Excited to see what Hagelin and Thomas do, and hope at least one of the two makes it.
Not sure if MZA is better, worse or even with those two in any order - because i happen to believe that both of those players are pretty good.
Then you start worrying about where the depth wingers like Avery, Rupp, Prust and Feds fit in if one of these kids show up big time. For me, i think you have to give Thomas a shot on the 3rd line if he can prove he can play because hes got a big league canon for a shot. You look at what a kid like Skinner did last season and you gotta at least give a kid who can pot goals a look-see. You never know. But the realistic side of me thinks Thomas isnt ready, though he may have a better shot simply because of the depth chart...
I think Erixon is the closest thing to a lock as far as rookies go, so ill go with 2 - though im not sure if theres room...
Richards, Anisimov, Stepan, Boyle + Christ down the middle.
Gabby, Cally, Prust, Zuccarello, + Thomas on the Right side
Dubinsky, Fedotenko, Wolski, Rupp, Avery, + Hagelin on the Left.
Now that Prospal is seemingly gone that opens a spot up on the left, which was filled by Rupp. Avery and Wolski are big question marks, and with the depth on the left side you have to think the Hagelin is going to have a harder time cracking the lineup. But im unsure if hes versatile enough to play the rightside, but i wouldnt count out a kid like him considering his route through college. Hes a pretty talented kid with speed who can be a force on the forecheck.
Thomas on the other hand prob has a better shot making the 3rd line if he can hold up to the physicality. The same could basically be said for Zucc. But Thomas has that shot and can play the PP. For some reason i am seeing visions of a Hagelin - Stepan - Thomas line. I think that has some real potential somewhere along the line. So i think Thomas has a better shot to make it simply because of the logjam on the left side. This is why Kreider is going to make it tough for himself come next season if one of these kids make it. He'll prob get a spot but it may not be as easy as one thinks if one of the two wingers makes a name and MZA is still fighting for a spot as well.
All good problems to have though. I'd rather be worrying about where kids, specs and vets will fit into the lineup then inserting transition fodder.
Last edited by HockeyBasedNYC: 07-19-2011 at 11:59 PM.
I'm thinking two is being too optimistic. Erixon seems to be the only lock out of camp. Hagelin has a chance but it will be tough. It should be interesting.
I think we will see 2 out of camp but I am hoping for 3 by christmas
Erixon appears to have a lock and if he doesn't make it will have only himself to blame
I am hoping that the best of the other dmen make the team unless Del Zotto has cured his turnoveritis. I think Valentenko has the inside edge but I would love to see Pashnin really wow Torts and make him a believer.
I don't classify McD as a rookie.......I unfortunately think MZA starts in CT due to depth at F. Same goes for Hagelin who will be eased in and get call ups but be full time next yr when Feds and Averys contracts expire
I am going with just 1 in Erixon. Vtank will be the 2nd if he has no options but if he does have options I figure DZ likely gets in wiht Eminger the spare Dman
I just don't see any of the below not on the team to start
That's 13 F so Hagelin and Zuke are call ups. Conceivably if they do fantastic in camp yea EC could get dumped and Avery is a spare but I just don't see it
I always undershoot. Wanted to say one, but to try to counter i'll take 2.
2 rookie dmen. possibly Erixon, Eminger with Valentenko as the 7th (waivers?)
3 is within the realm of possibility, as Thomas/Hagelin might have a great camp, but it will not be any fewer than one because of our situation of defense.
This won't happen, the rangers would rather have the young guys in hartford playing every game than being scratched. the same reason they sent gilroy and mdz down in previous years
This won't happen, the rangers would rather have the young guys in hartford playing every game than being scratched. the same reason they sent gilroy and mdz down in previous years
Vtank is the age Sauer was last year.
The Rangers kept Sauer and he was the 7th defenseman for awhile until Eminger got injured.
They wouldnt do it with an Erixon or Kundratek, but Valentenko? I don't think they'll have any problem with that, and with Vtank making his pro salary, I dont think he will either.
RangerBoy has said a few times recently that he believes Valentenko is waiver exempt this year, as his ELC slid a year when he went to play in Russia (or something like that).
I think one player makes it: Tim Erixon. Possibly Carl Hagelin. I don't see two rookie defenseman on the roster.
