New York Rangers: Will They Need AHL Reinforcements?

As we’re approaching the start of preseason, the New York Rangers still have a sour taste in their mouths after a Playoff run that seemed to end a round early. However, the Blueshirts are feeling very optimistic heading into this season. But for how confident the team is, will the Rangers need AHL reinforcements at all this year?

New York Rangers /

New York Rangers

The Traverse City rosters were announced (click here to view the story) a week and a half ago, and it looks pretty solid. From my point of view, everybody who was invited should be there, with the exception of Dylan McIlrath who should be on the roster, in my opinion. He wants to be the best he can be, but I’m not sure if we’ve seen all that he brings to the table. The Prospects Tournament starts this Friday.

My best guess is this: the only way the Rangers will need help from the Hartford Wolf Pack is if and only if the situation arises. The “core” that Henrik Lundqvist and Ryan McDonagh talk about all the time is still intact, a core that has been part of a championship-capable team for three seasons. Up and down the lineup, a lot of the names are the same, forwards like Derek Stepan and Rick Nash, along with Dan Girardi and Ryan McDonagh on defense, and Henrik Lundqvist in goal.

With one of the biggest positives coming out of last year being the emergence of Kevin Hayes, and off season pick ups like Emerson Etem and Viktor Stalberg, the team is locked and loaded for an explosive season.

All of the players seem to be healthy as well, with Keith Yandle‘s shoulder feeling much better and Mats Zuccarello is very excited to be at the informal training sessions.

Even if the Rangers needed help, they would be okay too.

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If something happened to one of our bottom six defenders, the Rangers would be fine with Brady Skjei on the blueline. Center Oscar Lindberg would be able to make a statement this season if called upon, as well as defenseman Dylan McIlrath needing to have a dominant and fluent game. Both players have a good chance to make it this year, but time is not on their side. If McIlrath doesn’t show something, that extra “oomf” in his game this year, I’m not sure if the Rangers and the Wolf Pack will want another season with him.

As much as I’d like to see every Ranger playing every night, plowing through injuries and other ailments, accidents do happen. If the Rangers do need to have back up for a few games, they’d be fine going with some of their AHLers in the system. In other news; we’re yet another day closer to the start of New York Rangers preseason. We’re getting closer and closer, everyone.

Next: Lundqvist on the 2016 World Cup

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