Kakko and Alexis Lafreniere will be crucial.
There will be no shortage of opportunities for the defensemen to get in on the goal-scoring action, but the production of other forwards like Blake Wheeler, Vincent Trocheck and Barclay Goodrow is much more important.
Defense
The Rangers have one of the most formidable defenses in the league — on paper — coming into this season.
The top-four of Adam Fox-Ryan Lindgren and K’Andre Miller-Jacob Trouba looks like it’ll be intact for the start of another season. With every passing year, their partners’ tendencies further become second nature and the general chemistry improves.
Erik Gustafsson has shown more skill and more promise than any of the previous left-side third-pair options the Rangers have had in the past few years. He’ll line up alongside Braden Schneider, who is entering his third season, while Zac Jones waits in the wings for his opportunity.
Goaltending
At the end of last season, Igor Shesterkin said we were going to see a different version of him in 2023-24, and if the preseason has been any indication of what’s to come, the Russian netminder could have another historic season in front of him.
There is hardly ever any worry about the Rangers’ No. 1 goalie, but the club’s new backup, Jonathan Quick, has drawn some concern. Already coming off a down year in which he experienced tremendous change as the longtime Kings goalie was sent to the Golden Knights, Quick hasn’t had the strongest preseason. The few exhibition games Quick played in saw the veteran goalie struggle to make that key save.
Coaching
Peter Laviolette has been on the ice with the Rangers for two and a half weeks and has already drastically changed the way the players practice and compete.
There is a higher intensity to everything they’ve done. The pace is up. Players are noticeably more engaged with the new members of the coaching staff, as well as Laviolette himself.
The new bench boss has a clear plan in place and a vision for how he wants this Rangers team to compete each and every night. With 22 years of experience under his belt, Laviolette has taken to this new challenge with fierce determination and poise.
Most important offensive player
Much was made of how Blake Wheeler signed with the Rangers for $800,000 this offseason, but it’s the production that the club gets out of the veteran wing that will matter.
Wheeler provides the Rangers with a bit of a safety net if the likes of Lafreniere and/or Kakko can’t hold onto their top-six role. The hope is that they’ll be able to, and then Wheeler can bring some supporting offense from the third line.
At 37, it’s possible Wheeler won’t be as effective as he once was. After recording 55 points (16 goals, 39 assists) in 72 games with the Jets last season, however, Wheeler will be expected to contribute.
Most important defensive player
Adam Fox is also coming off a season that landed him the second-most Norris Trophy votes. And now, the 25-year-old will serve as an alternate captain for the Rangers.
With an increased leadership role, Fox will shoulder even more responsibility where the team is concerned. Though his responsibilities on the ice remain just as plentiful and important. Fox has posted back-to-back 70-plus point seasons and that sort of production will need to continue.
Key rookie
Will Cuylle gave the Rangers no choice but to keep him this preseason. Laviolette already assured the 21-year-old will be in the opening night lineup, because there would be no benefit to keeping the young wing in the press box. He may have earned the spot now, but it’ll be about what he does with it and whether he can keep it.
Key coaching decision
One of Laviolette’s most important tasks is no different than each of his two predecessors: Figure out how to get the most out of Lafreniere and Kakko. It’ll be interesting to see how he goes about managing the lottery twins.
Will he let the two work out the kinks and settle into the top-six roles if things don’t click immediately? Or will he be inclined to change the lineup right away and put them in different spots with different linemates?
Prediction
The Rangers have their pride to play for this season after it didn’t go their way in the playoffs last time around. It’s another year together for the core, while the new members of the supporting cast should bring more leadership and experience — albeit with the age that comes with those traits.
Playoffs should be a lock, but that’s only if the Rangers are able to settle into Laviolette’s new system in a timely fashion. The Rangers have the foundation and the tools to compete for a Stanley Cup. It’s just a matter of building a sturdy product from the ground up.
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