Training camp opens on Friday for the Rangers, but a few of the young prospects who are expected to get a long look by the coaching staff got the chance to make an early impression on the organization’s higher ups by taking part in the Traverse City, Mich. prospects tournament over the weekend.
Lias Andersson and Filip Chytil, who are expected to make the NHL roster on opening night, are in Traverse City, as are European free agents Michael Lindqvist and Ville Meskanen, and top defense prospects Libor Hajek and Ryan Lindgren. Also in Traverse City is 20-year-old center Brett Howden, a 6-3, 200-pound former first-round pick of the Tampa Bay Lightning whom the Rangers acquired when they dealt Ryan McDonagh and J.