:NYR: Background:
The Broadway Blue Shirts have been a competitive team since inception until last season. The team's performance over the 3 years in Franchise NHL:
* 2010-11 ranked 4th
* 2011-12 ranked 9th (under new ownership mainly under Anthony / ex-GoCubsGo7)
* 2012-13 ranked 25th
This year:
This season, with the cap ceiling lowered to 64.3m from a high of 70.3m last year, the Rangers faced some challenges this past off-season trying to resign players with expiring contracts versus competing for Free Agents in the FA market. After some ownership turnover in late Summer, :NYR: became a league owned team and has addressed two key issues: finding some cap space + filling out the roster to remain as competitive as possible without a starting goalie.
The team's key assets are Evander Kane, Patrick Kane, Marian Hossa, Andrew Shaw, Tyler Kennedy, Nick Foligno. Beyond that is a cast of marginal players who can contribute but are by no means standout point producers. There are a few potential gems in the Minor League system, but not enough to help the team this year aside from LW - Jeremy Morin (2009: 2/45 - 12 Games)
Strengths:
1 Franchise player (Evander Kane)
Small core of star forward P.Kane, M.Hossa, A.Shaw
Depth on Left Wing
Weaknesses:
MiLR
Depth at most positions
Needs:
Dedicated owner to plan strategic direction of team
Clear more cap space for future moves
Starting Goalie or 2 strong back-up goalies to rotate
Future Outlook:
The New York Rangers will have to come up with a strategic plan to rebuild to achieve a higher level of competitiveness. Can the team place better than 25th in 2013-14, chances are low but the possibility is there with the right owner in place. The Rangers' greatest challenge will be competing in a very tough Metropolitan Division with the likes of :CAR-NHL: (off to a 3-1 start) and perennial contenders :PHI-NHL: :PIT-NHL: :WAS-NHL: and emerging league powerhouse :NYI:.
Notable Additions:
Chad Johnson (promoted from MiLR)
Paul Postma (promoted from MiLR)
Anton Belov (FA signing)
Matt Bartkowski (FA signing)
Jeff Halpren (FA signing)
Notable Subtractions:
n/a
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