New York Rangers: Five players Alain Vigneault helped push out of town
By Josh Lipman
Adam Clendening
Last season’s Ranger squad featured one one of the thinnest blue lines in recent history. The right side struggled especially hard as ex-Rangers Dan Girardi and Kevin Klein continued to decline. Despite a dire need for a right-handed puck mover, Adam Clendening made it into the lineup only 31 times.
In those 31 games, Clendening posted a five on five corsi for percentage (CF%) of 56.4, higher than any regular skater on the team. This means the Rangers made a larger share of shot attempts with Clendening on the ice than they did with anyone else.
Clendening also showed offensive promise, managing 11 points in limited ice time. No matter what he did, however, Vigneault continued to nitpick his game.
"“Adam had a good game [in Washington],” Vigneault said, “but there were a couple touches with the puck that weren’t as efficient as he had been.”"
Clendening inexplicably fell behind Steven Kampfer on Vigneault’s depth chart late in the 16-17 season. He expressed frustration with his situation to the press.
"“It kinda sucks. I’m not gonna say that I’m happy about it,” Clendening said after taking part in Monday morning’s extras skate. “Everyone wants to play, especially when you get an opportunity as a guy that’s worked all year and waited my time.”"
The Rangers non-tendered Clendening over the summer and he signed with the Coyotes.