Each NHL season, we have the luxury of seeing players break out and some bounce back from a previous dismal season.
The 2024-2025 season should offer the same opportunities, as the Rangers have two candidates who can revitalize their careers.
Kaapo Kakko, the 2019 1st-round pick of the New York Rangers regressed in 2023-2024, after having a career-year in 2022-2023. After dealing with injury trouble and scratches during the Stanley Cup playoffs, if fully healthy and ready to go, we could see him resurrect his career and channel the kind of play that brought in 40 points in 82 games.
The Rangers traded for Reilly Smith from the Pittsburgh Penguins and wasn't able to be a fit in the Penguins system. After struggling in 2023-2024, compared to consistent production in Vegas, Smith undoubtedly will look to bounce back season in 2024-2025.
He could end up playing in the top six with players such as Chris Kreider and find himself in the high life again, as an elite producer in the NHL.