We kick off selecting the perfect Rangers team with the potential first line. Below you will find a list of possible first line centers as well as left and right wingers for 1988 to present. I have listed the names alphabetically and then posted the poll for each spot. Once the overall team is selected, I then will list all the roster proposals you posted in the prior blog comments along with mine. It be interesting to see how the general consensus compares to each of our selections.
In the poll, I have listed lines for selection to compare to the individual options, as it might also be intriguing to see how the ‘made’ up trios compare to some actual lines utilized by the Blueshirts. In addition, some overlap may exist between those proposed as possible first line options to the second line based on the names and their role on the team. Therefore, names you see below may also be presented as options for selection on the second line.
A few reminders :
1) Cut off for eligibility is 165 games or two-plus seasons as a Ranger, but I have used some leeway in a couple of instances (Zib for example is one)
2) Selection should be based on their production and role in New York, not output while with other teams
3) If you feel I have missed any names, please let me know and I will add those to the poll
Centers :
Wayne Gretzky, Eric Lindros, Mark Messier, Michael Nylander, Brad Richards, Derek Stepan and Mika Zibanejad
Left wing :
Adam Graves, Alexei Kovalev, Chris Kreider, Rick Nash, Brendan Shanahan, Martin Straka
Right wing :
Tony Amonte, Ryan Callahan, Theo Fleury, Marian Gaborik, Mike Gartner, Jaromir Jagr, Mats Zuccarello
Line combinations to vote on, though some of these may be better suited for the second line :
Graves-Messier-Kovalev
Straka-Nylander-Jagr
Hlavak-Nedved-Dvorak (Czechmates)
Fleury-Lindros-York (FLY line)
Dave Maloney on NHL Network :
Maloney had a few interesting nuggets:
1) he agreed with the use of the term ‘rebuild’ for New York, running through the rationale as to why that word is an apt description
2) Brendan Smith has lost 15 pounds. The picture of him at Kevin Shattenkirk showed that he was in much better shape but Maloney put a number next to the weight loss
3) Maloney raved about the talent at the Development Camp. But cautioned that it was peer to peer and the next step would be facing ‘men.’ This will take place in training camp, then pre-season games, and for those who make the roster, in the regular season.
The NHL Network listed the projected lines as:
Kreider-Zibanejad-Zuccarello
Namestnikov-Hayes-Buchnevich
Vesey-Chytil-Fast
McLeod-Andersson-Spooner
I hope that Buch and Zucc flip spots. Fast on the third line makes some sense, as he would be the defensive ballast. But in this layout, I would flip him and Spooner, putting a more offensive minded player next Chytil. Having Andersson on the fourth line is less than optimal but likely where he will be deployed to start the year if he makes the team. Putting McLeod next to him just completely takes away any value he has. I would rather see Matt Beleskey there since he at least has a modicum of offensive talent.
New York Rangers Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»