Welcome to your New York Rangers offseason grades! It ultimately did not end the way the organization wanted it to, but there was a lot of jog and excitement. It is summertime for the Rangers, but that does not mean we cannot reminisce on the season. Today we will look at Patrick Kane’s offseason grade.
New York Rangers Offseason Grade
Report Card: Patrick Kane
The next New York Rangers offseason grade is someone who got their wish. Many fans got what they wanted and so did the player. After not holding back his disappointment in the team acquiring Vladimir Tarasenko, Chris Drury made wishes become reality. The long-time Chicago Blackhawk winger got his wish and got to play for the Rangers. Patrick Kane got to reunite with former teammate Artemi Panarin and play in his home state. The tenure could be short-lived, but “Showtime” got the call on Broadway.
The Season
There was a lot of uncertainty surrounding Patrick Kane. The rumours surrounding his health were in question and those did in fact remain true. Kane has been battling a hip injury and it has affected his play. Just last season Kane went on to lead the Blackhawks with 92 points. However, this year is a different story. Prior to the trade deadline, there was nothing to be impressed about by his game. Of course, he comes with the same playmaking ability and generates middle-of-the-slot chances, but he is a defensive liability.
Patrick Kane, traded to NYR, is a veteran playmaking winger. His offence is underrated by public xGoal models due to his elite cross-slot passing, although admittedly that has taken a big hit this year. Has been probably the worst defensive forward in the NHL. #NYR pic.twitter.com/R6GzD8RHNZ
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) February 28, 2023
Regardless, Drury made the trade anyway and put all his chips in the middle. During his time with the Rangers, things did get off to a slow start. However, he did find his footing and scored five goals, seven assists, and 12 points in 19 games. Kane did score at his expected rate of 4.25 ixGoals generated. One of the best things was his on-ice metrics improved drastically once the trade happened. Yes, the team was in much better shape, but when on the ice he made more of an impact than being a liability.
The Playoffs
When it comes from a production standpoint, this is where the New York Rangers off-season grade gets good. Kane was one of the more productive players during their first-round matchup with the New Jersey Devils. He managed to score one goal, five assists, and six points. Kane was near a point-per-game player. Things were positive for the team when he was on the ice. Shot attempts were 126-105, scoring chances 67-60, but got worked hard in the high-danger area. In addition, the benefit was with him on the ice, goals were 6-1 in the high-danger area.
“I look at the series and I say, ‘If I felt a little better, I can help us win that series.’ It’s a little disappointing and depressing.”
Patrick Kane talks about his overall health: pic.twitter.com/7Y8KBruk3e
— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) May 3, 2023
However, his injury did look to plague him and the speed of the Devils got the best of him. It is not something he was shy about either, but Kane did manage to perform better than most on this roster.
The Verdict
This New York Rangers offseason grade is a challenge. Kane got his wish and got the luxury of playing for the New York Rangers. Just like Tarasenko, this is a player who is getting up there in age. And much like Tarasenko, he played better on a better team. Patrick Kane may not have been like his former self, but he did his best. His playoff performance saw heavier production in the first two games, but he was more productive than many others. The fit may not have been right, but that is a conversation for a different day. Kane is a pending free agent and his days with the Rangers are numbered. It was a good short ride while it lasted.
Grade: B-
Main Photo: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports
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