Using the VUKOTA projection system of Hockey Prospectus, Insider is taking the temperature of key players on every NHL team, continuing with the New York Rangers. For a detailed explanation of Prospectus' proprietary GVT value metric, read more here.
Note: Due to the lockout, GVT scores for the 2013 season are prorated from 48 to 82 games.
Summer Skate: New York Rangers
The Rick Nash era of Rangers history opened in a less stellar fashion than the team would have liked. The former Columbus captain did not disappoint in the regular season, but his stick went cold in the playoffs, leaving a sour taste in Rangers fans' mouths as Year 1 concluded.
In trading Marian Gaborik for a package including Derick Brassard, the Rangers have done well to restore some of the depth that they shipped to the Jackets the summer prior for Nash, but it remains to be seen how this squad will respond to its late-season offensive struggles. There's a new bench boss presiding over the team, as Alain Vigneault was brought in to replace John Tortorella (who took Vigneault's old job in Vancouver).
Trending up: F Carl Hagelin
Last season: 9.2 GVT | VUKOTA projection: 9.8