The Rangers have three prospects who are currently in action for a pair of teams in the World Junior Summer Showcase. Sean Day and Tim Gettinger have been suiting up for the USA, with Lias Andersson on Team Sweden. Wednesday, it was announced that both Day and Gettinger both made Team USA's final roster.
Day, selected in the third round last year, has been playing his off-side, due to the abundance of lefties on the roster. That change has resulted in some glaring errors/mistakes, but will be a good learning experience for him. Day made tremendous strides the past year-plus and signed an ELC with the Rangers. His elite skating style is beautiful to watch and drives his upside, as he works on the defensive aspects of his game. Despite the hype and thought by some that if he has a tremendous training camp with the Rangers, he could start the year on the parent club. My view is that he will be better suited opening the season with Hartford and continuing his growth there.
Gettinger, selected in the fifth round in 2016, is the surprise addition. He opened the WJSS as a long shot to make the roster. But his strong play in the first few games earned him a spot on the final roster. Gettinger scored USA's lone goal yesterday giving him two goals in the first two games. He signed an ELC with New York in March. Gettinger is a big winger (6-5, 220 pounds), whose physical skills are apparent and has the possible upside of a future power forward.
We know about Andersson and these types of tournaments continue to build his pedigree. He will head to training camp as a favorite to earn a role on the team. Lots can change between now and then, but he can be penciled in as a 3/4 center as of this moment.