Through two games in the Traverse City tournament, the baby Rangers look every bit the part. In years past, the prospect team the organization has put on the ice has looked every bit as barren as the team’s long term future. The common practice of trading out prospects and draft picks for roster players made this a going through the motions event.
However, with the team’s front office embracing a long term approach, this tournament is genuinely exciting for the first time in years. The team’s roster is littered with over achievers that are well too qualified for the tournament as well as young faces auditioning for the future.