Rangers Prospect Camp Starts Tomorrow.

The Rangers are holding their annual prospect camp starting tomorrow out in Rye or wherever the hell their practice facility is these days.    This is the occasion when they gather all of their most recent draft picks who haven't made their NHL Debut, as well as the undrafted FA's they've signed over the same period, as well as foreign UDFA's and a bunch of tryouts.

They usually sign a kid or two from this camp.  Kyle Jean was signed from prospect camp, and that was after his clash of knees with McIlrath cost Dylan half a season and who knows what else?

All they really do at these camps is skate and scrimmage.   There's minimal contact, especially since McIlrath injury.   But it's a chance to get all of the kids from this year's draft on the ice and have a look at them, as well as a chance for the youngest members of the organization to  play together and feel they are part of the organization.

Many of them will leave camp and not see their Ranger teammates again till next year's prospect camp, as they go back to their respective teams and leagues.   Of course, some of them will probably be invited to training camp, and a group of those guys will also play for the Rangers in the Travis City Tournament that's held every non-lockout year, in Michigan.

There will also be some intrigue at this year's camp as the Ranger FO tries to gauge whether or not Brady Skjei is ready to turn pro or whether he wants to go back to school.   Stepan turned pro after Sophomore year, while McDonagh and Kreider went back to be juniors.   So, we'll see what Brady wants to do.   He could really clarify our options if he signs.

Another guy, who I believe is already signed, is Calle Anderson.   The Swedish offensive-defenseman they had high hopes for.   I think he'll be coming over one way or another, but it will be interesting for them to get an idea of how close he is.

It will be our first look at Anthony Duclair since a concussion spoiled his super season 59 games, 50 goals and 99 points into it.

Two recent draft picks who won't be there are Boo Nieves, who would have had to pay his own way under NCAA rules, and Ryan Graves, the intriguing Ranger type D they drafted last year, who is out with a shoulder.

Another interesting guy to check in on is Notre Dame's Steven Fogarty.  He's that kid they took with the pick they got for Grachev.   He looked good playing in that little junior league before going to ND, but hasn't really broken out at ND.   Maybe he's not a good system fit.   I guess the Rangers will take another look.

It will also be the first ice time for the UDFA college guys the Rangers signed in Spring like Ryan Haggerty, Mat Bodie and Chris McCarthy,

Also, both of yesterday's goalies will be there as well as McKenzie Skapski who's done some good things since we drafted him last year.

Can't wait till they they start posting the video over at Rangers.com and Blueshirts United.   The key things, are health, signings and how well everyone skates.