2010-11 NHL Preview: How Do the New York Rangers Look at Left Wing?

New York Rangers Positional Preview No. 3: Left Wing

Article setup: I will start with a small review of last season (at the specific position),  follow with a “Top Six” at that position, and end with a prediction of which wingers will play on which lines.

Last season the Rangers had an abundance of left wingers on their roster. Brandon Dubinsky, Vinny Prospal, Sean Avery, Jody Shelley, Aaron Voros, Donald Brashear, Dane Byers, and P.A Paranteau all played the left wing position for the Rangers at some point last season.

Both Dubinsky and Prospal made a quick switch from center to left wing: Prospal became left wing early in the season after the acquisition of Erik Christenson, while Dubinsky switched positions for good when Olli Jokenin was acquired from the Flames in early February. Dubinsky is expected to play left wing again this season; Prospal may start the season on center due to Drury’s injury, then switch back to left wing when he returns.

Sean Avery spent most of the season slated as a third-line winger and will likely see the same this season.

Jody Shelley played a key role in the Rangers' late-season success after being acquired through trade prior to the Winter Olympics. Shelley will not return this season, as he decided to sign with the rival Philadelphia Flyers.

Aaron Voros, Donald Brashear, Dane Byers, and P.A Paranteau spent limited time with the team, and only Dane Byers will return. (Both Voros and Brashear were traded, and Paranteau signed with the rival New York Islanders.)

My Top Six at the Left Wing Position

1. Alexander Frolov: One of the better signings this offseason by the Rangers was the enigmatic Russian sniper, Alexander Frolov. “The Fro” will play with superstar Marian Gaborik, hoping to click and form an instant “Dynamic” duo. If things work out between the two, the Rangers could have two players on their roster scoring over thirty goals this season.

2. Brandon Dubinsky: Likely making the change official, Dubinsky will make his mark this season on the left wing. In my opinion, he looks better as a left-winger, and could make a better career for himself at that position. He will once again play a key role in the Rangers penalty kill, while hopefully keeping his twenty-goal pace.

3. Sean Avery: As I said before, Avery has played quality hockey on the third line, and he will likely be placed there again.

4. Dane Byers: This feisty prospect will compete for a spot on the Rangers' roster during preseason. Byers played a few games on the Rangers last season, and in his time with the team, he scored one goal and totaled 31 penalty minutes. He showed his willingness to fight when he tangled with Tanner Glass of the Canucks last season.

5. Ryan Bourque: Possibly the best up-and-coming prospect at left wing for the New York Rangers, Ryan Bourque will fight for a roster spot during preseason, starting Thursday. I don’t expect him to make the team for at least another two seasons, but the preseason play should help his development.

6. Andrew Yogan: Though his shoulder injury will be a bit of a setback for his development, young Andrew Yogan (18) will be a key part of the Rangers team at some time in the near future.

6* Vinny Prospal, Ruslan Fedotenko, and Derek Boogaard: The Rangers may decide to place Prospal on left wing to start the season instead of have him take Drury’s spot, so that is why he is here. Fedotenko will continue his tryout with the Rangers and may wind up landing a one-year contract. Multiple Rangers beat writers (including Andrew Gross, Steve Zipay, and Jim Cerny) have reported that Fedotenko has done pretty well during training camp and would not be surprised if he lands a spot on the team. Derek Boogaard is definitely not a Top Six left-winger for the Rangers, but when I asked Jim Cerny if he would be on the opening roster he replied:

“Yes, Boogaard will definitely be on the opening night roster, not even in question”

Rangers' Projected Opening Night Lines (Left Wings in Bold):

Line One: Gaborik, Stepan, Frolov

Line Two: Zuccarello, Anisimov, Dubinsky

Line Three: Callahan, Prospal (or Christenson, depending on situation), Avery

Line Four: Prust, Kennedy, Boogaard

Mid-season call-up: Evgeny Grachev

Thanks for the read, hope you enjoyed. Feel free to comment below.

Have a question? Email me at [e-mail]

OR send me a tweet @nickpNYRwriter