"Rangers training camp is in full swing. It's still early, but we have noticed a few trends in camp that are worth monitoring. From defense pairs to forward duos, Mike Sullivan clearly has a framework for how he expects this team to look, with a few missing pieces to complete the puzzle. We discussed some of this on Live From the Blue Seats, but even now some of what we said is outdated. As per usual, I have some thoughts."
"Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trocheck were paired together, as were JT Miller and Mika Zibanejad. Those duos were not surprising. What is a bit surprising is Will Cuylle seemingly paired with Juuso Parssinen, as many had Cuylle penciled in as a top six forward. We will see where that one in particular goes, especially since Sully has said he envisions the third line being a shutdown, defensive zone start line."
"While not a duo, it's worth noting that Noah Laba, Brett Berard, and Gabe Perreault have been inseparable in camp. At least on the ice. Many, including myself, had Berard penciled into a third line role with the Rangers this season, but it seems like this trio is going to be Hartford's top line. There's a piece of me that wonders what that trio can do at the NHL level, but there's no need to rush them."
Mike Sullivan is keeping established forward duos intact while searching for complementary third forwards to complete each line. Notable pairings include Panarin-Trocheck and Miller-Zibanejad, while Will Cuylle has been surprisingly paired with Juuso Parssinen. Matt Rempe and Sam Carrick appear stacked for the fourth line, while Adam Edstrom has been moved around to find a fit. Noah Laba, Brett Berard, and Gabe Perreault have skated together consistently and look destined for Hartford, with Laba earning particular praise and both Laba and Perreault possibly on a fast track to the NHL by December.
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