Adam Edstrom's Amazing Preseason Gives Him A Chance to Make the New York Rangers
After the 2024-25 preseason, the talk of the town is around the New York Rangers, particularly those fighting for roster spots. I've touched on Victor Mancini and Jonny Brodzinski, but there is one player who seems to be strengthening his case for a place with every passing game: Swedish forward prospect Adam Edstrom. His three goals and an assist in the preseason have seen him write his name all over the scoresheets.
At 6'8, this is a man who looks down on Matt Rempe. If Edstrom is ever out of work in hockey, his size alone would get him into most basketball leagues worldwide. With a wing span the size of an Airbus, he adds some much-sought-after size to the Rangers' bottom six if the team opts to give him a chance in that role. He made his NHL debut last season, and he's been doing something this preseason we've been waiting for. Scoring.
The Ranger's bottom six has been lackluster since the letter informing the fanbase that the organization was going through a rebuild. Many options have been tried and failed in the bottom half of the lineup in the days since the letter, but that is not the same as what the Rangers could get from Edstrom if he can continue his preseason scoring in the regular season. It's difficult, but the Rangers do need more depth.
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What Edstrom offers that others in the bottom six do not is that scoring, if he can sustain it. His skating does need some work, but the idea of another tower in the bottom six alongside the likes of Matt Rempe is cause for excitement. That physicality has been a mantra of Rangers teams in recent times, and Edstrom's size will certainly not hurt that in the depths of the Rangers roster.
So, where do I think Edstrom starts the season? My guess is probably with the Hartford Wolf Pack, but I also think we'll see the Swede at some point this season. The New York Rangers will call players up during the season as injuries affect the first team. It's normal and art of the sport, and at that point, Edstrom may get another look at making the big club. But for now, his sensational preseason looks unlikely to net him a place.