As football rolls into Week 3 in the middle of September, we’re closing in on training camp for NHL teams. Believe it or not, hockey is back.

After a long hiatus during the hot summer, players are starting to report to practice facilities for workouts. Rookie tournaments are wrapping up. Several teams have signed players to pro tryouts (PTO). The Devils will get a closer look at Kevin Labanc, Michael Hutchinson, Andy Welinski, and Jakub Zboril. All agreed to PTO’s. The biggest name is Max Pacioretty. He’ll look to earn a roster spot in Toronto.

On Monday, the Rangers released their training camp roster. Camp opens up on Wednesday, Sep. 18. The first day of on-ice session is Thursday, Sep. 19.

https://x.com/NYRangers/status/1835751567838044580

Kids To Watch

Rather than detailing every camp invite, including fringe veterans who are likely destined for Hartford, let’s highlight the kids to watch instead.

Up front, there really aren’t many prospects who’ll contend for the Opening Night roster. However, Brennan Othmann and Brett Berard are the most obvious candidates. Each had a good first pro season with the Hartford Wolf Pack. Berard led the Pack with 25 goals last season. He added 23 assists. His 48 points ranked third in team scoring, placing him right behind Othmann, who recorded 21 goals with 28 assists for 49 points. Each had some success in the Calder Cup Playoffs.

If either makes an impression in camp, then they’ll get strong consideration. Othmann is considered the prospect with the higher ceiling. A former 2021 first round pick, he pushed for a spot last year. However, with no experience, he was sent down to Hartford. Othmann made a brief cameo with the Rangers. However, after a solid NHL debut, he barely was used by coach Peter Laviolette in two more games. It was better for his development to go back down. We’ll see if he can make some noise in his second go-round.

Berard spent three years at Providence College. A 2020 fifth round pick, he’s a hard-working player who plays with tenacity. When he represented Team USA at the World Junior Championships, he played a checking role, which included penalty killing duties. The 22-year-old will battle Othmann for a spot in the top nine. If either can crack the roster, it could come at the expense of Kaapo Kakko. Kakko was brought back for one more year. If he struggles early, perhaps Othmann or Berard can make him expendable. Kakko is penciled in as the right wing on the third line.

Rempe Time

Around this time a year ago, few knew about Matt Rempe. A sixth round pick in 2020, the Calgary native surprised many in his second camp. His ability to stand out in preseason opened some eyes.

After spending part of the season honing his skills in Hartford, he was recalled by the Rangers for the outdoor game against the Islanders on Feb. 18. No stranger to brawling, Rempe got his welcome to the NHL moment during his first shift. Islanders’ enforcer Matt Martin challenged him. The two squared off at center ice before almost 80,000 fans at Met Life Stadium. He finished with five hits along with his first NHL fight in what amounted to a thrilling come from behind 6-5 Rangers’ victory over their crosstown rivals.

From that moment on, the larger than life Rempe became a fixture on the fourth line. He continued to battle all comers. When he wasn’t throwing his weight around, he parked himself in front of opposing goalies to make their job miserable. It was during a match against the Flyers that he got a piece of a shot for his first career NHL goal, which proved to be the winner in a 2-1 victory. It was a special moment.

Pretty soon, the Garden was serenading him with “Rem-pe, Rem-pe!” chants. He became a fan favorite. It was his engaging personality that was easy to admire. Somehow, he went from a longshot to making the national, to quote Kevin Weekes. He garnered all kinds of attention around the league.

Even when he made mistakes against the Devils that earned him a major and game misconduct, Rempe was there to answer questions. He also was accountable for his actions. On Apr. 3, he participated in a line brawl at MSG. Rempe squared off with Kurtis MacDermid at center ice. It was an entertaining bout between two warriors. MacDermid had called out Rempe for not answering the bell due to an elbowing major on Mar. 11. In the rematch between the Hudson rivals, he earned some respect from MacDermid.

Following posting a goal and assist with 71 penalty minutes and 50 hits in 17 regular season games, Rempe scored in his postseason debut to highlight a 4-1 win over the Capitals in Game 1 of the first round. The Blueshirts followed that up with two more goals in rapid fashion to pull away for the victory. During the Rangers’ run to the Eastern Conference Final, Rempe got in 11 playoff games. He proved that he learned from some of his past mistakes that included a four-game suspension.

It’s the energy and enthusiasm he provides that’s galvanized coaches and teammates on and off the ice. When he had his ice time reduced by Laviolette, Rempe never complained. Instead, he understood and was extremely supportive. That approach is why he’s already become one of the team’s most popular players. It’s pretty telling when he plays on an established team that features Artemi Panarin, Adam Fox, Igor Shesterkin, Chris Kreider, and Mika Zibanejad.

What can Rempe do for an encore? For starters, nothing is guaranteed. It was his decision to work with former Oilers enforcer Georges Laraque in the off-season. He wants to become a better skater and smarter fighter. Rempe doesn’t want to be known as a novelty. He expects to earn a regular spot as a Blueshirt. Given his instincts and understanding of the game, he is serious.

Rempe should get some competition from Adam Edstrom and veteran Adam Erne, who agreed to a PTO. Sam Carrick and Jimmy Vesey should comprise two-thirds of the checking line. The puck is on Rempe’s stick.

Jones’ Time to Shine

In 2023-24, Zac Jones was used mostly as the Rangers’ seventh defenseman. A good skating left defenseman who never was known for his overall game, he took a step in the right direction. The 23-year-old former UMass product proved that he was fully capable of coming into the lineup and supplying steady defense.

A 2019 third round pick, it wasn’t certain if Jones would stick with the Rangers. There was always the possibility that he could’ve been traded. Instead, he made some nice improvements to gain the trust of the coaching staff. When Fox or Jacob Trouba went down, it was Jones who fit in seamlessly.

It resulted in a breakthrough season. Although he only got into 31 games last season, Jones drew the praise from Laviolette. His ability to transition from defense to offense made him a strong possession player. He posted career highs in goals (2), assists(7), and points (9).

Unlike 2023-24, Jones doesn’t have Erik Gustafsson blocking him. The veteran blue liner was a good Ranger, providing offense at even strength and on the power play. When he wasn’t re-signed, that opened the door for Jones. Entering camp, the sixth defenseman role is his to lose.

Robertson Hoping to Make Team

Matthew Robertson is hoping to change the mind of the organization. He should get a long look at a supporting role. He’s still behind Jones and veteran Chad Ruhwedel.

Can the 2019 second round pick finally make a lasting impression? At 23, he’s still yet to debut in the NHL. Robertson’s coming in with a different mindset. It’ll be interesting to see if he can make the roster. With competition from seasoned vets Connor Mackey and Ben Harpur, he’ll have to prove he belongs.

Lafreniere Looking for Extension

Alexis Lafreniere is no longer a question mark. The former 2020 top pick had a breakout season. Playing with Panarin and Vincent Trocheck in 2023-24, he set personal bests in goals (28), assists (29), and points (57). He followed that up by continuing to perform in the postseason. Lafreniere produced, scoring eight goals and adding six helpers for 14 points. Along with Trocheck, they were the best players against the eventual Stanley Cup champion Panthers in the Conference Finals.

With the Red Wings signing Lucas Raymond to an eight-year contract north of $64 million, that should be a good comparable. Raymond earned it by putting up new career highs in goals (31), assists (41), and points (72). If Lafreniere can score at least 30 goals and reach 70 points, he’ll have a strong case for a similar deal. His season will be worth watching.

Igor On The Clock

Imagine the quandry the Rangers could find themselves in if both Lafreniere and Shesterkin have big seasons. Unlike Lafreniere, Shesterkin is entering the final year of a deal that pays him a bargain price of $5.67 million.

Considered one of the game’s best goalies, the 28-year old is coming off a huge postseason. It was his brilliant play between the pipes that carried the Rangers to the Eastern Conference Final. After a strong finish to the regular season, he posted a 2.34 goals-against-average (GAA) and .926 save percentage in the postseason. Shesterkin made plenty of clutch saves against the Panthers to give the Rangers a chance. Goals were at a premium.

What if he can put together a second Vezina season? His attention will be turned to what happens with key Bruins’ restricted free agent Jeremy Swayman. He’s looking for a significant raise. The difference is that he’s only completed three full seasons. He’s 25. Shesterkin blows the candles out on his 29th birthday on Dec. 30.

Crosby Stays in Pittsburgh

In league news, Sidney Crosby is staying put in Pittsburgh. The 37-year old Penguins captain agreed to a two-year contract extension on Monday. Similar to what he’s being paid through 2024-25, Crosby will earn an $8.7 million cap hit.

One of the game’s greatest players, No. 87 is the true definition of a superstar. It would’ve been easy for Crosby to play out the final year of his contract. Especially with the Pens having missed the playoffs the past two seasons. Instead, he stayed loyal to the Steel City. There’s something to be said about loyalty in sports. Many great players don’t spend their entire career with one team. Now, there’s a chance that Crosby could.

Crosby has played in 1,272 games. With 592 goals, he’s eight away from 600. That’s despite missing significant time. Crosby has 1,004 assists and 1,596 points. Barring something unforeseen, he will achieve two milestones this season. The 600-goal mark and 1,600 points. It speaks volumes about how special a player he is.

In 2023-24, he continued to defy logic by scoring 42 times while adding 52 assists for 94 points. Crosby did everything possible to try to carry the Penguins into the playoffs. They fell a little bit short.

Crosby admitted that he actually watched the playoffs. His reason was that he wanted to learn from the teams that made it. His drive and determination are what define him. As special as Connor McDavid is, Crosby still is the face of the league. You can’t spell NHL without Crosby.

It’s great for the league that he decided to remain with a Penguin. Could anyone really have pictured him in another jersey?

Preseason On Tap

Once camp gets rolling, preseason is on tap. The Rangers begin with the Bruins on Sunday, Sep. 22 at 5 EST. It’s kinda crazy to schedule it during Week 3 of a busy NFL weekend. But that’s what they did. I doubt I’ll be around to watch. Next Tuesday, they’ll host the Islanders at 7 EST. That’s more reasonable.

With an exciting baseball season wrapping up, the Yankees and Mets both look like they’ll play in October. You know Met fans will be locked in on what happens the final week. They’re tied with the Diamondbacks for the second wildcard. That’s two in front of the fading Braves. But Atlanta will be playing the Mets for a big three-game series. The Yankees look to have a good hold on the AL East. Aaron Judge remains at 53 home runs.

Once things develop, I’ll have more on the competition. My fantasy hockey draft is Friday night. See you soon.