The New York Rangers are embarking on their rebuild this season, and there’s a clear youth movement on the roster for the season opener. Filip Chytil, the Rangers’ 21st overall pick from the 2017 draft, is slotted for a top-nine role. Undrafted Vinni Lettieri stole a depth role over Cody McLeod. Neal Pionk is slated to play with Marc Staal.
While the forward group is mostly young players, Pionk is the lone representative of the youth movement on the blue line. Fredrik Claesson (25 years old) and Tony DeAngelo (22) will start the season in the press box, watching 31-year-old Adam McQuaid skate on the top pairing.