Connor McKee skated on the left side of Adam Fox in Thursday's preseason game against the Bruins at the Garden, but skated on the back side during Friday's varsity practice as the Blueshirts search for a replacement for Ryan Lindgren. It was young Victor Mancini who had the opportunity to skate with the number 23. A few weeks with an upper body injury.
The 22-year-old Mancini, selected in the fifth round, 159th overall, of the 2022 draft out of Nebraska-Omaha, is a unique sensation at camp, emerging from the fringes enough to merit a session with eight defensemen. is causing a stir. 14 forwards and 2 goaltenders.
Quandre Miller skated with Jacob Trouba, Zach Jones was on the left side of Braden Schneider and McKee skated with Chad Ruhwedel.
The right-handed Mancini looked comfortable playing offside, but this was clearly not the game.
“I think some guys really struggle with being offside, and some guys don't care. It doesn't matter,” head coach Peter Laviolette said. “The conversation was that he was playing around.” [left] In the past.
“So there is an opportunity for someone to fill that seat right now, so we are looking at all possibilities.”
It's unclear what “several weeks” means as it relates to Lindgren's absence after being injured in a fight with the Islanders' Scott Mayfield on Sept. 24.
The Rangers open the season Oct. 9 in Pittsburgh and will play four more games through Oct. 19.
Brennan Osman and Johnny Brodzinski took turns in practice as spare forwards.
Sam Carrick centered the fourth line between Jimmy Vesey and Matt Lempe.
Adam Edstrom, who had an impressive camp, skated in the “B” group earlier in the day.
Edstrom does not need a waiver to go to Hartford.
That could influence what decisions general manager Chris Drury and hierarchy make regarding the 6-foot-6 Swede, who turns 24 on Oct. 12.
On Friday, Ben Harper, Jake Lechishyn and Alex Belzile were placed on waivers, and goaltender Taryn Boyko was assigned to the AHL Wolfpack.
The Blueshirts will have Saturday off, resume practice Sunday, and play back-to-back games against New Jersey and home against the Devils on Monday and Tuesday, respectively.
They conclude their preseason schedule on the Island on Oct. 4.
