During a disappointing season, Rangers are urged to further reorganize their roster.

The 2023-2024 season has been a challenging one for the New York Rangers. After a promising start and high expectations surrounding their roster, the team has struggled to find consistency, particularly in key moments. The Rangers have long been in a state of flux, transitioning from a rebuild to a win-now team, and as this season has unfolded, it has become increasingly clear that they may need to take further steps to reorganize their roster to remain competitive in the tight Eastern Conference playoff race.

The Rangers’ roster, while loaded with talent, has shown weaknesses in key areas. Despite their star players like Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, and Igor Shesterkin, the team has struggled to perform as a cohesive unit, especially during crunch time. With their current configuration, the Rangers have been unable to consistently execute a game plan that allows them to contend with some of the more well-rounded and deeper teams in the league. In light of these struggles, it’s become apparent that the team must reconsider its approach and make roster adjustments to put them back on track.

A Season of Disappointment

When the Rangers’ 2023-2024 campaign began, the expectations were high. The roster was deep, the goaltending was elite, and the team had a strong mix of experienced veterans and promising young players. After a successful 2022-2023 campaign, in which they reached the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Rangers were expected to build upon that success and challenge for the Cup. However, as the season progressed, the team has been plagued by inconsistency in multiple areas of the game, leading to mounting frustration among players, coaches, and fans alike.

In the early months, the Rangers appeared to be struggling with a lack of chemistry. Key players like Panarin and Zibanejad have had fluctuating performances, and younger players such as Kaapo Kakko and Alexis Lafrenière have shown potential but have yet to take the next step in their development. These inconsistencies have been compounded by defensive breakdowns, a lack of depth scoring, and occasional lapses in goaltending.

While the Rangers have some of the most talented players in the league, they’ve failed to execute in crucial moments. They’ve been unable to sustain momentum, particularly in tight games against playoff-caliber teams, which has led to frustrating losses. This inconsistency has made it clear that some roster adjustments may be necessary in order to elevate the team’s chances of contention.

Identifying the Weaknesses

To understand why a reorganization of the roster is necessary, it’s important to first identify the areas of weakness that have become apparent throughout the season. While the Rangers have strengths in key positions, such as an elite goaltender in Igor Shesterkin and top-tier forwards in Panarin and Zibanejad, there are clear shortcomings that have hindered the team’s overall performance.

Depth Scoring Problems

One of the primary issues that has plagued the Rangers throughout the season is the lack of depth scoring. While the top line of Panarin, Zibanejad, and Kreider has provided consistent offense, the rest of the lineup has struggled to produce at the same level. Players like Lafrenière, Kakko, and Chytil have shown flashes of brilliance but have not been consistent enough to help take the pressure off the top line.

In a league where depth is increasingly important, the Rangers have struggled to get secondary scoring from their bottom six forwards. The lack of contributions from the depth forwards has placed undue pressure on the top six to carry the offensive load, which is unsustainable over a long season, particularly when facing strong defensive teams. The inability to consistently generate offense from the bottom six has made it easier for opponents to focus on shutting down the Rangers’ top players, which in turn limits the team’s overall offensive output.

To become true contenders, the Rangers will need to add more depth to their forward lines. Acquiring a scoring winger or even an additional playmaker could help diversify the offense and create more balance. By solidifying their depth scoring, the Rangers can take some pressure off their top players and force opponents to defend a more complete lineup.

Defensive Inconsistency

Another major area of concern for the Rangers has been their defensive play. While Adam Fox is a legitimate Norris Trophy candidate and Ryan Lindgren brings a physical presence on the blue line, the overall defensive unit has not been as reliable as anticipated. The team’s defensive zone coverage has been inconsistent, and turnovers have been a recurring issue, especially in critical moments. There have been times when the Rangers’ defensemen have failed to clear the puck from their zone effectively, which has led to extended offensive zone time for opponents and, ultimately, goals against.

The Rangers’ defensemen, while talented, have sometimes shown a lack of awareness in their own zone. In particular, the team’s third pairing has struggled at times to make plays and has been caught out of position on occasion. This has resulted in defensive breakdowns that have cost the team valuable points.

To address these issues, the Rangers could look to bolster their defensive depth. Adding a reliable stay-at-home defenseman or another experienced player who can contribute in all three zones would allow the team to solidify its defensive structure. With Shesterkin in net, the Rangers have a chance to win every game, but they need a defense corps that can minimize mistakes and keep the puck out of their own net.

Goaltending Depth

Despite Igor Shesterkin’s elite status, the Rangers’ goaltending depth has been somewhat suspect this season. Backup goaltender Jaroslav Halák has provided solid play in stretches, but there have been concerns about his ability to perform consistently over an extended period. As Shesterkin has been forced to play a heavy workload due to Halák’s inconsistencies, it’s becoming clear that the Rangers may need to find a more reliable option behind their number one goalie.

The team’s success hinges on Shesterkin’s ability to stand on his head in key moments, but in the long run, the Rangers need a backup goaltender who can provide a stronger safety net in case Shesterkin is unavailable or experiencing a rough stretch. Having a reliable backup will be crucial for the Rangers, especially as they push toward the playoffs and need to manage Shesterkin’s workload effectively. If they are unable to find that depth in net, the team’s overall goaltending situation could become a potential Achilles’ heel down the stretch.

Potential Roster Moves and Adjustments

Given these weaknesses, the Rangers may need to make several roster moves in order to address the current shortcomings and give themselves the best chance at success. These potential moves could involve trade acquisitions, reassigning players to different roles, or even changes to the team’s lineup structure. Let’s take a look at a few potential adjustments the Rangers could consider making to strengthen their roster moving forward.

Acquiring a Scoring Winger

As mentioned earlier, the Rangers need more depth scoring. The top line of Panarin, Zibanejad, and Kreider is dynamic, but the team has struggled to generate consistent offense from their second and third lines. A trade for a scoring winger would help bolster the Rangers’ forward group and provide a much-needed boost to the bottom six. This would allow the Rangers to spread their offensive threat more evenly across their lineup and force opposing defenses to respect more than just the top line.

Adding a player who can contribute offensively and help balance the lines would be a step in the right direction for the Rangers. Players like Timo Meier, Patrick Kane, or even a player with a similar skill set could provide an immediate impact. This would allow for the Rangers to improve their chances of controlling play and scoring in all situations, rather than relying solely on their top players to generate offense.

Enhancing the Defensive Depth

The Rangers should also look to strengthen their defensive depth. While Fox and Lindgren have been reliable, the team’s third pairing has shown signs of vulnerability. A trade for a more experienced defenseman or a player who can provide a steadying presence in the defensive zone could help stabilize the blue line. Players who are good at clearing the puck from the defensive zone, blocking shots, and making quick, decisive passes would be ideal acquisitions.

A potential target could be a defenseman who can complement Fox’s skill set and Lindgren’s physicality, creating a more balanced defensive unit. This would help shore up the defense, minimize turnovers, and reduce the pressure on Shesterkin.

Addressing Goaltending Depth

While Shesterkin remains one of the best goaltenders in the league, the Rangers could look to acquire a more reliable backup option. A veteran goalie who has experience in high-pressure situations could be a strong addition. Having a capable backup would ensure that Shesterkin isn’t overworked and would give the team confidence when he’s not in net.

Players like James Reimer, Jaroslav Halák, or even a trade for a backup with more experience could give the Rangers the depth they need to succeed in a playoff push. Securing a reliable backup is vital for the team’s long-term success, especially if Shesterkin were to suffer an injury or go through a slump.