2015-2016 New York Rangers Scoring Predictions
On to 2016 for the Rangers (Corey Sipkin / NYDN)
It’s that time of year again and I’ve reviewed about a half dozen fantasy sites, took out my calculator and filled out a spreadsheet. Here’s FullTilt Rangers annual scoring predictions for the Blueshirts this upcoming season.
NYR 2015-2016 Projections (FTHN)
Goal and Points Leader: Rick Nash
Who else did you think? Rick Nash is still by far the Rangers most talented forward and he will build off his 42 goal campaign from last season. I am projecting him to score 44 times and that is in large part to his uptick in power play goals.
Nash will benefit from a full season with Keith Yandle manning the QB position on the PP. Last year he tallied 6 times on the man advantage, but I expect him to double that this year. Once again, Nash will be the regular season hero…the question will be can he keep it going into the playoffs.
Yandle (Bruce Bennet / Getty)
Assist Leader and Top Scoring Defenseman: Keith Yandle
Most pundits have Yandle as a goner this coming summer. Well, he is sure going to give the Rangers some serious pause before they decide to trade him or let him walk as a UFA in July.
Yandle is going to lead the Rangers PP to one of its best ever. Last year the Blueshirts tallied only 39 times on the man advantage. I am projecting Yandle to provide a significant boost by 26 more goals.
This will also be due in large part to the beast mode presence that Chris Kreider will provide up front. Expect the Rangers PP to dazzle in 2015-16! Yes, I know I am crazy…but if you know me, I always make a few bold predictions a season and this will be the biggest.
Notable Projections
Derek Stepan may make more money, but it will be Derrick Brassard that will be the Rangers top center again. That will primarily be because of the benefits of playing with Nash and Mats Zuccarello.
Kevin Hayes will outscore Chris Kreider, but Kreider will still be considered the better offensive weapon with his 28 goals and PP dominance.
Emerson Etem will be a nice replacement, but the Rangers will miss Carl Hagelin. I have Etem for 12 goals but it is one prediction I have low confidence in. I think the maturation of J.T. Miller will be what makes people forget Hagelin faster.
Kevin Klein will regress to goal numbers closer to his career average and Tanner Glass will finish as a plus 1 on the year. Yes…that could be even bolder than my PP prediction.
Well, there you have it! Tell me what you think in the comments section below.
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