The Rangers this year opted not to participate in the Traverse City tournament. Instead, they are having rookie camp and a pair of games against the Flyers on Friday and Saturday. New York cited the logistics (and likely cost of travel) coupled with the desire to have training and practice in house with drivers for the decision. The move is not a major one, though having the competitive juices of the tournament likely provides the players with a bit more juice and boost.
Rangers rookie camp roster and schedule:
It's that time again.
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 12, 2023
Our Rookie Camp roster is here: https://t.co/lYnfB9JwDD pic.twitter.com/8XPWHvLZ4c
#NYR rookie camp schedule and roster pic.twitter.com/vdufYMLftd
— Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) September 12, 2023
Nearly all of this year's attendees are draft selections from prior years. The only 2023 draft choice attending the cap is center Dylan Roobroeck, who was selected in the sixth round, pick 178, from the Oshawa Generals. Several players are making a second and third appearance in the rookie camp, making it interesting to see their growth year over year.
As Mollie Walker noted in her column today, it may be getting late, early, for Matthew Robertson. He is kind of the vet of the group at the camp, given his prior attendance. In addition, he is by far the experienced blueliner in the rookie camo and should excel based on the level of competition and where he should be in his career.
Make-or-break season on deck for #NYR prospect Matthew Robertson https://t.co/ejrbKs7LTB via @nypostsports
— Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) September 14, 2023
I am looking forward to seeing the growth from Brett Berard and the impact of college hockey on his development. We all know the hope in Brennan Othmann and I do agree with Larry Brooks' view with moving him from left to right wing as that is the easiest path to the NHL and an area of need on the parent club. GM Chris Drury agreed with this thought this am. Adam Sykora is a pest of a winger and I want to see him utilize that style in games. In net, with a strong season at Hartford, could Dylan Garard be an option to back
Column. Day One of Rookie Camp. Rangers should move Othmann, too. https://t.co/Nt3fyfuFJA via @nypostsports
— Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) September 14, 2023
Drury says that Lafreniere and Othmann will have opportunity to play RW through camp.
— Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) September 14, 2023