Underrated Rangers players who could steal the spotlight at training camp

Over the past few seasons, there have been a multitude of New York Rangers who made a statement during training camp and preseason. Players such as Will Cuylle and Adam Edström forced their way into the lineup after strong camps. Heading into this season, the Rangers are counting on a few youngsters to step up to fill in holes on the roster. Now there's a couple obvious players such as 2021 first rounder Brennan Othmann and now fourth year pro Brett Berard; so here are three players that could drive themselves into the Blueshirts' opening night lineup.

Noah Laba

A former fourth round pick in 2022, Laba is someone the Rangers organization absolutely adores. Listed as 6'2" 192 pounds, Laba already has the size of an NHL player and in his past three seasons, Laba has scored 88 points in 100 games with Colorado College. But the points don't tell the whole story with Laba. Laba is a very smart 200 foot player that can win draws and play anywhere in your lineup. Laba uses his size to get in on the forecheck and into the dirty areas of the game.

"Laba's best quality is that he knows exactly where to position himself at any given moment.
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J.D. Burke of Elite Prospects

After getting eleven games of experience in the AHL last season, a strong training camp can push Laba into the Rangers' currently vacated third line center role.

Scott Morrow

Acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes in a trade that saw defenseman K'Andre Miller head to Carolina, Scott Morrow is a highly touted right handed defenseman. Formerly selected in the second round of the 2021 draft, Morrow possesses all the tools a team would want for a modern day top-four defenseman, from his mobility with the puck to his 6'2" 194 lb. frame. Last season was Morrow's first taste of professional hockey, first with the Chicago Wolves of the AHL putting up 39 points in 52 games and then fourteen games with the Hurricanes in which he scored six points.

"A mobile, right-shot defender who can control the game in all three zones. He has all of the tools that the modern-day defender needs but concerns because he plays prep are present. If Morrow reaches his potential, there could be something special here."

Nick Bass of Dobber Prospects

Morrow also has an advantage over a lot of the Rangers other defenseman because it is unknown right now who will quarterback the Blueshirts' second power-play unit, so Morrow showcasing his high-level offensive ability and solid defensive play can be key in him getting himself into the Rangers lineup.

Dylan Roobroeck

Selected in the sixth round just a couple years ago, Roobroeck has turned some eyes after a solid outing in Hartford last year. Roobroeck, 21, registered 20 goals, 34 points in 72 games with the Wolf Pack. The point total isn't eye popping, but 20 goals is fairly impressive for a 21 year old in his first year of proffesional hockey. Then his 6'7" height, and how well the Rangers handled Adam Edström and Matt Rempe; Roobroeck can see himself get a really long look from Chris Drury and Mike Sullivan.

"With the puck, Roobroeck starts give-and-gos, uses the middle, and even delays to outwait pressure. He shows playmaking skills, regularly slipping pucks under defenders’ sticks to teammates on the other side. He’s confident on the backhand and has the handling skill to deke around defenders."

Elite Prospects

Even though it's a long shot this year, it shouldn't come as a surprise if his second full camp serves as the catalyst for Roobroeck becoming an integral part to the future of the Rangers. To add, the thought of putting Edström, Roobroeck, and Rempe all on one line is definitely something Chris Drury wants to pull off, and Roobroeck impressing can cause it to happen sooner rather than later.