Rangers are eager to turn the page from a last-place season and get a fresh start with new faces
There was not a lot of joy around the New York Rangers last season, when struggles at home mixed with injuries to prominent players sunk them to the bottom of the Eastern Conference. “There was probably more negative than positive that went around,” captain J.T. Miller said. Missing franchise goaltender Igor Shesterkin and No. 1 defenseman Adam Fox for periods of time exposed a lack of depth,…
The New York Rangers are looking forward to a fresh start as they aim to transition from their disappointing last-place season. Captain J.T. Miller noted that the 2023-24 campaign was marred by negativity and injuries that left the team without key players like Igor Shesterkin and Adam Fox. General Manager Chris Drury addressed these issues by making several changes during the off-season, including acquiring scoring winger Pavel Dorofeyev and defensemen Sean Durzi and Marcus Pettersson, while trading Vincent Trocheck.
These new additions have brought a sense of optimism to the team, with veteran Mika Zibanejad praising the fresh perspectives they bring to the room. Dorofeyev's 37 goals last season, including 12 in the playoffs, indicate he is in prime form, and his scoring ability could provide much-needed offensive support to a Rangers team that struggled in the goals-per-game category.
Durzi and Pettersson bolster the second pair, behind Fox and Vladislav Gavrikov. The departure of Vincent Trocheck to Utah may solidify Miller's role as the team's primary center, and the veteran feels positive about the restructured lineup. Coach Mike Sullivan's return also adds to the team's confidence, as they aim to overcome their recent playoff drought and contend in the competitive Metropolitan Division.
While outside expectations remain modest, players believe they possess the talent to surprise skeptics and rise above their current standing.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
