New York Rangers find the perfect solution for the Zibanejad/Kreider line
Could the answer for the Rangers top-six, be hiding in the teams bottom-six all along?
For a linemate with Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad, the answer won't be Kaapo Kakko, Reilly Smith, Brennan Othmann or Brett Berard.
Could the solution be overlooked on the bottom-six? As the 2024-2025 season comes into fruition, the Rangers should consider Jimmy Vesey, a successful redemption project by the Rangers, whose now into his third season, in a second run with the Rangers.
Eight years ago, he was a highly sought-after free agent and was considered a great top-six forward prospect. Could his style mesh well with the Rangers top line of Kreider and Zibanejad?
With the trade of Pavel Buchnevich, the spot has been open for some time, as Kaako's future with the Rangers is uncertain. This even given multiple chances to build chemistry with Kreider and Zibanejad, and Smith is a middle-six option for the team.
Othmann and Berard haven't cracked the NHL lineup yet as unproven prospects, which means they could look for help soon at the trade deadline.
While he did spend limited time with Kreider and Zibanejad during his last stint with the Rangers, the stats show that Laviolette should give the 6'3" 202-pound winger a chance.
Vesy spent 200 minutes together with Kreider and Zibanejad at 5v5 posting a 59.4 xg%. The unit has outscored the opposition 118-82, with 50-37 in high-danger chances and outscoring opponents 11-9.
Vesey's positive effects on the BFF line is clear, as without Vesey the xg share decreased to 51.3 and was out-chanced 1,076-1,063 without him.
These metrics make you wonder why Laviolette hasn't given this line a look as Vesey seems to shore up the line with his responsible play, and relentless forecheck. He could be the legitimate answer for the Rangers.
Kreider and Zibanejad are elite offensive players, and they sometimes could use a spark like Vesey in the lineup. He gets into dirty areas, works on creating turnovers, whose unafraid of shooting the puck, and can move it well.
Could Vesey be the answer for the Rangers top-six? While he's never been a 20-goal scorer he's always envisioned himself as one.
His first stint here saw him uncomfortable and unable to live up to the expectations thrust upon him. He reinvented himself as a bottom-six, penalty-killing forward which earned him a spot on the New Jersey Devils in 2021. He'd later begin his next stint with the Rangers securing a PTO and winning a spot, later signing a two-year $1.6 Million contract with GM Chris Drury.
Vesey may never become a 20-goal scorer in the NHL, but at this point in his evolution, he could become the key to unlocking some offensive potential not seen from what we thought we'd always see.
It could be argued his first stint here saw him in a top-six role, which placed too much pressure upon him, given this is an original six market.
But Laviolette could give Vesey a chance to grow once again on the top six, and this time not feel out of place.
Source: The Hockey Writers
Rangers' Vesey Could Solve Right Wing Problem on Kreider/Zibanejad Line
| POLL | ||
will Jimmy Vesey fit on the Rangers top-six? | ||
| Yes | 47 | 48.5 % |
| No | 50 | 51.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
