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New York Rangers: Four players worth an invite to training camp

By Nicholas Zararis

DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 29: David Desharnais
DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 29: David Desharnais /
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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 30: New York Rangers Goalie Ondrej Pavelec (31) makes a pad save during the National Hockey League game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the New York Rangers on March 30, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY. (Photo by Joshua Sarner/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 30: New York Rangers Goalie Ondrej Pavelec (31) makes a pad save during the National Hockey League game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the New York Rangers on March 30, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY. (Photo by Joshua Sarner/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Number four: Ondrej Pavelec

The backup goaltender market is truly a niche market of the highest order. When a team can afford to splurge on a legitimate veteran backup they are typically considered a contender. This past season, the New York Rangers rolled with veteran backup Ondrej Pavelec until injury befell the veteran goaltender.

In 19 games, 12 of which were in starts, the Czech goaltender posted a .910 save percentage and a 3.05 goals against average. It should be noted that the Rangers were the worst team in the league in terms of percentage of shots at even strength with an egregious 45.10% of shots. Pavelec’s best game as a Ranger came on December 11 of 2017 when he made 44 saves in an overtime loss against the Dallas Stars.

As of the moment, the New York Rangers do not have a clear cut backup goaltender. The assumption is that the team will end up deciding between 22 year old Alexandar Georgiev and Marek Mazanec. Neither goaltender has much experience a the NHL level and relying on one of the two as relief for a 36 year old Henrik Lundqvist could prove disastrous even in a season with no expectations.

It is uncertain as to whether Pavelec is expecting to play in North America this season or possibly looking to extend his career in Europe. But, either way, the Rangers would be smart to look into a reunion with the Czech goaltender. There would be no harm in offering the goaltender a PTO and riding with him as Lundqvist’s backup for another season. It would be beneficial to Georgiev’s development to play a lot of games in the AHL instead of sparingly in the NHL.

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