With the Deadline Near, Can These Young New York Rangers Prove They Belong?
New York Rangers hockey is back, and if there's anything last night's loss has shown fans, it's that nothing appears to have changed. Losses like that are expected these days, as the retool has started, and no Ranger seems safe. As the deadline approaches and Vincent Trocheck's likely farewell approaches, it makes sense that the youngsters are the players to watch now. With a few first-round picks in the Rangers' pocket already, fans have a few prospects to look forward to in the future. As for the youngsters already on the ice, the pressure is on for them to earn themselves a spot in this team's future. With only 24 games remaining for these Rangers, which youngsters should be watched the most for this team's future?
Will Cuylle
You ask for a power forward, and no doubt this New York Ranger comes to mind. Making his debut in 2023, Will Cuylle has been quite positive during his time in the NHL. Being a key part of the Rangers' Presidents Trophy season just two years ago, Cuylle's physical presence alone plays a huge role. As for last year, some described Cuylle as one of the only bright spots in a season of darkness, scoring 20 goals and earning himself a two-year extension with the Blueshirts. With what the New York power forward has shown, there's no doubt he'll be a key part in the Rangers' future. Just last night, the 24-year-old earned himself a pretty highlight off a no-look pass to set up the Rangers' second goal in their 3-2 loss to Philadelphia. The kids obviously have the skills; now let's see if he can hit the 20-goal mark two seasons in a row.
Gabe Perreault
As undoubtedly the Rangers' top prospect and a first-round pick, fans were ecstatic to see this youngster get his chance in the NHL. Although he has yet to start scoring consistently, Gabe Perreault has the remainder of this season to prove what he can do. With the deadline approaching, the 20-year-old will most likely spend the rest of the season as a top-six forward, though he's yet to prove himself worthy of the role. Trades all around will clear ice time, meaning there's no better opportunity for the 23rd overall pick to show he can handle the role and stick around in the NHL. Being a huge part of Team USA's gold medal wins at the World Junior Championship, Perreault has proven, as most do, that the confidence is surely there; all it takes is one goal to start something beautiful.
Alexis Lafreniere
The pressure may be on for a few New York Rangers, but none can compare to the pressure that's on the 2020 first overall pick. Now in his sixth NHL season, Alexis Lafreniere remains the only youngster from the incredible kid line of the 2022 postseason. As fans all around insisted the 24-year-old just wasn't it, the 2023-24 season commenced, and boy did he not disappoint. Since that historic season, Lafreniere's confidence has gone nowhere but downward, scoring just 30 goals in his past 140 games. While it may be time to call it quits with the Canadian-born player, the remainder of this season presents a new opportunity. As the Blueshirts look to spend the remainder of the season without Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trocheck, Lafreniere has the chance to create some offense of his own without the assistance of both star players. Much of the first-overall pick's success two seasons ago came from the assistance of both Panarin and Trocheck, and now that he's on his own, perhaps he can find it in himself to restore the confidence hidden deep down.
