On Saturday, the Rangers signed veteran forward Lee Stempniak for one year, $900,000. Similar to Matthew Lombardi, it’s an inexpensive move that creates depth.

Interestingly, the 31-year old right wing once teamed with former ’03 first round pick Hugh Jessiman at Dartmouth. Unlike him, Stempniak made it. After getting taken by the Blues in the fifth round of the same draft, he’s bounced around playing with five different teams including Calgary and Pittsburgh in ’13-14. He put up a combined 34 points and posted two goals and a helper for the Pens in the playoffs.

While he won’t blow you away, Stempniak is a solid third liner who can play every key situation including penalty kill. He’s also a righty shot which is never a bad thing. Especially on a roster mostly made up of left-handed shots with the exception of Derek Stepan. Figure Alain Vigneault to give Stempniak a look on the second power play unit. Maybe he sees some of departed Benoit Pouliot’s time.

At this point, the West Seneca, New York native is capable of 10-15 goals and 30-35 points. If he can perform to expectation, that puts him right in line with what Pouliot did. However, I’m not suggesting he’ll automatically play with Derick Brassard and Mats Zuccarello. The big difference is unless something unforeseen happens, Brassard will center the second line.

That means someone else must step up and replace Brad Richards. Candidates include youngsters J.T. Miller and Oscar Lindberg along with a combination of Dominic Moore and Lombardi. There’s also Chris Mueller, who was basically a point-per-game with the Stars AHL affiliate and got into nine games without a point in Dallas. In other words, the biggest question when camp hits in less than two months.

At the very least, Glen Sather has added depth at forward which should mean competition. Even if I’m no fan of Tanner Glass, his role is pretty defined on the fourth line. That’s where Moore should also be unless Miller and Lindberg disappoint. No. I don’t want Lombardi in a top nine role. Miller and Lindberg will have every chance to make the team. To put it bluntly, if Miller can’t stick this time that would be a huge disappointment. He’s a former first round pick who can play down the middle and on the wing. He also is 6-1, 205 and plays with jam. There is skill too but he must gain Vigneault’s trust.

Jesper Fast and Ryan Bourque should also get chances along with Ryan Haggerty and Danny Kristo. I’m also curious to see what Anthony Duclair can do. The 2013 third round pick lit up the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) tallying 50 goals and 59 assists for 99 points in 59 games for Quebec. He doesn’t turn 19 until next month. The 5-11, 177 pound left wing is someone to keep an eye on. We’ll see if he impresses enough to get into a preseason game.

The good news is most of the prospects will get their first opportunity at Traverse City in September. Per a Red Wings press release, the tournament will run from September 12 to 16. Eight teams will participate including the Rangers, Red Wings, Sabres, Hurricanes, Blue Jackets, Stars, Wild and Blues. It’s always fun to follow. Once August hits, start counting down.