The New York Rangers have wrapped up their Development Camp by splitting the home-and-home set with the Flyers rookies. In both contests, the Baby Blueshirts went down early in the first period, roared back to tie it in the second, and split the third.
Game one was a loss thanks to too many penalties and power play goals against. It almost looked like a repeat on Sunday after an early PP goal against. Down after the first period, this time the Rangers not only tied it but won it in the later stages of the third.
All and all 16 forwards, 8 defenseman, and 3 goalies were at camp with several standouts and a few misses.
New York Rangers stand outs
Morgan Barron: The 22 year-old was a stand out in camp and in both rookie games. He used all his 6-4, 220 frame to be strong on the puck, win draws, set up plays and get to the net. Barron was rewarded for his efforts with the first Rangers goal in Game 1. The 6th round pick in 2017 has come a long way and will compete for a spot on the roster.
Zac Jones: Of all the defenseman at camp, Jones was head and shoulders the best. Displaying an array of skills from skating, passing, shooting, and a high hockeyIQ, he will make it hard for the Rangers to send him down. A very mature 20 year-old, this 3rd round pick from 2019 looks like a gem.
Will Cuylle: “I want to make the team,” the 19 year-old said before the rookie games began. Yesterday, the 2nd pick in the 2020 draft scored twice using his size in front. The versatile winger believes he can be effective in any role with the team and was happy with what he was able to showcase so far. Expect him to make a big push in training camp.
Nils Lundkvist: The most prized prospect in camp struggled a little on Saturday, although he was overworked on defense. However, it was a script flip on Sunday where he used his speed and elite shot to give the Rangers a 3-2 lead that they would hold on to. Nils should continue this level of play in training camp and make the team to start the season.
Lauri Pajuniemi: I often refer to the 22 year-old 5th round pick from 2018 as the “Other Finn”. However, he proved why he’s been so highly praised in Liiga. Pajuniemi scored twice on Saturday, but had one disallowed. Of all the forwards at camp, he looked most like a natural goal scorer. Lauri will start on a top line with the Wolf Pack, but could be the first call up if there’s an injury to the top six.
Braden Schneider: The 19 year old first round selection in 2020 lived up to the hype. Although he doesn’t appear ready to make the team, he wasn’t shy about using his size to make plays. Schneider was hard on the puck, and aggressive with the body. He showed he can skate, make a pass, and control play. He will be the #1 right-defenseman in Hartford.
Prospects that need more seasoning
Matthew Robertson: The Rangers 2nd round pick in 2019 was solid. He seemed to do everything well. “I’m just being consistent everyday, just showing I’m ready to play,” Robertson said during camp. “Getting better each day. Play my game and not try and do anything out of my toolbox.” That was probably the biggest issue as he really didn’t stand out. The 6-4 defender should have a good training camp, but he looks like he could use some time in the AHL.
Brennan Othmann: Let’s be fair, the 2021 first round pick is just 18 years-old. There were some flashes on the PP where he showed why the Rangers opted to take another winger in the first round. He just needs more time to develop physically in order to compete.
Dylan Garand: No goalies really stood out to me, but Garand made an impression in game two yesterday. He held the fort and gave up no goals to secure the 3-2 win. The 4th round selection in 2020 will continue to develop and may push for the Wolf Pack starting role soon.
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