Before we begin, let’s note that David Quinn has already stated that he intends on playing Artemi Panarin with Mika Zibanejad to start the season. While that is the plan, plans change. Chemistry is a factor. Overall lineup depth is a factor. Injuries become a factor.
While injuries will undoubtedly impact the Rangers at some point, assuming a healthy roster means that the Rangers will be looking to find some kind of top-six that is both lethal and deep. The obvious connection of Panarin-Zibanejad is the one folks gravitate to, with Panarin being a bonafide star and Zibanejad showing he is a legit 1C.