New York Rangers prepare for home opener with three players to watch against Utah

The Utah hockey club formerly known as the Arizona Coyotes have had a fast start to their season as they've won their first two games and look to build upon their success. UHC faces a Rangers team who are looking to continue their success from last year and should provide a great game for the fans.

Three players for the Rangers are to be watched. Firstly, Igor Shesterkin who has made the news cycle due to his rejection of a latest contract extension offer worth $88 million over 8 years. This would have put him as the highest paid goaltender in NHL history at $11 million per season. Many fans hope this is not a distraction for Shesterkin and so far, even only in one game it doesn't appear to be.

Jacob Trouba will also be watched as he has been the talk of the Rangers especially during the offseason. The Rangers made it clear they wanted to move off Trouba and made every attempt to find him a new home.

This made the situation rather uncomfortable between the two parties but in the end the 30-year-old defenseman wanted to remain with the Rangers till the end of his deal. He contributed 2 points and was also a + 2 during the Rangers victory and will likely be a force on the back end.

Lastly, Mika Zibanejad Has had a tough start even only through one game as he is expected to be one of the top point producers for the Rangers going into this year. During the Rangers conference final last year his offence also seemed to have dried up and many hope that this is not a concern that will stretch into the new season. Head coach Peter Laviolette has high hopes that the recent addition of Reilly Smith teamed with Chris Kreider will spark that line and be a dominant component to his offense.

This will likely be an entertaining hockey game as it will take place on October 12th and puck drop will occur at 7:00 PM eastern.