The New York Rangers enter the 2024-25 season with a somewhat new-look bottom-six. Their third- and fourth-line centers,  Alex Wennberg and Barclay Goodrow, are now members of the San Jose Sharks. Sam Carrick was signed as a free agent. And Filip Chytil is healthy after playing only 10 regular-season games last season.

A full season of Matt Rempe is also on the table after the 6-foot-8 forward arrived on the scene in February last season.

Last season’s bottom six changed significantly over 82 games. Remember Vincent Trocheck, Blake Wheeler, Nick Bonino and Tyler Pitlick began 2023-24 in the bottom six. Chytil’s upper-body injury believed to be a concussion led to Trocheck moving into the top-six and eventually the acquisition of Wennberg. Kaapo Kakko began the season in the top six, was demoted to the third line and missed 21 games due to a knee injury. Bonino and Pitlick were off the roster by mid-season. Offensive production was underwhelming with Jimmy Vesey leading the group with only 26 points.

The big offseason add to the bottom six was the signing of Carrick to replace Goodrow as fourth-line center. He doesn’t have Goodrow’s two Stanley Cup wings, but should bring more size and physical play and could have more offensive upside. During his time with the Anaheim Ducks and Edmonton Oilers last season, Carrick scored 10 goals along with six assists for 16 points in 77 regular-season games. That’s an upgrade over Goodrow’s four goals in 80 regular-season games for the Rangers.

Peter Laviolette is tasked with creating both a physical and offensive-minded bottom-six core that can perform on a nightly basis. Having Kakko and Chytil healthy this season could certainly provide an offensive spark.

Rangers optimistic about Filip Chytil and Kaapo Kakko

Kakkao and Chytil combined to play 71 games last season due to injuries.  At the start of the 2023-24 campaign Chytil and Kakko came in with high expectations because of career numbers the year prior. During the 2022-23 season, Kakko and Chytil played the majority of the year on the “Kid Line” alongside Alexis Lafreniere, a third line full of potential.

Chytil recorded an NHL career high 22 goals and Kakko also notched a career high with 18 goals in 2022-23. If they can recapture that mojo this season, New York’s third line should be a force. There’ll be extra motivation for Kakko in that this is likely the last chance for the 2019 No. 2 overall pick on Broadway.

Will Cuylle is the other key element to create a dynamic third line. He showed signs of offensive promise in his rookie season scoring 13 goals along with eight assists for 21 points in limited ice time over 81 regular-season games. Cuylle should now ready to take the next step in his sophomore season and looks to blend his physical play with improved production on a line with Kakko and Chytil.

Rangers eye improved forward depth

Stanley Cups are won with star players performing in the biggest moments. Equally important, are quality depth players that not only provide the character and gritty playoff style but can contribute offensively.

The Florida Panthers were able to stifle the Rangers top-six during the Eastern Conference Finals. When Mika Zibanejad, Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider, and other stars went dormant, there was not enough depth scoring to fill in the void, though, ironically, Goodrow played an important role there.

During the Blueshirts playoff run, the top six recorded 34 goals, and the bottom six had 11, six of which came from Goodrow.

Neither Kakko nor Chytil, who returned from a six-moth absence, contributed much, if any, offense. Cuylle scored one goal and Rempe scored their first of the playoff and none thereafter.

That will need to change this season, and certainly in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Rangers prospects looking to make jump

In a little over a month, players report to training camp. The top six is set to stay in place with five returning forwards. Reilly Smith, acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins this offseason, is set to play on a line alongside Kreider and Zibanejad. Intriguing prospects and internal depth pieces will battle for a spot in the bottom six and the 13th forward spot.

The two leading goal scorers from last season’s Hartford Wolfpack team will enter camp with a chance to make a name for themselves and earn a spot in the top nine.  Brett Berard, selected in the fifth round (No. 134 overall) in the 2020 NHL Draft, recorded a Wolf Pack-high 25 goals last season. The 5-foot-9 forward brings speed and physicality to his game and will look to make a mark during the preseason.

Brennan Othman, the No. 16 overall pick in the 2021 draft, is also set to battle for a full-time spot in the NHL. Othman finished behind Berard last season with 21 goals and will be given opportunities in the top nine if he makes the team. He appeared in three games with the Rangers last January.

It’s difficult to see either Othmann or Berard making the team out of camp, unless something significant, like an injury, shakes things up.

Laviolette and the front office will take a close look at Adam Edstrom. The 6-foot-7 forward had a brief stint with the Rangers last season scoring two goals in 11 games. A fourth line centered by Carrick and flanked by Rempe and Edstrom would be a nightmare for opposing defensemen looking to break out of their end. But it’d be hard to believe Vesey won’t be in the mix ahead of, likely, Edstrom.