1. Should the Rangers aim for another Presidents’ Trophy? Maven’s Answer; Yes. Why not? The Rangers played to win last season and they wound up on top after 82 games. That’s quite an accomplishment. The mistake made by Chris Drury was his failure to load up with a substantial, hard nosed forward. He got beaten to Jake Guentzel and wound up with peanuts and popcorn. This time around we’ll see if he’s learned.
2. When will management change captains? Maven’s Answer: The sooner the better. Likely at the end of training camp. Jacob Trouba good guy that he is must feel more like a tourist whose green card soon will expire. Apart from the fact that Jake never should have gotten the “C” in the first place, logic says that the purist, never-been-traded Ranger deserves it; and that’s Chris Kreider. (Why do you think Matt Rempe went to Kreider for lessons in smart hockey this summer?
3. Will delays in Igor Shesterkin’s contract talks prove a distraction to the team and public? Maven’s Answer: Of course it will, but who cares? Contract gossip happens all the time, hurts no one and is a positive distraction from world news. Of course, it could get nasty if Iggy’s agent tries to break MSG’s bank. Or, if Drury dares to low-ball the team’s MVP. Free advice to Shesty: Let your gut make the final decision; not your rep. And in case you’re dreaming of the KHL, remember, dollars beat rubles any day!
4. Which Ranger concerns you most going into the new season? Maven’s Answer: Adam Fox. He’s the balance wheel of the team because he does so many things well. But his play last semester was below his standard of excellence. It could be one of two things: A. His lingering injury dating back to November; B. Simply the fact that opponents are wise to his moves and are playing him physically tougher. A lesser than Norris Trophy level Fox means a lesser Rangers.
5. What can Chris Kreider teach Matt Rempe that the Skating Giraffe doesn’t already know? Maven’s Answer: Not to play stupid! Learn the fine art of front-of-the-net deflections and screening goalies.With his size and strength Rempe can make a better living in front of the net rather than the penalty box. He’s got enough assets to be a player rather than a goon.
6. Can the Rangers win The Stanley Cup next June? Maven’s Answer: I have to wait until the day after the Trade Deadline. If Drury stands pat even with a Presidents’ Trophy-winner the answer is NO! If he adds a player with a Cup-winning rep, then it’s possible. Right now, too soon to tell.
Also From THN Rangers:
https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers/latest-news/matt-rempe-reveals-his-next-offseason-endeavour
https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers/latest-news/why-im-temporarily-taking-the-blame-away-from-chris-drury
https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers/latest-news/niece-of-former-rangers-defeseman-set-to-compete-at-2024-summer-olympics
https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers/latest-news/sidney-crosby-to-the-rangers-once-and-for-all-resolved