Two surprising New York Rangers to move up in ranks after exceeded high expectations

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Joshua Deeds
November 16, 2024 (4:54 PM)

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The New York Rangers have had a dynamic shift in production, like a few other clubs this season.

The inverse of what you expect to happen, happened as the third-line for the team has been one of the most productive lines this season.

The Filip Chytil(now injured)-Kaapo Kakko-Will Cuylle line has been driving offense for the team all season. With Cuylle set to produce at a record clip this season, we should take a look at other depth forwards who are giving it their all this year.

This season Kakko is playing on the Rangers' third line with Filip Chytil and Will Cuylle. The line has been by far the team's most effective through the first 15 games as they are the one line that has consistently forechecked and sustained pressure in the offensive zone. Kakko is winning one-on-one battles along the boards and is strong on the puck which has helped his line keep possession of the puck.

Kaapo Kakko in 2022-2023 scored 40 points( 18 G, 22 A) and last season failed to produce up to expectations. There were thoughts that GM Chris Drury and the Rangers were going to try and trade him but instead extended him for another year, with a "prove-it" deal at $2.4 Million AAV.

Since then, he's proven himself to be a capable defensive forward, making up for his lack of offensive output. He's found his home on the third line.

The Rangers' third line has also played well defensively and all three players backcheck and are rarely caught out of position. While Kakko has gone through some extended slumps offensively in his career, he is steady and reliable defensively. He is active with his stick and uses his reach to get into passing and shooting lanes.

While he's not an active scoring threat, like Cuylle, he manages to still generate offense last scoring against the fierce Winnipeg Jets during the Rangers' 6-3 loss. He posted a goal that night, after crashing the net. He currently has 8 points( 2 G, 6 A) and a -9 in 15 games.

Jimmy Vesey

This will be Vesey's third season during his second stint with the Blueshirts. Last season he provided a two-way playing style that kept him relevant in New York, scoring 26 points( 13 G, 13 A), and has only recently come off of injured reserve.

Since returning, Vesey has played in five games and picked up where he left off last season. He is reliable defensively but continues to give the Rangers secondary scoring even though he is playing on the fourth line and only averaging just over 10 minutes of ice time per game.

The former Hobey Baker Award Winner is now a two-way threat, playing with bruiser Adam Edstrom, and depth center Sam Carrick.

They were part of the reason the Rangers defeated the San Jose Sharks 3-2 on November 14th.

On November 9th, Vesey scored on the Detroit Red Wings to solidify the Rangers' dominance over the winged wheel, giving the team a 2-0 lead that night.

He's found ways to make plays and take advantage of opportunities in challenging moments too.

He also scored in the victory over the Sharks as his own pass deflected back to him and he scored on a smooth backhand to give the team a 2-1 lead in the second period. His line also got ice time late in the game and they did their job defensively.

Vesey is an underrated depth forward who has taken advantage of the opportunities GM Chris Drury has given him and hasn't missed a step since his return from IR.