2015-16 record: 46-27-9 (101 points)
Lost to Pittsburgh in Conference quarterfinals
Captain: Ryan McDonagh
Two consecutive seasons after reaching the Conference Finals, the New York Rangers took a couple of steps back. Yes, they made the playoffs, but they showed signs of wear and tear, and their defense that had long been known for locking things down suddenly looked mortal. The Rangers went into the bargain bin for free agents, and figure to be a little younger, thanks to a trade and a signing of the hottest college free agent of the off-season. As always, though, the Rangers are in win now mode, but is the window closed?
Despite having five players finish with more than 20 goals, thus their 7th place ranking offensively, not having a healthy Rick Nash hurt here, as he is still a difference maker even as he continues to drift further into his 30's. Trading for Mika Zibanejad cost them Derick Brassard, a difference of -6 goals, but the Rangers do get younger up front. The quest to get younger got a boost when Jimmy Vesey opted to sign with the Rangers as a college free agent, and along with Brady Skjei and Pavel Buchnevich, the Rangers could have an injection of youth to go along with the tested veterans. Defensively, Skjei would be a welcome addition to the team, as many of the blue liners had off-years. Even Ryan McDonagh, who led the team in the +/- category, didn't post his usual offensive numbers. The task gets even tougher, as Keith Yandle took his offensive output to Florida, leaving the rest of the unit to make up for the loss there. Is the Henrik Lundqvist that showed up in the first round loss to Pittsburgh a sign of things to come or an instance of an elite player having a bad spell at the wrong time? That is a question of whether the Rangers finally decide to give him a little more rest, as Antti Raanta more than showed that he could shoulder the load when necessary. The power play was middle of the pack, and this is where Yandle's contributions will be missed the most, as there is no immediate replacement. On the penalty kill, it was as bad as it could get, which explains why the Rangers picked up both Nathan Gerbe and Michael Grabner in free agency.
Prediction: 4th in the Metropolitan Division
The longer Summer for the Rangers should help in getting them back to deeper playoff runs. However, their defense must shore up, as they began to show cracks, and Lundqvist must show that his dismal playoff showing was not a sign that he is slowing down. Youth will be served one way or another, but the veterans will have to have bounce back seasons if they want to be Stanley Cup contenders again.
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