Martin St. Louis As A New York Rangers Center

It seems the New York Rangers season is starting with a bang, and opening night is still a week away. On Wednesday, the latest news was that Martin St. Louis has volunteered to become center for a team that is in need of some reinforcements at the position. Here is the official New York Rangers Twitter announcing the news yesterday:

The news may have caused a stir amongst the Rangers faithful. It’s not been thought of for St. Louis to make a move like that. However, he has shown he is a great playmaker and sees the ice well. But St. Louis at center? Really? Is it possible?

More from Blue Line Station

• Blake Wheeler’s Broadway Calling: Why He Chose the Rangers
• Rangers’ Playoff Redemption Recipe: Grit and Fresh Hopes
• Rangers’ Roster Chatter: Who’s Making the Cut and Who’s in the Penalty Box?
• Jacque Plante Trade Tree Between the Rangers and Canadiens
• These Rangers must learn Peter Laviolette’s ropes before they can fly

According to the reports, head coach Alain Vigneault will take St. Louis up on his offer. In Wednesday’s practice, the bench boss dabbled in the experiment. St. Louis found himself centering a power play unit that included the likes of Rick Nash and this preseason’s pleasant surprise Anthony Duclair. Also, he saw time on five-on-five drills. It is speculated that Vigneault may use St.Louis at the center position in one of the two remaining preseason games.

There’s a funny quote that Vigneault shared with USA today.com, in which compares Duclair and St. Louis:

"“Marty’s a lot like the Duke (Duclair) right now…Every time I go up to the Duke, it’s ‘Have you killed penalties before?’ ‘Yeah, yeah, yeah.’ ‘Have you played the right side before?’ ‘Yeah, yeah.’ I say, ‘Have you played the point on the power play?’ He says, ‘Yeah, yeah, yeah.’“Marty’s the same way. ‘Can you play center?’ ‘Yeah, yeah, whatever you need.’”“Some guys are smart enough, they figure it out. Never say you can’t play somewhere. Say, ‘Yes, I can.’”"

Live Feed

Eyes On Isles

For most of his career, St. Louis has not seen play at the center position. However, he has been an assist machine, racking up over 60+assists in two separate seasons as member of the Tampa bay Lightning. Of course, it helps when you have a Steven Stamkos at your side. Since the 2002-2003 season, St. Louis has maintained at least 30 + assists in each season up till now.

That’s not bad for a 5’8 player that was thought to be too short to play in the NHL. If the plan works in practice, we could see a possible line combination of Nash-St.Louis-Duclair before the end of preseason. All three have played together at some point. More so for Nash and Duclair. However, St. Louis and Duclair have been seen on the bench talking with each game. Perhaps taking the youngster under his wing.

For now, Martin St. Louis continues to defy logic. Even at 39, he’s showing his unselfishness for the sake of the team. And it all started with a simple text to his head coach:

"“If you need me in the middle, I’m ready.”"