The New York Rangers were the best team in the NHL during the regular season. That fact offers little comfort to the team's players, executives of their long-suffering fans.
The Rangers were able to defeat the Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes in the Stanley Cup playoffs, but they were outplayed and defeated by the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Final. Rangers general manager Chris Drury is not about to simply take that loss and say “we'll get 'em next year.”
Drury plans to make moves that will make the Rangers a stronger and more competitive team against a brutally tough opponent like the Panthers.
“A lot of players had great seasons,” Drury told Larry Brooks of the New York Post. “A number of them have been very good Rangers for a long time. Now it's the part of the job to figure out whether this group collectively can get us to where we want to be. Nothing is off the table.”
Rangers could make one or two big moves
The pain of losing to the Panthers in six games is still fresh in Drury's mind. It may sound like he's ready to make several dramatic moves, but once the Stanley Cup is handed out to the winner of the Panthers-Oilers matchup, emotions will start to calm down.
The Rangers had a great season and they have a strong team. They could make a move or two that could strengthen the team, but they don't have to tear the team apart. That would be a ridiculous path for the Rangers to take.
However, Drury is taking a hard look at his roster and by the time the NHL's offseason gets fully underway, he may have a player or two on his roster that he is willing to trade. At the same time, he will also target a player or two that he may want on his roster.
Adam Fox is one of the best defensemen in the NHL and his skill level is very impressive. However, Fox did not score a goal in 16 playoff games. He did register 8 assists, but the Rangers were counting on him for more.
Additionally, Fox is not an overly physical or tough player. When Drury says nothing is off the table, it could mean a trade involving Fox is possible.
That does not mean it is probable. The Rangers would need a dynamic player in return, perhaps one that combines offensive skill with the toughness aspect that the team did not show against the Panthers.
Core is very strong
The Rangers have a deep and talented core of players, and they should feel quite confident in coming back with players like Vincent Trocheck, Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad and Alexis Lafreniere next season.
Few teams can match the Rangers in terms of talent. Drury must keep an eye on the Panthers as he fine tunes his roster for the 2024-25 season. He would be wise to make one or two moves that would add toughness and strength, but he doesn't have to overreact to a loss in the conference final by tearing his team apart.
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