Here's who The Maven is focused on going into training camp.
Here are the Blueshirts I care about and some I care a little less about.
1. IGOR SHESTERKIN: Is his head on straight or is it too absorbed with the next contract that will make him richer than Jacob Trouba? If the head gets too big for the team, we got a problem.
2. JACOB TROUBA: Will the captain give up his "C" the way John Tavares did in Toronto? He should. For me, he's "Interim Captain" who's attitude remains a question. Let's hope his wife's well-advertised grades go high in med school.
3. KAAPO KAKKO: This will be his last camp after which he shows management he either belongs on Seventh Avenue or The Great Salt Lake, home of Utah Hockey Club.
4. ADAM FOX: Newly married and settled down, he should lift his game from its echey level over the last half of last season. Next captain? Maybe.
5. BRENNAN OTHMANN: At 21 he's now a too-highly-touted big boy. His role model should be Will Cuylle, 22, who arrived at camp last year a long shot and made the team. It'll be a MAJOR disappointment if he misses making the big club.
6. FILIP CHYTIL: The concussion kid will be medically tested up, down and sideways and, hopefully will get a passing grade to be third center behind Mika Zibanejad and The Maven's choice as next captain, Vince Trocheck.
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RANGERS I DON'T CARE ABOUT -- FOR NOW:
1. JIMMY VESEY: Whatever his role, he will do it with consummate energy.
2. ARTEMI PANARIN: See me at playoff time – if he hasn't been traded by then.
3. JONATHAN QUICK: I've seen the script; Czar Igor slumps and Big Jon saves the day.
4. REILLY SMITH: I'll check the new-old fella out at Thanksgiving. If he's on the third line, I'll be thankful.
5. RYAN LINDGREN: The Minnesotan is the defense version of Vesey – knows what's up and who to knock down.
6. ALEXIS LANFRENIERE: I'll worry about him when Big Al stops averaging a point a game!