A day later, the news on Rangers forward Jimmy Vesey isn’t good. According to coach Peter Laviolette, he’ll miss some time due to the lower-body injury he suffered during Sunday’s practice.

With Vesey expected to be out a few weeks, that opens the door for Adam Edstrom. The 23-year-old forward has played well in the preseason. He’s scored twice and added an assist. His unique combination of size and skating makes him a likely candidate to start the season with the New York Rangers. He got into 11 games last season scoring a pair of goals.

If Laviolette decides to play Edstrom when the season opens on Oct. 9 at the Pittsburgh Penguins, he’d be featured on the fourth line. Jonny Brodzinski is the other option who’ll be on the roster. The veteran is a solid depth forward who can take faceoffs if needed. By adding Sam Carrick, he’ll play the center position and take most of the draws. They also have Matt Rempe, who also can shift to center and fill in on faceoffs.

Blueshirts Lineup at Practice

At today’s morning skate, the Blueshirts had an interesting lineup at practice. It included Brodzinski with Carrick and Rempe on the checking line. K’Andre Miller was paired with Adam Fox. Zac Jones worked with Jacob Trouba. Chad Ruhwedel was with Braden Schneider.

As Vince Mercogliano of USA Today noted, none of the players will play in tonight’s preseason match versus the New Jersey Devils. Considering that the Devils have their big squad over in Europe for the 2024 NHL Global Series, it makes sense. They’ll field a different lineup for the first of back-to-back exhibition games against the Devils B squad.

Edstrom will take part in Monday night’s game. He’ll be joined by Brennan Othmann, Brett Berard, Victor Mancini, Connor Mackey, and Jonathan Quick. It’ll be a very inexperienced roster for the first game against the Devils. Blake Hillman and Blade Jenkins were recalled from the Hartford Wolf Pack on PTOs. Expect them to both be in the lineup.

As far as the lineup the team practiced with, it could be similar to what they use for the first game of the 2024-25 season. Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider will start with Reilly Smith. Vincent Trocheck will center the top scoring line that boasts top scorer Artemi Panarin and Alexis Lafreniere. Filip Chytil has looked good so far in camp. He’s expected to center Will Cuylle and Kaapo Kakko. Carrick and Rempe will be on the fourth line. The other spot depends on Laviolette. He has the experienced Brodzinski and the promising Edstrom.

Without Ryan Lindgren (upper-body), the blue line could have a similar look to open the season. Miller with Fox has been used before. It’s better than keeping him with Trouba. He needs a faster skating partner. Jones definitely qualifies. He might be the quickest defenseman they have. The way he can transition up the ice can help the less mobile Trouba at getting out of their zone. It remains to be seen if the coaching staff will have Ruhwedel in the lineup with Schneider. He’s serviceable. They’ll continue to take a look at Mancini and Mackey. Both are battling hard for a spot.

Kids Look to Leave Lasting Impression

With things wrapping up over the next week, it’s the last chance for the kids to leave a lasting impression. It was a year ago that Othmann gave the organization plenty to think about. He was the final player cut. It was better for his development to play for the Wolf Pack.

Now, the 21-year-old forward is hoping to crack the roster. But with the Rangers set on Kakko playing with Chytil and Cuylle, it doesn’t look realistic. Othmann is better off continuing to play a more defined role in Hartford. He still needs some work defensively. There’s no rush.

Berard also looks ticketed for Hartford. You notice his hustle during shifts. It looks like he needs to get stronger. He likely will be a better candidate to be called up to play on the fourth line. The energy he brings is noticeable. With it looking like the big club is set with Carrick, Rempe, Brodzinski, and Edstrom, expect Berard to begin his second pro season in the American Hockey League (AHL).

Of the young players that remain, Edstrom looks like he can lock up a spot. He’s done enough to stay. Especially with Vesey headed to the injured list.

Mancini is an intriguing player. For someone without much pro experience, he plays with poise. His skating and ability to play a challenging position are positives. If he doesn’t make the Opening Night roster, it won’t be for anything negative. They could send him down to get more seasoning. Mackey is a solid player who adds physicality. It’ll be interesting to see what the organization decides.

Dylan Garand is still with the Rangers. He should get into another game. If Quick is starting tonight, maybe Garand comes in at the halfway mark. Or perhaps Garand gets a look tomorrow night. He enters his third pro season. It’s important to remain patient when developing young goalies. Quick gives the Blueshirts insurance behind Igor Shesterkin. Garand is only 22. It’s an important year.

The Rangers have two straight games against the Devils this week. Then. They play their final exhibition this Friday, Oct. 4 against the New York Islanders. Afterward, the organization will have some decisions to make with the roster. We’ll see what happens.