With the prospects out in Traverse City playing their first game of the tournament – a 5-4 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets – the Rangers veterans returned to the ice for their informal skates. Alexander Frolov skated with the team for the first time since signing a one year, $3M contract back on July 27th, and faced off against Marian Gaborik.
Frolov was the last veteran to show up – with the exception of Marc Staal, who remains out without a contract – and is happy to have a chance to earn first line and first unit power play minutes, after being relegated to the second line last year with Los Angeles.
Exelby and Semenov invited to camp
Also on the ice was veteran free agent defenseman, Garnet Exelby. The former Thrasher and Maple Leaf defenseman is on the lookout for a contract, after finishing a disappointing season with the Leafs last year. For his part Exelby felt there were too many blueliners on the roster, and that he was a victim of numbers as much as anything.
The defenseman apparently had known he was coming for the past week, but no one on the team or in the media was aware of it until he texted former Thrasher team mate Todd White for directions to the rink last night.
Russian born defender Alexei Semenov has also been extended an offer to attend camp. Semenov practiced with the Rangers last year, and played in a handful of preseason games, ultimately earning an NHL contract offer. Ultimately he turned down the chance to play in New York to instead pursue a contract with Moscow Dynamo of the KHL. Semenov will get another chance to impress this year.
The addition of Exelby and Semenov to the roster means that Matt Gilroy and Steve Eminger in particular will have more pressure on them to retain their spots. Wade Redden continues to be on the outer at this stage given his salary commitment.
Prospects in action in Europe
Lukas Zeliska has so far recorded two goals and two assist in two games for Mountfield of the Slovakian Extraliga. David Skokan also kicked off his campaign this week with Slovan Bratislava, picking up a solitary assist in two games.
In the KHL, Mikhail Pashnin played one game for CSKA Moscow, not registering a point and picking up four penalty minutes.
The Czech Extraliga and Swedish Elitserien start their seasons later this week.
Tickets on sale September 23rd
Individual tickets to the Rangers regular season games will go on sale 10am on September 23rd.