Latest from Rangers practice opens up questions on roster tinkering
Drouin for Yandle swap? (AP)
Today Emerson Etem practiced on the 2nd line in place of Chris Kreider who is day to day with an injured hand. After practice however, it appears that the Alain Vigneault and Jeff Gorton are discussing a call up from Hartford.
Vigneault says Kreider “doubtful” for tmw v Dallas. May recall forward from AHL.
— Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) January 4, 2016
To clarify: Hayes is in tomorrow. Recall would presumably replace Etem.
— Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) January 4, 2016
With the ability to simply slip Kevin Hayes into Kreider’s spot, why do you need to call up anyone? What about cap space? When you consider this it makes you ask:
- Is Emerson Etem officially in the doghouse for his lack of offensive production and his 3 horrendous mistakes in their last loss to Florida?
- Who are the Rangers considering bringing up?
- Is their a deal in the works before tomorrow’s contest with the Dallas Stars?
As for Emerson Etem in the doghouse? You bet he is. His defensive gaffs and penalty that led to the PPG that completely crushed any hopes of a comeback earned him that alone. We also know that Jonathan Drouin has requested a trade out of Tampa Bay. It would be silly to think that Jeff Gorton wouldn’t continue the partnership Glen Sather has developed with the Lightning in making deals.
RELATED: TIME TO END THE EMERSON ETEM EXPERIMENT
What would it take? Kevin Hayes or JT Miller would be actual starting points. Maybe you could throw in Emerson Etem for good measure and then call up a forward from Hartford. My choice would be to give Brian Gibbons a shot since he has NHL experience and can play center also.
Of course, Drouin seems like a long shot to me and the Tampa Bay Times feels that Yzerman will be looking for a defenseman. Keith Yandle could potentially fit what they are looking for, but I don’t see it happening. If it did, you would essentially traded Anthony Duclair for Jonathan Drouin which isn’t terrible. But are you really helping your defense by moving Yandle? There certainly needs to be a balance struck.
Maybe there’s a smaller move to be made out there like we mentioned here. Bottom line is this, Emerson is likely done for the time being and the Rangers are looking to make a move of some sort. Stay tuned.
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