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New York Rangers: 3 breakout players to watch for in 2018-19

By Sean Treppedi

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 26: Filip Chytil #72 of the New York Rangers skates against the Washington Capitals at Madison Square Garden on March 26, 2018 in New York City. The Capitals defeated the Rangers 4-2. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 26: Filip Chytil #72 of the New York Rangers skates against the Washington Capitals at Madison Square Garden on March 26, 2018 in New York City. The Capitals defeated the Rangers 4-2. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Neal  Pionk #44 of the New York Rangers (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Neal  Pionk #44 of the New York Rangers (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Neal  Pionk

If there was any positive takeaways from last season, it was the welcoming of number 44.

Neal Pionk took a feature role on the Rangers blueline in the last quarter of last season. He played along side long-time veteran Marc Staal in this span and they proved to be productive together, as Staal mentored him through this time.

After an impressive preseason, it was only a matter of time that he got called up to help the ailing Rangers. He seemed so comfortable and reliable in the tough defensive situations the Rangers put themselves in.

Pionk averaged second in Time On Ice among all Rangers players last season with 22:23 in 28 games played. Only sitting behind Ryan McDonagh, the player who I believe he will replace as the workhorse of the back end.

That is a sign of an exciting development for the Minnesota native this season.

The Rangers have quite a long list of defenseman who will be vying to make the top six this year, especially with the recent addition of Adam McQuaid. Regardless, I think Pionk is a lock here, as he is a young versatile asset that’s proven his capabilities already early on.

I will go as far to say Pionk could be another Calder candidate if his lights out defensive contributions  can be displayed for a full season.

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