Parenteau sent to Hartford, Preview of potential roster/lines

September 22, 2009   ·   Derek Felix   ·   Jump to comments

The Rangers made one move today cutting the roster down to 24. Pierre Parenteau was sent down to Hartford. In five preseason games, the 26 year-old forward showed that he was capable of playing at the NHL level.

However, due to a numbers game, it became apparent he would be optioned to the Wolf Pack. So, it comes as no surprise that this move was made while the organization takes one more look at talented rookie Evgeny Grachev.

Only 19, the 2008 third round pick has opened eyes with his size, speed and work ethic. He has a pair of assists in four exhibitions but hasn’t finished. Figure the left wing to start the year in the AHL with Parenteau who at least showed that he can be recalled if needed. We like what we saw as he has good speed and works hard. Traits John Tortorella prefers.

With Brian Boyle and Aaron Voros improving as camp has gone on, there just wasn’t room for Parenteau. Especially with frequent booing target Donald Brashear proving to be an upgrade over Colton Orr. Artem Anisimov certainly should be on the Opening Night roster. He has shown why the club likes him with excellent two-way ability and skill to go with it. Enver Lisin also deserves to start having scored three goals while using his speed to generate chances.

With Brandon Dubinsky back in the fold, it makes it increasingly tough for Grachev who hasn’t done anything wrong. The fact is he won’t play enough here. Especially with Ales Kotalik around. Why did they sign him? Sean Avery’s right knee sprain doesn’t sound serious which means he might be ready by next Friday’s season opener in Pittsburgh.

Here’s the dilemma for Tortorella. Which 12 forwards does he go with? He’s already hinted that Vinny Prospal will begin centering Marian Gaborik which means Dubinsky goes down to the third line. Does he play with Anisimov?

From what we saw of Lisin, it actually might be worth giving him a shot on the top line. He has skill and could benefit from playing with Gaborik if last night is any indication. So, let’s look at potential lines for the opener versus the defending champs:

Gaborik-Prospal-Lisin

Higgins-Drury-Kotalik

Anisimov-Dubinsky-Callahan

Avery-Boyle-Voros/Brashear

By shifting Dubi down, it creates a logjam meaning someone good will be on the fourth line. Our guess is Tort will move Lisin down and have Avery ride shotgun for Gabby. Should Lisin be playing fourth line? Based on what we’ve seen, no. But that’s what happens when you hand out $3 million to an inconsistent player who already seems to have a penchant for bad penalties.

The good aspect is the roster is deeper than last year and might contain several 20-goal scorers. Just not the eight overly optimistic Joe Micheletti suggested on MSG. The depth is exactly why Parenteau and Grachev will both start in Hartford.

There still is the question with the blueline as both Mike Del Zotto and Bobby Sanguinetti are still around competing for one spot while tryout Alexei Semenov seems to have earned a contract. Our suggestion is keep Semenov as a seventh between here and Hartford. He should pass waivers.

Based on what we’ve seen, I’d give first crack to Del Zotto, who looks to have plenty of potential and has shown poise beyond his 19 years. The Blueshirts can play him for nine games before deciding. If he proves ready, there’s no point in sending him back to London of the Ontario Hockey League. If they feel differently, then Sanguinetti comes up. He needs to sink or swim here. Not waste away in the ‘A.’ They know what he can do there.

Based on our analysis, we would send Sanguinetti down for now due to the cap situation. There’s little chance the club can have both him and Del Zotto on the books.

Here’s our roster:

LW- Higgins, Avery, Voros, Brashear

C-Prospal, Drury, Dubinsky, Anisimov, Boyle

RW-Gaborik, Callahan, Kotalik, Lisin

D-Staal, Girardi, Redden, Gilroy, Rozsival, Del Zotto, Semenov

G-Lundqvist, Valiquette

That assumes they can fit Semenov in as a seventh making it a 22-man roster. More than likely, Tort will go with just six D making it 21. Looking at the breakdown, Prospal would be better served on the left side balancing things out.

Glad we’re not the one making these decisions.