#1: New York Rangers
Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The Rangers have literally done almost nothing in free agency. However, they have also not really lost anything. Their worst loss is either a bottom six caliber forward (Martin St. Louis and Carl Hagelin) or their backup goaltender (Cam Talbot). Right now, the Rangers have the core of their 2014-2015 President Trophy winning squad coming back and their core is still relatively young. Hagelin trade hurts them a little bit, but I’m a huge fan of Etem. Rangers definitely have the forward depth to replace Hagelin, who was nothing more than a role player (albeit a good one).
As long as the Rangers have guys like Rick Nash, Mats Zuccarello, Henrik Lundqvist, Ryan McDonagh, Derek Steppan, Chris Kreider and Derick Brassard, they’re going to keep being really good. Right now, they are the defending Metropolitan Division champs. They are the defending President’s Trophy winners. Even with the improvement of the Washington Capitals, Penguins, and Blue Jackets, they deserve the number one spot until someone proves that they can beat them.