The Rangers have added another invite to the training camp roster – officially released today. Jordan Parise, older brother of the Devils’ Zach Parie, and son of one time Islander J.P. Parise, will go into camp to try and win an AHL contract.
Parise completes a six man goalie roster that includes the projected NHL starting pair of Henrik Lundqvist and Martin Biron, along with Chad Johnson, Cameron Talbot and Scott Stajcer. While Stajcer is expected to head back to the OHL, he’ll have a significant challenge to unseat the other two who are currently penciled in for Hartford.
Also on the roster is 21 year old Blake Parlett. Parlett finished his junior eligibility with Mississauga of the OHL last season, picking up 11 goals, 35 assists and 108 penalty minutes in 68 games. He also attended the Rangers’ prospect camp over the Summer.
Meanwhile Ruslan Fedotenko made his first appearance at the pre-camp skates, and is optimistic about his chances to make the club. For the record, the Ukrainian native thinks he’s capable of a 25 goal season, though he’s made the mark only once – when he played under John Tortorella in the year they won the cup.
Fedotenko said he has spoken little with the head coach since agreeing to the tryout, but knows what’s expected, and is eager to make an impression.
Staal Deal ‘Close’
The Rangers and Marc Staal are reportedly closing in on a new multi-year deal that will potentially take him past the free agent age of 27. That means 5+ years for those who’re counting. Steve Zipay noted that the Rangers training staff have begun hanging his equipment in the lockerroom for the firs time, and goes on to say the expectation is that there’ll be an official announcement Wednesday or Thursday.
Prospect lose again
The Rangers Prospects finished up their round robin series with a 5-4 loss to the Minnesota Wild and will likely finish third in the Gretzky Division. The coaching staff made a couple of line changes, including taking Ryan Bourque off of the line that has impressed most. Still the trio probably did plenty to impress Glen Sather and the Rangers brain trust who were at the tournament to evaluate the talent.
Evgeny Grachev, Kyle Tessier, Ethan Werek and Andrew Yogan scored for the Rangers, while Cameron Talbot made his second straight start, stopping 22 of 26 shots faced.