Rangers Roundup: Camps could open January 3, and more expansion draft rumors

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“If everything stays the way it is, we’re probably going to have to have a Canadian division and realign in the U.S.,” Bettman said on The Maccabi USA Sports Show. “We’re trying to focus on dealing with all of those challenges.”

The U.S. realignments would see a configuration based primarily on geography as the Boston Bruins would slide into a more Northeast Division with the likes of the New York Rangers and Washington Capitals. Other moves would have the Pittsburgh Penguins move towards a Central Division with teams like the Columbus Blue Jackets and Chicago Blackhawks.

Rangers Training Camp likely to open 1/3

Brett Howden
Brett Howden (New York Rangers/Getty Images)

Also coming out of late yesterday reporting are the following items:

  • 56 game schedule
  • Estimated 1/13 start
  • Expanding rosters from 23-26 (no insight as to cap implications yet)
  • Taxi Squads (players on AHL salary receiving NHL benefits)
  • Teams to begin COVID-19 testing on 12/26
  • Training camp start dates estimated at 1/3

Another important side note is the AHL will also look to resume operations on 2/5. The Wolf Pack will be eager to get going but questions still remain there.

Who will the New York Rangers lose to the Seattle Kraken?

Rick Carpiniello of The Athletic recently conducted his mock expansion list for the New York Rangers. Names of consequences he exposes are forwards Brendan Lemieux and Julien Gauthier. On defense it is Libor Hajek.

Forever Blueshirts conducted the same exercise and opted to protect Lemieux over Brett Howden. In my estimation, the Kraken will take Howden with the Rangers willing to expose him to make room for center Morgan Barron.

Matthew Robertson removed from Team Canada

The New York Rangers now only have two players on Team Canada’s World Junior team. Matthew Robertson, a highly regarded prospect has been deemed unfit to play due to coronavirus issues.

Two players have tested positive, but no specific names mentioned. According to reports, the other players may have been exposed and subsequently sent home.

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By Anthony Scultore

Anthony Scultore has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL since 2014. His work also appears at... More about Anthony Scultore

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