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New York Rangers: Fact or fiction entering training camp

ByNicholas Zararis|
NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 31: Henrik Lundqvist #30 of the New York Rangers is pulled from the game in the second period against the Columbus Blue Jackets on January 31, 2016 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 31: Henrik Lundqvist #30 of the New York Rangers is pulled from the game in the second period against the Columbus Blue Jackets on January 31, 2016 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 26: The New York Rangers send Lias Andersson #50 and Filip Chytil #72 out for warmups as the rest of the team waits in the tunnel prior to the game against the Washington Capitals at Madison Square Garden on March 26, 2018 in New York City. The practice is done by many NHL teams to acknowledge rookies as Andersson will be playing in his first NHL game. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 26: The New York Rangers send Lias Andersson #50 and Filip Chytil #72 out for warmups as the rest of the team waits in the tunnel prior to the game against the Washington Capitals at Madison Square Garden on March 26, 2018 in New York City. The practice is done by many NHL teams to acknowledge rookies as Andersson will be playing in his first NHL game. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

 Fiction: Filip Chytil and Lias Andersson missing the cut would be a disappointment

The Rangers are in an ideal situation with their two first round picks from the 2017 draft. Both Lias Andersson and Filip Chytil had strong seasons in the AHL for 18 year olds. It should also be encouraging that both players did not look out of place during the final seven games of the NHL season following their collective call up.

Being that both players are only 19 years old, there is plenty of time for them to gather experience and develop. Their long term development as players is what is most important, not the overall success of the team this upcoming season. For all intents and purposes, the 2018-2019 season is for experimenting and developing young talent.

There may be more to gain for both Andersson and Chytil in playing around 20 minutes per night in the AHL than less than 15 in the NHL. The most important thing for both of their respective growth’s will be time on the ice against quality opposition. There is nothing to be gained for either in playing on the fourth line at the NHL level.

If only one can make the NHL roster without having to play as a fourth line forward, send the other to the AHL with a smile on their face. Let them light it up in the American league and bring them into the fold following the trade deadline. At only 19, there is plenty of time to be worried about Andersson and Chytil, but now is not that time.

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