The Summer Of Chris = Running It Back; All About The Trade Deadline Now, Insane Ticket Prices Revealed, What Should CZAR IGOR’s Next Contract Look Like; Lindgren Re-Signs Possible Last Deal, Chris “Milestones” Kreider, Ranking Ranger MVPs, Kreider Takes Rempe Under His Wing, Top Ten Things To Look Forward To During What’s Most Likely To Be A Disappointing 2024-25 Season, DeAngelo Rumors & More

Greetings and salutations everyone and welcome to another blog here on BlueCollarBlueShirts.com. As said back on the Fourth of July – the summer always flies by – and before you know it – Labor Day will come-and-go, and as a result, the hockey season will be just around the corner.

That said, I still can’t feign any excitement for the 2024-25 season; nor am I high on the Rangers’ chances of finally prevailing with their fifth championship in 2025 neither.

And if such an opinion irks you – then sorry – but at least you know that I don’t lie to you.

Furthermore?

It’s an astute idea in general to set low expectations for your favorite team – as this way – you can’t ever be disappointed – and as I was on June 1st, 2024.

It’s also getting tougher and tougher to post blog entries on this site, and it’s not just because I’m writing these very words on my 1998 computer, nor can I fault my increasing “real-life” work schedule either.

Rather than all of that, instead, it’s what I’ve said ever since that Eastern Conference Final loss to the Florida Panthers – the Rangers peaked – and their best chance to win the holy chalice in hockey with this present core is now behind them – and as a result – another “what if” question of many in franchise history.

In other words – it’s all downhill here – and I have no faith in this current core to ever come within two wins of a Stanley Cup Final ever again.

For those who wish to forget about how the Rangers came up short just a little over two months ago (and I don’t blame you if that’s the case), but as a reminder – it’s so hard just to reach the ECF – nevermind trying to reach three of them in a time-span of four-years.

(Then there’s that whole little thing about needing four more wins after winning twelve games in the postseason – but as Richard Dreyfuss once told Bill Murray in “What About Bob?” – “BABY STEPS!”)

Granted, while the 2012, 2014 and 2015 incarnations of this club did reach three ECF’s in a time-span of four-years; but for the life of me – I just can’t see a similar scenario playing out in the years of 2022, 2024 and 2025.

After all, when it comes to the adage about lightning striking twice – that usually applies exclusively at the Rangers’ expense (2015 and 2022).

And I feel even stronger about this opinion when assessing this present core – and a core that when the times get tough – they go home – but only after telling you how there’s “NO QUIT IN NEW YORK!”

(And yes, it’s long time to retire that mantra/slogan/falsehood too.)

But as long as M$G continues to sell-out on a daily basis, and for the rotten cherry on top of Big Apple hockey – the joint continues to sell-out when charging the highest prices of the league – then there is no desperate desire to do an about face.

(But should games ever be played in front of empty seats? Then you’d see real change.)

It’s not February of 2018 anymore, and with James Dolan currently embroiled in a sexual assault lawsuit with his good pal Harvey Weinstein that’s yet to be settled – then there are more pressing concerns for “BIG SHOT JIMMY D.” than the present affairs of his hockey team – and where his Rangers continue to generate the most profit in the league – a major headache alleviated.

Plus, Dolan cares more about his basketball team, the New York Knicks, than his puck-and-stick-handlers anyway.

And who would’ve thought that in the year 2025, Dolan’s Knickerbockers, one of the worst franchises in the NBA (no championships in over fifty years), would have better odds of winning the top trophy in hoops than the Rangers have of winning the Stanley Cup?

Sad.

(And once front-running NYC becomes a basketball town again, then expect the Rangers to be relegated from the back pages to somewhere in-between the classified and comics sections – and you’ll notice this, assuming that you still read newspapers!)

But don’t fret yet – “The Feckless Finn,” Kaapo Kakko, still remains, while Barclay Goodrow, arguably the best and most consistent Ranger skater throughout the 2024 rendition of the championship tournament, was backstabbed and sent to San Jose – and all in the name of “salary cap savings!”

And what did the wise sage Drury do with Goodrow’s freed money?

He traded for Reilly Smith, a player that the Pittsburgh Penguins couldn’t wait to rid themselves of, and in return for two inconsequential draft picks.

Did I mention yet that Goodrow not only has twice as many Stanley Cups as Smith has under his belt – but is also two-years younger too?

For a WIN NOW team, then trading Kakko for Smith would have at least made sense.

However, trading a successful playoff veteran for one with less success just seems like the move of a foolish imp.

But don’t fret yet again Ranger fans – “The Concussed Czech,” Filip Brittle, really means business this time and also plans to play a complete 82-game schedule too. How considerate!

(And if you haven’t figured it out yet, and you can check the archives of this site for all of it – then I doubt that the centerman even plays in forty games – and let’s not forget that during the rare times when he’s actually healthy, then he’s ranked dead-last in the league at the dots.)

In other news not pertaining to Chytil’s chronic battles with health, I also have a bridge in Brooklyn to sell you too – and should you be so apt to buy it – I’ll then use the profits made to finally a buy a new computer – and as a result – there will never be a three-week break in-between blog entries again on this site!

And what a segue-way too, because if you missed it, then here was my last entry posted on this site back on July 14th – and the second of two separate parodies to boot – the debut of Wags-Friendly.com:

While it isn’t my goal tonight/today/whenever you’re reading this to be both somber and depressing; as instead, it’s my mission to catch you up on all of the news that you may have missed during the past few weeks – it’s just hard to give you the rah-rah nonsense.

(However, I do have an optimistic and positive piece for you at the end of this manifesto.)

After all, as I write these words on August 4th, 2024, and under the “wisdom” of “Curious” Chris Drury – and the Rangers are basically running it back – and where I’d contend that this team, as currently constructed (again – the trade deadline is the make-or-break “fate date”), is worse off than as it were at this time one-year ago.

You can check the archives of this site for all of it, or even my Tweeter/X account, @NYCTHEMIC too, but despite such high hopes going into this 2024 off-season – and nothing has changed.

And so much for the “WIN NOW” mantra too.

I can only speak for myself, but from what every reader of this site has clearly expressed me, and what many non-readers have said in their forums too – and the majority, as in 99.9% of Blueshirt backers – expected many changes for the Rangers this summer.

And just to be clear – I’m not talking about making changes for the sake of making changes either.

Instead, I’m talking about making real changes to improve this team’s chances heading into the 2024-25 season – and where once again, and just because I don’t need to be challenged by the forgetful folk – yes – the trade deadline can change everything.

Of course, such sentiment also implies that you have a general manger that knows what he’s doing – which is my way of saying that when the likes of Jack Roslovic, Alex Wennberg and Chad Ruhwedel are considered as the final missing pieces of a championship puzzle – then you don’t have a GM that knows what he’s doing.

But of course – we’ve been down this road before – and many times over at that.

Going into this summer, or to be specific, July 1st, 2024, the first day of the NHL’s free agency period, then many wide-eyed dreamers, yours truly included, awaited with bated breath to see how Drury would address his team.

If you recall, then future Hall of Famers, including the likes of Patrick Kane, Steven Stamkos and Vladimir Tarasenko, were all bantered about the Big Apple – so much so that many high-profile reporters, such as Elliotte Friedman and Larry Brooks, all felt that at least two major names (Kane and Stamkos received the most attention), was all but a done deal.

While there is no reason to rehash the Jacob Trouba saga once again on this site (just check the main page of this site, BlueCollarBlueShirts.com, for all of it); but outside of a potential trade of the captain to Detroit – it was also all but confirmed that the biggest loser in town, gluten boy himself, Kraapo Kakko, had played his last home game in New York too.

So much for all of that – and for that matter – I also believe that Trevor Zegras begins the season in Anaheim too.

While again, the trade deadline and blah-blah-blah; but even so – how can any true-blue supporter really believe that the Rangers will be able to exceed their 2023-24 finish – and that includes both the Presidents’ Trophy won – and the ten playoff wins accumulated too.

When it comes to the foes in the Metro division, and without a doubt, the New Jersey Devils, plagued by injuries last season, have most certainly improved.

Ditto the Capitals – and where it’s not only about Alex Ovechkin breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal record anymore – but finally winning their first preliminary series since their championship run from 2018.

While the Penguins, the other aging team of the division, may hit rock-bottom first before reclaiming former glory again (but I’d never bet against Sidney Crosby); there’s also a case to be made for the Flyers – who without a late season collapse – would have been a playoff team last season.

Furthermore, I wouldn’t expect the Columbus Blue Jackets, whipping-boys of the division last season, to continue their falter, as instead, they feel like a team on the rise. (After all, there’s nowhere else to go but up!)

If there’s any good news for the Rangers from a division perspective, then both the Islanders and Hurricanes had terrible off-seasons too – but then again – there’s always a diamond in the rough to emerge from the division.

But even so, should the Rangers repeat as Kings of the Metro – are they better than the team that bested them on June 1st – the Florida Panthers?

And really, and when you break it all down – does it really matter how these teams finish in the regular season? (The answer – a resounding and booming NO!)

After all, if MIA Z. and the Stale Bread continue to disappear when these games matter most – then even if the Rangers drew a high school team from the Sahara Desert in the 2025 Eastern Conference Final – would they prevail?

PROMO CODE: OASIS – and I’m not talking about the Brothers Gallagher here – although if the Rangers were able to finally win a fifth Cup in franchise history – then it would be a “Champagne Supernova!”

(And there’s your one 1990s British rock reference for this tome!)

At this time, let’s now get into the news – and everything else in-between too!

As you probably heard by now, Drury handled his last piece of business this past Tuesday when he re-signed the heart-and-soul player of the club, Ryan Lindgren.

Officially, here’s what the Blueshirts had to say about the deal, courtesy of their website over at NYRangers.com:

As is customary, and the Rangers, the only team in the league not to do this, didn’t disclose terms of their latest deal.

In the information that the Blueshirts didn’t provide, Lindgren signed a one-year deal worth $4.5M.

While this re-signing did prevent a nasty arbitration hearing (and for the record – all arbitration hearings are nasty – as by nature – teams are forced to devalue their players when trying to get the best price possible); then gun to my head (and why someone would put a pistol to my dome over this I don’t know) – and this contract does feel like it will be Lindgren’s last with the Blueshirts.

After all, if Drury saw long-term value in Lindgren, then he would’ve locked him up on a multi-year deal.

Instead, this basically boils down as a bridge-deal for the soon-to-be 27-year-old – and a soon-to-be unrestricted free agent that has much more mileage on him than others at the same age.

And I don’t need to recap the career of Dan Girardi for you either – another heart-and-soul type – and one that was forced to retire way too early (35-years-old) – and solely due to his aggressive, physical and shot-blocking style of play.

Heck, good old D.G. was essentially a right-handed version of Lindgren – and a southpaw that ironically has one more number five on his jersey than the one that #5, Girardi himself, once wore.

Once the deal was inked and Lindgren spoke to NHL.com on Wednesday, July 31st, prior to a “Da Beauty League” summer game in Minnesota – and in a source interview that you can find over at https://www.nhl.com/news/ryan-lindgren-ready-for-another-deep-run-with-new-york-rangers-after-signing-contract:

“I’m real happy to get it done before [arbitration]. I love being in New York, so I’m really excited to get back there. It’s a great city, it’s a great team, so I’m really excited [about it].

“It seems like we’re [the Rangers] right there. The Eastern Conference Final last year we came up short, we lost to a really good Florida team, but we were right there with them. You just realize how hard it is. It’s a grind to get to that point. We had a real good regular season but that doesn’t mean much when you go into the playoffs.

“I just try not to think about it [his long-term future with the Blueshirts]. Just go out there, play and have fun. If the team is successful, then you’re going to be successful. That’s all that really matters.

“But I want to be in New York. That’s all I’ve known for the past six years now. I love being there. I want to be there as long as I can.”

If there’s anything that will extend Lindgren’s time in New York beyond the 2024-25 season, then it’s the fact that his BFF, Adam Fox, plays his best hockey when paired with him.

And that’s one heck of a fact – and if you don’t believe me – then check out Brian Leetch’s career once his partner, Jeff Beukeboom, another physical d-man, was forced to retire because of his own physical nature – and one that led to multiple concussions.

That factoid aside, and while there is still time to renegotiate/extend Lindgren’s new deal too – it does seem like Drury is taking a wait-and-see approach.

Best-case scenario for every party involved, including the fans?

The Rangers win the Stanley Cup in 2025 – and whoever is on the team for the 2025-26 season doesn’t matter.

After all, this franchise still celebrates the 1994 win as if it was yesterday – and to win a championship in New York just immortalizes you forever – and you can ask Stephane Matteau about this if you feel otherwise!

But should the Rangers, a team that has only won four championships in their near one-hundred years worth of existence, and only one title during the past 84-years, fall short again – then under the parameters of this era, the salary cap era – then it will be hard to justify paying #55 $5M plus, the figure he’s seeking these days, moving forward.

Worst-case scenario?

Lindgren’s style of play catches up to him, he misses a lot of time and the Rangers don’t advance past the first-round.

And while I’m admittedly jumping around a lot – this is where some of my pessimistic and negative thoughts lie.

What do I mean by such a statement?

Easy, the following:

The Rangers were relatively healthy last year – and where the long-term injury suffered by Chytil was addition by subtraction. (Hello Vincent Trocheck, first line center!)

Losing Trouba at the end of the season didn’t hurt either – that is – except for the fact that Dumbass Drury didn’t LTIR him for help – and as he should have.

While Mika Zibanejad sucked more flesh appendages than a porn star looking to set a world gang-bang record last season; at the same time, many skaters had career-seasons, including Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck and Alexis Lafreneire – you know – the best line on the team.

For the Rangers to repeat their “success” from last season, then you have to hope and assume that they’ll continue to remain healthy.

Should anyone from the first line, Panarin/Trocheck/Lafreniere, suffer injuries or a down season (and as it was the case across the Hudson River in N.J.), then it will be impossible for this team to win the Stanley Cup.

But don’t fret yet again; as I’m sure that Reilly Smith, the 24th right-winger projected to play with Zibanejad since 2021, will save the day!

Good luck to Lindgren, and the rest of the Rangers for that matter, next season.

In news that’s now over a week-old, on July 25th, from Darien, CT, Matt Rempe, Chris Kreider and Jonathan Quick all participated in the new annual, “The Shoulder Check Charity Showcase.”

For those looking for a hockey fix, you can watch the game in its entirety by clicking the play button below:

Aside from raising money when trying to turn a negative into a positive, then it was reported that Rempe, who spent the first six-weeks of the summer in his hometown of Calgary, Alberta, will be spending the remaining hot months at “CASA CHRIS” – as Rempe will now be resting his head nightly on one of the pillows in Kreider’s palatial estate.

I’ve talked a lot about Rempe this summer, and to me, this latest news tidbit is 100% positive.

As everyone long knows by now, Kreider, his own taskmaster, takes off-season training very seriously.

Rempe, a sponge ever since making his NHL debut, will only benefit from sitting under the learning tree of Kreider.

Going into the off-season, and Rempe expressed his desire to become a penalty killer – and wasn’t satisfied with being pigeon-holed as a fourth-liner either.

Working out and learning from Kreider will only help make his dreams become a reality.

Despite my belief that this team won’t win the Stanley Cup in 2025, nor is there much to really look forward to either; Rempe’s development is one of the few things to be excited about come the first puck drop of the 2024-25 campaign.

As many of you long know by now, then for the past four-or-so years, I’ve been contributing to Stan Fischler’s articles that appear on NHL.com, The Hockey News and his former subscription service, The Java Jive.

How Fischler, now 92-years-old and living in war zone Israel, does it, I do not know.

No joke, and you can just search his name over at The Hockey News – and there isn’t a reporter on any beat that pumps out as much material as him – and with such wit and enthusiasm too.

With that said, on Thursday, Fischler promoted some of my work over at https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers/latest-news/stunning-appraisals-of-shesterkin-and-zibanejad-that-will-knock-you-for-a-loop

Since Fischler, and unlike yours truly, has a word-count to adhere to, then I thought I’d share with you the complete article that I sent to him, as “The Maven” is very often forced to edit “The Young Maven!”

(And Fischler’s knack for editing my stuff is always for the best. Our system of yours truly smashing the word-count that he gives me, only for him to break it down into concise sentences afterwards, is one that bears the most fruit!)

During the past two-weeks, I was tasked to write three different articles.

The first one was about forecasting CZAR IGOR’s next contract. The second one was in regards to ranking the Rangers’ MVPs. Last, but not least, was to give Fischler my top six lines in the NHL today.

Since this a slow period for the Rangers, I’ve included all three articles in their entirety for you below.

Enjoy!

Igor Shesterkin, or “Iggy” as The Maven calls him (although personally, I do prefer CZAR IGOR), is a top topic of debate in Rangerstown, USA these days – or to be specific – the upcoming new deal for the potential Summer Class of ’25 free agent.

As someone who was the first person to question the contract of his predecessor, “The King” Henrik Lundqvist; then I must not stray away from what I originally said over a decade ago:

No goalie in today’s salary cap era can earn more than 10% of a team’s payroll – and under the assumption that winning the Stanley Cup is the goal!

While most people worry about figures such as $8.5M, $9M, $10M and even up to $13M; for me it’s not the millions of dollars that matter most. Instead, the quantity/unit of measure that I’m most interested in is his future cap percentage.

While the legendary goalie whisperer, Benoit Allaire, is preparing for his own retirement; then even without Benny, and the Rangers have a rich history with franchise goaltenders, including the likes of Davey Kerr, Chuck Rayner, Gump Worsley, Eddie Giacomin, John Davidson, John Vanbiesbrouck, Mike Richter, Lundqvist, and yep, Shesterkin too.

In other words, if CZAR IGOR, and like the man he succeeded, wants more than 10% of the Rangers’ payroll (Lundqvist once took up 14.22% of the team’s salary cap), then it’s time to make the tough decision – which means finding a successor to #31.

And when you consider how well that Cam Talbot, Antti Raanta and Alexandar Georgiev played for the Rangers while as understudies of Lundqvist – and where all three men then went on to make millions upon millions of dollars themselves as starters elsewhere – then I feel confident that the Rangers will be fine should they part ways with Shesterkin.

More food for thought?

Whoever is in the barrel Blueshirts is of no consequence anyway should M.I.A. Zibanejad, Panarin, Kakko, Chytil, et al, continue their perennial playoff no shows.

After all, not even Georges Vezina himself can win when there’s nothing going on in front of him.

When tasked with ranking the Rangers in order from a MVP perspective, then the battle for such distinction falls upon the two Russians. However, there is promise elsewhere – but sadly – there’s also a ton of disappointment.

A quick look:

1. Artemi Panarin: Perhaps the Mike Gartner of today’s crop – excellent regular season numbers – but not much to write home about when the games truly matter.

It’s a weird conundrum, as without Panarin, you could argue that the Rangers aren’t even a playoff team, which is why it’s so frustrating when the bread gets moldy during the warm months.

As Mark Messier has made famous, “you make your money in the regular season – but you make your legacy in the playoffs.”

2. Igor Shesterkin: Unlike his patriot Panarin, Iggy, while having a Vezina Trophy under his belt, has had some up-and-down 82-game campaigns since that win – but when it’s time to shine – the playoffs – then he’s been a beacon of light.

CZAR IGOR has been everything as advertised ever since arriving, and today, may need the number of the shrink that Lundqvist once used when lamenting about the offense in front of him during the months of April, May and June.

3. Chris Kreider: CK20, the longest-tenured Ranger and the blue-blood that pumps the Blueshirts, is the unicorn in the Big Apple – as a highly-paid forward that delivers in both the regular season and in the playoffs.

It’s only inevitable that his #20 will one day hang in the rafters of MSG – and as the person who literally wrote the book on this subject, and to quote the old slogan from the “Men’s Wearhouse” too – “I guarantee it.”

4. Vincent Trocheck: Following an initial “find-your-footing” year, the long-time Eastern Conference center has become a valuable leader for the Rangers.

While not officially a letterman just yet – it’s obvious that Trocheck not only leads by example – but his words and actions leave impressions too.

If you don’t believe me, then just ask his goalie.

5. Alexis Lafreniere: As a former first-overall pick of unprecedented times; admittedly, it took some time for Big Al to get there – but thankfully – he’s here now.

The sky seems to be the limit for the French-Canadian – and sadly – his head coach also limited the skyrocketing superstar – as was evident by Laffy’s lack of power-play time received as the Rangers struggled in this department during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

However, I’m banking that Pistol Pete Laviolette has now learned from his mistakes – and barring injury – I fully expect #13 on PP1 come the 2025 rendition of the tournament.

6. Adam Fox: For the 2021 Norris Trophy winner, his worth was proved the most whenever he was injured – and while playing maimed too.

When at 100%, and when it comes to the rearguard race in the NHL, then it’s a two ballot vote between Fox and Colorado’s Cale Makar.

But when injured?

While still effective and better than most – it’s just not the same for the product of Jericho, NY – and as we’ve now seen during the last two Ranger playoff runs.

7. Jonathan Quick: While perhaps not a name that you’d expect to see here, but for your consideration, then riddle me this Batman:

Do the Rangers win the Presidents’ Trophy in 2024 without JQ32?

Furthermore, without the three-time Cup champ, is CZAR IGOR fully rested and rejuvenated for the playoffs?

And that’s why the future Hall of Famer, now a back-up, is listed here.

8. Matt Rempe: Yeah, yeah, yeah – the big man from Calgary doesn’t average much ice time – but even so – how many other Ranger skaters (sans the goalie) have their surname belted out by the Garden Faithful on a game-in and game-out basis?

The answer – none.

In addition, who sold more merchandise and received more social media views of his play other than Rempe ever since his mid-February debut?

While much is being talked about Rempe’s Fight Club summer – don’t get it twisted either – the Big Friendly Giant is working on all facets of his game too.

9. Ryan Lindgren: While terms such as “heart & soul” and “warrior” tend to get overused and exaggerated as much as the word “elite” these days; but even so – how else can you describe double-nickel of the Blueshirts?

Lindy, who literally bleeds for his employer on a daily basis, is a defenseman that any coach would want in their ranks.

The flipside?

How long can he keep up this pace?

After all, there’s a reason why Dan Girardi, who Lindgren draws a ton of comparisons to, retired young.

10. K’Andre Miller & Braden Schneider: For the 2024-25 projected second-pair of Rangers’ defense, perhaps the biggest thing these two have in common is that they have both sat under “The Learning Tree of Trouba.”

The Captain has not only brought up Miller to an NHL pace, but he’s also been a sounding board for a player that he knew would replace him one day, and that day is here now, B-Schneids.

I just wonder if the recently engaged Schneider also has a fiancee that’s interested in becoming a doctor?

Do your homework Chris Drury!

LEAST VALUABLE

1. Mika Zibanejad: $8.5M for a center that can’t score goals, goes timid in the playoffs and is now hoping that his 24th right-winger since 2021 is the missing ingredient.

The only thing missing these days?

Mika himself – and where I always laugh whenever seeing the “elite” label affixed to him too.

After all, if Mika is “elite,” then what the heck is Connor McDavid?

Zeus? Jesus? Yahweh?

Furthermore, Zibanejad isn’t even the best center on his own team anymore either.

Instead, that title belongs to Trocheck.

2. Kaapo Kakko: It’s time to admit that the former second-overall pick is a bust – and while perhaps he can hang around the league for a long time akin to the likes of a Manny Maholtra – it’s also time for the Rangers to do the right thing – and cut bait with their “Feckless Finn.”

Not everyone is made to play in New York – and Kakko isn’t the first, nor will he be the last, to personify this age-old and time-tested theory.

3. Filip Chytil: The soon-to-be eight-year NHL veteran (if you can believe it) has seemingly spent more time in doctor’s offices than on the ice – and why the Rangers have this strange obsession with the Czech is mind-boggling.

Had the “Concusszed Czech” ever shown minimal glimpses of being a player that had similar ailments to him, including former alum members Eric Lindros and Pat Lafontaine – then such hope would be understandable – if not logical too.

But even when healthy, and #72 ranks dead-last in the league at the circles – and with him missing 72 games in 2023-24 – it also explains why the Rangers went from one of the worst teams at the dots to one of the best last season.

Chytil’s absence this season also prevented fans from seeing multiple streaks where he goes over fifteen games without a goal – which is also a reason why the Rangers were able to win the Presidents’ Trophy this season without having to force-feed/dress one of their worst players.

4. Jacob Trouba: Like many from this era, then there’s only one true knock on the man that every player in that locker room wanted as their captain – and say it with me in your best Jan Brady voice too – “The contract, the contract, the contract!”

At $8M per-season – and Trouba, now a third RD – it just doesn’t add up.

And despite how beloved he is by his peers – let’s call a spade a spade here too:

Trouba, now a Ranger for the past five-seasons, has only had two good seasons (2021-22 and 2022-23) for the club.

How does his contract make sense – or should I say “cents?”

5. Chris Drury: For a franchise that has certainly produced more “what if moments” than championships, then perhaps one of the biggest what if questions in franchise history is the general manager’s refusal to take advantage of the 2024 trade deadline – and especially since Drury, who also serves as team president, said that the campaign was of the “MUST WIN” variety.

For the executive that prefers ZOOM over face-to-face interaction, and you have to wonder why he didn’t LTIR Jacob Trouba, waited so long to LTIR Filip Chytil, punted on every big name available at the deadline – and then when pressed – presented Jack Roslovic as the missing piece of the puzzle – and an incomplete puzzle that’s now thirty-years and running.

When looking at the best lines in the NHL today, and in an homage to one of my favorite hobbies, consuming six-packs, then here are my top six lines in the league as we head into the 2024-25 campaign:

Since this blog has largely been a dark cloud, I do want to spruce up the place a bit and give you my Top Ten Things To Look Forward to Next Season – and where the order of these items need not apply:

1. Lafreniere’s next step.

While I don’t think that #13 had a fluke season in 2023-24, he does need to build off of it. As noted earlier, it would be the decision of a moron not to give Lafreniere PP1 time this season.

A 40, or even 50 goal season, shouldn’t be out of the question – and the early struggles of his career should now be behind him.

2. Keeping the Panarin/Trocheck/Lafreniere line in-tact.

As said about a zillion times last season – don’t fix what’s not broken.

I don’t care how much the losers and dead-weight of this team struggle – it’s up to the veterans such as MIA Z., Kakko and Chytil to figure it out on their own – and not at the expense of breaking up this line, which goes hand-in-hand with the expense of the team overall.

3. Rempe’s real rookie year.

Granted, Rempe played in 17 regular season games last season, and in 11 playoff contests too, but the 2024-25 season will officially be his rookie season – assuming that he makes the team out of camp – and he most certainly SHOULD be on the varsity squad come Game 1 of the 82-game campaign.

Obviously, all eyes are on Rempe, as not many have received as much attention as #73 has garnered throughout his short career thus far. It’s up to him to prove to everyone else what we already know – he’s not just a one-trick fighting pony. Instead, he’s a bonafide five-tool hockey player.

4. Cuylle smashing all signs of a sophomore slump.

Unlike Rempe, who made his NHL debut last season; Cuylle, who played in four games during the 2022-23 season, wrapped up his rookie season by playing in 81 regular season games and in 16 playoff matches.

Admittedly, it did feel that the season wore on Cuylle as it progressed.

Now having been through the rigors of the vicious schedule, and as it is for most rookies (for a recent example, Braden Schneider had the same experience), it’s up to Cuylle to move forward – and not backward.

5. The goaltenders.

For all of the success that the Rangers had in the regular season – there were also long stretches where CZAR IGOR wasn’t at his best too.

Thankfully, Jonathan Quick was there to shoulder the load.

Should CZAR IGOR revert back to either his playoff form or his 2021-22 season, and combined with Quick still drinking and guzzling away from the fountain of youth, then the backstops will be able to carry the club on any given night.

6. Will the next Rangers Rookie Please Stand Up?

With the 2023 first-round draft pick Gabe Perreault and 2024 first-rounder E.J. Emery remaining at the collegiate level, then in a league where cheap young players can swing the pendulum – who will become the next Blueshirts’ rookie to make a difference?

At points, it felt like that title was bestowed upon 2021 first-rounder Brennan Othmann; but lately, there’s a lot of chatter concerning the 2020 fifth-rounder, a fellow winger to boot, Brett Berard.

Due to the Rangers recent regular season success, and the team where both Othmann and Berard play, the Hartford Wolf Pack, is a bit weak.

Other rookies who may get a chance are defenseman Matthew Robertson and forward Jaroslav Chmelar.

7. Kreider’s Milestones.

For CK20, who will be the last player to ever wear the #20 in Rangers’ blue, he should continue his ascension as one of the greatest Blueshirts of all-time.

Already possessing a bevy of records, and where his name is littered all over every team-specific top-ten statistic that matters, Kreider enters the season with 304 career goals, good for third-best all-time, and where only Rod Gilbert (406) and Jean Ratelle (336) have more.

Unless Kreider suffers an injury or completely falls off a cliff, then he should surpass Ratelle’s total next season.

Another record that Kreider should set next season is for most power-play goals, as with 110 extra-man tallies, only Camille Henry, who scored 116 of them for the Rangers, has more.

Equally as impressive?

Kreider, who only started playing on the penalty kill some three-years ago, already has nine short-handed strikes – good for tenth-best in franchise history.

However, he could easily top this category one day too, as Messier leads the franchise with 23 SHGs.

Names that Kreider should surpass next season?

Mike Rogers, Cecil Dillon and Ron Duguay, who all scored ten shorties. After that, Kreider will be chasing Zibanejad and Walt Tkaczuk, who each have eleven SHGs. And should Kreider score three short-handed goals next season? Then he’ll tie Bill Faibairn, who scored twelve man-down goals for the club.

Outside of Messier, then the only other two names left to chase are Adam Graves (16) and Don Maloney (14).

For a quick reference of where Kreider stands all-time, then check out: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_New_York_Rangers_records

8. K’Andre Miller and Braden Schneider becoming a day-in and day-out defensive duo.

It will be interesting to see how Trouba adjusts after this turbulent summer – but as a team-first guy – I don’t see him trying to blockade a second-pair of #79 and #4 – and while #8 takes on his next project, alongside him now on the third-pair of defense, #6, Zac Jones.

Hopefully, Miller and Schneider build off of their playoff success, but if not, the $8M third-pair captain will be waiting.

9. How Peter Laviolette keeps the team motivated.

While perhaps this is more of a question than something to look forward to; but both either way and regardless – I’m interested to see how the bench boss can keep his team playing at a high level.

As we are all too familiar with – finishing first-overall or as the second wild-card doesn’t matter.

It’s just what you do when the playoffs begin -and that’s where Laviolette will truly be judged – again.

Another thing to think about?

This isn’t exactly a core that’s been kind to head coaches – and you can ask both David Quinn and Gerard Gallant if you don’t believe me.

10. The Trade Deadline

Duh!

11. A PERSONAL BONUS: Watching the games at the bar again this season!

While hoisting pints and downing shots when watching games doesn’t really give me much inclination to write afterwards; it’s the memories and good times that means the most!

Plus, who can afford to go to these games anymore, which brings us to our next segment.

If you’re a glutton for punishment, then take a stroll over to TicketMaster.com, the official ticket outlet of the New York Rangers – and not only check what tickets are going for the home opener – but for the other forty regular season games to be held at Madison $quare Garden this season.

I’ve written about this topic more than anyone, and about 9867886967986796969786978 times over the past ten-years on this site too – but yeah, as people older than me told me when I first started to write about this, and as I’m now telling a younger generation today – it’s not worth it.

(Getting old sucks – and I feel wise saying that as a 42-year-old man – even if I have the immaturity level of a 12-year-old – and as my nieces will gleefully attest to! After all, nobody loves fart jokes like Uncle Sean!)

Unlike the days of yore, it’s even less worth attending games in this era, as it’s much easier to watch the games on high-definition big screen TVs.

Plus, whenever watching at home or at your local watering hole – then you don’t have to deal with possibly being murdered in the streets of NYC – or even worse – having to deal with the aggressive homeless people that pollute around the arena.

(And there are no bathroom lines either!)

I’ve always believed, and still do, that there is no better live entertainment experience in all of sports than an NHL game.

However, the disparity between being there and watching at home has shrunk, and where I now think it’s a 50/50 thing.

On most nights, it will run you $300 to attend a Rangers game – and that doesn’t include travel costs, food, drinks, merch, etc.

That’s why for the money, I will continue to watch the Blueshirts play live on the road – as it’s a much better experience (and I love seeing new places/cities) – and where in addition – most NHL barns blow out M$G anyway, as the only thing M$G has going it for these days is its legacy and prestige.

Outside of its history, then it’s just an overpriced hellhole – and don’t get me started again on that “Walking Dead” second rotunda either.

And as someone who enjoys his pops and belts – one bathroom with two toilets on the upper-level (400s) isn’t quite ideal!

Even if I had Elon Musk money, then as a seasoned hockey fan, I still wouldn’t get season-tickets – not only out of principle, but because M$G isn’t worth it.

I hate to say it, but as someone who has been to all three arenas in the tri-state on multiple occasions, then M$G falls way short when compared to the IBS Arena at Elmont, and The Pebble in Newark, NJ too.

Personally?

I was originally planning to go to Utah this season, but since the game is on a Tuesday night, meaning that I’d need to take off four or five days from work to go, it’s just not doable. (I was hoping for a Saturday night game.)

Instead of seeing the almighty UTAH HC, instead, I’ll be checking out the new digs in Detroit, having previously attended the last Rangers/Wings game at The Joe.

I’m also thinking about returning to Boston and Washington – and where I’ll only go to the latter if Trump wins the White House! (My only political commentary today!)

As shown by Barry Beck’s Facebook posting from August 1st, and one of the greatest captains in franchise history isn’t doing too well these days.

Beck presently remains hospitalized in Hong Kong – as Beck has been in China for some time now.

All the best to Beck, now 67-years-old, during these times.

There’s obviously no reason to give you a recap on the Life and Times of Tony DeAngelo again on this site (but you can check the archives or my Tricks of the Trade book for all of it); but needless to say, and TDA is viewed as one of the biggest heels in hockey.

Maybe it’s because Donald Trump’s name is back in the news, but whatever the case, and DeAngelo is now subjected to false rumors again – and this time, with his detractors suggesting that he has signed a contract with CZAR IGOR’s former club, SKA of the KHL.

When these rumors, that first began on Saturday August 3rd, made the light of day, and many hockey fans were celebrating as if it was New Year’s Eve.

While who knows if TDA will one day play for Vladimir Putin’s favorite team (I’ve talked about this before – but SKA is Putin’s favorite team – so much so, that he altered the salary cap and rules of the league to favor SKA), DeAngelo himself, the former Ranger, is saying that there’s no truth to the reports.

Furthermore, DeAngelo, presently an UFA, has stated that he hopes to sign on with one of the 32 NHL clubs – and where I think you can basically rule out the Rangers and Flyers as options.

In my eyes, I do think there’s an NHL job for the soon-to-be 29-year-old offensive-defenseman, and even if it’s just with one of the bottom feeders of the league, such as San Jose (where he wouldn’t have to worry about David Quinn anymore) or Anaheim (where his good pal Ryan Strome resides).

As they say, we’ll see – but it should be noted that DeAngelo prefers to play on the east coast, as he wants to be near his family that’s located near the New Jersey/Philadelphia border.

Enjoy the rest of the summer, as before you know it, footballs will be kicked, and after that, pucks will be dropped.

For me, I’m still trying to get this biography on Phil Watson done – but admittedly, both real-life and work has eaten into my time. I thought I’d have the rough draft done by now, but I’m only half-way there.

As this entire blog has suggested – I don’t expect Drury to make anymore big moves until the trade deadline.

While there have been some major deals made in August in previous NHL off-seasons – those transactions have been exception to the rule.

I’ll be back within the next two weeks, barring something major going down.

And this brings us to…

PLUGS TIME! (Buy a book and support my Rangers’ induced therapy bills. After all, I don’t run ads on this site!)

My fourth title and tenth book is now available!

“The Top 100 Villains of New York Rangers History,” is now available for sale!

For complete information, please visit: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/rangerkillers/

My second plug of tonight’s blog – the mandatory plug for my book, “The New York Rangers Rink of Honor and the Rafters of Madison Square Garden.”

As mentioned previously, the book is now available in hardcover, in paperback and in Kindle formats. To purchase a copy of the book, visit this link:

https://www.amazon.com/Rangers-Rafters-Madison-Square-Garden-ebook/dp/B09CM5N2WD

For those still looking for signed paperback versions of the book, I have re-ordered more copies. I now have a few signed copies for sale at $25 a pop (includes shipping price) through me directly. Here is all the information on that:

Order “The New York Rangers Rink of Honor and the Rafters of Madison Square Garden” Book Today

My four-volume set of books, “One Game at a Time – A Season to Remember,” is a game-by-game recount of the Rangers 2021-22 campaign.

My second title as an author, “One Game at a Time – A Season to Remember,” is now available in eBook, paperback and hardcover formats.

To obtain signed copies, visit: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/onegamebook/

To purchase all four volumes on Amazon, visit: Amazon.com – “One Game at a Time.”

The greatest volume-set of books on Rangers’ history today!

“Tricks of the Trade – A Century-Long Journey Through Every Trade Made In New York Rangers’ History,” a four-volume set of books that meticulously covers every trade made in franchise history, is now on sale.

All four volumes of the title can be purchased on Amazon.com and are presented in three different formats – eBook, paperback and hardcover.

To purchase Volume I: Conn Smythe (1926) – Craig Patrick (1986), visit Amazon.com

To purchase Volume II: Phil Esposito (1986) – Neil Smith (2000), visit Amazon.com

To purchase Volume III: Glen Sather (2000-2015), visit Amazon.com

To purchase Volume IV: Jeff Gorton (2015) – Chris Drury (2022), visit Amazon.com

To purchase signed copies of all four volumes, visit https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/tricksofthetrade/

If you haven’t already, subscribe to this blog for the next update:

Don’t forget to order my four-volume set of books, “Tricks of the Trade!”

If you don’t order through me, all four volumes are now available on Amazon.com

For more details, check out: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/tricksofthetrade/

Thanks for reading.

LET’S GO RANGERS!

Sean McCaffrey

BULLSMC@aol.com

@NYCTHEMIC on the Tweeter machine