The Rangers had the top two picks in consecutive drafts in 2019 and 2020, a kind of lottery luck designed to change the franchise's fortunes if those picks turn out well.
Neither Kaapo Kakko, the No. 2 overall pick in 2019, nor Alexis Lafreniere, the top pick the following year, were instant stars for the Blueshirts.
The latter, playing primarily alongside All-Star linemates Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trocheck, finally broke out in his fourth NHL season, playing all 82 regular-season games and setting career highs in goals (28), points (57) and shots on goal (217).
The Blueshirts are still waiting for Kako, 23, who re-signed in June to a one-year deal worth $2.4 million, to continue on a similar upward trajectory.
The winger only had 19 points (13-6) in 61 regular-season games last year, missed nearly seven weeks from November through January with a lower-body injury and was eliminated in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals in a loss to the Panthers before returning for the final four games of the series.
“I feel like it's a question I get asked every year when I come back,” Caco said over the weekend when asked if he expects to make a leap in 2024-25. “I felt like two years ago was my best season and last year I was ready to make it. It feels like that question at the end of every summer.”
“Maybe this time I should just try my best and not think about it. Hopefully it will work out.”
Kako, who posted 18-22-40 records in 2022-23, and linemates Filip Chytil and Will Caille appeared in Sunday's preseason-opening win at Boston, with Chytil recording one goal and one assist.
Rangers coach Peter Laviolette left his top two lines out of the trip, but more regular players are expected to be at the Garden for Tuesday's preseason game against the Islanders.
“I played with Will last year, so I know what he can do on the court, and I've played a lot with Phil,” said Kako, who spent most of the summer in his native Finland. “It's a new season and we've only practiced together a few times, but I think we all know what we can do on the court and I think we can be a good line.”
The Lafreniere-Panarin-Trocheck unit gives the Rangers two dynamic lines, while the other combination is Mika Zibengeid with Chris Kreider at center and trade acquisition Reilly Smith.
The 22-year-old Lafreniere said he has spent the summer working on his skating and believes he “still has work to do” before becoming a restricted free agent next summer when his two-year, $4.65 million contract expires.
“It’s very simple. Every year, [I’m] “I'm just trying to get better,” Lafreniere said. “I want to take that next step, produce more, play more complete and help my team win. … I want to take that step this year.”
Lafreniere's scoring will likely improve with more power-play time, but it will be tough to beat a numbers-superior first unit of Zibaginjed, Trocheck, Kreider, Panarin and defenseman Adam Fox. Lafreniere scored 26 of his 28 points last year in even games.
“I don't care. None of the players [power-play time]”But I don't really care about that. I just want to compete and get results,” Lafreniere said. “It won't change much. Whenever I step on the court, I'm just going to try to play good hockey. Whenever my name is called, I'm just going to step on the court and try to help my team win.”
Goaltender Hugo Olas was assigned to AHL Hartford on Monday.
