The stars in the Metropolitan are some of the league's finest. Who are the players that may emerge as rival threats in 2023-2024?
The NHL is a league where any player can lead a team to success. The New York Rangers have seen players like Andrew Copp, Frank Vatrano, and Barclay Goodrow help will the team to success. What players in the division could be overlooked heading into the season?
Bo Horvat (NYI): The Islanders sacrificed Anthony Beauvillier and Aatu Raty for the Vancouver Canucks captain. Horvat’s 10 goals in the 2020 bubble playoffs are exactly what the Islanders will need to secure a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. With a full season in Elmont, New York, Horvat will have more time to adjust and adapt his style to the Islanders system.
Dawson Mercer (NJ): Mercer played an integral role in the Devil's success last season. Look for Mercer to add to that, as the shoot-first winger tucked 27 goals for New Jersey.
Max Pacioretty (WSH): With all the off-season movement, a move that flew under the radar could land a mediocre Capitals team some goal support. Pacioretty in his prime was a certified 20 to 30 goal scorer. He likely won’t reach those marks following a series of injury-riddled seasons, but the 34-year-old might have some gas left in the tank to pop 15 in support of Washington's core.
Reilly Smith (PIT): One of the original “Misfits” of the Vegas Golden Knights, the Stanley Cup champion arrives in Pittsburgh as a play facilitator, with a career total of 53 assists in 7 post-season campaigns. Smith may slot on the flank of Malkin and Rust to spark the two career Penguins who want more than 82 games in 2024.
Patrik Laine (CBJ): If the Blue Jackets climb the standings amidst their rebuild, Laine will certainly have a part in that hypothetical situation. Laine possesses a wicked wrister as a natural goal-scoring winger. The Finish native has a long stride and a 6’5 frame, if he can play more than 50 games this season, he may eclipse the 30-40 goal mark next year.
Owen Tippett (PHI): In four years Tippett recorded 40 points, Last season alone, he recorded 49. The 24-year-old will continue to play for the rebuilding Flyers who will provide the winger ample ice time to continue his upward trajectory,
Michael Bunting (CAR): Bunting was a Leaf, but he always played like a Hurricane. “Good Will Hunting” will take his hard-nosed and passionate play style onto a Hurricanes team that plays with speed and physicality. A perfect fit as a checking line forward on a deep and potentially championship-bound Carolina squad.