The biggest news out of camp to day is no doubt the injury to Chris Drury, a broken index finger he suffered while blocking a shot in this morning’s scrimmage. It’ll keep him out of the line-up for around four weeks, just long enough for him to miss the first few regular season games if the prediction holds true.
For those who are competing for forward spots, it provides a little more opportunity to make an impression, and hopefully win a roster spot. Even if it means playing out of position on the right wing. It also means slightly less competition up the middle, where Drury was likely to be given some consideration, even if he ultimately was moved back to the wing.
When combined with the positive comments from coach John Tortorella on Derek Stepan, Tim Kennedy and Brian Boyle today, and you can see where this might play out.
Perhaps as interesting now as figuring out who will be the centers on each of the four lines, will be figuring out who now moves over to play right wing in Drury’s old spot. The Rangers have an abundance of Center/Left Wing candidates, with only two specialist right wings in Marian Gaborik and Ryan Callahan. While guys like Vinny Prospal, Sean Avery or Brian Boyle could potentially play the position, none are really known for playing there.
Another forward who drew some comments today was big guy Derek Boorgaard. The Rangers are looking to try and get him to work on his game a little, and maybe get a few more minutes out of him. That should be interesting for a guy who hasn’t scored in around four years.
While the forwards remain a bit of a mystery, we’re seeing confirmation from the coach that Ryan McDonagh is a genuine candidate now for the final six starting positions. Tortorella has gone out of his way to praise the rookie blueliner, and while he’s talked about the likes of Wade Redden and Matt Gilroy as having clean slates to come into camp, the former remains clearly out of the picture, while the latter has to prove he’s not the same player as last season.
Curiously we’ve heard little about Summer acquisition Steve Eminger since camp started, which may mean the veteran is being looked at more as a depth defender than a lock for the fifth/sixth spot.
If Stepan and McDonagh do ultimately make it into the opening night roster, I’ll be impressed. Going into camp I was of the mind that while both would get long looks, McDonagh had the best chance, but that ultimately the team would go with veteran presence…at least for the start.
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