What does the Islanders loss to Carolina mean for the New York Rangers
After the New York Islanders fell at the hands of the Carolina Hurricanes, we have a clearer idea of the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference. Montreal won earlier in the day, but we’ve already addressed that. Now, our attention must turn to the rivals across the city and what their defeat means for the New York Rangers playoff aspirations. It’s good news for the New York Rangers, so let us dive into why they did so well with this result.
The Blueshirts defeated the San Jose Sharks last night, moving them into the second wild-card spot. Still, the Canadiens’ win earlier took the Rangers out of that spot and threw them back into the chasing pack. Still, the problem was that the Islanders could have overtaken the Rangers had they managed to defeat the Hurricanes, but the result favored the Blueshirts. We now get a clearer picture of the Eastern Conference playoff race.
Now, the Eastern Conference is a little more complicated. The Montreal Canadiens are in the final wild card position. They are ahead of the Rangers on points percentage. Following the Rangers are the Columbus Blue Jackets, who have two games in hand on the Rangers and are just two points back. New York will need a result to go against Columbus in the season’s final stretch to ensure they finish ahead of the NHL’s feel-good story.
Below the Jackets are the Detroit Red Wings, who have 74 points from their 73 games, meaning they’re 3 points back of the Rangers with only one game in hand. That is the same position where the New York Islanders sit. The Eastern Conference is not leaping at the chance to take the second wild-card spot, so the Rangers’ hopes will remain alive. Can they seize the chance and make it to the postseason?
Debut vs. Wild?: Rangers Sign Gabe Perreault to Entry-Level Deal
The New York Rangers have signed forward Gabe Perreault to a three-year entry-level contract. He could debut Wednesday vs the Wild.
The New York Rangers have signed forward Gabe Perreault to a three-year entry-level contract. This will officially mark the end of his college career with Boston College and bring their 2023 first-round pick into the system. The 19-year-old winger is expected to join the team in practice on Tuesday and could make his NHL debut as soon as Wednesday night against the Minnesota Wild at Madison Square Garden.
By signing his contract, Perreault immediately burns the first year of his deal. It is not believed he will go to the AHL, and the Rangers will find room for him on an NHL roster still trying to make the playoffs. He is expected to slot into the team’s top nine, potentially even getting a look on the first line alongside Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trocheck.
New York has struggled offensively this season. Perreault could be a much-needed boost, even if expectations might be set unrealistically high to start his NHL career.
Is Perreault NHL Ready?
While Perreault’s playmaking ability has been highly praised, there are concerns about his physical readiness and skating at the NHL level. However, given his success alongside elite prospects like Ryan Leonard and James Hagens, the Rangers are confident in his ability to adjust.
The organization can’t and shouldn’t expect too much from this year, but Perreault is widely expected to make the team’s opening night roster next season.
Next:Â Oilers Sign College Free Agent Damien Carfagna to Entry-Level Deal
NHL Trade Talk Recap: Oilers, Leafs, Rangers Have Big Day
NHL Trade Talk Recap Dec. 6: The Rangers trade Trouba and sign Shesterkin, while the Oilers make a minor trade and there’s a McMann update
In another NHL Trade Talk Recap (Dec. 6), the New York Rangers made big news when they traded Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks and then signed goaltender Igor Shesterkin to a record-breaking contract. Meanwhile, advanced stats tell the story of how dominant Connor McDavid is, plus there is an injury update on Bobby McMann.
Feature NHL Trade Talk Recap Story: Rangers Trade Trouba, Sign Shesterkin
For the New York Rangers, December 6th was an eventful day. It was learned early that the team had told defenseman and captain Jacob Trouba that they were moving and that he was going to have to make a decision — either accept a trade or wind up being a scratch and then placed on waivers. Rumors leaked of a handful of teams involved in talks, and there was even a nasty rumor that Brady Tkachuk was linked in talks (which wasn’t true).
Read Beyond the Recap Here
After Trouba agreed to go to Anaheim, the Rangers immediately signed goaltender Igor Shesterkin to an eight-year contract extension. The deal made him the highest-paid goalie in NHL history. Is he worth it?
