Ten points about the Rangers from The Maven.
1. Although the Rangers are doing quite well, thank you, I keep hearing trade rumors – Ryan Lindgren was the latest – and they all seem ten-times stupid.
2. Lindgren is the lion of this team – and when it comes to heart and soul, he's at the top, especially now that Jacob Trouba likely will be moved at some point.
3. At this point in time, I wouldn't deal either Kaapo Kakko or Fiery Fil Chytil. My vibes for KK and FF signal bigger and better things for both.
4. It's gratifying to see Chytil defy the Nervous Nellies and their constant "But He'll Get Hurt" chorus.
5. Last season – in this space – The Maven predicted nothing but wonderful things for Will Cuylle. As we see in every game, the sophomore left wing is the soul of the third line.
6. The Inside-The-Dressing-Room "Battle Within" stars Matt Rempe vs. Jonny Brodzinski. Right now it's too soon to call. The fans want Remper; the general staff leans to Jonny Brod.
7. Now that Big Al Lafreniere is no longer the team's Poor Little Rich Man, I expect him to score 35 goals, minimum, and 70 plus points.
8. As for Igor Shesterkin, his new contract stall is about as annoying as Matt Rempe's commute to Hartford.
9. And speaking of Rempe – can we ever stop? – The Hockey News' Yearbook says, "He needs some maturing."
10. Reader Bernard Rohde on Igor Shesterkin's demand to be the NHL's highest-paid goalie: "I realize that most athletes have short careers. However, when is enough, enough? Igor is being misguided by his agent and we know why that is."