The New York Rangers have a well-established team that will boast enough veteran talent to make another run at the Presidents’ Trophy, but it doesn’t mean a young talent (or three, even) won’t sneak their way into the lineup.
Logistically, only two of the three names listed below are those I can see in the Blueshirts opening day lineup, or at least will be with the big club. But there’s one who can literally go either way, likely factoring in as organizational depth to start off the season.
So, which prospects might just land a full-time role with the championship-caliber Rangers in 2024-25? Here are three prospects to keep an eye on when New York takes the ice starting in September.
Zac Jones
Perhaps there is no other prospect in the system who could become the Blueshirts next great full-time player than Zac Jones. There’s a definite opening on the Rangers blue line thanks to the fact Erik Gustafsson went to the Motor City, where he will play for the Detroit Red Wings, paving a way for Jones to step up.
Jones has played well across 69 games in his NHL career for the Rangers that have spanned four seasons, with almost half of them - 31 - coming last year. He finished the season with two goals and nine points, the best numbers of his young career.
Brennan Othmann
Only yesterday, I listed Brennan Othmann as one of three Rangers players/prospects the organization could trade this season. But there’s also a chance Othmann will skate into camp with something to prove, and that could lead to an incredible preseason and, thus, a spot in the Blueshirts lineup.
Realistically speaking, it won’t happen because there is just too much talent right now in Manhattan, but if he enjoys an outstanding camp and if there’s an injury or an unexpected trade, then maybe Othmann steals a spot. Even if he doesn’t, an outstanding September and early October will work wonders for his overall stock.
Adam Edstrom
Adam Edstrom will never be a major scorer or anything close to it in New York or anywhere in the NHL, but the imposing forward who could find a part or full-time role, playing fourth-line minutes would help win championships, and it’s why he makes up the third player on this list.
Edstrom saw ice time in 11 games last season and recorded two goals, but he’s a dedicated bruiser who should ultimately strike fear into opponents. His 30 hits from the previous season drive that point home, and if you stretch the above numbers over 82 games, he would have landed between 223 and 224 body checks in 2023-24.