John Vanbiesbrouck knows a thing or two about the rivalry between the New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils.
Former New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils goaltender John Vanbiesbrouck believes the recent offseason moves by both clubs will fire up the Hudson River rivalry.
The United States Hockey Hall of Fame member played 20 years in the National Hockey League for the Rangers, Devils, New York Islanders, Florida Panthers, and the Philadelphia Flyers. He spoke with Mike Morreale of NHL.com about the future of these two clubs now that the offseason is winding down.
“Jack is going to play with some fantastic players like Taylor Hall and Nico Hischier and they’re going to take the pressure off him, so he doesn’t have to be an impact player right away,” Vanbiesbrouck said. “Kakko also has some major support. I mean, the Rangers have gone out and done some amazing things. I really think that rivalry is going to be one of the best to watch this season, without a doubt.”
Beezer is a good judge of talent. He is the general manager of the US National Junior Team, currently building his roster for the IIHF World Junior Championships which will be held next December. The GM is currently overseeing the World Summer Junior Showcase team with 44 players on the roster.
Vanbiesbrouck is in his second season as GM of the U.S. National Junior Team and assistant executive director of hockey operations for USA Hockey.
K’Andre Miller ( NYR), Zac Jones (NYR), Christian Krygier (NYI), Bode Wilde (NYI), and Oliver Wahlstrom (NYI) are a few familiar names battling for the final roster spots for the summer showcase. Vanbiesbrouck is expected to make some more roster cuts Thursday.
Beezer played with the Rangers for 11 seasons, winning 200 games in 449 appearances. He won the Vezina trophy during the 1985-86 season which is awarded to the league’s best goaltender.
