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New York Rangers: Five potential replacements for Jesper Fast

By Tyler Kluepfel

Sep 29, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers right wing Jesper Fast (19) plays the puck against New Jersey Devils defenseman Andy Greene (6) during the first period of a preseason hockey game at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 29, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers right wing Jesper Fast (19) plays the puck against New Jersey Devils defenseman Andy Greene (6) during the first period of a preseason hockey game at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 29, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New York Rangers left wing Matt Puempel (12) celebrates after scoring his third goal of the game for a hat trick during the third period against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New York Rangers left wing Matt Puempel (12) celebrates after scoring his third goal of the game for a hat trick during the third period against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Matt Puempel-

Perhaps a forgotten man on the roster, Puempel seems to be the easiest fallback option for the Rangers. When the Rangers claimed Puempel off waivers from the Ottawa Senators, the team had hoped they would see the talent realized, the same talent that Ottawa saw when they drafted him in the first round back in 2011. It doesn’t appear he’ll become a twenty goal scorer, but Puempel is still just 24 and can slot in easily on the wing if Fast is no longer around.

Puempel is a restricted free agent, but there has been no indication that the Rangers will not give him a qualifying offer. There’s still hope that the Rangers can turn him into productive fourth liner given the right linemates, and has the tools to be an NHL player.

Next: Pacific Division Division Trade Targets

Losing Jesper Fast possibly for nothing is going to hurt, but if the alternatives are any of the previous five listed, the Rangers may be in good hands regardless. And if the Golden Knights decide to skip over Fast in the expansion draft, even better.

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