Sullivan Needs Centers to Fix Rangers

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On June 14, the New York Rangers brought in Mike Sullivan last year, hoping he was the guy to get them back to playoff contention after a rough season. Remember, they were Presidents' Trophy winners just the year before, so that drop off was a real shocker. Finishing 30th in the league was definitely not what anyone expected, and while it's early to judge Sullivan, it's becoming clear the roster he inherited might not be the best fit for his coaching style. He thrives with a strong core of centers, something the Rangers are currently lacking. Sullivan's past success with the Pittsburgh Penguins, winning two Stanley Cups, was built on having elite centers like Sidney Crosby and Evgeny Malkin. While the Rangers have a solid defenseman in Adam Fox, and a top tier goalie in Igor Shesterkin, replicating that center depth is a huge challenge. There are whispers about keeping Vincent Trocheck, which makes sense if the Rangers want to avoid a full rebuild after hiring Sullivan. Trading him would just create another gap they'd need to fill, to become contenders again. The team needs to figure out their center situation, perhaps moving Mika Zibanejad, or JT.
Miller to the wing and acquiring a proven center could give Sullivan the personnel he needs to succeed and get the Rangers back into playoff form. That's the story for today.
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