New York Rangers: Fact or fiction entering training camp

We are less than three weeks away from the New York Rangers first game of the preseason. Following a longer than usual summer, there are a decent amount of rumors floating around.

Going into last season, the New York Rangers were considered legitimate contenders for the Stanley Cup. However, by mid-December it had become apparent that the expectations were not even close to a reality. The team limped to their worst finish in more than a decade and there was wholesale change to the coaching staff as a result.

While the widespread roster change that was expected during the offseason never came to fruition, there are some decisions to be made. There are a variety of factors to consider when it comes to assembling a roster during the course of the preseason: How will this affect a player’s development? Is this a short term or long term choice? Can I get fired if this goes wrong?

This is the first time that David Quinn will be a head coach at the NHL level following a decorated career in both the minors and NCAA hockey. One of the biggest factors during the coach interview process for the Ranger’s front office was talent development. Being that the team was taking a step back, it was clear that Alain Vigneault could not bring the franchise’s young players along for the future.

Ultimately, most of the decisions during the preseason will come down to whether or not they benefit the long term future of the team. Quinn was given a five year contract, so assume that the front office is giving him as long a leash as possible in year one.