New York Rangers: Ranking the bottom-six wing candidates
The New York Rangers have roster spots to fill early in the season. Which wingers could occupy Jesper Fast’s roster spot while he recovers from offseason hip surgery?
To say that the New York Rangers offense is a work in progress would be an understatement. The center position is an enormous question mark and has created holes in other places throughout the lineup.
Add in an injury to one of the team’s most reliable two-way forwards, Jesper Fast, and the Rangers’ bottom-six suddenly becomes a point of emphasis this preseason. GM Jeff Gorton has worked hard to give his coaches the best options available.
While not all of these players will remain with the Rangers, even in a minor league role, each is entrenched in a roster battle. The options range from gritty veterans on professional tryouts to previously unlikely prospects.
Each player on this list must make their case this preseason in order to give themselves a chance to be a part of the New York Rangers opening night lineup.
5. Bobby Farnham
The idea that Bobby Farnham could potentially steal a roster spot from a younger player with potential for a future on this team is silly. However, it is one that we must consider, so Farnham starts our list at number five.
Farnham is a journeyman of sorts, a rare tag for a player with only four years experience in the NHL. The Massachusetts native has skated for the Pittsburgh Penguins, New Jersey Devils, and most recently the Montreal Canadiens during his time at the highest level.
There was a resounding feeling of nausea that overwhelmed Rangers fans with the announcement of Farnham’s arrival on a PTO this offseason. With very little to offer on the scoresheet or in the defensive zone, Farnham’s role seems similar to that of the departed Tanner Glass.
Farnham is best fit to play in the AHL where he can provide a veteran presence for young players looking to take the next step. Unfortunately, as one of our editor here at Blue Line Station pointed out recently, Farnham seems to be right up Alain Vigneault’s wheelhouse.
4. Andrew Desjardins
Andrew Desjardins also comes into camp with the Rangers on a professional tryout contract. It is standard for teams, and particularly the Rangers, to give veterans an extended look during the early stages of roster construction.
The eight-year NHL veteran has played rather inconsistently with his former teams, the San Jose Sharks and Chicago Blackhawks. In the 2016-17 season, Desjardins found his way into the Blackhawks lineup just 46 times after appearing in 77 games the previous year.
Desjardins’ game is not particularly built for Alain Vigneault’s system that fits fast, skilled players the most. His career-best seasons resulted in 17 points in both 2011-12 and 2013-14 seasons, both with the Sharks. Last season, the 31-year old winger recorded one lone assist.
However, New York’s head coach has a history of carrying a grit and physicality player on the roster. His ability to take the occasional faceoff could help him stick around in camp a little longer than expected, but Desjardins is unlikely to be the team’s top choice.
3. Cristoval “Boo” Nieves
Boo Nieves was an early candidate to supplement the Rangers’ suddenly deficient center group. However, it looks as though his name has been pushed out of that conversation while J.T. Miller gets the first look at the pivot.
Now, it seems as though another opportunity may have presented itself for Nieves. The injury to Jesper Fast has created an opening for a player that can play tough defensive minutes. Nieves has the skills in his repertoire to make a claim for those roster minutes.
Dating back to his time as a member of the Michigan Wolverines, Nieves has played in all the crucial moments for his team. Last season with the Hartford Wolfpack he saw an increasing role, including a spot on the team’s penalty kill.
His brief stint with the Rangers last season, along with his ability to play both the wing and his natural position at center, could make him an option for Vigneault. However, Nieves must separate himself from the rest of this group to make that opening an opportunity.
2. Gabriel Fontaine
Gabriel Fontaine was the New York Rangers sixth-round pick in the 2016 NHL Draft. Since being selected with the 171st pick Fontaine has continued to improve his game with Rouyn-Noranda of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
Last season, the 20-year old Quebec native registered 52 points (23 goals and 29 assists) across 59 games. Despite the gaudy offensive numbers, Fontaine is primarily known for his two-way game and defensive integrity.
His skill set closely matches what will be lacking in Jesper Fast’s absence, which is a point in his favor. After signing his entry-level deal earlier this year it became apparent that Fontaine would be taking his game to the professional level. However, very few would have guessed he would have an opportunity to play in the NHL this season.
In a New York Rangers prospect pool that lacks elite talent, Fontaine has given closer observers a reason for optimism. If the Rangers management chooses to take the path of youth with defensive upside Fontaine could be their guy.
1. Matt Puempel
Matt Puempel is the lone returner from the Rangers’ 2016-17 roster (outside of Nieves’ one-game stint) of this group. He is also one player that can make an argument as best fit for Alain Vigneault’s skill-dependent system.
Puempel had his best streak of success in the NHL during his 27 games with the Rangers last season. Over that span, Puempel recorded six goals and three assists including three power-play tallies. He accomplished those numbers all while averaging just 10:10 per game.
While Puempel’s sheltered ice-time could be taken as a negative, it is also a testament to his contributions offensively. Despite his lack of defensive acuity, a shoot-first option could be welcomed on the team’s bottom-six. Last season was a testament to the spark Puempel could provide to the Rangers lineup.
Next: Five players to progress this season
Ultimately, Puempel’s offensive upside and familiarity in the team’s systems will give him an edge in the decision-making. Should he make the team out of camp, Puempel could do enough to maintain a full-time role.