New York Rangers: Four thoughts through four preseason games

The Kids Are Alright

The New York Rangers appear to have the perfect plan in place if they wish to provide Lias Andersson and Filip Chytil the opportunity to make the team. New York can start with both on the active roster, either both in the opening lineup, or one as the 3rd line center and the other as a scratch. In that scenario they can flip flop the two over the stretch of games.

New York knows that Jesper Fast will miss approximately nine games of action to start the season. Andersson and Chytil both can try-out the NHL level for nine games, setting up the perfect scenario for the team.

If one stands out, the other can be sent back to their respective team outside of North America. If both stand out, perhaps the Rangers rearrange their lines to make room for both. Should neither stand out, New York can know for sure they need another center this season.

Regardless, both Andersson and Chytil should be able to get a reasonable look without being rushed. The prediction here is that Chytil lasts longer than Andersson, as Andersson’s more polished game works against him. He can do so much with some refinement, while Chytil’s skill-set is best served learning on the go in the highest league possible.