The New York Rangers exited the 2022 season last year on a sour note. Going into the playoffs, few expected the Rangers to make a real crack at the Stanley Cup, but the upstart Rangers made the Eastern Conference Finals, where they fell to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
In 2023, the Rangers are out for blood and have spared no expense in assembling a roster built for offense. How far will they go?
New York Rangers squad
Forwards
The New York Rangers came out at the NHL trade deadline and made their forward group one of the best in the Eastern Conference.
Patrick Kane and Vladimir Tarasenko were mainstays in the NHL’s top ten goalscorers for the last decade. Their presence makes the Rangers' goal-scoring offense even more deadly.
It’s not just those two players either. Chris Kreider has been aging like fine wine, and still has that scoring touch. Mika Zbinajad brings scoring along with an unseen level of tenacity and toughness.
And to top it all off, Artemi Panarin is going to get his as well. The Rangers are well stocked all across their forward lines. Filip Chytil, Barclay Goodrow, Kaapo Kakko, Alexis Lafraniere and Vincent Trochek. An insanely talented forward group from top to bottom.
Defensemen
The New York Rangers, due to their flashy forward lines, can often be overlooked on the blue line, but they do have some quality pieces.
Because of the brick wall in the net, Rangers d-men don’t have to be world stoppers, but K’Andre Miller and Jacob Trouba bring experience, youth, toughness and scoring talent to a solid top line.
Adam Fox has won the Norris Trophy. Although he hasn’t been at the same level since then, he’s still one of the best blue liners in the NHL. Niko Mikkola's big depth pickup from the St. Louis Blues that has been a pleasant surprise.
The Rangers also have some youth on their third pair with Ben Harpur and Braden Schneider. The Rangers also have Ryan Lindgren currently out with an injury.
Goalies
The New York Rangers have stymied most teams they’ve played this year due to one reason: Igor Shesterkin. Shesterkin burst onto the scene last year as one of the best goaltenders in the league, and he has solidified that standing this season.
The Rangers will hope not to rely on their backups if they make the NHL playoffs, but if they need to turn to someone in a pinch, they have the right man for the job. Jaroslav Halak has been the starter for teams making a playoff push and brings to the table exactly what the Rangers require from a backup goaltender.