One of the biggest questions coming into camp and the preseason was who the Rangers 7 defenseman will be. Three players were a lock in Marc Staal, Kevin Shattenkirk, and Brady Skjei. The Rangers then went out and acquired physical veteran, Adam McQuaid leaving 2 starting spots open and an extra.
The Field
Competing to grab the final spots were veterans Brenden Smith, Fredrik Claesson, and Rob O’Gara. Of course, this is a rebuilding year so it would only make sense that these spots should be filled with youth. From that perspective Neal Pionk, and Tony DeAngelo are getting strong consideration with Libor Hajek having an outside chance.