The New York Rangers kicked off 2017-18 training camp on Thursday. Head Coach Alain Vigneault had plenty to say about the team and upcoming season.
Alain Vigneault wasted no time addressing the biggest topic of this offseason: How will he handle the lack of depth at center?
Per Newsday’s Steve Zipay, the coach said that J.T. Miller will start at center and play at least three preseason games. This is a big shift from what we had heard from him in July when he said Miller would not start at center to begin the season.
“I have told [Miller] that we’re going to start him at the center position,” Vigneault said, per Matt Calamia of the team’s official website. “This is a good chance for us to get him some work in the middle. At some point, whether it be early on in the season, he’s probably going to play a little bit of center. It happened last year, it happened the year before, so giving him that experience right off the bat is a good thing.”
Vigneault’s other option at center might be 18-year-old rookie Lias Andersson. “Everything I saw in development camp… there’s definitely a lot of upside there, I’ve mentioned this many times before: for me, talent has no age,” he told Calamia. “If the young man comes in and we think he can contribute to the success of our team, he’s going to be here.” Andersson is coming off the prospect tournament earlier this week where he registered only one point in four games.
Andersson registered one point in four games during the Traverse City prospect tournament, which ended earlier this week.
Quick Hits
With regards to Pavel Buchnevich Vigneault said has no health issues heading into camp. “[He] followed [the] plan this summer to a letter.”
AV said Buchnevich has no health issues heading into camp. Followed plan this summer "to a letter." #NYR
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 14, 2017
“[Kevin Shattenkirk] has been one of the best power play guys in the league for some time.”
“He’s been one of the best power play guys in the league for some time.” – Vigneault on @shattdeuces. #NYR
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 14, 2017
Vigneault remains high on defenseman Brady Skjei, who ESNY predicts will have a breakout season. “I’m expecting him to compete for a top-four spot.”
“I’m expecting him to compete for a top-four spot.” – AV on @BradySkjei heading into 2017-18. #NYR
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 14, 2017
The coach expects to lean heavily on his new assistant, Lindy Ruff, with all the Knowledge and experience he has. Ruff replaces Jeff Beukeboom on the bench this season.
“There’s a lot of experience I’m going to tap into." Vigneault on the addition of Lindy Ruff to the #NYR coaching staff.
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 14, 2017
Strong Leadership
Vigneault believes he has strong leaders on the team this year. When you look at the roster, he’s right. Ryan Mcdonagh, Shattenkirk, Miller, Mats Zuccarello and Chris Kreider are at the top of a strong list of players that can lead the team on-and-off the ice.
"I think we've got some real strong leadership in this group." – AV on leadership core at start of #NYRTC. Full ?️: https://t.co/DcsC1Udi1j pic.twitter.com/Roc7HkEhTY
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 14, 2017
The Backup Goalie Is Solid
Vigneault signaled a strong commitment to Ondrej Pavelec as Henrik Lundqvist‘s primary backup this season. “[He’s] a highly-motivated guy who’s going to want to listen to the goalie coach and wants to help the team win to prove he belongs in the NHL,” the coach said, per Zipay.
Let’s hope he’s right, as Pavelec figures to play at least 20 games this season.
