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New York Rangers Offseason Addition Viktor Stalberg has Something to Prove

By Brandon Fitzpatrick

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While the NHL is not the revolving door that the NFL is, there are still plenty of new faces on teams each year.

The New York Rangers are no different, as they have brought in new pieces to replace those no longer here, as they try to win that elusive Stanley Cup.

For Viktor Stalberg, this could very well be his last “kick at the can” as Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault frequently says.

He is clearly the newcomer with the most to prove for the Blueshirts.

The 29-year-old Swedish left winger was once a highly touted player with the Chicago Blackhawks, providing a rare blend of speed and strength, much like current Ranger Chris Kreider.

During the 2011-12 season, Stalberg set career highs in goals (22), assists (21), and points (43). His scouting report from his younger days makes it seem like he was a star in the making.

A big player with great speed. Accelerates really well and reaches full speed very fast. Forechecks successfully and plays with good intensity. A natural sniper with a fine scoring touch. Defense and passing game could use some improvement. Should play even more physical with his large frame.

After signing a four-year contract worth $12 million with the Nashville Predators, Stalberg’s career started to take a turn for the worse.

He appeared in 25 regular season games with the Predators last season, and had a couple of stints in the AHL. It was clear that he did not mesh will with coach Peter Laviolette and his style of play. At the end of the 2014-2015 season, he had his contract bought out by the Predators.

Now, Stalberg finds himself in New York, vying for a spot in the top-nine.

He has a chance to win the Benoit Pouliot award, given to the player with immense talent who has been given up on.

In addition, Stalberg could be turning his career around and parlaying his one-year deal into a multi-year contract.

New York Rangers
New York Rangers /

New York Rangers

The Rangers line combinations are still murky, but there should be a role for Stalberg.

Despite a limited sample size, his advanced metrics from last season were impressive. He had a SAT% of 52.09%, which is impressive considering he only played 11:53 minutes per-game. His SATF/60 (SAT% for, stretched out over 60 minutes) was a solid 55.33%.

These stats show that Stalberg was very good at getting shot attempts with his linemates.

It is likely that Stalberg will play on either the third or fourth line. A line of himself, Dominic Moore, and Jesper Fast would be an awesome checking line that would be able to score.

The Rangers have a bunch of new faces, including Jarret Stoll, who is out to prove something also.

However, Stalberg has the most to show, in a possibly limited role this season. He was once a highly coveted prospect until his career went off the rails in Nashville.

Now, he has a chance to change the narrative, and get paid while doing it.

Next: New York Rangers Prospects Drop Third Loss at Traverse City

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