Having jettisoned senior citizen Chris Kreider – with more of the ancients soon to find the "Exit" door – the Rangers accent is moving toward youth and more youth.
With that in mind, here's The Maven's "Lucky Seven" list of Most Promising Young Players, with all ages pegged to October 2025.
1. WILL CUYLLE: Unless some rival produces an Offer Sheet, the 6-3, 210 pound 23-year-old no longer is a surprise prize. The Toronto native fills all boxes with a specialty in scoring and hitting. He's ready to be team captain right this second.
2. BRENNAN OTHMANN: Terribly misused during the Peter Laviolette era, fourth-line work stifled his scoring potential. No problem. At 22, the 6-0, 186 pounder should thrive under the Mike Sullivan blueprint. The No. 16 pick in 2021 will get a real good look.
3. BRADEN SCHNEIDER: Prince Albert, Saskatchewan's gift to the Blueshirts is the best Blueshirt backliner and he's only 24. Tipping the scales at 6-3, 211, Braden already has established himself as a well-rounded versatile right-handed defender.
4. GABE PERREAULT: Groomed at Boston College, the son of an NHLer, Perreault, 20, is an A-1 playmaker with an instinctive hockey sense. Up for a small cup of coffee this past season, Gabe had little time to display his wares. Guaranteed, he'll be a regular right wing.
5. BRETT BERARD: Originally projected for an NHL arrival next season, the 5-9, 174-pounder impressed this past season as a battler who fights his way to high-danger areas. The Hockey News labels the Rhode Islander "a wrecking ball."
Celebrating a Blueshirts 85th Anniversary
The Maven had celebrated his eighth birthday (March 31, 1940) just two weeks earlier, when the grand event happened 85 years ago in Toronto.
6. MATT REMPE: Once the NHL's tallest and heaviest forward eschews his clown act, he can be an effective fourth-liner with an eventual shot at moving even higher on the roster. He should forget about enforcing and concentrate on offense.
7. ADAM EDSTROM: should work side by side with Rempe giving New York a Twin Towers duet who'll scare the opposition with just a look. A late season injury slowed Adam's ascent just when the large Swede was hitting his stride.