Rangers Gamble on Dorofeyev as Line Shakeup Attempts to Offset Shesterkin Loss

The New York Rangers are playing a dangerous game of musical chairs with their depth, and as Sports Illustrated first reported, if they don't unlock Pavel Dorofeyev now, they're just burning assets heading into a deadline where they'll be desperate for secondary scoring.

According to reporting from Sports Illustrated, the Rangers are implementing a significant top-six shakeup following a loss to the Washington Capitals and a devastating blow to their roster. The team has lost star goalie Igor Shesterkin for the remainder of the season, a loss that Sports Illustrated notes will certainly lower the team's ceiling. While the organization looks to Dylan Garand to step in as a solid NHL replacement, head coach Mike Sullivan is simultaneously attempting to ignite an offense that has struggled at even strength.

In a move detailed by Sports Illustrated, Sullivan has shifted Pavel Dorofeyev up to the first line, pairing him with Gabe Perreault and Mika Zibanejad. Consequently, Alexis Lafreniere—who is currently playing some of the best hockey of his career—has been moved down to the second line to play alongside Tye Kartye and Miller.

The urgency for this change stems from a lack of production. Sports Illustrated reports that while the previous first line performed well, they have managed only three goals together at five-on-five. Similarly, the second line has struggled to put the puck in the net.

For Dorofeyev, the move is a critical test. Through six games, he has recorded one goal and two assists, though Sports Illustrated points out that both of those assists occurred on the power play. The hope is that elevating him to the top line will finally unlock his scoring abilities. With a 4-2 record to start the season, the Rangers are attempting to find a spark before the lack of secondary scoring becomes a fatal flaw.