The 2016-2017 season won’t just be the New York Rangers’ 90th anniversary, but it will also be our AHL affiliate the Hartford Wolf Pack’s 20th anniversary. Now I by no means am a die hard Wolfpack fan, but it is getting really frustrating to try to tune into their games only to see that the team for the most part isn’t all that great. Much of this can of course be attributed to the lack of draft picks, as well as having much of the talent in Europe. The lack of scoring is a huge issue for quite a few reasons.

Wolf Pack fans deserve as much as this organization can provide. A winning culture from top to bottom will only benefit the team, and it starts in the minors. Many of these fans who see young guys grow before many of us aren’t just watching to be our own fan scouts, they’re watching it because they love the sport of hockey. It’s easier to love it when you are winning.

Another huge benefit of having a competitive AHL team is the prospect of an extended season. Adversity and competition breed improvement, and extended seasons gives that opportunity. NHL or not, the playoffs are a different breed of hockey. That experience is invaluable, especially considering that the Rangers are a playoff team for as long as Henrik Lundqvist is in net. The extended season transcends the benefit to the kids already in the system as well.

There are many ways to build out a talented roster, be it draft picks or undrafted free agents. But one of the more unheralded options is a general tryout to earn a deal. Conor Sheary of the Penguins comes to mind here. A tryout like this allows teams to take a risk but not invest two or three years down the line and take up contract space. If a team qualifies for the Calder Cup playoffs, that gives at least 11 games –including regular season wrap ups– to judge a player. Tools like this can be invaluable, especially for a team like the Rangers, who haven’t had a draft pick since the Islanders last won a playoff series.

So what can the Rangers do? They can sign guys, but I mean actually top tier AHL players, not guys Nick Tarnasky or Matt Lindblad. These guys are great character players, but don’t contribute on the ice and take up contract space. Oscar Lindberg had 28 goals last season. He’s now a Ranger and the organization didn’t really do anything to replace him. The Rangers organization must get players of similar calibre, guys who are AAAA players, the ones who look too good for the AHL but not good enough for a full time NHL job. This helps breed a winning culture for the prospects that are coming over next year and in future years.

The Rangers have 17 (!!) expiring contracts within the AHL. Some like Marek Hrivik and Mat Bodie may be re-signed, but many of these contracts have already start getting replaced by players like Boo Nieves, Adam Chapie, Steven Fogarty, Malte Stromwall, Brandon Halverson, and possibly Ryan Gropp or Keegan Iverson (a blog for another day). This leaves some room for the Rangers to get the necessary talent to achieve the necessary push for the playoffs. There are some targets that should be looked into and hopefully some will end up being seen in pre-season next year before leading the Wolfpack to the Calder Cup.

Forwards

Andy Miele – Miele is absolutely my top choice to sign. Miele was a huge scorer in the NCAA and AHL, never scoring less than 50 points in the minors. The 28 year old center would be a huge add to the team. Not only is his speed game something that can fit the big club in a pinch, but he is also the perfect center to help kids like Adam Tambellini reach the next level in the AHL. Tambellini is a sniper, and getting him a playmaker like Miele should help his development. It was documented that Miele was a target last summer, so I am sure the Rangers have done their homework on him.

Marc Arcobello – Arcobello is an odd case, as he has solid NHL numbers but can’t seem to stick with a team. The offensively gifted center is also a right handed forward, something the Rangers and Wolf Pack lack. Similar to Miele, Arcobello’s arrival would immediately benefit many forwards on this team. The Wolfpack who had the last place powerplay in the AHL would surely benefit from him.

Dustin Jeffrey – Jeffrey is a smart two-way player who would be the Wolf Pack’s all around ace. Jeffrey is a smart forward who provide help on the penalty kill and will chip in points. He has some NHL experience as well and his style is the kind that coaches like to have in the AHL just in case they need to call someone up. Hey, I’d rather someone like Jeffrey over Dan Paille to help the kill, at least Jeffrey has some value in the AHL as well.

Jeff Tambellini – The sniper is the brother of Rangers’ prospect Adam. His quick hands and ability to come up and down the ice with his speed has been his calling in the AHL. The philosophy behind this signing is simple, the guy can score, the Pack need that. Plus, doesn’t hurt Adam’s development to have big bro around.

Mike Sislo – The current New Jersey Devils’ AHL star has been huge for their organization. He provided the AHL squad with necessary production to help their actual prospects develop. He also played on the fourth line when recalled in spots. The gritty right handed forward would probably end up being part of the leadership core because of how versatile he is in the AHL.

Defense

Brad Hunt – Hunt is an offensive defenseman who will once again provide the help on the powerplay that the Pack desperately need. He has a big shot as well, so he can be a nice teacher for Rangers’ prospect Ryan Graves, who owns a 103 MPH slap shot.  Brady Skjei is most certainly a Ranger next season so the Rangers best not repeat the error of not replacing prospects with AHL talent.

Bobby Sanguinetti – The Prodigal Son returns. Claude Girou… I mean Bobby Sanguinetti has a history of being a dynamite AHL player, even if this season hasn’t been so successful. He can probably still help the Pack given his specific skill set. Or… he ends up making the team in pre-season, ends up paired with McDonagh and becomes a Norris candidate by outscoring Karlsson. Sigh.

Tommy Cross – The captain of the Bruins affiliate is a defensive defenseman, but does chip in from time to time. He is well respected in the AHL as an athlete and can be a nice add to a team that will need help.

Overall, the Rangers have a duty of a franchise to make the entire organization as best as it can be. The rewards will be huge… give the Wolfpack fans a team to remember for their 20th anniversary.

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