By Mike Rifkin
Monday was a very interesting day for the New York Rangers. The Rangers had a game Monday night against the St.Louis Blues where they lost 5-2 after giving up three third period goals. The Rangers have lost three in a row and have not scored more than two goals in any of the three games. Head Coach Peter Laviolette sounded off in his post game press conference saying “ We need to be better. Everyone needs to be better inside the room. It’s not good enough what we’re doing. We’re playing to a level and a standard that’s not us”. Even though the Rangers are 12-7-1 at the moment, a lot of that has to do with the outstanding play of their goaltending. Laviolette continued and said “We’re not going to win giving up 40-50 shots”.
The day started with a tweet from NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman who said “In the aftermath of their 6-2 loss in Edmonton on Saturday, the Rangers have made it very clear they are interested in making moves and shaking up their roster. Among the names indicated are Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba, although other options will be considered.” Kreider didn’t play on Monday due to an upper body injury Trouba was a -2 in 17:59 minutes of ice time.
The Trouba news shouldn’t come as a surprise as throughout the summer it was heavily discussed that the Rangers trade their captain. Trouba, who makes eight million dollars per year through 2026-27 season has six assists on the season. Kreider, the Rangers first round pick in 2009, has had a lot of massive moments throughout his career. Ranking in the top 10 in goals, points, power play goals, plus/minus and game winning goals. Kreider is signed through 2026-27 as well and also has a no trade clause.
Now trading Trouba, Kreider or any other veteran can send a few different messages. One is that this group needs to realize a change can come at any point. Another could be an ushering of the next era of Rangers hockey. And if that’s the case we’re starting to see that begin. The leap taken by 2020 first overall pick Alexis Lafreniere last season has continued, Will Cuylle has taken a step to start this season, as has Kaappo Kakko. On the backend Braden Schneider and Zac Jones are also progressing nicely. While ushering in a new era is an interesting thought, let’s not forget that this current core has been to the Eastern Conference Final two of the last three seasons, and have earned a bit of the benefit to turn things around. But if they don’t do it soon something will change and the cherry on top of this major question is what happens with Igor Shesterking and his upcoming free agency? Only time will tell.
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