Provided Stepan stops being a dickhead and signs, the Rangers still have 3 huge advantages over almost all the east. Better goalie than almost all the teams in hockey. Better defense than most teams in the East. Better center depth than most teams in the East. They will still win quite a few games. However, they will need some young players to do the following
1. Hayes becomes a 20 G 35 A player next year. Realistic improvement
2. Miller becomes a 17 G, 25 A forward. I think he can do that. Or close to it.
3. Kreider becomes the 30/30 guy he should be in his sleep. We'll see on that one.
4. Fast becomes a 10 G, 20 A forward next year. Should do that if he's not stuck on the 4th line.
5. McIlrath wins a spot and finally gives the defense a physical element
6. Etem puts up a Pouliot year with 15 G, 24 A. Close to that. Think he has the skill to do that.
7. Glass never plays one minute on this team next season.
It's up to the young kids next year. I'm most confident in Hayes, Fast and Etem putting up those numbers. Kreider I'll believe when I see him finally play consistent. Miller is the wildcard. No idea. He has the skill to do that but only if his hockey IQ has improved. Stalberg learning how to play good defense and chipping in some offense on the 4th will be quite helpful.