In Washington, as mentioned in this space last week, it’s asking a lot of Pierre-Luc Dubois, Dylan Strome, Jakob Chychrun, Logan Thompson and, yes, Alex Ovechkin, to repeat what they did last season. Other than Ovechkin, who scored 44 goals last season, the others all had career years. That and the fact that they were the best comeback team in the League last season (25 comeback wins, eight in the third period) pushed Washington to the season it had.
On top of those facts is the competition in their divisions is better. In the Central Division, the Utah Mammoth have realistic playoff aspirations after falling seven points short of a playoff berth last season. The Dallas Stars, Avalanche, Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues should be playoff contenders too. In the Metropolitan Division, the New York Rangers return with Mike Sullivan behind the bench and a hunger after falling way short of high expectations last season. The Hurricanes, particularly with Ehlers, are better. The New Jersey Devils should be a top-four team, and the New York Islanders and Columbus Blue Jackets figure to be in the hunt.
How excited should Rangers fans be about Scott Morrow? — @captain9nyr
Excited with tempered enthusiasm that has a chance to grow. New York acquired Morrow on July 1 in the trade that sent K’Andre Miller to the Hurricanes. They also received a conditional first-round pick in 2026 or 2027 and a 2026 second-round draft pick. Here’s what I wrote about Morrow for our 32-in-32 series in August after speaking with Jed Ortmeyer, the Rangers director of player development:
“Morrow, a right-handed shooting defenseman, is known for his size (6-2, 210) and his offensive ability, particularly his poise with the puck along the blue line, Ortmeyer said. The 22-year-old played for the Carolina Hurricanes against the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Final last season. Ortmeyer said getting NHL games, particularly five in the playoffs, has helped him set up his summer training, and gave him an understanding of the pace and style of play. Morrow’s skating and understanding of gaps and when to join the rush are focal points for his continued development.”
Morrow needs time to build on his skillset and improve his skating and gap control. Starting the season in Hartford of the American Hockey League should be best for Morrow, who had 39 points in 52 games with the Chicago Wolves in the AHL last season. The Rangers have Adam Fox, Braden Schneider and Will Borgen who will handle the right side of their defense. But Morrow should get NHL games this season and if he plays well he could push his way into being a regular in the top six.