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Rangers Still Pretenders Following Patrick Kane Deal

Neil Parker

Last Updated: February 28, 2023 4:24 PM EST • 2 min 6 sec read.

Patrick Kane reacts after scoring a goal.
Patrick Kane reacts after scoring a goal against the Carolina Hurricanes during the second period at United Center on November 03, 2021. Photo by Stacy Revere Getty Images via AFP.

The New York Rangers acquired three-time Stanley Cup winner Patrick Kane from the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday. But in the loaded Eastern Conference, can he propell the Blueshirts to a Stanley Cup championship? Neil Parker takes a look at whether it's worthwhile for bettors to consider taking the Rangers at their current Stanley Cup odds.

Hats off to New York general manager Chris Drury for pushing all in and bolstering his lineup ahead of Friday’s NHL trade deadline.

Kane joins winger Vladimir Tarasenko as recent Blueshirt acquisitions, and the pair bring a scoring prowess New York lacked. Additionally, Drury didn’t have to move an established or meaningful contributor from the current roster – with all due respect to Sammy Blais.

I grade both trades as huge wins for the Rangers. Unfortunately, it’s just not enough.

New York Rangers Stanley Cup odds

SportsbookOdds
DraftKings+1100
FanDuel+1200
BetMGM+1300
Caesars+1000
PointsBet+1000
Barstool+1200

(Odds updated Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 5:00 p.m. ET.)

New York is unlikely to leapfrog both the New Jersey Devils and Carolina Hurricanes atop the Metropolitan Division, and we'll likely see a Devils-Rangers first-round matchup.

New Jersey added superstar winger Timo Meier on Sunday, and the Devils were already a statistical juggernaut. They rank third in Corsi For percentage (54.2) and second in expected goals for percentage (55.5) at five-on-five when adjusted for score and venue.

For comparison, New York ranks 15th (51.4%) and 18th (50.5%) respectively – and Meier brings more to the table in 2023 than Kane does.

Even if we project reigning Vezina Trophy winner Igor Shesterkin to steal the seven-game series, Round 2 will feature an even tougher matchup.

I expect the Hurricanes to win the Metro and claim their first-round playoff series. They’re caving in opponents at five-on-five and pace the league in both Corsi For percentage and expected goals for percentage by a considerable margin when adjusted for score and venue. 

Of course, the elephant in the room is that Shesterkin’s play hasn’t resembled his 2021-22 form. After pacing the NHL in save percentage (.935), GAA (2.07) and goals saved above average (44.9) last year, he’s dipped to run-of-the-mill marks of .910, 2.65 and 5.7 through 43 starts this season.

Drury made two no-lose deals, but the Rangers aren’t good enough to win it all. At least not yet. 

It’s been a breakout season for 23-year-old center Filip Chytil, but otherwise, New York doesn’t have the supporting cast up front to match up against the best teams in the East. The addition of Kane definitely helps, but are wingers Alexis Lafreniere and Kaapo Kakko suddenly going to live up to their potential?

The path through the Metro is too daunting for a team with middling five-on-five statistics, mediocre goaltending and a top-heavy lineup. Plus, another star-studded, statistically-superior team will be waiting in the conference final, if the Rangers actually defy the odds. 

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Written By:
Neil Parker
A lifelong Cowboys, Cubs, Maple Leafs and Gators supporter, Neil has been covering sports in print and online since 2011. His past stops include USA TODAY, theScore, DraftKings Playbook and RotoWire among others. He's a graduate of St. Thomas University and Acadia University and spends ample time at KenWo Golf Club.