the Rangers feel miles away from Tampa and Colorado from an overall, top-to-bottom talent standpoint, with the exception of Shesterkin. They’re very good, but if Chytil and Lafreniere move up to the top six it’s hard to see how to assemble a productive third line given the cap constraints. I think defensive depth is fine, and honestly Trouba’s game isn’t detrimental but he’s not worth the price tag. (He’s not Wade Redden.)

Have to keep telling myself they’re young and will get better, but for certain guys (Chytil, Kaako) it’s tough to see how much higher the ceiling is.

I do think Gallant is the right coach at the right time.

Small one is Motte is resigning. Depending on the money that can be really good or really bad.

Big rumor is Drury going hard after Pierre-Luc Dubois. If they can get him signed long term I'd love to have him. But there's no way he's going to sign for less than $7M - $8M a year on a long term deal. That's a lot given the Rangers cap situation and the need to resign Kakko this season and Chytil, Lafrienere, and Miller next season.

That said, he's a big (6'4, 205lb) 24 year old center whose best hockey is ahead of him and has existing chemistry with Panarin. If we're going to break the bank on a center there are much worse options (including both Strome and Copp). I don't see how the cap situation works out in 2023 with him on the roster, though.

When I see McKinnon skate for the Avs, I agree that no Ranger seems close to that fast and elusive with the puck. Makar is right there with Fox, perhaps better in the offensive end.
And Palat for Tampa is simply clutch. Add the leadership of Stamkos, and the high skill level of Point, Kucherov, Hedman and Sergachev and the Rangers did well to play Tampa as close as they did.
The Finals teams do indeed seem to have a higher level of talent competing that that the Rangers bring to the ice.