It would be surprising if the New York Rangers did not at least perform well enough in the upcoming regular season to qualify for the playoffs, but there is a lot of drama around the team that must be overcome.
Aside from moving Barclay Goodrow and losing Erik Gustafsson to free agency, the majority of the team will return for 2024-25. However, this could be the final chance for this core Rangers bunch; even captain Jacob Trouba revealed to reporters at training camp that this season will be “the last crack.”
The Rangers are coming off a memorable Presidents’ Trophy season that ended in heartbreak in the Eastern Conference Finals. There are still parts to contend with. However, the team must deal with a few challenges early on.
Jacob Trouba is focused on winning this year with this Rangers team:
"That's an opportunity that we have in front of us that, in all likelihood, will probably be the last crack for this core" pic.twitter.com/qgnqRnXoaJ
— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) September 19, 2024
Trouba Drama
Although both the Rangers and Jacob Trouba are trying to move past the awkwardness of the offseason, it’s hard to forget how tense the situation was. Trouba found himself in trade rumors, with a potential move to the Detroit Red Wings seeming possible at one point. However, it appears that the captain used his partial no-trade clause to block the deal.
Both parties publicly made efforts to calm things down and shift focus toward a crucial regular season. During training camp, general manager Chris Drury addressed the situation, saying, “Jacob and I talk all the time, as GM and captain should… He is very clear as to where he stands with me and what I think of him as a player and as a leader. I think he’s done a real good job here” (New York Post, Sept. 17, 2024).
But will the fans let it go? Or will they express their displeasure at the home opener? New York is known for being an unforgiving market. Even Rick Nash, one of the most talented Rangers in the 2000s, was booed off the ice after going goalless early in the 2014 Playoffs. While it’s not something anyone hopes for, if Trouba faces a similar reaction, it could escalate tensions and create an uncomfortable atmosphere, making it tough for him to perform. Although Drury and Trouba have made efforts to smooth things over, there’s a possibility that things could still turn sour.
Shesterkin’s Next Contract
Jacob Trouba wasn’t the only Ranger dealing with offseason drama. The team had hoped to lock up star goaltender Igor Shesterkin to a long-term deal before he potentially hits free agency. According to Mollie Walker of the New York Post, Shesterkin is reportedly seeking $12 million per season, and there will be no further negotiations once the season starts (New York Post, Sept. 24, 2024).
With opening night approaching on Wednesday, Oct. 9, time is running out. If the two sides fail to reach an agreement by then, there’s a real possibility that the Rangers could lose Shesterkin to free agency. Additionally, the absence of a deal could raise questions and create uncertainty about Shesterkin’s future with the team.
There’s also concern about how the mental strain of not having an extension in place might affect his performance down the line. Last season, Shesterkin struggled at times but eventually found his rhythm again. The contract situation between Shesterkin and the Rangers will be a key storyline to watch as opening night draws near.
Ryan Lindgren Injury
Injuries are a part of every season, and teams must be prepared, but the Rangers were dealt an early blow in training camp with Ryan Lindgren’s injury. According to Vincent Mercogliano of USA Today Network, Lindgren will be out “at least a few weeks” (lohud.com, Sept. 25, 2024). Behind him, the Rangers have K’Andre Miller and possibly Zac Jones to step up and fill the gap, but depth beyond that is thin.
Matthew Robertson was sent down and won’t be an option during Lindgren’s absence. Although Victor Mancini’s strong preseason performance may have earned him a roster spot, asking him to play on the left side as a right-handed defenseman is a big challenge. The Rangers might have to manage the situation by giving more ice time to Mancini or Chad Ruhwedel.
While this is far from an ideal way to start the season, it does create opportunities for younger defensemen to gain valuable playing time. The team will be at its best once Lindgren returns to full health, but for now, they’ll need to adjust and adapt.
After an offseason filled with drama, the Rangers will face adversity early on compared to last year. Despite the less-than-ideal circumstances, there’s still no reason to doubt the team’s chances of success in 2024-25. With talents like Artemi Panarin and Adam Fox leading the way, the Rangers have enough skill to stay competitive. As long as they qualify for the playoffs—something they should be able to achieve—the drama may not matter. And, of course, they’ll need to brace for more inevitable challenges like injuries as the season unfolds.
Leave a Reply