Chutes And Ladders: New York Rangers

For the last couple of days, and continuing for the next few days, I have been and will be looking at each team in the NHL and identifying a couple of players in particular that fit into one of two categories based on the once popular kids game, Chutes and Ladders.  The players in the “chutes” category will be players who exceeded expectations last season, and will have a difficult time avoiding a slide in the coming season.  The “ladder” category will consist of players who are ready to climb a level in their play and step up a notch.  Feel free to brows back to see previous teams, and look for more teams in the coming days.

NEW YORK RANGERS:

May 4, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; New York Rangers center Brad Richards (19) skates with the puck as Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom (19) defends in the third period in game two of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs at Verizon Center. The Capitals won 1-0 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Chutes:  Brad Richards – Quite honestly, this could go either way.  Was Richards’ slide part of his game or was it a matter of just not meshing with John Tortorella’s style. Richards will get a shot at returning to productivity under Alain Vigneault, but if it doesn’t go well he could get a big cheque via buyout next June.

Jan 20 2013; New York, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) sends the puck as New York Rangers defenseman Marc Staal (18) closes in during the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Ladders:  Marc Staal – Assuming he can fully recover from the devastating eye injury, Staal has the chance to join the ever-expanding group of elite level defensemen that are capable of being game-changers.  The invite to Team Canada’s orientation camp shows that, but he still has another step to take on the ice to be part of that group.