Buchnevich, A - Basically a rookie, puts up points and likely among the most naturally talented wings on the team. His production per cap hit is a huge bonus, 35K per point. I think he has to round out his game but he is a bargain.
Nash, D - Older Vet who's natural goal scoring ability has declined. Was never much of a passer and still isn't. His production per cap hit is 458K per point which among forwards is worst by a large margin. I don't blame him for declining, more so the Rangers always ignoring that is what happens but his contributions are just not enough.
Desharnais, B - I do not view him as part of the solution but for 1M cap hit he is 2nd on the team in cap hit per point at 52K
Zibanejad, B - His injury plays a part, he looked to be becoming a true #1C, only player on the roster who has a good shot to beat a goalie clean. His cost per point is a little deceiving as he has missed some games. 222K per point
Vesey, B - Similar to DD above he is not all that great of a player but I never expected him to be. He is fine for a 3rd or 4th liner. While he does play against lesser competition than Nash he basically has the same Production all for 57K per point.
Kreider, C - Tough player to grade, always looks to be on the verge of being awesome, then somehow turns out not to really be. Injury hurts his cap per production. 210K per point.
Carey, A - Similar to the others on cheaper deals he is doing great in the cost per cap hit department, I wish the Rangers would give more chances to players like him for bottom line/pair roles. Once these type get the hang of the NHL and the Rangers, they have a chance to excel in limited roles, same with Carey, it takes a while but the Rangers actually stuck with him versus several past players they just did not. 65K per point.
Hayes B - He's been asked to play against tougher competition, he has done pretty well with it. Decent cost per production. I am not totally enthused by his play all the time but he has shown more change up speed this year, it's a good sign. 152K per point
Grabner, A - He just works, his cost per point is very good, his cost per goal even better. He'd still be somewhat of a bargain at a larger contract. I would not hate to see the Ranger try to extend him to something like 3M for 3 years. But if he is not going to take it should still be sold. Current cost per point 75K
Nieves A - similar to the other youth, he is cheap for his production, I hope his defensive game improves as he could be a decent long term 4th line center. 83K per point.
Zuccarello B - Best vision on the team, maybe best hands as well. If they do keep a forward as a vet I kind of hope it's him. Vision does not decline as fast as the other stuff. Plays against the other teams better players. Good cost per point at 145K
Miller B - I'm not always a fan, but he gets his nose dirty, he plays an honest albeit sometime wandering game. I like his passing ability but it sometimes gets him in trouble as well. 101K per point is very solid.
Fast B - Probably the most dependable defensive forward. His cost per point is also very solid at 108K.
Skjei B - He is cheap and improving. While for defense, cost per point should not be as much of a concern he is at 71K.
Staal D - While improved since last year, he is still not really much of a two way defender. If he had a lower cap hit I'd be more inclined to increase his grade.
Holden C - I think his defense is very suspect, but that is nothing foreign to this roster. He's somewhat cheap and provides some offense.
Smith F - He is not even playing up to his standards, like at all. Not sure what the Rangers were thinking.
McDonagh C - He has not been above average for what should be top pair D.
Shattenkirk C -I'm not a huge fan, he's a 4th forward which is okay but not for someone with his cap hit. If he is not putting up massive amounts of points it's not going to ever look good to me.
Kampfer D - He's okay but should likely be the 7th or even an AHL defender.
Goalies A, they are carrying the team defense. Lundqvist cap hit is high but he is also playing to it.
AV C - I don't like him, and don't dislike him, this roster is not all that, but he has them playing half way well half the time. I think the Rangers could do better but could also do much worse.
Gorton/Management C - Got some good bargains, and some over payments.
Special teams, C - Not great, but not bad.
As one can see I think the forward group is overall okay, slightly above average even, without any true game breaker as of yet. The Defensive group is just meh to bad.
Part of the reason I always advocate for draft and development is due to cap hit and cap hit per point, it's really difficult for high cap hit player to have a good cap hit per point ratio. Any two or three poor ratio players really drags the team down. It's difficult to not be a bargain on a entry level and still make the NHL.
Overall they are about where they should be in the standings.