What a revelation Victor Mancini has been this preseason. Mostly an afterthought for the NHL roster to start preseason–note: for the NHL roster, not as an overall solid prospect–Mancini has played his way into a much longer look than anticipated. He’s been very good, and that may sound like a bland take, but sometimes less is more. The Rangers needed additional depth on defense outside Chad Ruhwedel, and they got it in Mancini.
Now with Ryan Lindgren out to start the season, Mancini is getting time alongside Adam Fox. The 2022 5th round pick is certainly turning heads with strong defensive play and a long reach to break up zone entries. The right-handed shot will probably remain with the NHL club until Lindgren comes back before shifting to the AHL for playing time. Ruhwedel would remain as the 7D, since having Mancini sit in the press box would be silly.
Assuming Jacob Trouba is traded in the offseason, Mancini appears to be the next man up. But, and this is where the fun begins, if he plays well with Fox, does that mean Lindgren becomes a valuable trade chip for upgrades elsewhere?
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