It was a disappointing season for the New York Rangers, who failed to make the playoffs just one year removed from winning the Presidents’ Trophy. However, with the season in the books, we can now hand out some important awards.
Most Valuable Player: Igor Shesterkin
It’s scary to think where the Rangers would have ended up without the play of Igor Shesterkin. Shesterkin played 61 games and led the league in saves and shots against. While his .905 save percentage (SV%) is significantly lower than his career average, he had to deal with an abject Rangers’ defense that consistently gave up high-quality scoring chances. His 21.6 goals saved above expected ranked seventh in the league. He was durable and continued to battle even though his teammates around him failed to provide adequate defense in front of him.
Honorable Mention: Artemi Panarin
Most Disappointing Player: Chris Kreider
This was a competitive category, as most of the Rangers’ core produced below expectations. But Chris Kreider‘s drop-off was the most significant. He went from 39 goals and 75 points in 82 games last season to 22 goals and 30 points in 68 games this season. He dealt with a back injury at various points and was even a healthy scratch in December. He scored just six power-play goals even though he maintained his spot in front of the net on the first power-play unit for most of the campaign.
Related: Chris Kreider’s Rangers Tenure Likely Ending on a Sour Note
What’s most disappointing is that Kreider has been a consistent, productive and likable Ranger since he made his NHL debut in 2012-13. The drama and inconsistency that plagued him this season were hard to watch, and if this turns out to be his last season in New York, it will be a difficult way to finish an otherwise impressive and illustrious career in New York.
Honorable Mention: Alexis Lafrenière, Mika Zibanejad
Best Midseason Acquisition: J.T. Miller
This was perhaps the easiest award to hand out. Acquired in late January, J.T. Miller looked rejuvenated in a Rangers uniform, producing 35 points in 32 games for the Blueshirts.
Miller was a 103-point scorer just a season ago and seemingly returned to that form in New York after getting moved from what had become a tense situation with the Vancouver Canucks. The Rangers hope Miller can continue to play at this level, as he is owed $8…
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