Rangers: 3 things to keep an eye on in the preseason

New York Rangers left wing Alexis Lafreniere warms up before the game against the New York Islanders at Madison Square Garden

There is a palpable sense of intrigue surrounding the New York Rangers entering the 2023-24 season as the team enters a new era with Peter Laviolette stepping in as the new head coach. The arrival of new coaching has sparked a series of developments that avid fans are closely keeping an eye on during the preseason.

The first depth chart will provide valuable insight into Laviolette’s plans for the Rangers

The release of the first depth chart during the preseason is a crucial moment for an NHL team. In the case of the Rangers, their recent coaching change adds an extra layer of intrigue to the depth chart’s unveiling.

This initial lineup arrangement will offer valuable insights into Laviolette’s strategic vision and his intended roles for each player. Fans will gain an understanding of where players are positioned within the team’s lineup – be it on the first, second, third, or fourth line – which can set the tone for the upcoming season.

Nov 1, 2024; New York, New York, USA;  New York Rangers left wing Alexis Lafrenière (13) celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal in the third period against the Ottawa Senators at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Rangers: Good news and bad news from 2-1 win over Senators

The New York Rangers got back in the win column Friday night with a big 2-1 victory over the Ottawa […]
Oct 29, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Rangers left wing Chris Kreider (20) celebrates with Rangers center Mika Zibanejad (93) after scoring a goal against the Washington Capitals in the second period at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Rangers need more from their top offensive unit

The New York Rangers have had a solid start to the 2024-25 season, going 6-2-1 in their first nine games […]
May 24, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers center Matt Rempe (73) reacts after a play during the third period in game two of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Florida Panthers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Rangers call-up fearless enforcer from Hartford Wolf Pack

The New York Rangers recalled center Matt Rempe from the Hartford Wolfpack on Monday, bringing him back into their NHL […]
May 11, 2024; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Ryan Lindgren (55) reacts during the first period against the Carolina Hurricanes in game four of the second round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Could the Rangers trade away one of their top defensemen?

The New York Rangers welcomed Ryan Lindgren back into the lineup two games ago after he missed the first five […]
Mar 19, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers forward Alexis Lafreniere (13) celebrates his goal during the third period against the Winnipeg Jets at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images
Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images

Rangers reportedly nearing massive extension with rising star winger

The New York Rangers are close to locking in another one of their bright young stars. According to Larry Brooks of […]
Sep 24, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers center Matt Rempe (73) speaks with a linesman  during the second period against the New York Islanders at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images
Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images

Rangers made the right call sending fan-favorite forward to Hartford

The New York Rangers have many well-known players, but none are as popular around the league as Matt Rempe. The […]
Oct 24, 2024; New York, New York, USA;  New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (31) makes a save on a shot on goal attempt in the third period against the Florida Panthers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Rangers: Good news and bad news from 3-1 loss against Panthers

The New York Rangers faced the Florida Panthers Thursday night for the first time since their Eastern Conference Finals matchup […]
Oct 19, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette watches the play against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the third period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Rangers are already breaking records 6 games into the season

The New York Rangers have been remarkable to start the 2024-25 season. Offense, defense, and goaltending are all clicking, giving […]
Oct 22, 2024; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox (23) battles with Montreal Canadiens center Alex Newhook (15) for control of the puck in the second period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images
Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images

Rangers: Good news and bad news from 7–2 win over the Canadiens

The New York Rangers are showing no signs of slowing down. They continued their winning ways on Tuesday night in […]
May 22, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers left wing Alexis Lafreniere (13) skates against the Florida Panthers during the first period of game one of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Rangers get positive update on injured star winger

The New York Rangers had some concerns entering this week regarding the status of star winger Alexis Lafreniere. He picked […]

How will Laviolette utilize Alexis Lafrenière?

Alexis Lafrenière’s performance in his first couple of seasons with the New York Rangers may not have met the high expectations set for a first-overall pick. The transition from junior hockey to the NHL can be challenging, and sometimes players need time to adjust and find their footing at the professional level.

The coaching change could indeed have a positive impact on Lafrenière’s development. Different coaches have varying approaches and strategies when it comes to player deployment and offensive creativity. Lafreniere should have more freedom to try new things under Laviolette this season; something he was not getting under Gallant’s system.

Laviolette’s coaching style might provide Lafrenière with more opportunities to showcase his skills and experiment with different aspects of his game. Under new coaching guidance, Lafrenière could find his stride and start living up to the potential that made him a top pick. Time will tell how his career continues to unfold with the Rangers, but in the preseason it could be a great test regarding how he will do in Laviolette’s system.

Which side of Jonathan Quick will the Rangers get?

Jonathan Quick is likely to start the majority of the games as the Rangers don’t want to risk Igor Shesterkin getting injured. However, it will be intriguing to see which version of Quick the New York Rangers will be getting.

Quick had a strange season last year, as he performed poorly as a member of the Los Angeles Kings, but when he was traded to Vegas, his performances were more decent with the team. During the preseason, Quick will be under the spotlight.

Mentioned in this article:

More about: