Development camp for the New York Rangers is underway! There will be many prospects attending that are looking to further their development and unlock their full potential. Some note-worthy prospects that didn’t make the list include Will Cuylle, Karl Henriksson, Ryder Korczak, Tarmo Reunanen, Matthew Robertson, Brennan Othmann, Lauri Pajuniemi, Dylan Garand, and Tyler Wall.
Morgan Barron
The Rangers drafted Morgan Barron in the 6th round in 2017, and he’s quickly shown that he can be an NHL-caliber player. In 98 games with Cornell University, Barron scored 84 points while also being a solid two-way player. After Barron signed his entry-level contract (ELC), he played in the minors, where he was a point per game, putting up 21 points in 21 games. He was playing the same two teams every game. It’s still good to see Barron taking advantage of the opportunity to play top-line minutes in Hartford. Then, on April 30th, Barron was called up to play five games and only scored one goal while playing on a 4th line consisting of himself, Kevin Rooney, and ex-Ranger Brett Howden.
Despite only scoring a goal, Barron showed he could be a good bottom-six forward for the Rangers. He demonstrated he was not scared at going into the dirty areas and doing what it takes to help the team win. With him at development camp, this will be an extra chance to show he should start the year with the Rangers and not in Hartford.
Brody Lamb
Brody Lamb was taken in the 4th round in the most recent draft by the Rangers. Lamb has high-end skill that could translate into the NHL, especially with his shooting/passing ability. He’s a shoot-first type of player but is still a good passer and can easily find open teammates to help set them up for dangerous scoring chances. Lamb isn’t NHL ready, and he won’t have a chance at making the team until around the 2024-25 season. He’ll first play in the USHL and then college to continue developing. Although Lamb won’t sign his ELC for a few years, the development camp will help the Rangers look first-hand at Lamb’s skill and use it as a baseline for the future.
Zac Jones
Zac Jones was drafted in the 3rd round in 2019 and quickly showed that the Rangers may steal. He put up 47 points in 61 games while also improving his defense in what appeared to be every game at UMass. When Jones came into the NHL, he exhibited his high-end IQ. He showed he could play in the NHL during his ten-game stint with the Rangers. However, Jones still needed to get stronger as he didn’t look sharp on the puck in the defensive zone. With this, it would be best for Jones to start the year in the minors. During development camp, however, if Jones can show he got stronger and sharper in the defensive zone, he may show Chris Drury and Gerard Gallant why he should be the 6th defenseman on the roster.
Braden Schneider
Another option to be the Rangers’ 6th defenseman to start this upcoming season is 2020 1st round pick, Braden Schneider. Although it’s unlikely Schneider will start the year with the Rangers, it’s not impossible. He’s a Jacob Trouba type player, essentially because he’s big, physical, and an outstanding leader. Schneider’s quick feet and shutdown game can open some eyes, and the Rangers may see these qualities as very useful.
The Rangers signed Patrik Nemeth, who’ll be on the 3rd pair, to a 3-year deal during the offseason. If Gallant feels Schneider will work best with Nemeth, it shouldn’t be a shock if he makes it on the Rangers opening night roster. Despite this, Schneider will most likely need a year in the minors first to adjust his game. He will need to face more challenging competition to change himself for the NHL level. However, Schneider making the opening roster still should not be out of the question.
Nils Lundkvist
The Rangers’ top prospect and the player most likely to fill that 6th defenseman spot is the 2018 1st round pick, Nils Lundkvist. Since getting drafted, Lundkvist has opened everyone’s eyes with his historic short career in the SHL. He played in 166 SHL games and registered 30 goals, 48 assists which were both 2nd all-time by a U21 defenseman, and 78 points, which were the most by a U21 defenseman. To add on, during 2019-21, Lundkvist led all SHL defensemen in goals and points; he also won the Salming Trophy in 2020-21, which represents the best Swedish-born defenseman in the SHL. Lundkvist also demonstrated he could be an excellent two-way defenseman with his smooth skating and high-end IQ. Development camp will show the Rangers how he plays before training camp starts, where Lundkvist will hopefully further solidify as the team’s 6th defenseman on opening night.