On Yom Kippur, the Rangers begin their preseason schedule tonight when they visit the Devils in Newark. It’s the first of four games over the next five days. That includes hosting the Islanders on Tuesday followed by the Devils visiting Madison Square Garden this Thursday. The final game is on Friday at the Islanders.

A week from now, the Rangers must submit their official roster. With a shortened training camp due to the NHL starting up on Sept. 29, that means the organization will have to make quick decisions on younger players competing for spots. Realistically speaking, it’s highly unlikely that promising prospects will make the roster. Especially up front due to the team’s improved depth, thanks in large part to Chris Drury signing Eeli Tolvanen in addition to Pavel Dorofeyev and Oliver Bjorkstrand.

So far, Tolvanen has fit in well on a projected third line while playing with Noah Laba and Will Cuylle. During a few scrimmages, they were effective on the forecheck and noticeable. Given that all three forwards have a strong work ethic, it isn’t surprising that they stood out. If Mike Sullivan decides to use them together to begin the season, they could become a solid checking unit capable of contributing. At least, that’s the hope coming in. We’ll see how they progress.

The fourth line has included a battle between Matt Rempe, Jaroslav Chmelar, and Adam Sykora for a spot. If it’s any indication on how they’ve lined up in camp, Sullivan has been rotating Chmelar and Rempe on the right side. Joe Veleno and Tye Kartye are locks. There’s also Dylan Roobroeck, who’s looking to make a case to stay. Considering the amount of depth at Sullivan’s disposal, he’ll likely choose between Chmelar and Sykora. Both had success after coming up from Hartford late last season. Each can be assigned to Hartford and are waiver exempt.

On the blue line, Sullivan is giving 2026 first round pick Alberts Smits every chance to make the team. Smits has played alongside Braden Schneider on the third pair. The 18-year-old impressed during the scrimmages by showing poise defensively while scoring a goal on a backhand. He isn’t part of the group who’ll play against the Devils A squad later tonight. Smits will likely make his MSG debut tomorrow night.

Matthew Robertson will pair up with Scott Morrow on a B squad made up of mostly players who could be ticketed for Hartford. If Smits does enough to debut on Opening Night next week against the Bruins, Robertson would be the seventh defenseman. A solid defensive player who opened some eyes in his rookie year, he should still get wind up in the lineup. Especially with Smits being new. The organization will do what’s best for his development.

Drew Fortescue and Vincent Iorio will comprise the second pair in Newark. Each appeared in action last season. Iorio is hoping to do enough to avoid being placed on waivers once camp concludes. He would have to pass through waivers to be reassigned. Fortescue is in the second year of an entry level contract he signed. A 2023 third round pick, the former Boston College standout didn’t look out of place. However, he’ll likely spend his first full pro year with the Wolf Pack.

Urho Vaakanainen appears destined to be put on waivers. Once acquired for Jacob Trouba from Anaheim, he has been skating with the AHL squad in camp. Assuming he clears, Vaakanainen will be reassigned to Hartford. If a team claims him, getting the $1.55 million off the cap will help create some room on the roster.

As for the forwards lining up tonight, Roobroeck is centering the third line, which includes first-year pros Nathan Aspinall and Brody Lamb. They could wind up playing together when the Wolf Pack start up in October. Sykora will also make his season debut on a second line with Justin Dowling and Juuso Parssinen. Top prospect Liam Greentree will be featured on the top line.

Dylan Garand will split duties with Callum Tung in net.

As for the Devils, they decided to load up their lineup after going with mostly an AHL group in a 2-1 win over the Islanders on Sunday. Newcomer Amadeus Lombardi had a strong showing. He’s looking to crack a roster that has plenty of competition coming from established veterans. He could overtake Jesper Boqvist if they decide to keep him.

With the Devils basically playing their top two lines, including Anthony Mantha with Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt, it could be a tough night for the Wolf Pack. We’ll see how they do against the Devils A squad.