Jan Levine: The Rangers should be all in on Alex Kerfoot on Tuesday Possibility to make it three years in a row with a free agent signing of a prior year draftee

It's a non risk to sign Kerfoot whether or not he makes the Pro roster at any point this season. A year in the AHL would both further his strength & skills development, and also benefit Hartford towards improving their season's result. A possible signing of him would not end the Rangers search trade wise for an established center.
With one or possibly two natural centers needed after the Stepan trade, Kerfoot, Andersson & Desharnais in chief, would be competing for at least one spot. But with Miller currently best suited at wing, & barring any trade for an experienced center, two center spots may then need to be filled. Unless proving so in camp & the pre season, there will be minimal regular season time for further experimenting with Miller at center, in an Eastern Conference where every single point up for grabs will matter even more this season in the end.

It's a non risk to sign Kerfoot whether or not he makes the Pro roster at any point this season. A year in the AHL would both further his strength & skills development, and also benefit Hartford towards improving their season's result. A possible signing of him would not end the Rangers search trade wise for an established center.
With one or possibly two natural centers needed after the Stepan trade, Kerfoot, Andersson & Desharnais in chief, would be competing for at least one spot. But with Miller currently best suited at wing, & barring any trade for an experienced center, two center spots may then need to be filled. Unless proving so in camp & the pre season, there will be minimal regular season time for further experimenting with Miller at center, in an Eastern Conference where every single point up for grabs will matter even more this season in the end.
- RangerSaver

Good post, Saver

yeah, Kerfoot isn't guaranteed anything if he signs here, but the spot is sure available

if he pulls up capfriendly, he can see like anyone else that the Rangers currently have 12 forwards on their roster including Fast with only a couple of natural centers

Hopefully he has enough confidence to think "that job is mine"

it's such a no brainer that he signs here

yeah, Kerfoot isn't guaranteed anything if he signs here, but the spot is sure available

if he pulls up capfriendly, he can see like anyone else that the Rangers currently have 12 forwards on their roster including Fast with only a couple of natural centers

Hopefully he has enough confidence to think "that job is mine"

it's such a no brainer that he signs here
- jimbro83

Seriously I'm not sure how hockey players develop, but wouldn't they want some type of direction from another more experienced player in the organisation in their own position? A player they can get instructions from & have as an example of the type of player they can develop into?

What have the Rangers got in that respect for a young C? A couple of other young guys trying to find their way?

Seriously I'm not sure how hockey players develop, but wouldn't they want some type of direction from another more experienced player in the organisation in their own position? A player they can get instructions from & have as an example of the type of player they can develop into?

What have the Rangers got in that respect for a young C? A couple of other young guys trying to find their way?
- Aussiepenguin

they have no cap space to add a more experienced option that would make an impact

They have one of those guys in Deharnais anyway

Seriously I'm not sure how hockey players develop, but wouldn't they want some type of direction from another more experienced player in the organisation in their own position? A player they can get instructions from & have as an example of the type of player they can develop into?

What have the Rangers got in that respect for a young C? A couple of other young guys trying to find their way?
- Aussiepenguin

Yes, only Pittsburgh has that in Sid and Malkin, no one else (sarcasm dripping). Desharnais is experienced as is Zib to a lesser extent. Kerfoot may want the opportunity for a meaty role rather than one as a true third or fourth fiddle elsewhere. It's also very possible he doesn't end up on either place and goes somewhere that affords him the chance for even more ice time and the ability to grow.

Seriously I'm not sure how hockey players develop, but wouldn't they want some type of direction from another more experienced player in the organisation in their own position? A player they can get instructions from & have as an example of the type of player they can develop into?

What have the Rangers got in that respect for a young C? A couple of other young guys trying to find their way?
- Aussiepenguin

Some say coaching is a good thing, Aussie - but what the h€ll do I know

Some say coaching is a good thing, Aussie - but what the h€ll do I know
- 21peter

Yes, only Pittsburgh has that in Sid and Malkin, no one else (sarcasm dripping). Desharnais is experienced as is Zib to a lesser extent. Kerfoot may want the opportunity for a meaty role rather than one as a true third or fourth fiddle elsewhere. It's also very possible he doesn't end up on either place and goes somewhere that affords him the chance for even more ice time and the ability to grow.
- airjan23

Hence me saying 'seriously'. Do young guys want to run & gun so to speak on their own or with a 'role model' of some type. I'm not saying he should go to Pittsburgh but I would think he will go somewhere he can learn of a high end C, maybe the Islanders - oh wait.....

Some say coaching is a good thing, Aussie - but what the h€ll do I know
- 21peter

Well...........

Hence me saying 'seriously'. Do young guys want to run & gun so to speak on their own or with a 'role model' of some type. I'm not saying he should go to Pittsburgh but I would think he will go somewhere he can learn of a high end C, maybe the Islanders - oh wait.....
- Aussiepenguin

nobody chooses to be an Islander. They just end up there.

Kind of like eating at Denny's.

You never choose to eat there, you just somehow end up there.

nobody chooses to be an Islander. They just end up there.

Kind of like eating a Denny's.

You never choose to eat there, you just somehow end up there.
- jimbro83

Man that's the realist poop I've ever heard

Man that's the realist poop I've ever heard
- rangerdanger94

if you eat at Denny's, you won't believe how real your poop will be

nobody chooses to be an Islander. They just end up there.

Kind of like eating a Denny's.

You never choose to eat there, you just somehow end up there.
- jimbro83

Does Denny's have trouble holding down a lease agreement on a premises as well?

Does Denny's have trouble holding down a lease agreement on a premises as well?
- Aussiepenguin

all Denny's are temporary establishments, it's part of their agreement with the rats and mice

Does Denny's have trouble holding down a lease agreement on a premises as well?
- Aussiepenguin

What type of stupid (frank)ing question is this

nobody chooses to be an Islander. They just end up there.

Kind of like eating a Denny's.

You never choose to eat there, you just somehow end up there.

Jimbo is a Zen Master this morning.

What type of stupid (frank)ing question is this
- rangerdanger94

I assume it's a "jab" to the fact that the City wanted to move the rangers and the whole 10 year to find a new arena thing.

Does Denny's have trouble holding down a lease agreement on a premises as well?
- Aussiepenguin

The Isles might play at a Denny's next year as part of their revolving arena agreement with the NHL.

I assume it's a "jab" to the fact that the City wanted to move the rangers and the whole 10 year to find a new arena thing.
- MacT27

I took that as a jab to the Isles trying to find a new arena to play in that doesn't have premium seating for Hondas.

I took that as a jab to the Isles trying to find a new arena to play in that doesn't have premium seating for Hondas.
- Fenrir

That Honda has the best seat in the house I must say.

nobody chooses to be an Islander. They just end up there.

Kind of like eating at Denny's.

You never choose to eat there, you just somehow end up there.
- jimbro83

Golden Corral?

That Honda has the best seat in the house I must say.
- MacT27

They should offer the front seats as part of an upgrade package including hot dogs and soda.

Golden Corral?
- mdw7413

Never been. You?