Jesper Fast made the Rangers roster.
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Yesterday, the Rangers announced their roster. There weren’t many surprises. A strong camp from rookie Jesper Fast impressed Alain Vigneault enough to keep him up.

“We had some decisions to make and when I looked at what Fast did throughout training camp I really liked his hockey smarts, his skill level,” the Rangers coach told Jim Cerny on NYRangers.com. “Being a right-hander with Ryan (Callahan) not being ready for the start, I thought also made him a good fit. As I’ve said, talent shows no age. It’s about who can help us win some games.”

Callahan returned Sunday along with Derek Stepan. The Ranger captain is shooting for Thursday’s season opener in Phoenix. But shouldn’t rush back after recovering from a torn labrum. If he can’t go, Fast could make his NHL debut. An active player who gets in on the forecheck, the 21-year old Swede has upside. Vigneault preached the kid’s skill level and two-way play. He also brings speed. Something that can be an asset.

Also making the roster was veteran Arron Asham. A good preseason was enough for him to stick. If he can be active and stay out of the penalty box, Asham can have a role. He must improve from last year where he had a penchant for mistimed penalties. Speaking of which, Derek Dorsett will be the team enforcer. The former Blue Jacket came over as part of the Marian Gaborik trade. He didn’t have the best camp taking penalties and losing his cool. But his toughness can be a plus. He’s a good enough skater who finishes checks. If he can play smarter, then he’ll be serviceable.

In a dismal preseason, J.T. Miller was one of the few bright spots. After returning from injury, he impressed the coaching staff. Miller scored twice in the final three exhibition games. The 20-year old former 2011 first round pick earned a spot. He can play center or the left side making him versatile. He doesn’t lack confidence playing an aggressive style that should make him a favorite. It was his emergence that allowed Vigneault to cut Chris Kreider. Kreider was a disappointment. He’s just not ready. The former 2009 first rounder needs to be more consistent. The talent is there. Easily one of the organization’s fastest skaters, the former BC standout possesses a top heavy shot and the size that can make him a potential power forward. Listed at 6-3, 226 pounds, the 22-year old enters his second pro season. After struggling with Hartford, he wasn’t much better in 23 games last year posting two goals and an assist. He did score an overtime winner against Boston in the second round, neatly deflecting a Rick Nash feed to extend the series. It’s harnessing the talent. More experience with the Wolf Pack is better for his development.

Justin Falk is the team’s seventh defenseman. But he didn’t exactly get a ringing endorsement. When asked about the ex-Wild, Vigneault said he was “alright.” That’s not what you want to hear. Falk beat out Stu Bickel and Conor Allen. Bickel cleared waivers. He and Allen will start in Hartford.

Darroll Powe was one of the final cuts. The veteran penalty killing forward had a good camp. A responsible defensive player, Powe was extremely noticeable on the PK creating numerous shorthanded chances. The Rangers had plenty of work at it given all the penalties they took. That can’t become a trend.

“We just felt some of those younger players had a little bit more upside as far as talent and skill,” explained Vigneault, who also pointed out that Kreider, a youngster “has a good camp…he’s real close…but he needs to play big minutes.”

He’s correct. Powe isn’t going to bring offense. But he did score by going to the net. Something the new coach wants to see. With him clearing waivers, Powe will start in Hartford. He can always be called up if the team needs a sparkplug. Bruiser Brandon Mashinter was the other cut.

Rookies Marek Hrivik and Oscar Lindberg were also sent to Hartford. Neither did anything wrong. It’s just a numbers game. Hrivik looks NHL ready. He has good speed and offensive instincts. If he gets recalled, I’d like to see him shoot more. Lindberg was up and down. There were times he was visible and others where he didn’t stand out. He can definitely benefit from more playing time under Ken Gernander. At the very least, it looks like the Rangers have some good young talent. Last year, depth was an issue. This time around, that shouldn’t be a problem. There are plenty of reinforcements. Don’t forget Danny Kristo is also down on the farm in his first pro year. Plus former top pick Dylan McIlrath will be closely monitored. With Allen showing some ability, at least the club has some younger blueliners. The other young defensemen to follow are Brady Skjei and Calle Andersson. Skjei enters his second year at Minnesota while Andersson is playing back home for Malmo in Sweden. He has a goal and assist in two games.

As currently constituted, here’s how the Rangers roster breaks down.

GOALIES: Henrik Lundqvist, Marty Biron

DEFENSEMEN: Michael Del Zotto, Justin Falk, Dan Girardi, Ryan McDonagh, John Moore, Marc Staal, Anton Stralman

FORWARDS: Arron Asham, Brian Boyle, Derick Brassard, Ryan Callahan, Derek Dorsett, Jesper Fast, Carl Hagelin, J.T. Miller, Dominic Moore, Rick Nash, Benoit Pouliot, Taylor Pyatt, Brad Richards, Mats Zuccarello

Note: Hagelin’s status remains uncertain. He hasn’t been cleared for contact. It’s possible he could be placed on long term injured reserve (LTIR) allowing Hrivik or Lindberg to be called up.