Blog Archives
BREAKING: Rangers set lines for practice, and likely season; Diaz and Megna waived
Bobby Bevilacqua
Oscar Lindberg (L) and Viktor Stalberg look on during the preseason game against the Bruins. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Although nothing is official yet, it appears that we have the finalized Rangers roster heading into the season opener.
Here are the lines from today’s morning practice:
Rick Nash-Derick Brassard-Mats Zuccarello
Chris Kreider-Derek Stepan-Kevin Hayes
Viktor Stalbreg-Oscar Lindberg-JT Miller
Dominic Moore-Jarret Stoll-Jesper Fast
Spare: Emerson Etem Read the rest of this entry
Dominic Moore’s role for the upcoming season
Bobby Bevilacqua
Dominic Moore was a very effective forward for the Rangers last season, and his offensive skills are sometimes overlooked, mainly due to the role he plays. Could he fulfill the role of third line center? Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
The Rangers have a problem. But fear not, because it’s a great problem to have. Currently, they have a plethora of centers and quality bottom six players that they can fit in the lineup, even more so following the addition of Jarret Stoll.
Yesterday, I posted an article posing the question, “Who should assume the third line center role,” with the options being Kevin Hayes, Jarret Stoll and Oscar Lindberg. The most votes were for the newcomer, Jarret Stoll.
But it seems that I have actually left out an option. Dominic Moore, a Rangers draft pick who was re-signed two years ago, has become a very important part of this team. Arguably the most important penalty killer, the best faceoff man, and a pretty decent offensive option. Read the rest of this entry
Hayes, Lindberg or Stoll: Who should be the third line center?
Bobby Bevilacqua
Following the Jarret Stoll signing, Alain Vigneault now has his choice of three quality centers to anchor the third line. Who should it be? Photo courtesy of Gary Vasquez/US PRESSWIRE and MSG Photos.
Last season, Kevin Hayes impressed everyone in his rookie season, moving to center, a position that he had rarely played before, leading the league in primary assists, and finishing with 45 points. But he’s a winger by trade, and the Rangers may be looking to utilize him on the wing long term.
With rookie forward Oscar Lindberg waiting in the wings, after developing in Hartford for the last two seasons, Alain VIgneault has a few options for the third line. But who should he choose to be the third line center? Read the rest of this entry
Rangers give Jarret Stoll a second chance with one year deal
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers got experience, a faceoff specialist, and a Stanley Cup champion in Jarret Stoll, a nice move to help the center depth. Photo courtesy of the Los Angeles Kings.
In a move that was totally unexpected, New York Rangers GM Jeff Gorton announced that the team had signed Jarret Stoll to a one year contract worth just $800k, in an attempt to bolster their center depth and improve at the faceoff dot.
Stoll’s future with the LA Kings was already in jeopardy before he was arrested on drug charges. Stoll was busted for smuggling cocaine and ecstasy into a Las Vegas pool party. Though the charges were initially a felony, he avoided jail time, agreeing to a plea deal and 32 hours of community service.
Last year, the Rangers were willing to take a chance on Ryan Malone, who was also arrested for cocain possession and released by the Lightning. While that didn’t work out, it was a one year deal and very cheap, so it did not impact them all that much. Read the rest of this entry
2015 NHL Draft: New York Rangers Draft Recap
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of the Florida Panthers.
The Rangers were without a first round draft pick again this season, unable to get one in return for Cam Talbot, but they still managed to stockpile seven young prospects in the deep 2015 NHL Entry Draft.
The second draft day was hectic for Glen Sather and his management group, trading away Carl Hagelin and some draft picks to the Anaheim Ducks for Emerson Etem and to move up to the 41st pick in the second round. Cam Talbot was dealt shortly after that to the Edmonton Oilers for a three picks, which Sather eventually turned into four with a trade with the Washington Capitals.
After the day was done, Assistant GM Jeff Gorton said that the Rangers were motivated by their lack of draft picks, and that combined with the salary cap was the main reason for the trades. After dealing away so many first round picks in recent years, Sather needed to recuperate his losses and garner as many prospects as possible. Read the rest of this entry
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