Risers and fallers of the New York Rangers season
Larry Brooks of the New York Post: Again, there are always a few players that rise up or fall each season. Pavel Buchnevich became a big riser based on his second-half performance. His six goals in the last 12 games could be a harbinger of things to come. Does New York re-sign him to a longer than bridge deal? Brendan Lemieux lacks the stamina to go full throttle all the time but showed potential in top-six. He could use work with the conditioning coach over the summer. Even Ryan Strome has shown the ability to play in the top-six as many expected all those years ago. He was drafted fifth overall in the 2011 draft after all. Brendan Smith is a nice but pricy part-time player.
Then, there are guys like Jimmy Vesey and Chris Kreider. Kreider hit the wall and some will argue the injuries. However, two goals in his last 24 games signal a problem. Kreider becomes an even tougher decision now.
Hayes credits New York Rangers for the player he has become
Larry Brooks of the New York Post: Kevin Hayes knew he had to improve going into this season. Little did he know, how much he has over the first couple seasons of his NHL career. Hayes started the season so well that he priced himself out of New York’s range to afford the forward. That resulted in a trade to Winnipeg which netted a first, a conditional fourth, and Brendan Lemieux.
The evolution of Kevin Hayes has been a long and winding road. Now, the forward stands to make a huge profit — whether it be in Winnipeg or somewhere else.
The heir to Henrik Lundqvist?
Larry Brooks of the New York Post: The New York Rangers and Alexander Georgiev may come to a point of no return eventually but not yet. In the meantime, who is the next “starter” in net for New York? Then, there is Igor Shesterken, who plays for SKA in the KHL. The 2014 fourth-round pick has been groomed as the starter for some time.
Who will wind up backing up Lundqvist come October? First things first, Georgiev may get to play in the World’s in May and Shesterken would be his competition again. The Rangers will get multiple looks at both goalies between now, the Fall, and beyond.
