2012 Projections: New York

The New York Rangers are looking to improve on an injury-plagued 2011 season, so in theory, that shouldn't be too difficult to manage, knocking on wood.  The Rangers have made some additions, some key re-signings and now the biggest question they have going forward is whether or not they can stay healthy.

Of course, when health is the biggest risk for a team and trying to project hockey pool numbers, you may want to discount some numbers a little bit.  The numbers I have below for the Rangers are somewhat discounted for players like Marian Gaborik and Brandon Dubinsky, both of which have had some troubles staying healthy in their careers.  There is certainly some potential for them to bust out and be a bit better than projected, but I would definitely let someone else take the risk there.

Forwards		Defense		Goalies
Brad Richards	85	Dan Girardi	35	Henrik Lundqvist	100
Marian Gaborik	75	Marc Staal	25	Martin Biron	10
Ryan Callahan	60	Michael Del Zotto	25
Artem Anisimov	55	Michael Sauer	15
Brandon Dubinsky	50	Ryan McDonagh	15
Derek Stepan	40	Steve Eminger	10
Brian Boyle	35
Wojtek Wolski	35
Mats Zuccarello	35
Brandon Prust	30
Erik Christensen	30
Ruslan Fedotenko	20
Sean Avery	20
Mike Rupp	15
Dale Weise	15	Tim Erixon	15	Chad Johnson	5
John Mitchell	5	Dylan McIlrath	10

Pool Worthy Forwards (Inside the top 160, 35 points)
Potentially, the Rangers have a number of players that could be considered pool worthy and they may be a great team to pick from, especially if you are trying to find a bit more depth.  The addition of Richards will help a player like Gaborik, but the team may struggle to find another full-time winger to compliment the big two.  Wojtek Wolski does have some potential to fill that role, but his own inconsistencies may get the better of him, especially in the Tortorella regime.

I like Ryan Callahan to make a good push in 2012, I think he has the right moxie to make a push, as does Artem Anisimov, while Derek Stepan may fall under the sophomore jinx.  Mats Zuccarello earned a lot of praise from the coaching staff, so I could see him making a good jump.

Pool Worthy Defensemen (Inside the top 80, 20 points)
The Rangers have a few defensemen that should be front and centre when the draft is done, looking at the resurgence of Michael Del Zotto in 2012, possibly getting the New York power play back in order.  Del Zotto may have a bit of a curve to work around, which may limit his production, but I think he will work himself back into his 2010 numbers.  As for Girardi and Staal, both are widely regarded as great defensive defensemen, but since there was a lack of offensive gifts on the blueline, they filled in nicely.  I don't expect too much more from them in 2012.

Pool Worthy Goalies (Inside the top 40, 25 points)
I think with a little bit more offense, I really think that Henrik Lundqvist could really make a push for the overall points lead in the 2012 season, especially with the number of shutouts he is able to post in a season.  I like the Rangers to do some damage this year in the standings, likely giving some rivals a headache or two in the process, especially if the team in front of Lundqvist is healthy.

Pool Worthy Rookies
Well, the only place where I can see a rookie making a push for the Rangers is the blueline and it will be very important for any youngster to come in to play well defensively, keeping their workhorse in net as rested as possible.  Tim Erixon, acquired from the Flames, may lead the charge there and isn't too far away from being worthy of pool play, so keep a close eye on him this year.

Unsigned Players
None.

Key Injuries
None.