Here are some tidbits from Camp Banff, provided by coach Alain Vigneault as the Rangers skate in that Alberta berg through Sunday in advance of exhibition matches in Calgary on Monday and Edmonton on Tuesday prior to their two final preseason games in Vancouver on Thursday and Las Vegas (against the Kings) on Friday:
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Ryan Callahan and Carl Hagelin, both rehabbing from postseason shoulder surgery, are participating in all drills, though neither has been cleared for contact.
“They’ve looked good and are coming along nicely,” Vigneault said during a conference call Friday afternoon. “At some point in the next while, I figure somebody will come up to me and tell me they’re ready for contact, but their overall rehab is what everybody predicted.”
Neither is expected to be in the lineup when the Rangers open the regular season in Phoenix on Oct. 3. Callahan is believed to be a couple of weeks ahead of Hagelin in the rehab process, and as such might be able to join the lineup two or three weeks into the season. Chances are Hagelin will be placed on Long Term Injury, thus rendering him ineligible to play for at least the first 10 games.
“Ryan I think is a little ahead of Carl as far as shooting the puck,” Vigneault said. “Carl is more of a controlled motion and is not as committed to his shot right now as Ryan may be.”
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Brian Boyle, who has been at center throughout camp and in his first preseason match against the Devils last Monday, likely will shift to wing for at least one of these upcoming games.
“I’ve really liked what I’ve seen from Brian in the middle, but I have been told he has played the wing and would like to see him there one time,” Vigneault said.
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If Derek Stepan were in camp, Boyle probably would be slotted as a wing, with Stepan, Brad Richards, Derick Brassard, Dominic Moore (and Oscar Lindberg) in the middle.
Vigneault continues to be impressed with young forwards Danny Kristo, Lindberg and Jesper Fast.
“They’re all going to get the opportunity to play in situations where they can succeed,” the coach said. “When you’re talking about Fast and Kristo, they’re supposed to be offensive players, so I’m trying to get them on lines to match their skill level.
“With four games in five nights coming up, we’re going to get a real good read on where our young players are,” Vigneault said. “So far none have let us down; it’s been exciting to see the young energy.”
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Vigneault seems inclined to keep Dan Girardi and Ryan McDonagh together on defense as the club’s shutdown pair while Marc Staal skates with Michael Del Zotto and John Moore combines with Anton Stralman.
“I like to have a shutdown pair and I like to have a pair that can play with our top line for offensive zone faceoffs,” Vigneault said. “I like the way Michael steps into the attack, and playing with Marc Staal, who is such a good two-way player.”