Could this former Avalanche star be the key to the Rangers' success next season?
Photo credit: Erin Hooley / AP
Former Colorado Avalanche star forward Juuso Parssinen could be the key to the New York Rangers' success next season, potentially turning them into serious Stanley Cup contenders.
The 24-year-old was acquired from the Avalanche on March 3 in a trade that sent Ryan Lindgren and Jimmy Vesey to Colorado.
Juuso Parssinen could hold the answers to the New York Rangers' success next season.
Tom Castro from Forever Blueshirts writes that while it remains to be seen, New York Rangers coach Mike Sullivan may have inherited a gift from his predecessor, Peter Laviolette, along with a problem that now needs solving.
"In what turned out to be his final season behind the Rangers bench in 2024-25, Laviolette - more out of desperation than pure creativity - decided to move struggling former No. 1 center Mika Zibanejad to right wing on a line centered by midseason acquisition J.T. Miller.
After managing only 29 points in 50 games before Miller's Jan. 31 arrival, Zibanejad put up 33 points in 32 games the rest of the way, with the two players also posting considerably stronger underlying metrics as a pair than apart." -Castro
After managing only 29 points in 50 games before Miller's Jan. 31 arrival, Zibanejad put up 33 points in 32 games the rest of the way, with the two players also posting considerably stronger underlying metrics as a pair than apart." -Castro
In what would be his final season behind the Rangers' bench in 2024-25, Laviolette, more out of necessity than creativity, moved struggling former No. 1 center Mika Zibanejad to right wing on a line centered midseason acquisition J.T. Miller.
Prior to Miller's arrival on January 31, Zibanejad had tallied just 29 points in 50 games, afterward, he recorded 33 points in 32 games, with the duo also posting significantly stronger underlying metrics when playing together than apart.
"Parssinen totaled 16 points (six goals, 10 assists) in a career-high 48 games overall last season. He had five points (two goals, three assists) in 11 games with the Rangers, though a closer look is required." -Castro
Laviolette scratched Parssinen 12 times, meaning he spent more games out of the lineup than in it.
"A salary-cap casualty of those offseason moves was the ability to acquire a bonafide third-line center who can effectively anchor that unit. Parssinen, as a result, appears to be the leading candidate to handle the role." -Castro
After pairing Zibanejad with Miller, Laviolette also experimented with the third-line center spot. When Parssinen couldn't hold the role, he gave Sam Carrick a shot, though the veteran is better suited to leading the Rangers' physical fourth line.
Laviolette ultimately turned to longtime friend Jonny Brodzinski, who performed adequately but essentially served as an extra forward on a strong roster.
Source:
Forever Blueshirts
Why Rangers could place risky bet on Juuso Parssinen filling hole at 3rd-line center
Forever Blueshirts
Why Rangers could place risky bet on Juuso Parssinen filling hole at 3rd-line center
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