The New York Rangers claimed a forward off waivers and what this means to the current roster, plus prospect updates for today’s Blueshirt Beat.
The New York Rangers claimed forward Adam Cracknell off waivers from the Dallas Stars yesterday. Cracknell has very little offensive value but he certainly brings an element that every team needs in the bottom six, and that’s grit.
So, yes, on paper, this isn’t the sexiest move of all time. However, Cracknell is more than capable of providing solid two-way play for the fourth line and bring some physicality(!) to the lineup.
Cracknell was also used often in penalty killing situations. At 6-foot-2, Cracknell offers a solid frame that isn’t afraid to go to the dirty areas of the ice. At the very least, this move can be regarded as a stop gap for Jesper Fast.
Unfortunately, this most likely spells the end for Filip Chytil.
Although highly impressive in the preseason, Chytil looked a step slower in the regular season failing to get on the scoresheet except for a penalty in the season opener. Chytil’s ceiling is incredibly high, and it’s most definitely in management’s best interest to get him playing top line minutes while encouraging him to add some muscle.
Chytil is a potential first line center, so playing him on the fourth line or in and out of the lineup really hinders his development. So getting him back to the Czech or potentially the OHL, will be favorable for the youngster. Look for him to be in a Rangers sweater really soon, however.
The Great Wall of Igor
Igor Shesterkin, the Rangers fourth-round pick from the 2014 NHL Draft is on an absolutely torrid pace right now in the KHL. He currently sits undefeated at 13-0-0 record, along with a 1.17 GAA, a .957 SV% and three SO in 13 appearances this season. This is coming from an overseas league known for scoring goals. Certainly, a name to watch in the coming years, especially as Henrik continues to age.
Another prospect name to watch is Tim Gettinger of the OHL’s Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. This summer’s hottest prospect has carried it over to the regular season as he has posted ten points in seven contests.
The Rangers also updated first-round pick Lias Andersson of Frolunda in Sweden. The seventh overall pick tallied a goal and as assist in a 5-1 victory. Getting sent back should be excellent for Andersson as he continues to grow in a men’s league while playing top-six minutes, a role we want to see him in while wearing a Rangers sweater.
- Be sure to catch the second episode of this season’s Real Talk Rangers Podcast with Greg Slotnick and Derek Radich. The boys diagnose the slow start for the Rangers.
- ESNY’s Chris Studley does a very nice job covering the Hartford WolfPack in his preview article.
- And if you haven’t gotten to it yet, you must check out the Official ESNY 2017-2018 Season Preview for the New York Rangers.