Extreme Makeover: New York Rangers
Last year, we saw the departure of key elements of the Rangers, with Jagr, Straka, Shanahan, Avery and Tyutin leaving New York for various destinations. The entire makeup of the roster was changing, as the team was seeming left in the hands of Chris Drury and Scott Gomez. At that point, I thought that was the largest roster turnover we would see in the post-lockout era.
Boy, was I wrong.
Now, turnover isn’t all that bad, as this year’s roster is clearly better and more balanced, than last year’s roster.
This year, we are looking at six new forwards (Higgins, Gaborik, Kotalik, entire 4th line) to replace the likes of Gomez, Betts, Sjostrom, Orr, Dawes, Antropov, and Zherdev (well, and Prucha, but he barely played). That’s 50% of the forwards. Half of the forwards this year did not play on the Rangers last year. That’s quite the turnover, and this doesn’t even include Voros or Anisimov (who I am not counting as an “old” Ranger) in the equation.
On the blueline, we are definitely going to see two new defensemen replace Mara and Morris. We may not know who yet, but regardless, it’s still a 33% turnover. While 1/3 of the defense being turned over isn’t exactly earth shattering, many teams have that same rate, it’s worth noting.
But hey, the goalies are consistent. That is definitely the one area where you don’t want to have turnover. The Rangers have a rare luxury in the NHL, a goalie that is not only reliable, but All-World caliber, and a very capable backup.
Twenty players will dress opening night, and eight of them will be brand new Rangers, just getting their feet wet. That’s a whopping 40% of the roster.
By jurgenno88, July 16, 2009 @ 11:51 am
Dave,
i agree that turnover is good; when the players you bring in are younger and have more potential (Gaborik and Higgins for example, over Antropov and Gomez). Its an upgrade.
If you could upgrade an entire roster in every poisiton you’d do it, so i have no concern about numbers.
i think the potential top 9 has a nice balanced feel about it. i especially like the right side, there’s not much better depth around IMO….
Higgins – Dubinsky – Gaborik
Avery – Drury – Kotalik
Lisin(?) – Anisimov – Callahan
Dave Reply:
July 16th, 2009 at 12:38 pm
I’m guessing Drury gets the first shot with Gaborik.
By None, July 16, 2009 @ 12:12 pm
The Rangers are in BIG trouble. This roster is NOT strong and instead of working with what you had and try to make that better, they would rather start from scratch. Leaving the mediocre players on the roster and letting the valuable ones go. Makes no sense. The Rangers are in more trouble now then ever before.
Dave Reply:
July 16th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
You’re overreacting a bit. The top 9 this year is definitely stronger than the top 9 last year, even with Kotalik instead of Zherdev.
jurgenno88 Reply:
July 17th, 2009 at 4:39 am
None…. people want youth to be given a chance and you complain, if they brought in Healtey im sure you’d have complained about another big ticket player too. Give this team a chance. Its young, fast, has poitential and HAS a go to guy that we havent had sicne the 05-06 vintage of Jagr. there’s potential here.