What does the future hold for the Rangers defense? Questions that need answered

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Joshua Deeds
November 5, 2024 (6:58 PM)

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The New York Rangers have multiple issues to address on the squad, not including goalie Igor Shesterkin's contract.

There are many questions regarding the status of Ryan Lindgren's long-term situation in New York. And realistically if he has the means of staying there.

The defense hasn't been the greatest even with an 8-2-1 record, they've allowed Igor Shesterkin to be pelted in the last 3 games. A whopping 124 shots landed on Shesterkin's doorstep.

So what are the issues that will need to be addressed?

Ryan Lindgren

Lindgren is on a one-year deal in New York, a "prove it" deal if you will. With a $4.5 Million dollar cap hit the team needs him to be "the guy" next to Adam Fox. He's the warrior, and should be "Gimli", to Adam Fox's, the shooter "Legolas". Who doesn't love metaphors?

But his injury history and the decline in his play have given GM Chris Drury a reason to be skeptical of his long-term abilities with the club.

Will he be a Ranger next season? It seems with other defensemen waiting for a new contract in the wings, will Lindgren be a priority? Honestly, it's hard to tell.

But given Drury's lack of commitment to Lindgren a year ago, it doesn't look like a great situation for him.

Zac Jones and Victor Mancini

Victor Mancini and Zac Jones have for all intents and purposes shared both the 6th and 7th defensemen role in New York. The team had reduced the defensive roster to 7 from 8 at the beginning of the season. Since then Peter Laviolette has rotated them in and out of the position.

The question is, who should win the spot and get more playing time, and who of Jones and Mancini accept the lesser role in the organization?

So, the question now is who should the Rangers be playing more? Should Jones get the opportunity he's been denied over the past couple seasons or should Mancini get a longer run to see what he is truly capable of?

Jones has been in a holding pattern with the New York Rangers his last three seasons. You would've thought that the defenseman would get a shot in the bottom-pairing long-term, but Victor Mancini emerged out of training camp surprising everyone.

Who should sit and who should play? Honestly, neither as Zac Jones wouldn't pass through waivers, as another team would claim him.

While Mancini would benefit from more time in the AHL playing top minutes with the Wolfpack.