Why is no one talking about Fast? (Photo: Blueshirts United)

The Rangers kick off their preseason schedule tonight against the Devils, and seven of the forwards in the lineup tonight are slated to be competing for roster spots. There are, by my count, four open roster spots (3C, 3RW, 4LW, 4RW) in addition to the 13F and 7D spots. In total, that’s six roster spots up for grabs for forwards.

Alain Vigneault is on record saying most of the kids headed to Juniors will be cut on Wednesday –with a select few (Duclair) sticking around, of course– so the natural feeling is that Groups A and B will comprise the NHL roster and most of the guys competing for the open spots.

Let’s look at the front-runners for each spot:

3C

  • J.T. Miller – This is really Miller’s spot to lose, and he’s come into camp in better shape knowing that he must show he belongs.
  • Kevin Hayes – Hayes is the new prized signing, and he has some great talent. Reports have said that he may need some time to adjust to the professional speed, but if he misses it at center, there is always the wing.
  • Matt Lombardi – Lombardi always seems to be forgotten by me, but he has a legitimate shot to make it as the 3C as well. He’s a great skater, plays three zone hockey, and chips in offensively. Problem is that he can’t stay healthy and wasn’t even in the NHL last year.

3RW

  • Hayes – see above
  • Lee Stempniak – Signed to be the “New Benoit Pouliot,” Stempniak is a right-handed shot that can put up 20 goals while not being a tire fire defensively. He has the inside track here.
  • Jesper Fast – Defensively he’s ready. Offensively, we shall see. He put up 17-17-34 in 48 games with the Wolf Pack last season though. That bodes well. If he outperforms Stempniak, this is his spot. Plus, if he does win the spot, he and Carl Hagelin would really be able to assist Miller in the defensive zone.
  • Danny Kristo – AV mentioned Kristo as a kid who “put it all together” in his preseason presser. That bodes well, as Kristo is incredibly skilled. If he did indeed put it all together, he could thrive with Miller and Hagelin. The line would need to be sheltered –even Hagelin wouldn’t be able to save these kids from their own defensive shortcomings– in order to be effective.
  • Ryan Malone – Signed to a two-way deal, he needs to show that he can return to his 20-goal form, or at least 15-goal form. Malone is intriguing because he probably has the highest reward potential, but no one really expects it to work. Plus, this is his off-wing.

4LW

  • Tanner Glass – This is, unfortunately, his spot to lose. That said, his competition is Malone. One will make the club. If that one is Malone, Glass will be the 13F.
  • Malone – See above
  • Oscar Lindberg – Lindberg is certainly ready to show he belongs in this role. If he makes the club, he may start at LW to get adjusted to the NHL speed.

4RW

  • Stempniak/Fast/Malone – See above (4RW isn’t the right spot for Kristo or Hayes). I think Fast has the inside track here.
  • Ryan Bourque – Initially written off by many, including us, Bourque had a breakout season last year. He’s a dark horse for this spot.

Most of the other vets will compete for the 13F spot, but my expectation is that one of Glass or Malone will get that role. It’s been a while since we’ve had this many openings on the roster headed into camp. Competition breeds improvement.

Share: 

More About: