The New York Rangers completed their first set of cuts today and while there were a few surprises it was mainly what was expected.
Players sent to Hartford:
G: Chad Johnson, Jason Missianen, Cam Talbot;
D: Lee Baldwin, Collin Bowman, Sam Klassen, Tomas Kundratek, Jyri Niemi, Jared Nightingale, Pavel Valentenko
F: Jonathan Audy-Marchessault, Tommy Grant, Jordan Hickmott, Tayler Jordan, Kale Kerbashian, Chad Kolarik, Chris McKelvie, Matt Rust, Scott Tanski, Kelsey Tessier and Jason Wilson.
Players sent back to Juniors:
D Peter Ceresnak, Sam Noreau;
F: Shane McColgan, J.T. Miller, Michael St. Croix, Christian Thomas, Andrew Yogan
Players remaining in camp:
G: Biron, Lundqvist, Stajcer;
D: Bell, Bickel, Del Zotto, Eminger, Erixon, Girardi, McDonagh, McIlrath, Parlett, Sauer, Staal;
F: Anisimov, Avery, Bourque, Boyle, Callahan, Christensen, Deveaux, Dubinsky, Fedotenko, Gaborik, Hagelin, Mitchell, Newbury, Prust, Richards, Rupp, Stepan, Thuresson, Weise, Wolski, Zuccarello
Biggest surprises include Scott Stajcer being the third goalie for the Europe trip, Stu Bickel, Andre Deveaux, and Andres Thuresson stilling being in camp. Also a little surprised that J.T. Miller was cut, but it is the smart move since he wasn't going to make the roster and better for him to get the couple weeks playing games in Juniors.
Rangers decision to keep McIlrath in camp was one that he earned from his excellent showing Wednesday night and if others do not step their respective game up a few levels he might just steal a roster spot a year early.
Disappointing performance by Valentenko to get himself cut when it was all lined up for him to make an impression and make the club.
