The New York Rangers still have one roster spot to figure out before the regular season begins, and their fourth-line battle appears to be down to three players.
Matt Rempe, Taylor Raddysh and Jaroslav Chmelař are all fighting for one spot, and right now, it looks like the battle is going to come down to Rempe and Raddysh. Chmelař appears to be the most likely player to start the season in the American Hockey League (AHL), but there is still a pretty important decision to make between the other two.
3 Rangers fighting for 1 spot on opening night
Rempe obviously brings his size and physicality, which is what make him valuable, and if New York wants a fourth line that can bring some toughness, there is a reason to keep him around. He isn't going to provide much offence, but that isn't really what the Rangers would be asking from him.
Raddysh can provide a little more offensively and has enough NHL experience to step into a bottom-six role without needing much time to adjust. That could make him a more well-rounded option for the fourth line, but it also creates a problem for the Rangers because there may simply not be room for him.
If Raddysh ends up losing the battle, it could lead to a bigger decision for New York. Rather than simply sending him to the AHL, there is a strong possibility that the Rangers could look to trade him or put him on waivers. If they can find a trade partner, that would probably be the preferred option.
One team that could make some sense is the Toronto Maple Leafs. Toronto already has Raddysh's brother, Darren Raddysh, on their blue line, and the Maple Leafs could still be looking for another forward who can come in and give the bottom six some more offence. There is obviously no guarantee Toronto would have interest or that the Rangers would even want to trade Raddysh to the Maple Leafs. It is just one situation that could make sense if New York decides it doesn't have room for him.
For now, though, this is still a battle between Rempe, Chmelar and Raddysh. As mentioned, it does look like Chmelar is falling out of favour, plus he is the youngest of the three, so sending him down does make the most sense. Regardless, the decision could come down to what New York wants from its fourth line. If the Rangers want more size and physicality, Rempe has a pretty clear argument. If they want another forward who can give them some offence and NHL experience, Raddysh may have the edge.
Either way, this is a decision the Rangers are going to have to make soon, and what happens with Raddysh could be just as interesting as who actually wins the fourth-line job.
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