Rangers head coach Laviolette set to go over final roster cuts with the front office
Photo credit: The Hockey News
With the preseason coming to an end, all 32 teams will have to finalize their roster cuts.
The Rangers are no different, as they will have to finalize their optimal roster before sending them to Gary Bettman and company.
But due to injuries plaguing the lineup, the Rangers will have a challenge, as there are multiple forwards vying for 3rd and 4th line spots.
The laundry list includes Sam Carrick, Matt Rempe, Jonny Brodzinski and Adam Edstrom left to compete for Jimmy Vesey's spot on the fourth line.
The Rangers will have to account for Ryan Lindgren's spot while he's out on injury as well.
With Chad Ruhwedel injured, and Connor Mackey waived, the team will have to consider Victor Mancini, or K'Andre Miller for the top spot with Adam Fox.
As the opening night game takes place on Wednesday, it seems Peter Laviolette has already mapped out the finalized roster well in advance.
He just has to go over it with GM Chris Drury before they finalize their roster moves.
"We're going to go back and we'll talk tomorrow... I think we've got a pretty good idea on where we're going, but the coaches will talk. I'll meet with Chris and we'll make sure that we get the right guys going into the season," Laviolette said after Friday night's preseason game.
With Brennan Othman reassigned, and Connor Mackey waived, it seems unlikely either two will hold the lineup spots as placeholders, while Artemi Panarin and Ryan Lindgren are out.
Does that mean ultimately that Laviolette will instead go with a veteran option?
And on the fourth line, who will fill Vesey's role? Arguably it should go to Adam Edstrom, but other writers such as Remy Mastey projects Jonny Brodzinski in his place.
Here's what the Rangers lineup should look like to start the 2024-25 campaign.
Forwards:
Chris Kreider-Mika Zibanejad-Reilly Smith
Artemi Panarin-Vincent Trocheck-Alexis Lafrenière
Will Cuylle-Filip Chytil-Kaapo Kakko
Jonny Brodzinski-Sam Carrick-Matt Rempe
Defenseman:
K'Andre Miller-Adam Fox
Zac Jones-Jacob Trouba
Victor Mancini-Braden Schneider
Goaltenders:
Igor Shesterkin
Jonathan Quick
Forwards:
Chris Kreider-Mika Zibanejad-Reilly Smith
Artemi Panarin-Vincent Trocheck-Alexis Lafrenière
Will Cuylle-Filip Chytil-Kaapo Kakko
Jonny Brodzinski-Sam Carrick-Matt Rempe
Defenseman:
K'Andre Miller-Adam Fox
Zac Jones-Jacob Trouba
Victor Mancini-Braden Schneider
Goaltenders:
Igor Shesterkin
Jonathan Quick
Honestly, Jonny Brodzinski should remain as an extra, while Edstrom gets to get a long look in the NHL, especially with his production this preseason.
And considering he's already had NHL experience last season, it seems like it's already been decided in my opinion, an perfect fourth liner, who is physical and gifted offensively.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 5 | 87 ANSWERS Rangers head coach Laviolette set to go over final roster cuts with the front office Who should make the New York Rangers' fourth line while Jimmy Vesey is injured? | ||
| Adam Edstrom | 57 | 65.5 % |
| Jonny Brodzinski | 30 | 34.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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