New York Rangers Blueshirt Beat, 6/28/17: Prospects Begin Scrimmages, Free Agent rumors Pick Up Pace
Mar 28, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks left wing Patrick Marleau (12) shoots as New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) defends in the first period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Rangers prospect development camp kicked off on Monday and scrimmages beginning today.

The New York Ranger prospects — which include all seven players that were selected in last week’s NHL Draft — have been skating drills and learning some of the Rangers systems from the coaches on hand. Today, they finally get to do the fun part of camp: scrimmaging at the Rangers training facility. The scrimmages will be on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Free Agency Rumors Heating Up

With free agency beginning on Saturday, July 1, talk of where players may sign with has begun. This year’s free agent pool is not as strong as years past which is why the general talk has been significantly slower. The first significant rumor involves Kevin Shattenkirk, which may surprise some. Jim Cerny of the Sporting News said:

Craig Custance reported that San Jose Shark Patrick Marleau has lots of interest from Toronto, Anaheim, Carolina, Nashville, San Jose, Los Angeles and the Rangers. The 37-year-old Marleau is coming off a strong season where he scored 27 goals. He is a center, a position the Rangers need to fill, but his asking price may be too high for the team to commit to.

Of course, the Rangers are in need of an NHL backup goalie since Antti Raata was traded last week. The Pool of available goalies is slim, so the Rangers will have to determine if they want to go through free agency, the trade market, or promote from within.

Anthony DeAngelo Makes a Call

Newly acquired defenseman Anthony DeAngelo may be maturing right in front of our eyes. DeAngelo wants to wear #77, a number not worn by a Rangers player since Phil Esposito.

Naturally, DeAngelo gave him a call and asked for permission, continuing the tradition of honoring the veterans who have come before. Of course, Esposito had no objections, and DeAngelo will wear #77 with the Blueshirts.

 

The Rangers have a lot to discuss regarding the future of the team and this week’s scrimmages will give General Manager Jeff Gorton an idea of what kind of team he will have in years to come. Free agent talks will definitely intensify with Saturday approaching quickly.

Other New York Ranger News

Jim Cerny discusses his top 20 NHL free agents.

ESNY’s Neil Purcell with an open letter to Anti Raanta.

New York Newsday’s Steve Zipay writes about the Rangers need for a backup goalie.

A graduate of St. John's University class of '91. I have been a fan of the New York Rangers since the days of Peter Puck. Founder of Ranger Proud, the Facebook page that covers all news, notes, pre /post-game stats, and player quotes. I can be reached at Nyrfc12@gmail.com