Think of the rebuilding Rangers as the early stages of a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle. The first phase of putting together a puzzle is locating the edge pieces.
Between now and the season's end, recently acquired and long-serving Rangers will be evaluated through the prism of how they fit into future plans. General manager Jeff Gorton and team president Glen Sather outlined a desire to add “young, competitive players that combine speed, skill and character” when they penned a joint letter to fans last month.
Those who make the cut will form the core pieces to an evolving puzzle. These players will serve as the edge pieces that are integral to the puzzle’s completion. The Rangers will undergo a thorough self-evaluation in the coming months, along with internal debates over draft strategies and a deep scouting of potential trading partners.
A big call will be required on the future of alternate captain Mats Zuccarello, who will turn 31 on Sept. 1. The popular Norwegian wing has one year and $4.5 million remaining on his current deal. His next contract would include a bump up in pay, and the Rangers should carefully weigh the worthiness of extending over-30-year-old skaters on multiyear contracts in the midst of a rebuild.
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Alternatively, the Rangers could opt to extend Zuccarello, who is second only in fan popularity to franchise goaltender Henrik Lundqvist. Zuccarello has proven to be durable and productive. He is a beloved figure inside the dressing room and a cult hero to the die-hard fans who chant “Zuuuuccc” every time he touches the puck.
If he is retained, Zuccarello and 31-year-old defenseman Marc Staal would be the leading internal candidates to vie for the captain’s ‘C’ during training camp in September. That said, it’s totally possible for a veteran summer acquisition to command immediate respect, rise as the most prominent dressing-room voice and win the captaincy.
The key word for the Rangers this summer will be "options" -- because there will be many branching paths to choose from. How hard do they push for reunions with free agents-to-be Rick Nash and Michael Grabner? Could a marquee signing such as James van Riemsdyk be in their sights? How does one fill a Ryan McDonagh-sized hole?
Strong starts on Broadway by deadline arrivals Ryan Spooner (10 points in six games) and Vladislav Namestnikov (two points in five games and some impressive play on both ends of the rink) complicate matters. Both are summer restricted free agents whose natural positions are at center. Eventually, center prospects Filip Chytil and Lias Andersson will make the full-time jump to Madison Square Garden.
With Mika Zibanejad, Namestnikov, Spooner, Kevin Hayes (another summer RFA), Chytil and Andersson all best used at center, it’s a complex situation. Though it should be noted that Namestnikov, Andersson, Spooner and Chytil offer the flexibility to be used on the wing. At face value, these are six natural centers contesting for four center spots – and that’s not factoring in free agent or lottery-pick centers entering the competition.
The Rangers own seven picks (three in the first round, two in the second round and two in the third round) in the first three rounds of the 2018 draft. This stockpile gives Gorton maneuverability should he wish to package picks to trade up – or an abundance of picks to restock the prospect cupboard.
An already substantial arsenal of picks could expand if Zuccarello and other roster players are dealt at the June 22-23 draft. The shape of the Rangers' future seems to revolve around settling Zuccarello’s fate. Will the 5-foot-8 wing be locked into place as a core component for years to come? Or will he be the centerpiece of a trade that fetches building blocks for the future?
It’s going to be an offseason of intrigue for the Blueshirts. Lots of moving parts, plenty of big calls to make, copious amounts of youth and ample cap space – and the biggest decision of all will be whether to press on with Alain Vigneault behind the bench.
At this point, the Rangers’ puzzle is very much unclear. Some assembly will be required before the picture starts taking shape. Over to you, Mr. Gorton.