After an extended summer vacation as a result of missing the playoffs, the Rangers got back in action today. At least the rookies did, including the NHL experienced duo of Adam Sykora and Drew Fortescue. They joined twenty-five others as the preseason activities got under way.

The day consisted of on-ice activities directed by new Hartford coach Jay Leach, who was actively involved in giving feedback to the young prospects as they went through their first official drills of the season. Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan was also there, but only as an observer ahead of next Wednesday’s full Training Camp kick off.

DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES

Latvian defenseman Alberts Smits was there of course, attending his first camp after being drafted fifth overall back in June. He shared that he’d been in New York the past couple of weeks, informally skating with some of his new teammates. The 18-year-old remains focused on the process rather than the outcome, a trait that no doubt continues to endear him to the Rangers.

It’s a clear-eyed view of his prospects, with very few blueliners able to establish themselves in the NHL at such a young age. He also has yet to play a competitive game in North America and will no doubt have some adjustments to make.

Center prospect Cole Beaudoin was more direct about his goals. He’s angling for a spot on the NHL roster, which looks pretty settled for the most part going into the season. Acquired from the Utah Mammoth, the 20-year-old admitted that he was a little surprised at first but has now embraced the change. As the organization’s top-rated center, he has a chance to be next guy in line in case of injury.

His focus of being a 200-foot player and being responsible in the defensive zone is also a worthy goal for where he’s likely to fit in the NHL at least initially. When asked about questions on his skating, he downplayed them, pointing out that he’d worked on that since being drafted two years ago. He’s got size at 6-2 209 and comes with a reputation as an almost obsessive hard worker, so has a good chance at a look this season.

TRIO MISS FIRST DAY – TRUDEAU ADDED

Three of the prospects were not cleared for on-ice activities on day one, although all three did attend. 2026 6th round pick Andre Mondoux, trade acquisition Aidan Thompson and 2025 3rd round pick Artem Gonchar were in attendance, but didn’t dress. No further details were provided, but William Trudeau was enlisted to provide some cover on defense.

Mondoux and Gonchar are both expected to be returned to Canadian Juniors before the season starts, while Thompson projects to be in Hartford to start the year.

SOME VERY EARLY LINE COMBOS

Looking at lines in Rookie camp is not exactly productive, but with Leach running things it may foreshadow some of his early thinking as he goes into his first year with the Pack. Notably he had Brody Lamb and Liam Greentree paired with Beaudoin. It puts three of the more intriguing Rangers forward prospects together.

It’s also interesting seeing Fortescue being used on the off-side. One or both of Scott Morrow and Vincent Iorio will change the calculations there, but it’s also possible that one or both gets claimed on waivers – as Iorio was twice last season.

Jacob Battaglia joining the European bound Tomas Chrenko and Juniors bound Spencer Bowes also speaks to where he’s at in his career trajectory. Battaglia has an opportunity to bounce back, but clearly has some work to do.

Similarly Carey Terrance and Bryce McConnell-Barker as returnees, will likely find themselves in a battle for ice time at the AHL level, and could even spend some time down in the ECHL after last year’s failures in Hartford.

GAMES ON TAP THIS WEEKEND

The group will travel to Pennsylvania for the weekend, with games tomorrow night (5:00pm) and Sunday (7:00pm). The Flyers will post a link on their official website some time tomorrow for those who are able to watch the live stream.