Who's your favorite Ranger? It's not an easy answer. Am I right?
Once upon a time, the answer realistically could have been either Breadman Panarin for goals or Igor Shesterkin for goaltending.
But that seems a century ago. Sure Artemi scored big this past season; but not big enough to push his pals into a playoff berth.
As for Iggy, once he demanded to be the highest-paid goalie in hockey, his greed turned away a bloc of fans who also were not too crazy about his goaltending.
"You could make a 'Most Popular' case for Matt Rempe," says The Old Scout, "but what is it based on? He doesn't score; half the time he's either suspended or benched so it's a kind of false popularity. There is no real favorite but it once was Mika."
Nobody is in love with Zibanejad anymore, except the media, his family and his agent.
"Fans have not forgiven the Rangers for what they did to themselves last season," adds The Old Scout. "Nor has anyone we know bought a Love Boat for Chris Drury."
Even the absolute devotees have begun to question their own passion. Blue Collar Blueshirts publisher Sean McCaffrey is Exhibit A.
Apart from pouring his heart and soul into his popular publication and Rangers books, McCaffrey has much on his mind when the question about where the Rangers Flatwheel Local is heading.
"Chris Drury's biggest failure as a general manager was his work – or non-work as the case may be – at the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline. As a result of that and other mistakes I don't see this club as a Stanley Cup contender." Then, a pause:
"What this has done with me is conjure up feelings of hate and disappointment. And they have to get rid of Zibanejad."
Another perspective is offered by Vic Morren, co-host with Neil Smith on the popular podcast NHL Wraparound.
"The return on the Chris Kreider move," says Vic, "is underwhelming for an unknown and moving up spots for a mid-range pick in the Draft. As for Zibanejad, he's being paid as a top six forward who is a middle six in reality.
"Z still has value as a penalty-killer but cannot be on the top PK unit. He still lives for one-timers from the left circle that are easily predictable and miss the net with ridiculous frequency."
Unless some miracle happens and Drury can unload Mika, Morren pegs him for the third line and second unit PK. Another loser worth discarding, if possible, is K'Andre Miller.
Morren: "I would not re-up him. Few players have more decision-making liability at the offensive blue line than this guy. Nor is he much better in his own end with puck movement and defensive coverage."
Can Vic see the Bluebird of Happiness? Or any reason to feel better than the despairing McCaffrey?
"The curious component," Morren concludes, "is what Sullivan needs from Drury to get this grou[p to a place where they can be a 90-point club and sit on the bubble!"
As The Man said in "Casey At The Bat," there's no joy in Mudville. Or, in this hockey case, no joy in Rangerville.
That also explains why it's so hard to pick a favorite Ranger these sobering days.