Rangers rookie camp: ‘Explosive’ Adam Edstrom eyes NHL job
It’s not often that Adam Edstrom, at 6-foot-7, gets overlooked. But that’s seemingly what’s happened after 6-foot-8 Matt Rempe appeared on the scene last February. As the New York Rangers’ rookie camp gets underway, the sizable Edstrom is once again on the ice and making a case for himself as a fourth-line option.
The 23-year-old forward suited up for 11 NHL games last season, debuting and scoring his first goal Dec. 15 against the Anaheim Ducks.
After being sent back down to the Hartford Wolf Pack and missing time with an upper-body injury, he returned to the Rangers in February and skated on the fourth-line with Rempe and Barclay Goodrow in the Stadium Series game against the New York Islanders.
That game was notably Rempe’s NHL debut and saw the start of Rangers fans’ adoration for the large forward as he dropped the gloves with Islanders’ Matt Martin all of four seconds into his first career shift. From there, Rempe-mania took hold and Edstrom was seemingly left behind.
Still Edstrom, who scored two goals in his 11 games, has nothing but good vibes about the 2023-24 season.
“It was great,” Edstrom said Wednesday. “It was a dream to play in the NHL. Just getting out there, packed MSG, it was a special feeling. I really want to get back.”
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Rangers forward wants more than taste of NHL this season
Edstrom may not have fans selling out his jersey or crowds lining up for his autograph like Rempe, but he does have the attention of the Rangers organization. He comes into rookie camp having experienced a taste of the NHL level, and he wants more.
When given his second stint with the Rangers in February, Edstrom said, “It was a big opportunity, and I think I capitalized on that opportunity the best that I could. Me being back here is a sign that I did something good, so I’m just going to keep going down that road.”
Then on Wednesday he added, “I’m a good skater for my size and I get in on the forecheck … hopefully put up some points too.”
When Rangers camp opens next week, Edstrom will compete for a spot on the opening-night roster as the 12th or 13th forward, with the likes of Rempe, Jonny Brodzinski, Brett Berard and Adam Sykora.
Edstrom opened rookie camp on a line a hulking line with 6-foot-4 Jaroslav Chmelar and 6-foot-7 Dylan Roobroeck. The Rangers clearly don’t lack size in the forward department. Since height won’t set Edstrom apart, he’ll be relying on all of his other attributes.
When asked what he had worked on during the offseason, Edstrom mentioned getting “bigger and stronger” and “staying as explosive as I am.” He’s worked on his physicality, forechecking, and offense to supplement his solid skating.
Rangers coach Peter Laviolette likes Edstrom’s skating skills and defensive sensibilities that he displayed with the Wolf Pack and in his brief tenure with New York. Speaking to the media in February, Laviolette noted, “He’s a big guy that just skates so well. I like his physicality. I like his awareness. He was a player that played good defense (with the Wolf Pack). He killed penalties.”
Edstrom also possesses versatility since he’s played all three forward positions. This gives the Rangers options. The team faces the decision of who will make up the fourth-line with the departure of Goodrow and the signing of Sam Carrick. While many think the fourth-line will be Jimmy Vesey, Carrick, and Rempe, this isn’t set in stone. And the Rangers have shown they’re continuing to explore their options with the signing of Adam Erne to a PTO this week.
The competition isn’t deterring Edstrom from putting his name in the hat. Asked if he thinks he could make the Rangers roster, Edstrom noted that he believes in himself.
“I know it’s a tough thing to do. I’m just going to go out there and play my best.”
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