Colin Stephenson’s been on the New York Rangers beat since 2018. In fact, his first day covering the team for Newsday was the NHL Trade Deadline sell-off that year, when the Rangers unloaded Rick Nash, Ryan McDonagh, J.T. Miller, and Michael Grabner.
Welcome to the beat, Colin.
Of course, if you know his background, you’re well aware that Colin covered the NHL for a long time, way before he landed at Newsday. So, his perspective matters.
That’s why he joined me on the latest Rink Rap podcast to discuss where the Rangers are headed, how they got here, and what the hell could take place this summer in Chris Drury’s “retool.”
A common theme in our conversation is “what’s the plan?”
And let’s just say that Stephenson is not 100 percent sold on the guy in charge of executing the plan, what ever that vision is. But he also doesn’t believe all is lost with the Rangers, even making the case that they would’ve stayed in the playoff race this season had they not been submarined by the dual lower-body injuries sustained by Igor Shesterkin and Adam Fox in the same game on Jan. 5. And if they hadn’t traded Artemi Panarin.
Looking at the Rangers right now, he sees a need for a major add in the top-six forward group, and some luck with the ping-pong balls going their way on May 5 at the draft lottery. But there’s a bigger reason he believes the Rangers can get this thing back on track sooner rather than later.
“I’m bullish on the New York Rangers because they have Igor Shesterkin, and not everybody does [have an equivalent]. So, maybe that changes the equation,” Stephenson said.
Trust me, he feels your pain Rangers fans. So, there’s plenty of discussion and debate on all the key topics here. But Colin is in the camp that believes with Shesterkin healthy and on top of his game, anything is possible for the Rangers.
Listen to the complete Rink Rap episode with special guest Colin Stephenson; or view it on YouTube over at the Forever Blueshirts YT page.
New York Rangers news and analysis
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Good on former Rangers defenseman Zac Jones, who’s in the Buffalo Sabres organization now. Though not up in the NHL, Jones had a helluva run with Rochester of the American Hockey League, and was named the the League’s top defenseman.
Will the Rangers keep or trade Braden Schneider this summer? Perhaps Drury provided a clue last week.
NHL news and rumors
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Colorado Hockey Now: A long night ended with Nic Roy’s overtime goal to lead the Avalanche past the Los Angeles Kings in Game 2 of their best-of-7 series.
Sportsnet: A wild night in Denver, included glass shattering behind the Kings bench, showering coach D.J. Smith and players, and taken more than a little while to clean up in the second period, right after a massive penalty=shot save by Avalanche goalie Scott Wedgewood.
TSN: Darren Dreger reports that the Vancouver Canucks are “pedal to the metal” in their search for a new general manager, and that includes plan to interview former Buffalo Sabres GM Kevyn Adams.
New Jersey Hockey Now: Speaking of general managers, Sunny Mehta was introduced as the Devils new GM on Tuesday. Here are three critical takeaways from James Nichols.
Daily Faceoff: NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman replied with a firm “No” when asked if the League might consider changing its regular-season points system.
Sportsnaut: John Kreiser’s got the key takeaways after J.J. Moser’s OT goal provoided the Tampa Bay Lightning with a home-ice split and Game 2 win over the Montreal Canadiens.
Montreal Hockey Now: Marc Dumont’s got you covered on the Canadiens’ side of things.
TSN: Lightning coach Jon Cooper told reporters that it’s “doubtful” captain Victor Hedman returns for the Lightning in their opening-round playoff series against the Canadiens. Hedman’s back with the team after an injury-plagued season that also included a personal leave of absence.
Sportsnet: Luke Fox examines how a Mats Sundin and Mike Gillis partnership in the front office could completely change how the Toronto Maple Leafs are run.
Vegas Hockey Now: The Golden Knights lost their first game in regulation under former Rangers coach John Tortorella, dropping Game 2 of their series against the Utah Mammoth 3-2. Torts is 8-1-1 (including 1-1 in the playoffs) since replacing Bruce Cassidy as Golden Knights coach.
Buffalo Hockey Now: The Sabres pulled goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen after falling behind early, but still dropped Game 2 of their series to the Boston Bruins 4-2.
Jim Cerny is Executive Editor at Forever Blueshirts and Managing Editor at Sportsnaut, with more than 30 years of … More about Jim Cerny
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