In their first game back after the Olympics, the New York Rangers blew a 2-0 lead, falling 3-2 to the Flyers in overtime. Adam Fox and Igor Shesterkin returned from their injuries with vastly different responses to the ‘Letter’ question, creating much post-game chatter on social media. The focus is now mainly on the trade deadline, which is a week away, while New York claimed a bottom-six forward off waivers.
Game recap:
Lines against Philly:Miller – Zibanejad – Perreault
Cuylle – Trocheck – Lafrenière
Sheary – Laba – Brisson
Othmann – Carrick – Raddysh
Gavrikov – Fox
Schneider – Borgen
Robertson – Iorio
Shesterkin
Quick
A few thoughts:
1) The game
The end result matters little, given the Rangers’ place in the standings. Yes, more ping-pong balls might be on the minds of many, but the main focus is and should be on player growth. New York had a 2-1 lead heading into the third period. To give you a better sense of how bad this season has been, that was just the fourth time this season the Blueshirts entered the final stanza with a lead. Before yesterday’s loss, the team was 1-0-2 in those situations.
New York started the contest red-hot, dominating play for the first 9-10 minutes. Then the bottom dropped out, as Philly was the better team for the rest of the game. I can understand being annoyed that the Rangers blew a 4-on-3 chance in overtime, losing the game when Matvei Michkov netted his second of the game after coming out of the penalty box.
2) Olympics
JT Miller, Vincent Trocheck, coach Mike Sullivan, and associate coach David Quinn all were feted and received recognition for winning the Gold Medal. However, not everyone associated with that accomplishment was treated the same. Rangers’ fans directed their anger at the team’s disappointing performance by booing GM Chris Drury, who was part of Team USA management. If that doesn’t send a clear message as to a lack of trust in Drury, nothing will.
3) Trade deadline
As we sit one week from the deadline, rumors will be coming hot and heavy. First, only retweet and/or consider rumors from valid insiders by checking their Twitter address, avoiding any fake accounts. Second, expect a ton of leaks to create more interest in certain players.
Vincent Trocheck’s name has been prominently mentioned in rumors for months. Vince Mercogliano spoke with Michael Russo, who covers the Wild for The Athletic, on his podcast. Russo stated that Danila Yurov, who would be New York’s top target, is likely unavailable. Charlie Starmel, their second prospect, would, though he doesn’t move the needle like Yurov. Stramel profiles as a middle-six forward but he lacks the offensive talent Yurov has.
Compare and contrast the answers given by Shesterkin and Fox on the “Letter.”
Shesterkin provided a response in line with what you would expect to hear if someone wanted t stay. While he didn’t provide a direct yes or no, Igor was not sending a direct or indirect message to management. “I don’t care about that letter and all this stuff around,” Shesterkin said. “I need to do my job, I need to stop the puck (and) I need to give a chance to my teammates to get two points every night.”
When asked if he plans to stick around through the retool, the 30-year-old goalie said, “I just do my best, and I hope everyone tries (to do) the same.”
Fox, however, appeared to send a pointed message with his response. Already annoyed at being left off the US Olympics roster despite his GM, coach and associate coach playing key roles on the squad, Fox saw the team win a Gold Medal. Those three were unable to sway or convince USA GM Bill Guerin that Fox deserved a spot. Part of that decision was likely influenced by Fox’s poor play at the 4 Nations tournament and his injury history.
Sullivan provided this quote during the Olympics: “The team was built with personality in mind… There are whiskey drinkers and milk drinkers, and we got a lot of whiskey drinkers.“ While not a direct shot at Fox, the mild-mannered blueliner is not known for a wild personality, preferring a calm, measured approach on the ice. Fox does not fit what Sullivan wanted on the squad.
“I’m just trying to focus on this year right now. That’s a conversation when we’re done playing games. We’re just trying to win games; we didn’t do that tonight. That’s where my focus is right now”
Fox forced his way from Calgary to Carolina and then to New York. Growing up a Rangers fan, Fox gave the Rangers everything they could have wanted early in his career. Injuries have robbed him of some speed—not that he had much previously—forcing him to rely more on his smarts and positioning. Despite those ailments, Fox remains an elite defenseman, both 5-on-5 and on the power play, even as criticism of him grows.
If he has hit the saturation point of playing in New York, Fox would need to agree to any move because he has a full no-movement clause through 2026-27, while his contract doesn’t expire until 2029. His $9.5 million cap hit makes him one of the highest-paid defensemen in the NHL. When he is right, he is worth it, but injuries and the team’s record have chipped away his reputation.
Fox’s answer appeared to send a message to management. With New York facing a long rebuild, he may not want to be a part of it. What started with some promise has turned into a nightmare.
5) New York claimed Tye Kartye off waivers from Seattle. At least Drury is using the team’s place in the standings to take chances on players who could be fits. Vincent Iorio was claimed a few weeks ago, while Kartye was added today.
Kartye brings some size, physicality, and PK ability. Granted, he sounds a little like the other bottom-six players the team already has. But the upside is worth the risk. Kartye is signed through next season with a $1.25 million cap hit. If he doesn’t earn a spot next season, $1.15M can be buried in the minors so only $100k dead cap hit.
Brennan Othmann was optioned down to make room for Kartye. It’s clear he doesn’t have a spot on this team. New York failed him and Othman has done little to show he deserves a roster spot or ice time. A divorce should be imminent.
