The New York Rangers claim to be in a retool, but many believe they are or should be in a rebuild. The major difference is that a retool works to return to contention quickly, while a rebuild is methodically drawn out to develop the best possible long term result, regardless of how long it takes. The question isn’t as simple as should the Rangers rebuild or retool. It’s about their approach and when they want to get back to contention. Personally, I have long been in the rebuild camp, but recently I’ve been wavering toward the retool.
Rebuild: This team Is terrible: Let’s be real, the Rangers aren’t one or two pieces away. With that, it doesn’t make sense to try to fix the team’s problems on the fly, as that would be a lot of heavy lifting with few assets. Sure, the Rangers will get assets from trades they make this season, but flipping those assets could put the organization in the exact same spot they’re already in. It’s a no-brainer, right?
Retool: Igor Shesterkin and Adam Fox exist: Two of the best players in the world at their respective positions play for the New York Rangers. Yes, the Rangers are far from contention. Also yes, the Rangers filled two of the biggest checklist items in being true contenders. This complicates the equation, as unless the Rangers trade one or both, the Rangers not only have elite players, but also elite players other players likely want to play with.
Rebuild: Free agency is becoming less prevalent: The Rangers were going to do their previous rebuild following The Letter 1.0 a lot more methodically. Then Artemi Panarin wanted to be a Ranger. This time around, there’s no obvious player who is A. available soon, and B. destined to be a Ranger. Maybe Alex Tuch wants to play at Madison Square Garden? That’s a disaster waiting to happen. Without an obvious life raft, the Rangers should be playing the long game.
Retool: We don’t know everything: This is the one that keeps getting me. We can say whatever we want, but the world changes on a dime. Today, Connor McDavid could love Edmonton, tomorrow, he could wake up and decide he only wants to play for the Rangers. Today, basic logic says Quinn Hughes would never be a Ranger. Tomorrow, he could decide he hates his brother and wants to be a Ranger to beat him.
These aren’t likely scenarios, but I am trying to show that we truly have no idea what will happen. Does Brady Tkachuk demand a trade? Is that enough to alter your plans? What if Auston Matthews keeps losing in Toronto? All of this needs to be considered when charting the path.
So should the Rangers rebuild or retool?
This is a cop out and I am sorry for it, but the correct path is to plan for a methodical rebuild, then adapt on the fly. To me, this means accepting this may take a long time, while still being prepared if a McDavid, Tkachuk, Matthews type decides they want to play for the Rangers. The key will be to never give up on developing young players along the way. The Rangers cannot afford to sacrifice building in the name of retooling.