Rangers Daily: Examining 2 sides to late surge; Cale Makar to ‘miss some time’
Martin Biron played for good teams and not-so-good teams over 16 NHL seasons with four different clubs, including the New York Rangers. Some of those years, his team made the playoffs or was at least a contender down the stretch. Other times, they played out the string.
So, when Marty joined me on the Rink Rap podcast this week, I asked him what this Rangers surge down the stretch of an absolute lost season means moving forward. Remember, when asked the same question on the show a few weeks ago, NHL insider Pierre McGuire said that the Rangers should be wary of “fool’s gold” — in other words, having success at this point with the pressure off doesn’t mean much..
But being a former player and now a respected NHL analyst, Biron had a two-part answer which made a lot of sense.
“It doesn’t mean anything for the team moving into the offseason, moving into next year’s training camp,” Biron told Forever Blueshirts, before adding, “but individually, it can help.”
So, in other words, Rangers management and the player have different takeaways from the spirited play and improved results lately. Sure, Chris Drury and Co. must be happy with what they’re seeing, especially from a revived Alexis Lafreniere, and the Baby Rangers led by Adam Sykora.
But that can’t stop the general manager from following through on his retooling plan, whatever that entails this summer and beyond. Because Drury identified serious issues with this roster and lack of organizational depth, when the Rangers face-planted for a second straight season out of the playoffs.
On the flip side, several players — with Sykora, Dylan Garand, Jaroslav Chmelar, Tye Kartye, Drew Fortescue chief among them — are getting an opportunity to show they deserve serious consideration for NHL roles next season. And Lafreniere is showing signs of becoming a consistent force since the Artemi Panarin trade.
That’s not nothing. All of that counts. But it’s up to Drury, and coach Mike Sullivan, to keep level heads with decision making moving forward. And it’s key for the players to make a strong impression no matter the team’s place at the bottom of the standings.
“If you’re a player that hasn’t gotten a lot of ice time, you’re now getting more ice time, getting more experience,” Biron explained. “If you’re a veteran, and the season’s somehow not gone well, but you’re able to turn it on the last 10 games it can help [the individual].”
Certainly J.T. Miller comes to mind with the last part of that comment.
“I go back to my year with the New York Islanders (2009-10), I had a terrible year, but in the last 11 games I went 7-2-2 and played better,” Biron shared. “And I was like ‘OK, I can still do it.’ I wasn’t sure if I was done, if I was going to be out of a job. And then I went to the Rangers (signed as a free agent in 2010) for three and a half years and it was really good. So, personally it [strong finish] can help reassure you that you should be in the NHL … but as a team, it doesn’t mean anything.”
However, this bit of success down the stretch, with the Rangers seeking their fourth straight win when they host the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday, should also provide motivation during the offseason considering a huge missed opportunity during 2025-26.
“The mindset now is you should work your you-know-what off all summer long and come into [training] camp prepared liked you’ve never been prepared before.”
Rangers news and analysis
ICYMI, there was this goalie fight the other night at Madison Square Garden involving noted Rangers pugilist Igor Shesterkin.
Pat Pickens weighs in on the “competitive spirit” the Rangers showed in taking out their season-long frustration on the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday night.
Rangers prospect Brody Lamb is riding a six-game point streak in the minors, not a bad introduction to pro hockey after finishing up at the University of Minnesota. Ricky Milliner has that and plenty more in his Hartford Wolf Pack Weekly.
NHL news and rumors
Colorado Hockey Now: Superstar defenseman Cale Makar will “miss some time” with an unspecified injury, but should be ready for the playoffs, per Avalanche coach Jared Bednar.
Forever Blueshirts: Former Rangers center Sam Carrick could miss some time after injuring his left arm in a fight with Islanders captain Anders Lee. Plus, Biron provides insight on how well Carrick’s played since the trade to Buffalo.
Sportsnaut: The NHL expanding to New Orleans? The League’s Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said he’s been approached about the possibility.
NHL.com: Adam Kimelman delivers an excellent Q&A with former Rangers star Jaromir Jagr.
TSN: Retool; Rebuild; Reset. Choose your term. But the Toronto Maple Leafs face a summer of change, with general manager Brad Treliving already fired. So, which term does MLSE executive Keith Pelley choose to use during press conference Wednesday?
Sportsnet: Elliotte Friedman reported that Jason Spezza could be an early candidate for the vacant GM job with the Maple Leafs, and added that Panthers assistant GM Sunny Mehta is worth keeping an eye on, as is St. Louis Blues GM Doug Armstrong, with Alexander Steen taking over that role this offseason.
Sirius/XM: Friedman did a radio hit on NHL Morning Skate and said he’s heard rumblings that Detroit Red Wings VP and GM Steve Yzerman may consider relinquishing the general manager’s role, but remain head of hockey operations, to get a fresh voice on the team, which simply can’t get over the hump with Stevie Y in charge of everything.
New Jersey Hockey Now: James Nichols examines a similar situation with the Devils, who may retain Tom Fitzgerald as their top hockey executive, but hire someone else as general manager, following this extremely disappointing season.
Philly Hockey Now: William James breaks down what a big role No. 2 goalie Sam Ersson’s played in the Flyers’ resurgence. He also analyzes the Flyers signing defenseman David Jiricek to a two-year contract.
PWHL Now: Lou Orlando delivers the latest PWHL Power Rankings, with some changes in the mix, but not at the top of the of the league.
