There is NHL hockey on the horizon and it is well within reach. The brutally long summer of speculation, rumors and trades that never came to fruition will finally be over. Come September 14, the New York Rangers will have 52 players in camp with a handful of roster spots up for grabs. The preseason presents an opportunity for both future stars and fringe veterans to make a case for themselves to crack the opening night roster.
In addition to the roster spot battle, there is the added layer of a new coach. Typically, a new NHL coach requires time to establish their philosophy within a locker room.