On Thursday night, Rangers general manager Jeff Gorton spoke with the media as the Rangers front office gets set for the most important draft in recent Rangers history.

When asked about the importance of this year’s draft, Gorton said: “it’s very important, 3 firsts, 2 seconds, 2 thirds. We have a lot of opportunities to make our team better for the future, build pieces that we need. It’s a vital time for us.”

Having the three picks in the first-round at his disposal is something that makes Gorton a hot commodity on the draft floor.

When discussing the status of the organization’s rebuild, Gorton said “all you have to do is look at the last few months and the trade deadline and some of the things we have done. I think it’s pretty obvious we are trying to accumulate young players and assets and trying to get better and give these players opportunity.”

On the depth of this year’s draft class, Gorton said that this is definitely a deep draft, adding that the second and third rounds shouldn’t be overlooked. “Our pick at 9, we are really comfortable with what is there, and then later in the first round, we think there will be good players there. In the second and third round, there is opportunity for us to find players.”

On heading into next season with a young team, Gorton stated that he understands the team can’t just be made up of kids but added that “We’re not looking for a bunch of older players right now where we’re at. [But] we have to have the necessary people on our team that can help some of these guys learn the game and help us do everything we can to try and win every night. I think that’s pretty clear where we’re at.”

Finally, Gorton was asked about which restricted free-agents received qualifying offers and said: “the only player that didn’t get one was Tambellini.” This means that Tambellini will be a free-agent come July 1.

For the full breakdown of the Rangers contracts, click here.

Adam Tambellini wrapped up his entry-level contract with the New York Rangers organization this season. Tambellini was picked in the third round of the 2013 NHL Draft, and after spending three years in Hartford, the question becomes where does Adam Tambellini stand?

Will the Rangers elect to re-sign the 23-year-old forward? Will Chris Drury let the forward walk? Adam Tambellini, in my perspective, has had some mixed development. He is a depth player and does have the opportunity to grow.

In the three seasons with Hartford, the forward’s growth was progressive. He was not tearing up the league, however, he did the little things such as proper positioning and keeping his style of play simple. The prospect is still streaky offensively. There are nights where he struggles, and others he plays a well-rounded game. Adam Tambellini has fallen in the organization’s depth chart as well, which is concerning. Instead of him getting the call, other players such as Vinni Lettieri, Steven Fogarty, Cristoval Nives, and Peter Holland were called up. Adam Tambellini has to work harder, especially in the off-season, to become a better player on the ice.

Offensively, the forward is good on the Pack’s roster for depth. In his first and last seasons in Hartford, Tambellini finished with 32 points. In his second year, he finished with 35 points. Adam Tambellini is able to provide production. The only downside to his game is the consistency as he could stop producing for lengthy periods of time. For instance, Keith McCambridge noticed the prospect struggling on the ice last season in moments. What he did is put the forward on the fourth line with limited ice time. Adam Tambellini did wake up after the demotion and was able to produce points. In addition to that, he created good opportunities for his linemates and was more aggressive breaking out or applying pressure on the opponent’s goalie.

Defensively, he keeps his playing style simple. He will block shooting lanes and attempt to get to the dirty areas of the ice. The downside I have noticed is his lack of physicality against his opponents. He rarely throws his body around for a check. He should not be afraid to utilize his physical aspect of the game. On the plus side, Adam Tambellini is smart on the ice. He does not take many penalties. When he does, it’s generally for a moment where the penalty may have been needed. The forward averages around 20 penalty minutes a season.

The ultimate question, after analyzing Adam Tambellini’s development, is what the next step is. Does he deserve another contract with the organization? Should he have a change of scenery? This question will be the toughest on Adam Tambellini instead of other players that are up this summer. He is still a prospect and young. My fear is how the Rangers view the forward since he has moved downward in the depth chart. He has talked about preparing more in the summer. Unfortunately, he did not take his playing to the next level. If I was Chris Drury, I would give the forward a one year, American Hockey League deal. He would still be in the organization but he wouldn’t count against the cap or use a roster spot. His fourth year would have to prove a lot to the Rangers brass in order for him to stay and possibly get a chance with New York.

The puck is now in Chris Drury’s zone.

Hartford skated into the All-Star break with a five-game winning streak. The group found their magic touch and continued to climb the standings. Last weekend was a thriller, with the Wolf Pack sweeping a two-game series against Charlotte, as well as defeating the Utica Comets. Four of the wins were in overtime while the lone regulation win was the last game on Saturday against Charlotte.The offense it buzzing again and the defense seems to have found their game. Entering the first week of February, Hartford is sixth in their division at 46 points. They are .500 with a record of 20-20-3-3.  The record can improve, especially when you consider that Hartford is not far off with the other top dogs.

February Make or Break the Season?

To put the standings into perspective, Hartford is sixth in the Atlantic Division. The fifth-place Sound Tigers are tied with fourth place Charlotte for the last playoff spot. Since the league goes by point percentage, both clubs are .568 (technically 50 points), with Charlotte owning the tie-breaker. Hartford is four points behind and did themselves a favor last weekend with sweeping the Checkers in both games. Hartford will face Bridgeport next week and then play Charlotte twice the following week and then face Bridgeport once again.

This is perfect timing due to the standings race. If Hartford wants to get ahead of Charlotte and/or Bridgeport, they have to beat both clubs. Those games will not be easy and the Pack are getting hot at the right time. However, if the Pack begin to struggle in the month of February, the opposite will happen. The club would lose ground quickly in the standings, showing just how critical each game against both clubs will be. Hartford gets a crack at both clubs twice in the month of February. A majority of their games will also be on the road, so it is essential for the group to bond well and get comfortable away from XL Center.

Alexandar Georgiev Stepping Up

Since Marek Mazanec is injured, young prospect Alexandar Georgiev is beginning to play frequently. The goalie has stepped up his game, having pitched two shutouts within a week, against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on January 21st (1-0) and Charlotte on January 27th (4-0). Alexandar Georgiev found his touch in net. Previously, the goalie struggled in moments and was often caught on the losing end of games. He has turned it around and is pivotal to the success of Hartford while Marek Mazanec is out.

Recent Streaks

• Filip Chytil is the man. Since returning to Hartford, the prized forward has found himself on the scoresheet more often than not. Chytil has points in five of the last seven games. In that span, he has two goals and six assists for eight points. Another interesting note is that he is shooting the puck frequently. He is noticeable on creating chances, either shooting on net or passing well, especially on the power play.
• In his final year of his entry level contract, Adam Tambellini has finally started to find himself on the scoresheet. The forward has struggled this season producing points and has been quiet. The forward enters the weekend with a goal in three straight games. The left winger has been spotty in the 2017-18 season. In 43 games,Tambellini has recorded nine goals and ten assists for 19 points. Last season in 68 games, the forward had a total of 35 points. Tambellini has work to do if he wants to stay in the organization.
• All-star John Gilmour is on an assist streak in three straight games. The defenseman has tied his last season’s record for points, at 25 points. This season, John Gilmour notched 25 points in 41 games, as opposed to 76 games last season. That is a great sign of the growth of his offensive game. His offensive upside is manifesting itself, however, on defense, he still needs improvement. Gilmour plays similar to a forward since he is an offensive-defenseman that does not get into the dirty areas. His positioning is good, but there are hiccups at times with odd-man rushes. The young prospect is learning from his mistakes and will be rewarded down the road, as long as he can keep it up.

• Lias Andersson is still finding his groove in Hartford. In his first game with the team, he recorded an assist on the overtime game-winning goal against Utica. The forward also notched a point in Saturday’s game against Charlotte with another assist. He has points in two of the last three games. Once the young forward is comfortable, he will tear it up similar to Filip Chytil.

The Captain Struggles

Joe Whitney has been in and out of the lineup this season. The veteran forward found himself out of the lineup for three games straight as a healthy scratch. This is also due to the veteran rule which the American Hockey league created. The team has played well without him in the lineup as well. Joe Whitney has nine goals and ten assists for 19 points in 40 games. From a leadership standpoint, he is the odd-man out. You wonder why the captain is out of the lineup, and with the deadline looming, the forward may be on the move.

Roster Moves

Peter Holland, Vinni Lettieri, and Anthony DeAngelo were sent down to Hartford during the all-star break for the National Hockey League. Vinni Lettieri was the lone forward to play once returning. Peter Holland and Anthony DeAngelo went back up earlier this week to New York.

Vinni Lettieri is a strong forward and I feel he did not get enough time with New York. On the plus side, he will help Hartford for their playoff push. If the Rangers need another forward, he should be the next man up.

In addition, the Wolf Pack have sent down defenseman Sergey Zborovskiy to Greenville of the ECHL. That means Ryan Sproul is back from injury for Hartford.

John Gilmour Has Speed

At the All-Star festivities, John Gilmour surprised everyone with his speed. He won the Fastest Skater Event with a time of 13.663, putting him fourth all-time for the fastest skater in the American Hockey League.

Madison Square Garden, Capital Regional Development Authority Close on Wolf Pack Lease

Be on the lookout shortly for the announcement of the new Wolf Pack lease! According to this report from the CRDA, the new lease agreement for the Wolf Pack will be finalized and announced shortly. The deal is a five-year agreement, that will include protections for both parties when the XL Center is sold.

The CRDA will put the building for sale this spring and issue a Request For Proposal. The state agency is looking for a private company or person to buy the building and manage the facility. The XL Center needs renovation in order to maintain competitiveness in the market and update the building top to bottom. The facility is considered outdated and the price tag for a refurbishment is $250 million. In any case regarding the building being sold, the Wolf Pack should remain in Hartford.

Upcoming Games

Friday, February 2nd vs Providence Bruins (Boston) at 7:05 pm, Dunkin Donuts Center

• This begins at home at home series with the Bruins.
• Providence has been struggling as of late, going 3-6-0-1 in the last ten games and dropping their previous decision.
• Hartford won their last two meetings against Providence.
• Hartford is 2-1-0-1 in the season series.

Saturday, February 3rd vs Providence Bruins (Boston) at 7:00 pm, XL Center

• The sixth meeting of the season between the clubs.
• Hartford is 1-1 at home against Providence.
• The first game at home featured a 5-0 loss on November 4th.
• The previous home game featured a 6-4 win on December 22nd.

Another week is in the books for the Wolf Pack, who earned themselves three of four points over the weekend. On Saturday, the club pulled out a 2-1 victory against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Then on Sunday, the Pack dropped a 3-2 decision against the Laval Rocket in an overtime heartbreaker; keeping the WolfPack just one win short of a .500 point percentage. Hartford is currently 6-7-1-1, sixth place in the Atlantic Division.

Injury Updates

Filip Chytil was scratched last weekend, while he deals with an undisclosed injury and will be in the lineup once he fully recovers. The prized Rangers prospect has been dominating the American Hockey League. And while his presence is missing for the club, his health is his main priority. He can’t afford to be rushed back from injury and may be ready to go the upcoming weekend.

Adam Tambellini is still out with a hand injury and is considered day to day. However, he is still not fully recovered and may be ready to go during the weekend.

Impressive Weekend for Alexandar Georgiev

Alexandar Georgiev continues to be the workhorse for the Pack in the crease. On Saturday, the young goalie stole two points for Hartford against Bridgeport. He stood on his head and was gave the Pack their best chance to win a game that they didn’t deserve to win, saving 43 of 44 shots.

Sunday was more of the same for the young goalie prospect. He was once again peppered and Hartford was outplayed.  Georgiev could not bail out the Pack this time, but did help earn the club a point. He faced 40 shots and saved 37 against Laval, and saved 80 out of 84 shots in the two games.

Anthony DeAngelo Progression

Since joining Hartford, Anthony DeAngelo has been working on his game. Offensively, he has two points in seven games but has been getting his shot on net. He is also on the power play and is given opportunities to show his worth as a PP quarterback.

Defensively is where he can get spotty. His positioning is good most of the time but could slip up if he gets caught up in the play. He does block shots and is not afraid to check. He can pinch and get into the dirty areas when needed. His total defensive game is still a work in progress and should improve as the season continues.

Active Streaks

1. Dan Catenacci is on a two-game point streak, after recording goals in both games last weekend, including the game-winning goal on Saturday against Bridgeport.
2. John Gilmour had one assist in each game last weekend, giving him five points this season.
3. Adam Cracknell, Gabriel Fontaine, and Eric Selleck have been held without points so far in this young season.  Adam Chapie is also pointless, but he was recently called up to Hartford from Greenville this past weekend.

Upcoming Games

•  Wednesday, November 15th vs Bridgeport Sound Tigers (Islanders) at 7:00 pm, XL Center
  • This is the fourth matchup between both clubs. The Pack are 1-2 in the season series thus far, out of the 12 game series. The Sound Tigers lost two straight while Hartford is on a point streak, earning points in three straight outings.
• Friday, November 17th vs Rochester Americans (Buffalo) at 7:05 pm, Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial
  • The first of four meetings between Hartford and Rochester. Last season, the Pack were 1-3 against the Americans. Rochester is off to a strong start to their season as they are 7-4-1-1, second in the North Division with a point percentage of .615, and have earned points in five straight outings.
• Saturday, November 18th vs Utica Comets (Vancouver) at 7:00 pm, Adirondack Bank Center at the Utica Memorial Auditorium
  • Utica has struggled as much as Hartford so far this year. The Comets lost two straight coming into this week and are 5-4-0-1 in their last ten outings. Hartford faces the Comets four times in the season series.

Two weeks are in the books for the Hartford Wolf Pack in this young season, and they’ve started off strong. Hartford finished last weekend winning both of their games. The club is 3-1, and could just as easily be 4-0 had they not blown the lead on opening night against Charlotte. The team has scored the first tally in each of their games, something their “parent organization” could start doing, and it has led Hartford to trail for just one minute all season. The addition of Filip Chytil has strengthened the club offensively, and he had an immediate impact over the past weekend.

Filip Chytil Impact

Since joining Hartford, Filip Chytil has made his presence known. The forward notched three points (1 goal, 2 assists) in Saturday’s win against Springfield. He was dominant and felt comfortable as he adopted to the Pack’s style of play, as well as his linemates. On Friday, his assist was removed after they replayed the situation.

But in both games, he helped the team out by doing the little things. He looks to generate offense, stays in proper position and tries to force turnovers when needed. As Filip Chytil plays more games with the group, he will become stronger and will start producing more and more points. If the Rangers need a call up, and we all know they do, Filip Chytil could be a strong candidate.

Streaks

1. Captain Joe Whitney had a three game point streak coming into last weekend. He recorded four points in three games, but had his streak snapped against Springfield.
2. Like Whitney, Adam Tambellini had his three game point streak snapped on Saturday. He had goals in three straight outings, including the shootout deciding goal on October 8th against Lehigh Valley.
3. Scott Kosmachuk’s point streak continues. He has points in three of four outings for Hartford, and has been rewarded with top line minutes. He’s generated multiple offensive chances and can move the puck well. Head coach Keith McCambridge was also satisfied with his playing.
   

   “It’s a matter of keeping it simple, not getting fancy. I think myself, personally, I need to say out of the box. We built off last game and we’re going to do it again tomorrow.” – Kosmachuk

   This is a guy with some potential and so far it is looking good. The forward has five assists in four games and plays the “set up guy” in offensive situations. His point streak is currently at two games.  One highlight from last weekend was his three point night on Friday against the tough Toronto Marlies club.  The forward had three assists in the outing.

4. Cristoval “Boo” Nieves and Cole Schneider also have two game point streaks.  Nieves had three points (2 goals, assist) this past weekend, while Schneider had a goal and an assist.
5. Overall, 15 of 19 skaters have recorded at least a point in four games this season.

Chris Nell’s Hot Start

Chris Nell has been the workhorse in net this season. The goalie started in three straight games, winning all three contests, and has played 184:49 minutes in net. In that span, his goals against average is 1.95 with a save percentage of .935, stopping 86 of 92 shots towards him. His strong play in net has rewarded him time in net. He had terrific saves against Lehigh Valley and Toronto, which are both strong American Hockey League clubs. He also performed well against the Springfield Thunderbirds on Saturday, and head coach Keith McCambridge is riding Chris Nell’s hot streak.

Alexandar Georgiev played one game, and that was the first game of the season on October 6th against Charlotte. He will be anxious to play again and should be practicing hard. He may get a chance to play in the upcoming weekend as there is a three in three coming up.

Upcoming Weekend

Hartford has three games in three days coming up. They are home Friday, then on the road for the remainder of the weekend. This weekend will push the group as they are playing tough opponents:

• Friday, October 20th vs Belleville Senators at 7:15pm, XL Center
  • The Belleville Senators are a gritty team who are not afraid of the rough action, and will wear teams down.  Hartford has to play smart against Belleville as the Senators could get into their opponent’s heads.
• Saturday, October 21st @Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins at 7:05pm, Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza
  • Despite the slow start for the Penguins, they are the one of the toughest opponents to play. The Penguins have shown shades of dominance against other teams. Hartford has struggled against the Penguins lately, getting swept by Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in the 2016-17 season series, 0-8. This will be the biggest challenge of the weekend.
  • Sunday, October 22nd @ Bridgeport Sound Tigers at 3pm, Webster Bank Arena
  • This is the first of ten meetings against the in state rivals, who Hartford also struggled against last season. The Sound Tigers are a hard working team that will also stir the pot up if needed. The season series against Bridgeport can get interesting depending on how the rivalry builds up throughout the season.

Last Friday kicked off the 82nd American Hockey League season and Hartford’s 21st season. The new look Pack under Keith McCambridge was impressive. There have been a lot of positives from the past weekend, and after watching two games, there is plenty to optimistic about. 

Game Results and Commentary

Hartford dropped a heartbreaking game on their opening night. The Pack built themselves multiple leads throughout the night but were unable to hold off Charlotte, who grabbed the game in the third. The Pack was up 4-2 in the third, then the Checkers scored three times, including the GWG with one minute left in regulation.

Cole Schneider, Ryan Gropp, Joe Whitney, and Adam Tambellini recorded goals in the outing. Alexandar Georgiyev was in net, stopping 19 of 24 shots.

There were a few noticeable players throughout the game. Dan Catenacci was flying, generating chances on the rushes. Cristoval “Boo” Nieves had a few great chances as well while playing with Scott Kosmachuk. Both players had strong chemistry to start the season and continued building that chemistry on Sunday.

Alexandar Georgiyev struggled in moments in this one but had a good outing overall. He was extremely aggressive in net, which came back to burn him when he played the puck in the restricted area of the ice. He also regrets giving up the second goal of the game. He was not expecting the shot and was off guard.  We should see him more in action next weekend. This prospect has potential.

Sunday’s outing was a tightly contested game, with both clubs were playing cautiously. The matchup was even and also a good measure for Hartford as the Phantoms are a strong team offensively.

Adam Tambellini recorded the lone goal in regulation. He also had the lone shootout goal.  Chris Nell was in net, stopping 28 of 29 shots. Tambellini brought his scoring streak to two straight games and is stepping up his game because he’s in the final year of his entry-level contract. If he wants to earn another contract from the Rangers, he needs to show that he had developed and progressed well.  So far he is performing well.  The prospect needs a huge year in Hartford.

Keith McCambridge’s Style

The Pack played in a refreshing way. The new system is noticeable and the players are adjusting to it. They are aggressive offensively, being quicker in transition and having more organization when entering the zone, and making sure there is support for the puck carrier. The puck is moved better and the dump and chase play (which was common under Ken Gernander) was not utilized. There is a quick tempo to the plays created because the team utilizes it’s speed and transition well, looking for the stretch passes up the ice. The defense has looked good as well. They continue to block shots and give the opposing team troubles, making sure to step up when they get the chance. The defensive structure and positioning have been emphasized and it is noticeable on the ice.

There are a few issues, such as defensive breakdowns and turnovers, but that will be addressed and adjusted. The players need to get adjusted to the new system, and while it will take some time, so far it has gone well. Everyone is playing up to their fullest potential and they have the attitude to win. Both outings were played well this weekend and Hartford could have easily been 2-0, but 1-1 is good enough.

Filip Chytil Assigned to Hartford

In an unexpected move, the Rangers have assigned the young prospect to Hartford.  This is a good decision by the organization, as they keep him in the system along with top line minutes.  The Pack was missing a first line center, and Filip Chytil could fill in the void. He should also provide a strong offensive boost to the club as well. I could see him lighting up the American Hockey League.

Coming Up

The Pack resume their schedule this weekend beginning on Friday against the Toronto Marlies for their third straight game at XL Center. On Saturday, the team travels to Springfield to take on the Thunderbirds for the first road game of the season.

Episode 3 of the FullTilt Rangers Radio Podcast is jam packed and loads of fun.

Our special guest, Guy Adami of CNBC’s Fast Money dishes on his favorite team and plays BUY/SELL with our hosts.

Plus the crew talks Zibanejad, Staal, and more!

Follow Guy Adami on Twitter.

Find our podcasts on iTunes, BlogTalk Radio, and SoundCloud

Keith McCambridge will begin his tenure as Hartford Wolf Pack head coach on October 6th at home against the Charlotte Checkers. The Wolf Pack will be looking to bounce back after a dismal 2016-17 season. The returning players, Adam Tambellini, Robin Kovacs, and John Gilmour to name a few, will want the opportunity for growth after struggling last season. Keith McCambridge’s role will be to develop future New York Rangers players and prospects and help get each individual to reach his full potential.

His resume is solid and will be a good fit as Hartford’s head coach. He began his coaching career in 2006 with the Alaska Aces of the ECHL, joining the organization as an assistant coach. A year later, Keith McCambridge was promoted to head coach. He helped guide the club to the Kelly Cup finals in the 2008-09 season.

The following year, he joined the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League as the assistant coach. The Moose were affiliated with the Vancouver Canucks at the time. A year later, once again, Keith McCambridge was promoted to head coach. As the team shifted to St. John’s from Winnipeg, Keith McCambridge was elected head coach for the Ice Caps, now the affiliate of the Winnipeg Jets. McCambridge helped his team win the division title in 2011-12 and led them to the Calder Cup Final in 2014 against Texas, which they lost in five games. The franchise went back to Winnipeg to become the Moose again, with Keith McCambridge remaining as the head coach. He was not renewed and joined the Wolf Pack in August of 2016. Once again, a year later, he became the head coach.

Keith McCambridge is preparing for the upcoming season with Chris Drury. They both know what happened last season and want to avoid a repeat of the 2016-17 season. Keith McCambridge was interviewed on a local show, The Whaler Guys, and spoke about his coaching techniques and philosophies. You can check out the interview here:

His philosophy is great for the club as he wants his players to have the right attitude, which will hopefully cultivate a winning tradition that will allow prospects and veterans to develop. He wants a strong effort for each practice and game and will hold players accountable if they show up to practice just because they “have to.” The style of play will be up-tempo and aggressive. Some good signs already for the 2017-18 season.

I will be able to talk to head coach Keith McCambridge next Wednesday at a Wolf Pack event.  If you have a question for him, let me know @Milliner06!

Who Will We Replace After The Expansion Draft?

So, far the past week or so we’ve waited to see the “Protected” and “Unprotected” players for the New York Rangers. Of the unprotected, there are a few names who stand out the most for Rangers Fans, as well as Rangers brass.

Unprotected Players:

Oscar Lindberg (F)

Jesper Fast (F)

Michael Grabner (F)

Antti Raanta

Honorable Mentions:

Matt Puempel

Brendan Smith

If you’re Las Vegas, you are going to give those top four a real strong look. However, if you are the New York Rangers, you have to prepare yourself for the loss of one of these individuals. The Rangers have a few prospects, draft picks, and maybe some free agents in mind to maybe replace “The Chosen One” in the near future.

Who would replace “The Chosen One”?

Oscar Lindberg

If, Las Vegas were to select Oscar Lindberg this would leave a big gap for the Rangers at center next season, especially if Derek Stepan were to be moved as well. If I’m the Rangers, I would always look in my current prospect pool, before even thinking about going out to free agency. I would look no further than Marek Hrivik, this is a guy who has paid his dues in the AHL for some time now. Marek is a solid center for the Wolf Pack. He has had back to back 40 point seasons, while that isn’t as impressive as Lindberg’s 58 point season in Hartford. Marek has the ability to play a very solid two-way game. In a season where Hartford did pretty bad, Hrivik was one of two players (Playing more than 10 games) to have a + on the team. If you have watched him play he is a work horse, always finishes checks and never gives up on the play. Even in his brief stint playing for the Rangers, I liked what a saw.

Another option who I think has a higher point production upside, but will need a little more work is Cristoval Nieves. This kid didn’t have the best year in Hartford, but then again no one did. Cristoval brings what the Rangers always need, speed, and there may not be a faster player in our system right now. He is a big kid with a nice shot and quick on his skates, working on his two-way get might get him a shot on the roster.

Jesper Fast

Next, If Rangers end up losing their PK specialist Jesper Fast, then they will have some issues coming into next season. A player that comes in mind to replace a guy like Jesper, is Nicklas Jensen. Now I know he might not be as good in the PK category, but he is a solid player and he could notch some points as well. He is coming off his best year in the pros with a 55 point season on a team that struggled for most of the year. Now, I know his -27 is very unattractive, but take it with a grain of salt as the whole team was awful. Also, in the last three years, Jensen has went 7 for 9 in shootout attempts, something the Rangers have had a tough go at in recent years.

Michael Grabner

The third guy who I think has to be on the list for Las Vegas is Michael Grabner. Listen, replacing 27 goals will not be easy, and replacing his speed will be even harder. The Rangers have a lot of talent currently on the team, who will probably step up next year and easily replace those missing 27. With Mika hopefully healthy, Buchnevich coming into his second season, Lindberg looking for his breakout year, and Rick Nash hopefully will put some more biscuits in the basket next season. But, if I had to look in the organization for a player I’d like to replace him, I would really get a good look at Ryan Gropp coming into camp. This kid is a stud in the making. Now I’m not saying he will come on the team and put up 20-30 goals, but this young gun has a knack for finding the back of the net. He sees himself as James Neal-like. Those are big shoes to fill day one, but that’s just the type of player the Rangers need. Gropp has consistently gotten better ever year he has played in the WHL. Over the past three years with the Seattle Thunderbirds, he has posted 30 goal seasons, with 84 points in 66 games this year. You could also argue Adam Tambellini for a spot on this roster as well if we lose Grabs. Again, a lot will play into how Traverse City Tournament and Camp plays out.

Antti Raanta

Finally, the man who helped keep the Rangers afloat when “The King” struggled early on, Antti Raanta. Now, at this point losing Raanta would be a tough pill to swallow. Personally, I like the guy. This man played on his head this season when the Rangers needed it the most. To lose him would leave a big gap in the backup spot on the big club.

Who will replace him if he goes? While we all would like to see Igor Shestyorkin, it is still to soon to bring him overseas. Also, with Prospect Brandon Halverson having a tough go in the ECHL & AHL, not sure he is the best option. Mackenzie Skapski may look even worse then Halverson over the past few seasons, since his first stint with the Rangers. With the departure of Magnus Hellberg, it really leaves the Rangers with little options but to make a trade with the Golden Knights to stay away from him or look to free agency. Some possible UFA‘s this offseason, Mike Condon or Anders Nlisson.

Derek Stepan is out indefinitely with broken ribs. He was seen yesterday after the game walking around with a flak jacket to protect them. Today, the Rangers will simply reinsert Viktor Stalberg into the starting lineup, but what will they do for the foreseeable future?

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I reached out to Wolf Pack play-by-play announcer, Bob Crawford and here are his list of candidates.

I’d say among good candidates would be Megna, Bourque, Gibbons, Adam. https://t.co/iocGdpIYcl

— Bob Crawford (@HawkCrawford) November 28, 2015

Jayson Megna: The 25 year old center may be the best fit, because he’s right-handed and the Rangers lack RH forwards. No one in Hartford is lighting up the AHL, but he may simply make the most sense from a position and shooting/passing/PP standpoint. If called up, he would likely see some action.

Ryan Bourque: He’s a LW but has some experience with the big club and the coaching staff. He could simply ride the pine the whole time he’s up and be used in case of emergency.

Brian Gibbons: The former Penguin impressed during camp and seems to be doing an adequate job down in Hartford. He plays center but is a left-handed shot, will that be why Megna gets the nod ahead of him? He has excellent speed and can kill penalties which is something Stepan did, so maybe that gets him the call.

Adam Tambellini: The only reason I can see Tambellini getting the call is if the organization would like a closer look in what they have in this kid. At 6’3″ the kid has size and we’ve seen his skill at the minor league levels. At LW, he could slide on to the third or the 4th line and not be put into too difficult a spot. I doubt he gets the call.

Unlikely but very possible candidate goes to fancy stats blogger’s favorite (where is that sarcasm font?), Tanner Glass. I don’t think so, but won’t rule it out.