Having stripped down their club for parts and futures at the trade deadline just over a week ago, the New York Rangers have entered a skeletal state for the second straight year. Only this time, much of what’s left isn’t flotsam from the wreck, but pieces much more likely to define the success of this rebuild over the coming seasons.
Gone are fan favorites Mats Zuccarello and Kevin Hayes. Adam McQuaid, too. Each shipped off to varying states of contenders with only the mere idea of a return ticket this summer — however unlikely — left to hold out hope for.