Originally when the New York Rangers left for Europe follow
Monday’s preseason game with the Flyers there were going to be 31 players (18F,
10D, 3G) making the trip. Those plans have changed. Jesse Spector tweeted
that coach John Tortorella has decided to add an extra forward along with one
more defender to the trip. The addition
of more players to the trip is not huge news, but what created the buzz was Tortorella
saying that the additional forward earned their way on the plane with last
night’s game.
The best forwards for the Rangers last night that were not
already on the NHL roster were Dale Weise, John Mitchell and J.T. Miller. My gut reaction to the additional forward was
that it was Weise now going, but as others have pointed out Weise and Mitchell
were likely already making the trip so Miller could be the guy. If Miller does make the trip it will be a
nice cap to an impressive couple weeks for the 2011 first round pick. Miller struggled at the beginning of Traverse
City, but has been getting better with each passing game and the more the games
are against pro level talent, the better he has played. His strength and playmaking instincts have
been on display and the glimpses of what Miller can become in a few seasons are
exciting for Rangers fans.
The defender being added to the list is as cover for Marc
Staal as he continues his recovery from concussion issues. Speaking of Staal, there was concern earlier
today when he was not at practice, but it was a scheduled absence to see a
concussion specialist.
