Twenty four Rangers were on the ice today with notable absentees including Marian Gaborik – expected in NYC today, Alexander Frolov and Erik Christensen – expected later in the week, and Marc Staal – without a contract. Brian Boyle was also not on the ice, but was at the MSG training facilities according to reports. For a list of players mentioned specifically as being at camp check out this thread.

Staal contracts still stalled
No news on the Marc Staal contract negotiations, but it doesn’t appear to be bothering his team mates. Brandon Dubinsky told NY Daily News reporter Jesse Spector that he knows the situation only too well, having been in the same position last year. Dubinsky ultimately signed after training camp was already under way. Meanwhile Michal Rozsival is used to these sorts of holdouts and is unperturbed – more in Andrew Gross’ Ranger Rants.

Traverse City getting closer
Steve Zipay of Newsday reports in his blog that the Rangers have added center Kelsey Tessier to the team roster for Traverse City. The 5-9 169lb Tessier followed up a so-so regular season of 19 goals and 34 assists in 53 games with 14 goals and 16 assists in 21 post season games. He split his season between the Quebec Remparts and Moncton Wildcats, both of the QMJHL.

Also reported today that John Tortorella will accompany the team to the tournament, which gets underway this coming Saturday, and concludes eight days from now on Wednesday September 15th.

Prospects in preseason action
Rangers 2010 sixth round pick, Jesper Fast may have worked his way up the depth chart for HV71 in the Swedish Elitserien. In preseason competition he registered five goals and nine assists in 11 games, and finished on the top line. He’ll play this year in Sweden. HV71 start their regular season Thursday.

Ryan Bourque has been wowing them in the QMJHL this preseason, picking up 10 points in just 4 games, while both Ethan Werek – Kingston and Roman Horak – Chilliwack each picked up a goal for their respective teams during preseason work.

Dylan McIlrath – Moose Jaw, Andrew Yogan – Erie and Randy McNaught – Saskatoon have also started their respective preseasons.

Yogan not as tanned in real life
Rangers 2010 third round pick, Andrew Yogan meanwhile has not had a chance to see himself in the latest installment of EA Sports NHL. The Florida born Yogan got some razzing from his teammates about his lack of tan in real life.