Anthony Duclair will sit out for Sunday’s game against San Jose.
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For the first time this season, Anthony Duclair will be a healthy scratch when the Rangers host the sizzling Sharks at MSG later today. The 19-year old rookie hasn’t done anything wrong. Thus far, he’s tallied three assists in five games. An exciting player, The Duke has made good things drawing penalties while showing he isn’t intimidated.

Unfortunately, Rangers coach Alain Vigneault has decided to shift Marty St. Louis back to right wing. With Kevin Hayes impressing enough, he’ll center a second line of Chris Kreider and Rick Nash. Derick Brassard will anchor the top line with Mats Zuccarello and St. Louis. The recall of right-handed center Chris Mueller allows Dominic Moore to move up to the third line where he’ll play with Carl Hagelin and Lee Stempniak. Mueller starts with Tanner Glass and Ryan Malone.

Right now, it’s a numbers game. As Vigneault emphasized, he wants Duclair to be in his top nine. At the moment, there’s no room if this experiment goes well. In their 2-1 shootout win over Carolina, the desperate coach played mostly three lines in the third period. Duclair received only one shift after being moved down to the fourth line. Of course, it doesn’t make sense to keep him if he’s not going to play an offensive role. However, with Hagelin off to a poor start, you can make a case for Duclair in the top nine. I’m not suggesting benching Hagelin. I just don’t get the infatuation with Glass, who is a bit player.

The other issue for the organization is the expected return of Derek Stepan. He’s currently on long-term IR and will miss five more games. Once that’s up, he’ll be back for November. Undoubtedly, they can use Stepan, who can aid their power play and provide a smart two-way pivot who can kill penalties effectively. His creativity and workmanlike approach is missing. When he is back, that’s another top nine forward. and most notably, a center who can relieve pressure from Hayes. It’ll create better balance.

At this point, I’m not sure sending Duclair back to Quebec of the QMJHL is best for his development. Why not keep him and give Duke an opportunity? He’s clearly one of the club’s most talented forwards. After Kreider, Nash, St. Louis and Zuccarello, Duclair is right there in terms of skill. I just hope the Rangers don’t mess him up. For now, they can still play him in four more games before deciding what to do.

There’s no rule that says you have to play veterans over kids who are more deserving. If that means Glass becomes a spectator, so be it. He doesn’t have to play every night. He’s an energy guy who kills penalties and provides physicality. Malone also shouldn’t be guaranteed a spot. He’s an experienced player with size who can aid the power play. They can pick their spots. Nothing is etched in stone.