For all intents and purposes, the only true battle at NY Rangers camp is for the fourth line spots. The top-nine is more or less set, even if we see some line shuffling throughout the season. The battle for the fourth line essentially consists of Brendan Lemieux, Brett Howden, Kevin Rooney, Colin Blackwell, Morgan Barron, Patrick Khodorenko, Justin Richards, and Austin Rueschhoff.
Guaranteed Spots
I hate to say spots are guaranteed, but let’s be real. Some spots are guaranteed. Lemieux and Howden are going to be in the lineup on opening night. Lemieux will be the 4LW. Howden’s position is unclear, but he will either be the center or the 4RW, and that depends on how the rest of camp plays out.
It was tempting to include Rooney in the guaranteed spots. Rooney is the only “puncher” in the lineup. While he does offer some defensive play, he’s a bit of a black hole when it comes to driving play though. I think he’s going to wind up as more of a matchup-dependent player.
The Toss Ups
This is where I’m putting Rooney. Again, I think he’s going to be matchup dependent. But I am also putting Blackwell here, and I think Rooney and Blackwell get the majority of the time as the third fourth liner.
Rooney and Blackwell are comparable defensively, but Blackwell is much better with the puck. The only advantage Rooney really has over Blackwell is the punching factor. My preference would be Blackwell, but I recognize there might be games where you need Rooney. Specifically against the Islanders.
Morgan Barron is the only other player that might be considered a toss up. But I consider him to be on the outside looking in for the Rangers fourth line battle. Barron’s development is important to the Rangers, so unless he breaks camp he’s going to the AHL. The taxi squad is going to primarily consist of the Blackwell’s and the Rooney’s, so Barron won’t be there. He’s got the talent, but he’d need to blow people away in camp.
Maybe Next Year
With all due respect to Khodorenko, Richards, and Rueschhoff, this isn’t the year for them. Khodorenko is likely the best of the bunch, but all three come with a good level of skill. The problem is this isn’t a normal year.
That said, if there are any significant injuries we may see one of them called up. I expect all three to start the season in the AHL, though. Of course I’d love to be wrong, but I think next year is the year they truly look for a spot.
Charts from Evolving-Hockey.
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