he New York Rangers have a reputation to live up to coming into the 2016 NHL season, and hope to build on their monumental success from winning the President’s Trophy last season.

How It Ended:

The New York Rangers secured the Presidents’ Trophy with their league-best in 53 wins. The Rangers handled the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals in the first two rounds of the playoffs, respectively, but fell to the electric Tampa Bay Lightning in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Roster Outlook:

The Blue Shirts’ management maintained the core of this contender, but acquired and discarded role players. However, the Rangers’ bottom lines were inconsistent last season.

Likewise, infusing offensive potential and speed into the 3rd and 4th lines was an emphasis this offseason. New York exchanged Left Winger Carl Hagelin for Emerson Etem, a former Right Winger for the Anaheim Ducks. The ramifications of this trade remain to be seen, however, since Hagelin’s proven production has landed him on Anaheim’s 2nd line, while Etem will begin the season on the Rangers’ bench as a healthy scratch.

Additionally, Viktor Stalberg, previously with the Nashville Predators, will join the Rangers’ bottom lines and will contribute greatly to  the team through his ability to snipe slap shots from anywhere on the ice.

The Rangers also continue to incorporate their young talent into low leverage roles. For example, top-tier minor leaguer, Center Oscar Lindberg, will begin the season with the team along with the gritty Defenseman Dylan McIlrath. Lindberg dominated minor league hockey last year, posting 28 goals and 56 points for the Hartford Wolf Pack. Both will begin their first season donning the red, white, and blue.  With this duo the Rangers have the infusion of talent and depth they need to continually produce progress.

Player To Watch:

JT Miller will enter his 4th year of major league hockey, despite the small playing time the 1st round pick received last season. Miller spent most of the season bouncing between the 2nd and 3rd lines, but now with the retirement of Martin St. Louis and Carl Hagelin, Miller have an increased role on the team. Miller has the potential to be an offensive force and his performance this season will show his capabilities in times of adversity to help the Rangers maintain their recent dominance.

Season Prediction:

The Rangers finished last season with a record of 53-22-7, totaling 113 points. The Blue Shirts lost Martin St. Louis and Hagelin and their 87 combined point totals, but added solid depth to the bottom half of their team. If star Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist can stay healthy, the Rangers will be able to compete with the likes of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals, and New York Islanders. If all goes according to plan, the Rangers will hopefully finish 49-24-9 and claim the top spot in the Metropolitan Division for the 2nd straight year.