The New York Rangers were the best team in the 2023-24 regular season, but couldn't capitalize on it in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Is there any chance of them doing it again, and possibly having a different end result?
New York Rangers v Carolina Hurricanes - Game Six / Grant Halverson/GettyImages
The New York Rangers finished last season with the best record, meaning they were the winners of the Presidents’ Trophy. The last time the blueshirts did that was in 1994, when they ended their magical season with winning the Stanley Cup. Unfortunately, that same result didn’t happen last season, but it gives some thought that this year could see another chance.
As the summer keeps rolling along, and the start of next season draws closer, the pain and stinging of last year’s disappointment is starting to turn to curiosity and hope. Can the Rangers claim the Presidents’ Trophy once again in 2024-25, and potentially win the Stanley Cup as well?
Run It Back
The Rangers had an interesting offseason, to say the least. The big splash was landing forward Reilly Smith from Pittsburgh, as he brings even more veteran experience to a team that has made the Eastern Conference Finals in two of the last three seasons. Additionally, they brought back key members like defensemen Braden Schneider and Ryan Lindgren, as well as forward Kaapo Kakko to a one-year extension.
Outside of losing veteran center Barclay Goodrow, the Rangers are going against the rest of the NHL with nearly the same squad next season. With some of the younger players now being one more offseason older, we could see an even better team once October comes.
It Has Happened Before
Since the inception of the Presidents’ Trophy in 1985-86, several teams have won the award in consecutive seasons. Edmonton, Vancouver, Washington, Calgary, Dallas and Detroit have gone back-to-back, with Washington being the latest to do it in 2015-16 and 2016-17.
You cannot rule out the possibility of the Rangers leading the league again in points. The blueprint has been laid out, and if this team can follow it to a tee, how can you doubt them being the best team in the NHL once again.
Do you think the Rangers will be the Presidents’ Trophy winner in 2024-25?
