New York Rangers preview: Henrik Lundqvist leads rebuild
The New York Rangers are heading into a much-needed rebuild led by aging franchise goaltender Henrik Lundqvist.
For the first time in goaltender Henrik Lundqvist’s career, the New York Rangers enter the season as a rebuilding team. Lundqvist had to play a completely meaningless game for the first time in his career. And for just the second time in his career, the Rangers missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
This is odd, as New York entered last season as a legitimate playoff contender. The Rangers were coming off a 102 point season. Last season, they only put up 77 points, their lowest total in a full 82 game season since the 2003-04 season. Ironically, that was their last season without Lundqvist.
More from Puck Prose
- Detroit Red Wings 2023 Rookie Camp Has Plenty of Ups and Downs
- This Columbus Blue Jackets rookie doesn’t want to be forgotten
- 2 trades the Boston Bruins must make to secure the Stanley Cup
- 3 reasons the Avalanche won’t win the Stanley Cup in 2024
- This is a big year for Alex Turcotte and the Los Angeles Kings
The Rangers rebuilding process got a huge start last season, as they moved Rick Nash, Ryan McDonagh, J.T. Miller, Nick Holden, and Michael Grabner at the trade deadline. But it’s not over yet. Depending on how the season goes, the Rangers appear likely to trade expiring free agents, much like last season. This time around, that list includes Mats Zuccarello, Adam McQuaid, and Kevin Hayes.
Though the Rangers likely aren’t going to be competitive, it’s for the best. A rebuild has been long overdue. Lundqvist has masked this issue for a while now. And now that it’s happening, the Rangers are relying on their franchise goaltender to remain their cornerstone.
Offseason Recap
Additions: D Frederik Claesson, D Adam McQuaid, G Dustin Tokarski, G Marek Mazanec
Departures: F Paul Carey, F David Desharnais
Re-signed: F Vladislav Namestnikov, F Ryan Spooner, F Boo Nieves, D John Gilmour, F Kevin Hayes, D Rob O’Gara, D Brady Skjei, F Jimmy Vesey, F Cody McLeod
The Rangers were pretty quiet this offseason, which isn’t a surprise. Trading for McQuaid might be a bit puzzling, but perhaps he’ll help their young defensemen. Also, don’t be surprised if they manage to trade him for something at the trade deadline.
It’s interesting that the Rangers didn’t trade any of their forwards. They seem to have too many of them. But that can be easily rectified.