It’s already been a week since training camp opened. Like most teams, the New York Rangers are starting to make some decisions with their roster. As they get down to the nitty-gritty, the organization has kept three prospects in for a further look.

One of those young players is Adam Edstrom. A 2019 sixth round pick, the 23-year-old from Sweden has continued to look capable of making the team. It was during last season that he was called up by the Blueshirts. In 11 games, Edstrom demonstrated the size and skating that make him intriguing. Listed at six-foot-seven, 234 pounds, he moves well for his stature. Along with Matt Rempe, they played together with Barclay Goodrow. The big line had some success due to their ability to get pucks in and forecheck.

After notching a pair of goals in his introduction to the NHL, Edstrom is back pushing for a roster spot. So far, he’s appeared in two of the Rangers’ three preseason games. It was against the Islanders that he scored the game decider late in regulation. He also set up a goal. In a 5-2 win over the Bruins on Thursday night, he was on late to seal things up with an empty netter. The coaching staff has shown confidence in him. He’s given them no reason not to.

With three games remaining in the preseason, he’ll get another chance to make a strong case to stay. He isn’t the only one that’s giving the organization something to consider.

Othmann Responds with Strong Showing

A day after critiquing his own performance against the Islanders, Brennan Othmann responded with a strong showing. In his third straight appearance, the 21-year-old 2021 first round pick scored his first goal of the preseason. He converted on a breakaway unassisted late in the second period.

Retrieving a loose puck in the neutral zone, Othmann broke in and beat Bruins goalie Brandon Bussi with a wrist shot high blocker. That gave the Blueshirts a 3-1 lead before the second expired.

In the third period, Othmann took an Adam Erne pass behind the net and found Jonny Brodzinski for a goal that made it 4-1. He finished the game with a goal and assist in 12:40 of ice time.

Mancini Sticking Around

Victor Mancini is sticking around. In his second exhibition game, he had a strong overall night. In fact, it was his defensive play that led directly to the Rangers’ fourth goal. On the opposite end, Mancini stopped a Bruin in front of his net with an active stick. That allowed things to develop.

In over 20 minutes, Mancini finished with two shots and two penalty minutes, while teamed with Zac Jones. It’s possible that the 22-year-old has put himself on the radar with two good showings. He doesn’t have a lot of pro experience. However, he looks really polished.

One thing is certain. With the Rangers placing defenseman Ben Harpur on waivers, along with forwards Jake Leschyshyn, and Alex Belzile, they’re still looking at Mancini for one of the remaining spots on the blue line. The competition will come from Connor Mackey, who has more experience. Chad Ruhwedel is signed as the extra defenseman. He did a nice job filling in for Jacob Trouba after he was acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins last season.

In yesterday’s practice, Mancini lined up on the left side with Adam Fox. Coach Peter Laviolette indicated that it’s something they’re looking at. Mancini has played there before. K’Andre Miller was with Trouba. Jones worked with Braden Schneider. Mackey and Ruhwedel skated as the extra pair.

A Look Into Opening Night?

The forward group during Friday’s practice featured players that can be the starting lineup for Opening Night. Group A featured the projected lines some have speculated on.

The first line featured Reilly Smith with Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider. The second line consisted of Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck, and Alexis Lafreniere. Filip Chytil was between Will Cuylle and Kaapo Kakko on the third unit. Sam Carrick was at center with Jimmy Vesey and Matt Rempe on the fourth line. Brodzinski and Othmann rotated in.

Without Ryan Lindgren (upper-body ), the defense might look similar for the first game on Oct. 9 at the Penguins. That’ll depend on how things go. It sounds like Mancini has the inside track at landing a starting role. It would be a good story to start the season.