Are you ready? The one and only Michael Buffer announces that with energy and enthusiasm before a high profile boxing match. The same applies for hockey fans with the sport finally returning after a long summer. Who’s ready for hockey? With the U.S. Open wrapping up later this week in Flushing Meadows and the NFL starting up, NHL training camps are set to begin.

Before they do, prospect camps will also open up next week including Traverse City which the Rangers and Sabres participate in. The first game is September 12 with the Blueshirts facing the Stars. For more on the tournament roster, the Rangers announced who will take part featuring Anthony Duclair, Brandon Halverson, Keegan Iverson, Adam Tambellini, Kevin Hayes and MacKenzie Skapski. It’s a good way to evaluate young players to see where they are in terms of development. 

Buffalo has yet to announce their roster but features talented prospects Sam Reinhart, Justin Bailey, J.T. Compher, Hudson Fasching, Brendan Lemieux, Rasmus Ristolainen and Nikita Zadorov. With Ristolainen, Zadorov and Reinhart likely to start the season with the Sabres, it’ll be interesting to see if they’re included for Traverse City. A great prospect tournament that features host Detroit, Dallas, Carolina, Columbus, St. Louis, Minnesota and the Rangers. The Sabres and Rangers play in the Ted Lindsay Division with Carolina and Dallas while the Red Wings, Blackhawks, Blues and Wild comprise the Gordie Howe Division.

The best part of September is tracking prospects. Which players will stand out during camps and catch our eye in preseason? There’s always competition. Young players are looking to make a good impression and stick around. For the Rangers, there should be several to follow including Duclair, Hayes, J.T. Miller, Jesper Fast, Oscar Lindberg, Ryan Haggerty, Danny Kristo and Ryan Bourque. Only a handful will have the chance to compete for a roster spot. 

As the days near, we’ll have more on each Battle team. Stay tuned.