As Rangers Look to Get Healthy So Does a Prospect

As the All star Break is helping the Rangers to get healthy, heal for the stretch and get key players back, a key Rangers prospect recently made his return from injury and did so in style. Center Ethan Werek made his return this week, 10 days ahead of schedule, and grabbed 3 points in his first game back. The Kingston Frontenacs’ center is a good prospect for the Rangers and this was his first game since early December. The last few weeks and months of the junior season will be key for Werek as he has the chance to show that he doesn’t need to come back for an over age year which, mainly due to injury, is certainly an option at this stage.

With the Rangers young and deep down the middle Werek is unlikely to go straight from junior to the NHL barring an unfortunate set of events (i.e. Brian Boyle not re-signing, or significant injuries…) so it will be interesting to see whether he makes it to Connecticut or whether the organisation decides to suggest the over-age route. Werek is playing above a point per game this season and despite the injuries has been an impact player whenever he has been on the ice so the second half of the junior season is going to be huge for Werek as he attempts to prove he’s ready (and healthy enough) to turn pro. The talent Werek possesses is not an issue, it seems it’s just the amount of hockey he’s played (and perhaps some fine tuning).

Werek has totalled 33 points in 29 games this season with the only concern being the minus 6 he currently sports. The talented pivot has been looking to build on a solid 09/10 season where he had 30 goals and 64 points in just 57 games. Werek is another talented forward the Rangers have in their prospect ranks and if he does go pro and end up in Connecticut it will be another big, skilled forward for the AHL team. When you consider the likes of Grachev, Weise and even Chad Kolarik are already at the Whale there is some good young talent in the minors. Additionally, when you consider the likes of Carl Hagelin and Chris Kreider are likely to join next year as well, the Whale promises to be young, gifted and pretty deep up front.