New York Rangers Training Camp: Top candidates for an expanded roster
There’s been a lot of talk about the NHL expanding rosters for the 2021season. Some of it has to do with the AHL announcing a target of February and what NHL teams would do with some of their prized prospects.
When it comes to expanded rosters, the belief is the NHL would use a similar model as they did with Return to Play. Nothing has been finalized, including how these players would impact the cap, but there is talk of increasing rosters from 23 to 26.
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Expanded rosters could greatly impact the Rangers
Let’s assume the 23 man roster will have many of the same names we saw last year like Phil Di Giuseppe, Julian Gauthier, and Brendan Smith. We should also add players like Alexis Lafreniere, Libor Hajek and possibly Tarmo Reunanen. Replacements should include Kevin Rooney for Jesper Fast and Jack Johnson for Marc Staal.
Here’s my top candidates for an expanded roster:
- K’Andre Miller, D
- Morgan Barron, C
- Anthony Bitetto, D
- Darren Raddyish, D
- Tim Gettinger, F
- Colin Blackwell, C
Keeping K’Andre Miller and Morgan Barron around
The top two names on my list are included primarily because the AHL could start later than the NHL. In my mind, it would be extremely beneficial for both K’Andre Miller and Morgan Barron to get in practice time with the big club.
Keep in mind that there’s been a lot of talk about performance bonuses for players like Miller and Barron. Until we know for sure how expanded rosters will count against the cap, they should remain serious considerations.
Other possibilities for the Rangers expanded roster
The Blueshirts signed Anthony Bitetto and Darren Raddysh to anchor the defense in Hartford. It would make sense for them to be added to the Rangers roster if expanded.
Same can be said for Colin Blackwell who was a depth center signing. A familiar face that knows David Quinn’s system is Tim Gettinger. He certainly can provide fourth line punch in a pinch.
New York Rangers expanded roster
If the Rangers can, they should keep both Miller and Barron up until the AHL gets going. One player I believe the Rangers need to keep around is defenseman Anthony Bitetto.
When the AHL is in full swing, I am proponent to add Colin Blackwell and Tim Gettinger to fulfill the extra three players. Miller and Barron should be shining and developing for the Wolf Pack in 2021.
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