Six question marks for the Rangers heading into the 2024-25 season.
You can't be a Rangers fan without being a worrier; it's genetic, frenetic and infuriating; otherwise known as fun.
Since Dr. Fischler knows all about the disease, here are some symptoms that can be cured – but only with a June Cup win. Beware, brother, beware:
1. FILIP CHYTIL: Fiery Fil has escaped the preseason in what appears to be good shape. But when it comes to concussions, Chytil gives me the chills. The fear here is that what happened last season – and in the playoff disaster – could happen again.
2. KAAPO KAKKO: Mister Slump should be traded but Dreary Drury can't get rid of the fella with more K's than K'Andre. The fear here is that Double K will have a nothing year and Pal GM either will be stuck with him or get a few stickboys in a trade.
3. REILLY SMITH: A year ago the Penguins figured that the team had struck goal with a second line left wing named Smith. But, a good four months ago, Pitt couldn't get rid of the guy fast enough. Two Rangers things are possible: A. Last season's punko year for Reilly was an aberration or, B. It wasn't!
4. ARTEMI PANARIN: At 32, The Breadman is no spring chicken nor is he a stale pumpernickel. But his ersatz playoff last spring could be a portent of things to come and if that happens, the S.O.S. will be spelled OY VEY!
5. IGOR SHESTERKIN: Assuming that Sir Greedy Guts does break the MSG bank and becomes the highest-paid dude wearing funny pads, I'd still be worried. I'd brood about how his spoiled-child dollars demand just might negatively change his standing with the rest of the team.
6. JACOB TROUBA: Lame ducks are neither tasty nor do they seem to be tradeable. They may not make lead-able captains anymore either Bottom Line: A non-tradeable defenseman in need, is a debit indeed!
