New York Rangers Need To Look Inward For Help
Why are the New York Rangers interested in signing another body? Why is it an automatic reflex amongst Rangers Nation to trade for a body? Why, why, why?
Isn’t that where your farm system comes into play? Isn’t that the purpose of having the Hartford Wolf Pack, to develop talent? So when called upon, you have the needed horses in the stable to keep going?
With the recent rash of injuries to the blue line, twitter and the internet has been a buzz about trade interests or free agent signings. The most recent being defenseman Thomas Kaberle. The 36-year old veteran last played in the NHL in the 2012-2013 season. That means he has not stepped foot in the NHL in over a year.
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Let me say that again: That means he has not stepped foot in the NHL in over a year.
Why are the Rangers interested in the player? Aside from the biggest eye sore in Ryan McDonagh’s injury, Dan Boyle’s unavailability since the season opener due to a hand injury, and John Moore’s five game suspension due to an illegal hit, you would think the Rangers would indeed be scrambling like ants for much-needed help. However, the Rangers are not in that bad of shape, thanks in part to (uh-hmm, clearing throat) the Rangers AHL affiliate Hartford Wolf Pack.
Pleasant surprises have filled-in for the absentees. Matt Hunwick, Conor Allen, and yes Mike Kostka have been able to hold their own, since being called up. The Rangers sit above .500 with a record of 6-4-2.
The defense was already adjusting to life without Boyle’s presence, both on the blue line and defense. Then, the Jets came to town. After the game, McDonagh and Kevin Klein became casualties of a hard fought game that had a playoff feel. Of course, McDonagh got the worst of it as he was loss for four weeks. Klein suffered a foot contusion. Fortunately, he only missed one game and was back in the lineup this past Monday against the St. Louis Blues.
It gave a scare to Rangers fans everywhere. Three of the six starting defensemen lost to various reasons.
What did the Rangers do during that time of mass hysteria? They called upon their farm system.
First, Hunwick and Kostka joined the team. Both were signed as free agents before the start of the season. Hunwick has played the better of the two, contributing five assists while earning over 18:00 minutes of ice time. Kostka, started out bumpy from preseason and even his first two games he was inserted to the lineup. He started becoming the “whipping boy” for his costly giveaways in a game against the rival New York Islanders. Since that dreadful performance where he was a -2, he’s recovered and maintained a +2 in his last three games.
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Eyes On Isles
Second, they called upon Conor Allen and Dylan McIlrath for the game against the St. Louis Blues. Allen has managed to stick around the Rangers team, while McIlrath was sent back down to Hartford. Allen’s proven to be a welcomed asset from his time with the team last year and his recall this year. Though McIlrath didn’t pan out right now, he provides the “tough guy” mentality and won’t shy away from challenge. But he still needs improvement to his game. Hopefully, he will get the much needed help he deserves with the Wolf Pack.
With word that Boyle is skating again and Moore returning in a few more games, the Rangers appear to be alright. I think the team can manage till the big guys return. That is why you have depth. I don’t agree with going out and trading or signing someone just because you have a need. Why not look inward and give your prospects a chance?
If not, why bother having a farm system?