The time is now for the New York Rangers. Same as it was last season. This is their reality as a contender and one that's especially stark given the composition of their roster.

They're relatively old upfront. Their second-highest paid, $8-million defenceman's form has been in decline for some time now, and their second-best blueliners bridge deal will expire at the end of next season. They have talent on the way, but more likely as supporting pieces than core building blocks.

So maybe the window won't slam shut if they make another early exit from the postseason, but it isn't easy to imagine a scenario where they're better equipped to make a run in the coming seasons than this one. Not without one or both of Alexis Lafrenière and Kaapo Kakko taking another significant step forward in their development, and that just seems like dream casting at that point.

What all this means is that the Rangers are likely to be aggressive at this year's deadline. They have cap space. They have clearly defined needs. They have their first- and second-round picks. And for the purpose of today's exercise, they have prospects. Let's check them out.