Let’s cut the fluff. The New York Rangers just put up one of the most embarrassing seasons in franchise history, and now the front office is scrambling to save face. President’s Trophy to playoff no-show? That’s not a stumble—that’s a collapse. And now, with Mike Sullivan and John Tortorella taking over, the message is clear: enough is enough. The country club is closed. The real work starts now.
Big Contracts, Bigger Problems
The salary cap is going up, but so what? The Rangers are still handcuffed by bloated contracts and underperforming “stars.” Shesterkin’s deal is massive, but at least he’s earned it. Fox is locked in, and that’s non-negotiable. But the rest of this so-called “core”? Overpaid, underachieving, and out of excuses.
**Chris Kreider**: He’s been the heart and soul for years, but sentiment doesn’t win Cups. His $6.5 million cap hit is an anchor, and his no-trade list is a joke. If Drury can’t move him, it’s another failure on management. Kreider’s best days are behind him. If a team is dumb enough to take him, retain salary and get it done.
**K’Andre Miller**: Flashed potential, but he’s regressed. He wants a raise? Earn it. If a team will overpay for “promise,” ship him out and don’t look back. This isn’t a charity.
**Mika Zibanejad**: The contract says “franchise center,” but the play says “overrated.” If there’s a market, explore it. No one should be safe after a season like this.
**Lafrenière**: Another “future star” who’s running out of time. The kid gloves are off. If he can’t figure it out under Sullivan and Torts, move him for someone who can play grown-man hockey.
The Coaching Change: No More Excuses
Sullivan and Tortorella aren’t here to make friends. They’re here to weed out the soft, the lazy, and the entitled. The days of coasting through games and hiding behind “potential” are over. If you’re not willing to block shots, finish checks, and play both ends, you’re gone. Period.
Who’s Coming? Who Cares.
Free agents? Trade targets? It doesn’t matter unless this locker room gets a reality check. The Rangers need players with bite, not names with empty stats. If you can’t play with an edge, you don’t belong in New York. This team needs mean, not nice. Hard, not hopeful.
The Truth: Time to Deliver or Get Out
The window isn’t closing—it’s slamming shut. The core is aging, the prospects are unproven, and the city is out of patience. No more “next year.” No more “wait and see.” The Rangers need to play with desperation, or this rebuild will turn into a decade-long joke.
If Drury can’t make the tough calls, he should be next out the door. If the players can’t handle the heat, they should find a new city. The fans deserve better. The Garden demands better.
This is New York. If you can’t handle the truth, you don’t belong here.
**The Dark Ranger doesn’t sugarcoat it. Fix it, or get lost.**
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