The New York Rangers are at a crossroads, and the pressure is mounting before the puck even drops on the new season. Insider Dave Pagnotta’s recent comments on TSN Radio have sent shockwaves through the NHL rumor mill, suggesting that a slow start could trigger a massive shake-up on Broadway. The most shocking part? Star winger Artemi Panarin and former first-overall pick Alexis Lafreniere could be on the trading block.
A Franchise at a Crossroads
It’s a bold strategy, but one that makes a certain amount of sense. With Igor Shesterkin locked up long-term and a young, talented defense corps, the Rangers have a solid foundation. If the team stumbles out of the gate, it’s the forward group that will come under the microscope. Rather than a full-blown rebuild, GM Chris Drury could be looking at a retooling on the fly, and that means some big names could be on the move.
While trading a player of Panarin’s caliber seems unthinkable, his hefty contract could be the key to unlocking the financial flexibility needed to reshape the offense. And for Lafreniere, a change of scenery might be the best thing for a young player who has yet to consistently live up to his draft-day hype.
What to Expect Under a New Coach
New coach Mike Sullivan is wasting no time in trying to right the ship. He’s already meeting with core players, emphasizing communication and setting a high bar for the upcoming season. The goal is to eliminate the distractions that plagued the team last year and get everyone on the same page from day one of training camp.
The departure of Chris Kreider to Anaheim has left a significant void in the top-six, and the pressure will be on players like Will Cuylle to step up and fill that role. Cuylle showed flashes of brilliance last season, and the Rangers will be counting on him to take another big step forward. The future of Mika Zibanejad is also a hot topic, with Sullivan considering a move to the wing to spark some new line combinations. One thing is for sure: it’s going to be a fascinating training camp to watch in New York. The decisions made in the coming weeks could have a ripple effect that’s felt for years to come.
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