Random thoughts: Rangers hit home run with Tarasenko; what does NHL Player Safety do?

Checking in on some random trade thoughts and NHL thoughts in general.

New York Rangers get just what they needed

The New York Rangers have been the most fascinating team in the NHL for me this season because there is such a wild extreme between their possible outcomes.

Given their top-end talent at all of the important positions, especially in goal with Igor Shesterkin, I could see a situation where they win the Eastern Conference and are seriously contending for the Stanley Cup. Some things need to go right for that to happen, including some big play from their young players, but it is absolutely within reach.

But because they have been so dependent on their goaltending the past two years and have some flaws with their 5-on-5 play, there was also always a scenario where they significantly regress and end up disappointing.

More than halfway through the 2022-23 season we have seen a little bit of both outcomes.

The Rangers ARE winning a lot and getting the results, but they still have some 5-on-5 questions and have been very dependent on their goaltending. Especially as the season has progressed.

They were still missing something.