New York Rangers ready to take the Metro Division this season

The New York Rangers open the 2022-23 NHL Season at home against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The team that knocked them out of the Eastern Conference Final left a bad taste in their mouths. Chris Kreider wants to win the Stanley Cup this season.

The New York Rangers lost several players to free agency this summer. Vincent Trocheck signed a seven-year deal. Artemi Panarin and Alexis Lafrenière are expected to play a big role in the offense. The defense is young but talented led by Jacob Trouba and Adam Fox. Igor Shesterkin and Jaroslav Halak will be the key to the division title. The goalies will challenge for the William H. Jennings Trophy. They will play for a few goals scored against during the regular season. New Yorkers will edge out the Carolina Hurricanes for division.

New York Rangers are ready to take the Metro Division this season.

Carolina Hurricanes have signed several new players. Brent Burns, Paul Stastny, Ondrej Kase and Max Pacioretty are new additions. Nino Niederreiter left the team to sign with Nashville Predators.

The biggest question for Carolina is whether Frederik Andersen and Antti Raanta can stay healthy all season.

Pittsburgh Penguins signed Kris Letang, Bryan Rust, and Rickard Rakell to long-term contracts. Evgeni Malkin was signed to a four-year extension. Tristan Jarry and Casey DeSmith are going to be key to their success. Captain Sidney Crosby has three years left on his contract and he will decide if he wants to retire or continue playing in the next three.

Washington Capitals signed Darcy Kuemper as a free agent. Alex Ovechkin is chasing Wayne Gretzky's all-time goal record. Nicklas Backstrom will miss the start of the season. Tom Wilson and Backstom will be back in time for the new season, so I expect the Caps to make a push for a Wild Card spot.

Columbus Blue Jackets signed Johnny Gaudreau and extended Patrik Laine in the offseason. Yegor Chinakhov and Kent Johnson will give the Jackets a lift on offense. Elvis Merzlikins is the team's goalkeeper. Zach Werenski anchors the defense.

Lane Lambert was promoted to assistant coach of the New York Islanders. The team did not bring any notable free agents this summer. They were able to sign Mathew Barzal to a long-term contract worth $9.15M AAV for 8 years. Noah Dobson and Alexandar Romanov got new contracts.

John Tortorella is the new head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers. The team added Tony DeAngelo and Owen Tippett to their roster. They want to know if Kevin Hayes can lead the team and if Carter Hart can find his game under a more defensive minded Torts.

The New Jersey Devils are fast and fun, but their defensive game is an issue. Ondrej Palat is a good player, he will improve in the postseason. Lindy Ruff could be the first head coach let go this season.