Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 

Rangers prospect development camp opens today

June 25, 2018, 8:45 AM ET [420 Comments]
Jan Levine
New York Rangers Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The Rangers prospect camp opens today. All 10 selections made Friday and Saturday are to attend the camp. Obviously, included in that list are the three first rounders, Vitali Kravtsov, K’Andre Miller and Nils Lundkvist. Those three will be joined by Fliip Chytil, Lias Andersson, Brett Howden, Libor Hajek and Ryan Lindgren.

This is full list of NYR Prospect Development Camp attendees:




New York has made defense a priority the past two seasons. I think Kreiderbomb posted this list: Pionk, Deangelo, O'Gara, Gilmour, Hajek, Bigras, Day, Lindgren, Rykov, Crawley, Reunanen, Sjalin, Miller, Lundkvist, Ragnarsson, Keane, Gross and Kjellberg. Granted, all of these players are different levels of prospects and maybe even non-prospects, but that’s an extensive list of blue liners. A few will be part of the Rangers next season while also are expected to take on major roles in the future. Clearly, the organization has determined - or at least we hope that this is the philosophy, seeing who was brought in at the trade deadline and draft - that building from the back line out is the direction forward.

That direction may have also factored into taking Olof Lindbom 39th overall. Speculation by some is that maybe counting on Igor Shestyorkin coming over to the US in another year might be somewhat unwarranted, resulting in New York taking Lindbom. The pick also might signal that the hoped for seamless transition from the KHL to the NHL and from Henrik Lundqvist when his deal expires to Shestyorkin won’t be so seamless. That’s pure speculation as of now but something to focus on this year. Along with these two netminders, Alexandar Georgiev, who might back up Henrik Lundqvist this season, Adam Huska and Tyler Wall also are in the system. The hope has to be New York is set in goal and blue line for the future, though if Shestyorkin doesn’t come over, I am unsure a number one netminder is on that prospect list. The same applies to the blue line prospects, especially on the right side, since I project Lundkvist as a second pair eight defenseman and maybe Miller similarly on the left side.

Jimbo posted this prospect list in the blog yesterday. Let me know how you would rank each position. What’s scary is the winger list. What makes it even scarier is as posted in the blog comments yesterday, the current crop of wingers might not be in New York that much longer.




Chris Kreider has two years left before he becomes a UFA. Mats Zuccarello has one year left and he could be gone by the trade deadline. Pavel Buchnevich has one year before he will be a RFA but he is one we expect to be here a while. Jesper Fast has two years left on his deal and then he is a UFA. Jimmy Vesey is an RFA now and his status is uncertain, since he might get traded. The same can be said for Ryan Spooner, whose position - wing or center - is to be determined. Vinni Lettieri is in essence an extra or fourth line forward, the same can be said for Paul Carey and Matt Beleskey.

New York will need to bolster this list in free agency because little help is coming right now from Hartford. As I mentioned in the blog, look for New York to target players on one year deals, maybe two of relatively cheap. Michael Grabner might be a return option. As Larry Brooks mentioned, Antoine Roussel, who is a Brooks fave, would add some toughness, same as Leo Komarov, though each play over the edge, which will need to be reigned in. In years past, the Rangers were always rumored to be in on the big name free agents. This year, expect shopping at the bargain market and dollar store.

Join the Discussion: » 420 Comments » Post New Comment
More from Jan Levine
» Rangers clinch playoff berth with barn burner 6-5 OT win over the Flyers
» Rangers face Flyers with chance to clinch playoff berth
» Rangers rally twice to defeat Panthers 4-3 in a shootout
» Rangers ride hat trick from Panarin and play of Quick to 5-2 win over B’s
» Rangers face Bruins on the road, Rempe back in lineup