New York Rangers: Minor League News and Notes During the NHL Lockout

“The players should be the faces of your franchise.”

That was New York Rangers general manager Glen Sather as he commented last season in a New York Times article by Christopher Botta.

The cigar-chomping head honcho of the Rangers front office since 2000 couldn't have said it any better.

While very little of significance is developing in terms of ending the NHL lockout, the same cannot be said for the Blueshirts.

Future faces of the franchise are developing from here to Helsinki. That's a primary reason why the gang on 7th Avenue has become a legit Stanley Cup contender and is in position to remain so for quite a while.

The Rangers are building their house the right way, with a foundation that continues to become more fortified with each passing season.

So with that in mind, want to know what's happening throughout the organization? Here are some rink links that'll provide the details while you endure the early days of the dreaded work stoppage.

Check out the 2012 Connecticut Whale training-camp roster.

Whale bench boss Ken Gernander was just elected to the AHL Hall of Fame. Read about it here.

Jeff Beukeboom is excited about his new role as assistant coach with the Whale. 

Blueshirts assistant general manager Jeff Gorton discusses player opportunities with the Whale.

Rangers 2010 first-rounder Dylan McIlrath is on the road back from knee surgery. Find out how he's progressing here.

As if Wade Redden's experience with the Rangers didn't turn out bad enough, now he's dragged into the lockout too. 

Ever hear of the Greenville Road Warriors? They're the Rangers' East Coast Hockey League affiliate. Read about them here and here.

Finally, here's a breakdown of all the Rangers' minor league, Canadian junior hockey and European prospects.