The Next NHL Dynasty

 

    When you think of a dynasty in the NHL, your mind might instantly think of Denis Potvin and the New York Islanders, Guy Lafleur and the Montreal Canadiens, Wayne Gretzky and the Edmonton Oilers, and you can possibly stick in the Chicago Blackhawk and Pittsburgh Penguin teams of the 2010’s. However, we have finally reached the 2020’s, and we will soon figure out who will be the team of the decade, and the obvious choice is the New York Rangers.

First of all, the New York Rangers have one of the best prospect pools in the NHL; the second best according to The Hockey News. The Hockey News, in their Top 100 Prospects lists, has four Rangers listed.

At third overall they put, goaltender, Igor Shesterkin. The Russian stud had been an absolute beast in the KHL, and has continued his success in North America. He started out this season playing with the Hartford Wolf Pack, of the AHL, and in 25 games put up a 1.90 goals against average and a .934 save percentage. He was later called up the the New York Rangers, where, in 12 games, he put up a 2.52 goals against average and a .932 save percentage.

Next, at 23rd overall, The Hockey News put in Vitali Kravstov. Although he has not made the greatest first impression on North American ice, he has all the talent and tools to adjust a lot better in the years to come. He spent most of his time with the Hartford Wolf Pack, where he put up fifteen points in 59 games. He was then loaned to his home country of Russia, where he played with both Traktor Chelyabinsk, of the KHL, and Chelmet Chelyabinsk, of the VHL, where he played a total of fourteen games.

Skip to number 52 and you have, Swedish defenseman, Nils Lundkvist. The 20 year old played in the SHL this year and put of a total of 31 points in 45 games for Lulea HF of the Swedish Hockey League. He also played in the World Junior Championship for Team Sweden; and although he only played seven games, he still put up an impressive eight points.

Lastly, on the Top 100 Prospects list, you will find, American defenseman, K’Andre Miller at the 57th spot. The 20 year old played for the University of Wisconsin, and although he had a bit of a down year in points, with 22 in 26 games, he still has a lot of potential and great upside. He also only put up two points in the World Junior Championships, but again, he still has a lot of development to take on, and will be a superstar when all is said and done.

Their prospect pool isnt the only thing to look forward too, dont forget that the Rangers won the first overall pick in this years draft, and are able to select, forward, Alexis Lafreniere.

Lafreniere is one of the best potential 1st overall picks since Connor McDavid, and can instantly be a game changer for any team he joins. This year, for Rimouski Oceanic, he had 112 points in only 52 games, as the captain for his squad. Internationally he was insane as well. Even though he was limited to only five games for Team Canada in the World Junior Championship, after suffering what seemed to be a scary looking injury, he still ended up accumulating ten points and was the MVP of the tournament. This is a guy who is expected to put up over 60 points this year, in the NHL, and the Rangers are lucky their ball was selected in the phase two draft lottery.

With all these young stars to look forward to, it is easy to forget about the talented roster that they already have in place. Their roster is stacked with highly talented forwards. Look at Artemi Panarin, who put up 95 points in just under 70 games. The Russian left winger is also a Hart Trophy finalist; and he is playing at a level way past his twelve million dollar a year pay grade. They also have stars like Mika Zibanejad, Ryan Strome, and recent 2nd overall pick, Kaapo Kakko.

Their defense is looking sharp as well. Tony DeAngelo is having an amazing break out season. He totaled 53 points in just under 70 games. Rookie, Adam Fox, is also playing like a superstar as well. He accumulated 42 points in 70 games; and it is surprising as to why he is not a Calder Trophy finalist.

In my mind, the Rangers could easily win a Cup in at least a year; and once they do, it wont stop their. This team can easily win two, three, or maybe even four Stanley Cups in a row. That is why I think the New York Rangers are the next NHL dynasty.

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