Team: 2023-24 New York Rangers

Initial Creation Date: May 16, 2023

Published: May 16, 2023

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Corey Perry signs 1 x .775 and gets a 775k performance bonus if he plays 10 games

Halak signs 1 x .775 and gets a 775k performance bonus if he starts 5 games

A lot of people want major changes, but it’s just not gonna happen. Here’s my breakdown

Line 1- This line was #12 in xGF amongst lines that played 200+ minutes together. It’s insane it was never put back together after an excellent first 2 months. I think this line combines for 90+ goals and is elite defensively. This is a do it all first line. Zibanejad was a complete no show in the playoffs and idk if that changes but Kakko adds a great forechecking puck possession wing that was missing on this line in the playoffs.

Line 2- After a disastrous playoff, I’m Searching for answers on how to get the most out of our 11 million dollar man. My best idea is Lafrienerre busts his behind this offseason to get his skating up and get comfortable on the right side. Panarin and Lafrienerre really clicked on the early part of the season, they did everything except score and if Gallant left them alone the goals would have come. Through the first 2 months Panarin / Laf went CF- 58.5%, FF- 57.9%, SF- 55.2%, xGF- 51.5%, SCF- 55.3%, HDCF- 52.6%. Chytil adds a great blend of speed and a willingness to shoot. Chytil and Lafrienerre forecheck well and in theory help open up more for Panarin.

Line 3- Line 3 is designed to be a heavy, physical line that we really missed in the playoffs. Corey Perry can still play and brings a lot to the room who needs more leaders. Cuylle looked out of place in his short NHL stint, but another few months in Hartford and the AHL playoffs I think he’s ready. Not for nothing he’s had 25 goals in 67 AHL games. Trocheck did his best work in a north south physical role. This line doesn’t have to be sheltered and should help shift momentum and provide some extra secondary scoring.

Line 4- Even after an iffy playoffs it’s a must for me to keep the band together. Analytically this was a top 5 4th line. I love how all 3 guys are big PK guys and with a new coach it should ease the burden for Zibanejad / Kreider.

Defensively the only change is bringing back Jones. Outside of Fox none of our defensemen move the puck well. Jones does and now that Gallant is gone we can actually have a 3rd pair that does something. Jones is worth the gamble

I start the season with just 1 reserve (Harpur). Fox looked completely gassed in the last couple playoff games. My goal is for Fox to sit 1 game a month and also find rest for the other guys. I want the new coach to embrace load management and be able to roll a 7th defenseman.