Team: 2017-18 New York Rangers

Initial Creation Date: Aug. 14, 2017

Published: Aug. 14, 2017

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Full Out Explanation:
-Vladimir Tkachyov is a Russian hockey player that is incredibly under the radar in the NHL. He put up 39 points in 49 games last season as a 21 year old LW. The Rangers asked him to come for a tryout and there's a good chance he comes in Sepetmber.

-We need to all take a breather with this Center situation. We won't get Duchene without giving up Skjei, Chytil and a 1st round pick. Neither do I think Toronto wants to give up Bozak unless they are in DIRE need to fix cap (could happen). Spooner will probably stay in Boston, in my opinion he's the best logical pick up for us. Regardless of all that taking a breather would start by remembering Zibanejad is a beast and if he's healthy throughout the season, we could see 60+ points and a higher FO%. Hayes is ready for a jump to 2C, a I have a hunch that Andersson shocks the group and they put him at the 3rd/4th spot. Desarnais could thrive with us and if he does, we could have him on a line with our younger players which would help their development. Plus he's a good faceoff guy. Andersson should be solid even if he doesn't make the team this year.

- Wingers wise I think we're very set. I believe Kreider isn't done getting better and could score consistently. Nash will be fighting for a contract so he'll probably be sick this season (maybe even 35 goals?). Buchnevich is going to be great (probably hit 40-50 points). Miller could be better than Hayes and in my opinion will be so he could go 50 points. Zucc is Zucc ;) 50 points easy. Grabner has a lot of questions around his name but, he should be okay in a worst case scenario. Vesey will continue to develop. Worst case scenario, when Fast come back Tkachyov or Vesey could get scratched. Unless Vladimir puts up stupid numbers than vesey is the odd man out.

-The defense should be our best assets other than Lundqvist and our depth up front. Mac is Mac, he'll be great. Shattenkirk could thrive with Mcd, potentially putting up around 40 points. Skjei is a stud and will probably continue to develop like Mcd and maybe even Shattenkirk. Smith is solid, nothing too crazy about him. Staal/ Holden and DeAngelo as a third pair is awesome. We could have one of the better third pairs in the league plus DeAngelo could be good as well.

- Pavelec should be at least okay especially with Benoit Allare and Lundqvist as mentors. I'll expect 16-22 games for him. Numbers could look like 19 GP 13 W .914%

-These are all best case scenarios but, I feel really good with this group of guys and especially our blue line.