Rangers Send 9 Players Packing, Including Danny Kristo
Danny Kristo is on his way back to the Wolf Pack (HWP)
As we wrote yesterday, certain players really needed to stand out to stay. One such players was Danny Kristo and he is on his way back to Hartford.
To Hartford: Conor Allen, Mat Bodie, Chris Bourque, Ryan Bourque, Tommy Hughes, Danny Kristo, Jason Missiaen, Nick Tarnasky, Petr Zamorsky.
— Sean Hartnett (@HartnettHockey) October 1, 2014
Really no huge surprises here. Matt Hunwick did enough last night to win the 7th defenseman spot, although it is not official yet. What is interesting is Conor Allen going down and Dylan McIlrath staying up for the time being. Here’s what my thought process is; the Rangers know what they have in Conor Allen and don’t in Dylan McIlrath. This longer look appears to be an effort by the Rangers organization to see just that. Are they looking at a future starting NHL defenseman or career minor leaguer? McIlrath gets more time in camp to prove it’s the former, but still gets sent down when camp ends. Oscar Lindberg also gets a longer look in camp. Logical reasoning would indicate the Blueshirts are looking to see if he can step up and claim a center spot, which is still up for grabs.
Oscar Lindberg gets a longer look (AP)
Sadly for Danny Kristo, I believe this was his last legit chance to make the team. He has certainly been surpassed by many other forwards on the depth chart. Players like Anthony Duclair, Kevin Hayes, Ryan Haggerty, Jesper Fast and Marek Hrivik have all passed him by. Here are the remaining 34:
34 players remain on the #NYRangers‘ training camp roster. #NYR pic.twitter.com/JlH0Qgob5u — Sean Hartnett (@HartnettHockey) October 1, 2014
Interesting note from Elliotte Friedman at Sportsnet:
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