While it seems like it was just yesterday that the New York Rangers were seeing the end of their 2023-2024 season, we are ready to start the 2024-2025 NHL season. By the time most of you are getting to read this, the Rangers have already announced the names of the twenty-five invitees to their rookie camp.
Considering that the Rangers remain in their "win-now" mode then it will be a major shocker if more than two of those listed here have a legitimate chance to earn a spot on the main roster. Those two are Brendan Othmann and Adam Edstrom and if you are being realistic about anyone's chances then go with Adam Edstrom as the best opening is going to be within the "bottom six" or defensive side of the forwards.
Normally Brendan Othmann would be viewed as a potential rookie to make the team, but he tailed off at the end of last season and that most likely will cost him. Othmann is a power forward and in most cases the Rangers are going to want to see him playing regular minutes towards a possible mid-season call-up instead of playing less than ten minutes a night or sitting in the press box.
Edstrom should be your favorite to make the Rangers roster given his stronger defensive skill set as well as his ability to play all forward positions. That 6'7" 234 lb body offers the better chance of replacing the departed Barclay Goodrow and his physical game.
On defense, the closest one might get to seeing a rookie earn a roster spot has to be 2022 fifth round pick Victor Mancini of the Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks. Mancini, a 6'4 224 right-handed defenseman can best be described as a Marc Staal-clone which is ironic considering that the Rangers just hired the recently retired Staal to be a defensive development coach at Hartford.
Congratulations Marc on a great career! Thrilled to have you back and looking forward to your next chapter as #NYR Player Development Assistant. pic.twitter.com/8nv5SnlyIH
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 5, 2024
Mancini is going to be a fan favorite if he plays anything like Staal whether it is the physical crease clearing defender or the shot-blocking shut-down defender, Mancini's offense still needs a bit of work but the rest of his overall game makes him at worst the Rangers seventh defenseman and quite possibility a third pair defender.
It would be unrealistic to even consider any of the three kid goalies that the Rangers have (Dylan Garand, Hugo Ollas, or Talyn Boyko as having any possible shot at earning a spot on the roster given that the Rangers already have Igor Shesterkin and Jonathan Quick.
If any of the kid goalies are called up, then the odds are good that the season will have gone horribly bad.
The New York Rangers will open the campaign on Oct. 9 against the Penguins in Pittsburgh, and have its home opener at Madison Square Garden on Oct. 12 against the expansion Utah HC.