Power Ranking The New York Rangers Offseason Additions

While fans knew the New York Rangers were going to have a different look this season, it was hard to predict which new talents would have the biggest impact. Now eight games in, we have a better look at who’s excelling. 

When the New York Rangers were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs last season, it signaled the end of an era.

Since the 2011-2012 campaign, the organization had been one of the elite teams in the NHL. But reaching the Eastern Conference Semi-Final in four straight seasons, the Eastern Conference Final three times and the Stanley Cup once took its toll on a club that kept a majority of their core intact.

The Rangers got everything they could out of that crop of talent. Heading into this season, an overhaul was in order.

Sure, there are still familiar faces wearing New York’s Original Six sweater. But when looking up and down the lineup card, there are new names all over the place. Each offensive line has a new infusion of talent. The defense, too, has new members to aid in the blueline’s efforts.

When bringing in a number of new players into the fold, chemistry is always going to be an issue. Fortunately, the Rangers have been working as a unit, and their on-ice play proves that this team is going to be a forced to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference.

Each new face has made an impact. But where do they rank? Let’s take a look:

8. Pavel Buchnevich

Ever since he was lighting up the KHL as a teen, Pavel Buchnevich had Rangers fans salivating at his future potential in the United States. Making his way to New York City this summer, the former third-round pick had sky-high expectations as a young stud the organization could build around.

In the preseason, the hype was justified. Buchnevich played bigger than his 6’2, 193-pound frame and displayed elite puck skills. Opening the season in a top-six role, the 21-year old looked comfortable playing under the biggest spotlight in hockey.

Unfortunately, however, back spasms have limited his playing time. Buchnevich has looked comfortable and has recorded two assists along the way, but suiting up in just three games results in a grade that’s not applicable.

Grade: N/A

7. Nick Holden 

As a five-year NHL veteran, Nick Holden came to the Rangers in an offseason trade with the Colorado Avalanche during the NHL Draft. Recent reports have come out stating that Holden was a favorite amongst former coach Patrick Roy, and it looks like he’s viewed in the same stance with Alain Vigneault.

He hasn’t passed the eye test just yet.

For the majority of the early season, Holden has been receiving top pair minutes while playing alongside captain Ryan McDonagh. The 29-year old fits the mold of Dan Girardi, someone has shown flashes of dominance in his own zone but provides little else.

That’s why fans are so disappointed. Gaining playing time ahead of Adam Clendening (we’ll get to him in a bit), Holden has been sub-par on defense while providing little on offense. Thus far, he hasn’t impressed.

Grade: C

6. Josh Jooris 

Once an undrafted free agent, Josh Jooris impressed as a depth forward with the Calgary Flames. After two years in Canada, the center found his way to Broadway, inking a one-year deal with the Rangers this past offseason.

Despite joining a new club, Jooris’ role remained the same. After seeing no action in the first two games, the 26-year old entered the lineup due to the aforementioned injury to Buchnevich.

Anchoring the fourth line, Jooris helped in the penalty kill and on the face-off dot and even chipped in a goal for good measure. A separated shoulder, however, currently has him on the shelf; and unless injuries mount, it’s unlikely Jooris becomes a regular member of the lineup this season.

Grade: C+

5. Adam Clendening 

Despite being just 24-years old, Adam Clendening is a well-traveled talent. Struggling to find his niche across the NHL, the defenseman chose the Rangers as his fifth team to try and put all of his talents together.

With Kevin Klein and Dan Girardi dealing with separate injuries, Clendening was able to start in five of the team’s eight games. Despite being a part of the third pair, the New York native impressed with his speed, puck moving ability and time spent on the power play.

But because Clendening is more of an offensive-defenseman, Vigneault has limited his playing time. While fans are calling for more playing time, it looks like that’ll only come if someone on the blue line is injured. If Clendening was a regular, there’s a good chance his grade would be better.

Grade: B-

4. Michael Grabner 

When Michael Grabner — the one-time member of the rival New York Islanders — signed with the Rangers on the first day of free agency, no one was sure if he would even make the opening night roster.

Through the first eight games of the season, the seven-year vet has been one of the better Blueshirts thus far.

Grabner’s speed has been a perfect fit in Vigneault’s up-tempo offense and his two-way efforts have been a huge reason behind the fourth line’s success. His ability to play wing and center combined with his penalty killing skills have also proved to be valuable to his new team.

His three total points and +3 writing may not jump off of the stat sheet. But Grabner does all of the little things right — and that’s something that will win over the MSG crowd in due time.

Grade: B

3. Brandon Pirri

It’s still amazing to see how far Brandon Pirri fell on the free agent market. Despite having youth and upside on his side, the former Florida Panther and Anaheim Duck fell under the radar, as GM Jeff Gorton was able to ink the center to a modest one-year deal in late August.

The Rangers gain has been the loss of the 29 other teams, as Pirri has been a revelation in the Big Apple.

Because of the organization’s tremendous depth at forward, Pirri has been situated on the fourth line alongside the aforementioned Grabner and Jesper Fast. The threesome, however, has been able to take advantage of the opposition’s defense — and the 25-year old has been a big part of that.

Pirri is not only tied for the team-lead in goals (4), but he’s also revitalized a struggle power play unit, as his two goals in man-up situations paces the team while his three points are tied for tops as well. He’s been an offensive threat since day one and he could be seen as the team’s best free agent signing.

Grade: B+

2. Mika Zibenajad

A majority of Rangers fans were up in arms when Derrick Brassard was traded, as the center grew in front of their eyes throughout his time in New York. But as Brassard left, Mika Zibenajad came in; and the more Zibenajad takes the ice, the quicker fans are going to forget about their old favorite.

The 23-year old center, who had his career-best campaign in 2015-16, is continuing his upward trend on Broadway. Zibenajad has centered the second line but has been playing like the Rangers’ best middle-man. Through eight games, number 93 leads his new team with eight points, with three of his six assists coming during power play minutes.

While Zibenajad isn’t known for his physicality of his success on the face-off dot, he tops in penalty minutes with eight while also sporting a 55% winning percentage on faceoffs.

While he’s been a force on offense, Zibenajad is still growing on defense. Once he puts all of his talents together, he has the potential to be one of the best centers in the league.

Grade: B+

1. Jimmy Vesey 

Is there anyone else who can top this list?

Coming into 2016, everyone knew the Rangers were going to be a team of transition. With youth being the number one priority, it was necessary for the organization to throw their hat in the Jimmy Vesey sweepstakes.

Vesey, of course, was one of the top collegiate talents who wanted to be a free agent instead of signing with the Nashville Predators or Buffalo Sabres, two teams who owned his rights. Despite the stiff competition, the Rangers were able to come away with one of the best young talents in the game.

And now, they’re seeing their decision pay off in a big way.

Vesey has all but replaced Rick Nash on the top line as he opened up as the lead left-winger in game one. The former Harvard standout is tied for the team lead in goals and has five total points, two of which (one goal, one assist) have come on the power play.

Thus far, Vesey has proved to be the total package. While he stands out for his instincts and finesse on the offensive end, he shows just as much grit and tenacity on the forecheck. At 23-years old, he still has a ton of time to mature into a top NHL talent.

And for the time being, he’s leading the way for the New York Rangers.

Grade: A-