By next spring we'll know who the Blueshirts most valuable player will be. Right this minute, here's The Maven's MVP Prediction List:

1. WILL CUYLLE: One of the few diamonds from last season's disaster will only get better and better on all fronts. Even without the captain's "C," he'll be the true leader.

2. VINCENT TROCHECK: His best years may be behind him, but he'll give his best no matter what and that means more scoring than last semester because it's still in him.

3. IGOR SHESTERKIN: He should be Number One but he's not because the team needs a better Iggy than last term and we can't be sure he's up to it without Benoit Allaire.

4. BRADEN SCHNEIDER: Low-key but still vital, the pride of Prince Albert, quietly – but relentlessly – has become the defensive rock that Jake Trouba once was on D.

5. ARTEMI PANARIN: Even in the worst of times, The Breadman let his abundant skills take over and lead. He won't be a Hart Trophy candidate again, but who cares?

6. ADAM FOX: Maybe it's the injuries that have affected his all-round play; or maybe it was the overall team malaise that got him down. With luck he could have a high-grade season.

7. MIKA ZIBANEJAD: Some will say – after seeing his minus-24 for 2024-25 – that Z is a lost cause. The Maven doubts it. Still, he's down in seventh place for a reason. Better get better, Pal!

8. JONATHAN QUICK: There's no way we can guarantee a super Shesty year and that's why Ole Reliable Quickie is there to save the crease and the team. His Cup history says it all.

The Blueshirts Totally Zany "Eichler Automatic Goal Judge," And Its Blueshirt Broadcasting Inventors Steve Albert's book "A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Broadcast Booth" is filled with enough craziness that you have to wonder how he's managed to live to age 73 – and still look 43. 

9. GABE PERREAULT: Of all the rookies, he's the most gifted, most motivated and why The Hockey News Yearbook put him at the top of the Rangers "Prospects" list. He won't disappoint and that's a promise.

10. ALEXIS LAFRENIERE: Assuming that he's not traded by February there's still enough there in Big Al for the right wing to prove he deserves the very-big $. Let him prove it in 2025-26.