D-Day for Zac Jones & Nils Lundkvist at the World Championships

Why D-Day?

With Adam Fox, Jacob Trouba, Ryan Lindgren and K’Andre Miller firmly set as the top four blueliners next season, there is really no room for two offensively minded, smaller defensemen. You can envision either Lundkvist or Jones on the right side of Libor Hajek, Tarmo Reunanen or even next to right shot blueliner Braden Schneider who will be playing for Team Canada.

It means that the Rangers will likely deal either Lundkvist or Jones as they seek players who are tougher to player against as Chris Drury works to remake the DNA of the team.

That means that it is decision day, but not for the Rangers.  Based on their showing at the World Championships, a potential trade partner will get a long look at both young blueliners and will decide which one they will insist on in a trade.

The irony is that the prospect who shines the most at this tournament could end up being the one who is traded this summer.

That means Ranger fans cannot get too excited at how well one of these top prospects does, since we may not see him in a Ranger uniform next season.  The best scenario is that both dazzle, meaning that whoever stays a Ranger will have a bright future.

Other Rangers to play

While Team USA is loaded with Rangers, there are a few other prospects and players goint to the tournament.   The Czech Republic  will be represented by Filip Chytil and Libor Hajek.  Team Slovakia’s roster include Hartford goalie Adam Huska.

Rangers who could have possibly had the opportunity to play include Adam Fox, K’Andre Miller, Kaapo Kakko and Vitali Kravtsov. They are all not playing.

With eight Ranger players or prospects competing at the World Championships, it’s a great opportunity for them to get some experience playing on a big stage.  It may not be the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but the various story lines will make the tournament worth watching for Ranger fans.

The NHL Network will televise 30 games live from the tournament.  The marquee matchup of Jones vs. Lundkvist will not be until the elimination round beginning on May 21.