The New York Rangers will walk — skate — a fine line this season. New coach Mike Sullivan is tasked with getting a talented veteran core back on track with a mandate to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs after one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history. At the same time, Sullivan and Co. want to develop as many top Rangers prospects as possible and incorporate them into the lineup.
Now, one objective doesn’t have to submarine the other. In a perfect world, bringing along key youngsters on a playoff-caliber team, buoyed by proven NHL stars, dovetail seamlessly.