Big Questions Rangers Must Answer Before Start Of 2024-25 Season

UH-OH!

Rangers Fans are on the spot.

The spot-putter is Dan Rosen, senior writer for NHL.com, and a guy I read every time he writes about hockey 'cause he knows his stuff.

But the other day, Dauntless Dan tossed a curve – not the biggest curve, mind you – with "Three Questions Regarding The Blueshirts." Then he knocked the ball out of the park with his own cogent comments.

After reading Rosen's remarks, my little brain said, "Hey, wait a minute. I respect

Dan's views, but why not bring my bats up to the plate and deliver my own thoughts and those of my V.P. In Charge of Knuckle Ball Questions – Solon Mihas. Here goes:

Rosen's First Question: WHO WILL PLAY RIGHT WING ON A LINE WITH MIKA ZIBANEJAD AND CHRIS KREIDER?

Maven And Mihas have the answers:

The obvious choice is Reilly Smith. Chris Drury went for this well-worn vet because he had a good track record. Just remember that the "secret word" is HAD. But Reilly was so disappointing as a Penguin last year his exit from Pittsburgh was greeted with a hearty exhale followed by a full-throated YAY!

Now that doesn't mean that Smith will sink on Seventh Avenue. He could enjoy a wonderful comeback year and that will be that.

But I wouldn't bet on it. Not at all. In fact It's about time that Drury stops with his stopgaps like Frank Vatrano (2022), Patrtick Kane (2023) and Jack Roslovic (2024). Enough with the over-the-hill-gang – and that includes Reilly Smith.

The Maven and Mihas have the answer and his name is Gabe Perreault. He was the club's 23d overall pick last year and has starred at Boston College. It's time Drury took a leaf out of the Maple Leafs history.

In 1946 Conn Smythe started the season with eight – count 'em EIGHT – rookies in his lineup and wound up winning three straight Stanley Cups.

Peter Laviolette needs a fresh talent to fuse with the two over-30 vets. Perreault – his dad is ex-NHLer Yanic – should be given every chance to succeed alongside the senior citizens.

We can find Smith a nice comfy spot on the third line; how about Barclay Goodrow's former dwelling place?

Rosen's second question: WHAT WILL THE DEFENSE PAIRS LOOK LIKE?

Assuming that we're stuck with Jacob Trouba, the Captain – at least as of now – will be dropped to the third defensive pair. For starters, we go with the fella we consider the Top Banana of the Blue Line Bunch, left D-man Ryan Lindgren.

With the Vim, vigor and vitality of youth in mind, Mihas and The Maven want right-Dman Braden Schneider moved alongside Lindgren. That slates Adam Fox in the second tier on the right side with K'Andre Miller – K needs to shape up this term – and both belong on the second floor.

That leaves room for one of our favorites, Zac Jones, to work the third left side. Hopefully Jumpin' Jones will push the controversial captain to move his assets harder than ever.

Rosen's Final Question: WILL THE RANGERS SIGN IGOR SHESTERKIN TO A NEW CONTRACT? Gadzooks! Mihas has the temerity to disagree with Mave. "There is no doubt in my mind that Drury will sign him," Mihas declares. (Why should Solon care? It's not his money!)

The Maven cares and so should Drury. Igor collapsed as if he fell through a trap door in mid-season when Jonathan Quick quickly saved the crease from disintegrating into oatmeal.

Since Mihas and The Maven disagree, I went afield and consulted with my wise, 18-year-old hockey-playing grandson, Ariel Fischler, a confirmed Rangers fan.

"I'd give Igor four years, maybe five," says Ariel who is another one who doesn't worry about the Garden's dough. "You never know with goalies, they can get gunshy, have injuries. Besides, Shesterkin has never won a Cup and has never even been to the Final round."

The Maven says give Czar Igor three years and $9 million and if his agent balks, I suggest Drury throw a knuckler while checking out the Used Goalie Market.

You'd be surprised what you can find there. And I don't mean 'maybe' either. Vegas' g.m. Kelly McCrimmon found a third-stringer named Adin Hill who was not over the hill.

Talk about the Garden of Eden; how about The Garden of Adin where Hill delivered Stanley. (Igor still is wondering what the mug even feels like!)

Also From THN Rangers:

https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers/latest-news/tony-deangelo-details-altercation-that-got-him-waived-from-rangers

https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers/latest-news/the-replacement-for-sam-rosen-already-is-firmly-in-place

https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers/latest-news/rangers-and-knicks-playoff-success-lead-to-historic-financial-numbers

https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers/latest-news/its-time-for-a-new-generation-of-rangers-players-to-take-over