The Rangers kicked off their training camp yesterday to much fanfare. Hockey is officially back, and we got our first look at the lines and combos that the coaching staff had in mind. From a human nature standpoint, it’s a safe–safe doesn’t always mean correct, mind you–assumption that the Rangers lines and combos we saw yesterday was the gut instinct of the coaching staff, and how they envision the team looking on opening night.
As per usual, I have some thoughts.
1. The reason why I say the Rangers lines and combos from yesterday, and apparently this morning, are their gut instinct on the lines is that it’s basically human nature to first try out what you think is right, before tinkering. While that may be tough to see, we can also look at the lines themselves and use common sense that this is where they’d lean initially.
After all, the Rangers lines and combos are basically a run back from last season with 3 changes: Reilly Smith, Sam Carrick, and Zac Jones. Even the Braden Schneider / Jacob Trouba swap is a carry over from the playoffs, for the most part.
2. There were obviously some changes throughout yesterday, and there will continue to be some changes. While these initial Ranges lines and combos are a gut instinct, they still need to see how others look. Specifically Brennan Othmann, who will get a long look at 3LW, and Chad Ruhwedel, who will get a long look at 3LD.
I’d expect to see a couple different right-wingers with Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider as well. Perhaps Othmann gets a look there. Kaapo Kakko might get another look as well. Smith can play LW or RW on the third line if either sticks.
3. One thing about Othmann: He won’t break camp with the Rangers just to be on the fourth line. If he can’t hold down a top-nine role in camp, he will be sent to Hartford. That’s not about Othmann’s ability, it’s about the proper role and putting him in a position to succeed. If he’s not in the Rangers lines and combos to start the season, then he will likely be the first injury call up.
4. I mentioned this in my Patreon post (subscribe here!) that people are incorrectly approaching Will Cuylle’s role. Anything that has him in a fourth line role has been deemed a “demotion” from his third line role last year. I think that’s an irresponsible word to use, especially with some of the preseason battles going on.
At the risk of re-hashing, Cuylle has proven to be a solid three zone player. He can play a fourth line, defense-first role without the entire lineup suffering. Othmann won’t be put in that situation, and he could provide a bit more offensive punch to a third scoring line that the Rangers desperately need.
If we want the top-six, specifically the Zibanejad line, to start producing more at 5v5 against better teams, then the bottom of the lineup needs to improve its scoring effectiveness. This way the matchups are spread out and teams can’t overload against Zibanejad or Artemi Panarin.
“It’s on the players” is a true statement. Needing more depth to potential ease up on the matchups is also a true statement. They are not mutually exclusive.
5. There was some noise made when we saw Trouba back with K’Andre Miller for a while yesterday. That pair will get some games together, it’s all but a certainty at this point. Whether it’s due to injury, potential Braden Schneider struggles, or just a different look for a game or two, they will get time together.
Remember, there are no guarantees Schneider assumes the 2RD role straight away. He could be a simple case of more ice time equals better productivity. But Schneider’s defensive metrics didn’t improve much last season, despite having an entire season of an NHL caliber defense partner for the first time in his career.
Nothing is guaranteed. Having options matters.
6. Trouba also made waves with a pretty bold, but known, statement:
What Trouba said isn’t unknown, and it was nice that he actually came out and said it candidly. But it’s also not entirely accurate. It’s safe to assume Trouba won’t be back next season. There’s also a strong possibility Ryan Lindgren won’t be back next season (Don’t kill the messenger on this one. It’s been widely reported Lindgren wanted term and Chris Drury wasn’t willing to give it).
But based on contracts, we know Zibanejad (untradeable) and Adam Fox will be back next season. It’s highly unlikely the Rangers trade Panarin or Vincent Trocheck. Chris Kreider is probably going to remain a Ranger for life, but he has the most trade value of any of the current core.
I guess this all comes down to what you consider the core? Is K’Andre Miller part of the core? I think so, he will be back. Ditto Filip Chytil.
Alexis Lafreniere and Igor Shesterkin are due new contracts and will likely return.
6. That’s a lot of words to say I’m not entirely sure we will see a different team in 2025-2026. Yea Trouba will be gone. I’m not expecting Lindgren to be back. So that’s a big shock on the blue line, but that’s really it, right? Most of the Rangers lines and combos will return for next season as well. At least that’s how it appears on paper.
7. Given the “last dance” mentality and Sam Rosen’s retirement, this has to be the year. Right?
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