The New York Rangers once again fell just short of a Stanley Cup title as they were ousted in the Eastern Conference Finals by the Tampa Bay Lightning.  Injuries proved to be a part of their demise this postseason as a number of crucial players battled injuries throughout the playoffs.  Injuries to Mats Zuccarello, Ryan McDonagh, Dan Girardi, and Marc Staal played a crucial factor during the series against the Lightning.

Zuccarello was sidelined with a skull fracture that he got early in the previous series against the Washington Capitals.  McDonagh, Girardi, and Staal all played through their various injuries, but were clearly affected and taken advantage of by the Lightning offense.

Credit: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images Sport
Credit: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images Sport
loading...

The Rangers head into this off-season with another group of players looking for new deals and another year left chasing their first Stanley Cup since 1994.

There are a number of possible moves the Rangers could possibly make this off-season to improve their chances at another run for a cup next season.

One way they can improve is via trade.  A number of players are tradable for New York.  The player they are most likely to trade would have to be back-up goaltender Cam Talbot who had an outstanding year in the absence of Henrik Lundqvist.  Defensman Kevin Klein will also be a player the Rangers look to move and get value for.  Klein played some very good hockey in the playoffs; his checking in particular.  The other player who has a little trade rumor surrounding his name is top goal scorer Rick Nash, who the Rangers could possibly get great value for should he be traded.

The Rangers also need to sign as many of their restricted free agents as they can; a list that includes Derek Stepan, Carl Hagelin, J.T. Miller, and Jesper Fast.  Stepan is most likely to receive a longterm deal with the Rangers, while Fast is expected to be on another team come next season.  The Rangers salary cap situation could really limit what players are brought back since they only have just over $11 million to spread among seven roster spots.  Other notable players hitting free agency include Martin St. Louis, James Sheppard, and Matt Hunwick.  Don't expect the Rangers to make a big splash, let alone any moves in free agency this year as the salary cap, as mentioned before, is a great issue.

The Rangers also need to bring up some of that young talent they have in their system.  first and foremost being the young defenseman Brady Skjei.  Bringing Skjei up from Hartford would require the Rangers to possibly part ways with one of their premier defenders in Staal, Girardi, or Boyle; all of which have large contracts.  Oscar Lindberg is also ready for NHL play and is expected to be on the Rangers roster at some point early next season if not on the team for the start of the season.  The other prospect who will most likely be on the team next year is goaltender Mackenzie Skapski who in his second career start last season pitched a shutout against the Buffalo Sabres.

Credit: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images Sport
Credit: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images Sport
loading...

The Rangers may look a bit different next season but here is what their projected roster may look like when they drop the puck in New York for the 2015-16 season.

Offense:  Rick Nash, Mats Zuccarello, Derek Stepan, Derick Brassard, Chris Kreider, Carl Hagelin, Kevin Hayes, J.T. Miller, Dominic Moore, Tanner Glass, Oscar Lindberg, and Martin St. Louis (should he take a minimum deal).

Defense:  Ryan McDonagh, Dan Girardi, Marc Staal, Keith Yandle, Dan Boyle, Matt Hunwick, and Brady Skjei.

Goaltenders:  Henrik Lundqvist and Mackenzie Skapski.

No matter what occurs this off-season, the Rangers are expected to be one of the top tier teams in the NHL next season and Ranger fans should still be thinking Stanley Cup in the near future.

More From 104.5 THE TEAM