brady skjei

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We have seen three preseason games for the Rangers, and they are a relatively impressive 2-1 so far. There have been surprises, some pleasant and others not so much. With back-to-back games coming up, and with an expected roster cut after tonight’s game, we are at the point where we can read into some of Alain Vigneault’s decisions, which helps in making educated predictions.

  • Starting with a bombshell on the blue line, I think Brady Skjei is cut from the team. This mostly has to do with AV’s comments, saying “Brady to a certain extent would be a work in progress but Brady is a young player going through the process. He was a little bit better than he was in the first game but I still think there needs to be improvement there also.” That, to me, means Skjei starts in the AHL.
  • Nick Holden, just based on the acquisition cost and salary, is likely making the team. His role, however, will be dictated by how well Adam Clendening plays as the competition in the preseason gets stiffer. He’s been good, but it hasn’t been against NHL regulars yet. If he continues to impress, I think Holden winds up rotating with Dylan McIlrath as the 7D, based on matchups.

  • Marc Staal and Dan Girardi will be getting top-four minutes. This isn’t really a shocker, but I think we see Girardi with McDonagh, Staal with Clendening/Klein, and then some combination of Holden (who has the edge as a lefty), Clendening, and McIlrath. Even with Skjei, that defense unit doesn’t impress many.
  • The forwards are where things get interesting. It looks like the injury to Josh Jooris will cost him a roster spot out of camp. He will be the first injury call up, though.
  • Stick with the fourth line forward theme: Maxim Lapierre will not get a contract out of camp. There are just too many bodies, even with the injuries to Jooris and Oscar Lindberg.
  • Jimmy Vesey and Pavel Buchnevich will make the team out of camp, but will not be regulars in the lineup right away. This is standard AV, as he has never been known for trusting rookies right from the start. When they are in the lineup, expect them to be in a sheltered third line role, probably with Kevin Hayes (edit: and Brandon Pirri).
  • That comes to the big question: Will Tanner Glass be on the roster? It’s between him and Nathan Gerbe at this point, and it’s basically a toss up. Glass is playing tonight, but in a fourth line role with Lapierre –whom I don’t believe will make the team– and Malte Stromwall, who is destined for the AHL. Glass hasn’t played with any NHL players this preseason. Meanwhile Gerbe, who has just one game thus far, was on a line with Michael Grabner and Jesper Fast, a potential fourth line. Gerbe may be small, but he’s certainly a better option than Glass, and it appears AV is leaning that way.
  • The wild card though is Marek Hrivik. It’s clear AV likes him, and has wanted more from him. According to the broadcasts, Hrivik is stronger and quicker this year. Perhaps he makes the team out of camp over Glass, and rotates with Gerbe as the 12F. Both he and Gerbe are capable of playing all three forward positions.
  • Long story short: I think the competition for the final forward spot is between Gerbe and Hrivik, and Glass is not in the picture anymore.
  • One last piece about the defense: I think the Rangers make a trade, albeit a minor one, to help address. I don’t think a blockbuster happens until after Christmas.

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