Pavel Buchnevich, Center
Perhaps the second most anticipated player, behind Vesey, is one who has had the most question marks attached to him.
Pavel Buchnevich was almost a Ranger an entire season earlier than it occurred. For a few reasons, that never happened.
However, the time has come and “Buch” can show everyone what they have been waiting for in New York.
This Russian hockey player has a lot of attention surrounding him, but this has to be clear: Buchnevich is not a 50-plus point scorer in the NHL — at least not yet.
Not once in his KHL career has he scored more than 30 points, and fans need to realize this. Granted, he did not see the ice time he would have liked.
Ranger fans tend to desire results from a certain player even if their ice time is not high.
Will he be good on Broadway? Sure, and he will add a much-needed offensive punch. Any little bit helps.
But fans cannot be disappointed if he underperforms, especially in his rookie season.