Rangers Roundup: Gauthier gets first crack at third line; Kravtsov remains day-to-day; and more

Originally posted on Forever Blueshirts | Last updated 10/4/21

The New York Rangers held practice today at Boss Ice Arena in Rhode Island. What Gerard Gallant showed was Julien Gauthier appears to be getting the first crack at replacing the injured Vitali Kravtsov on the third line.

Additionally, the third pair defense was Patrik Nemeth and Nils Lundkvist. Zac Jones paired up with Jarred Tinordi was a fourth pair while Libor Hajek dressed as a forward. The head coach killed any idea that Hajek would be utilized in a similar capacity as Brendan Smith last season.

Julien Gauthier on third line; Vitali Kravtsov day-to-day

Two forwards that are battling it out for a roster spot are Julien Gauthier and Dryden Hunt. While Hunt was impressive in his first game action against the Islanders, Gauthier has stepped up in the last few games.

“For a bad game that a team played, I though he was pretty good,” Gallant said of Gauthier after a 7-1 loss to the Devils. “I thought the kid was probably one of our better players tonight.”

Today, Gauthier was practicing with Barclay Goodrow and Filip Chytil on the third line. He should likely get an extended look there if he performs well against NJ on Wednesday.

Gauthier, 23, has 11 points in 47 career games with the Hurricanes and Rangers. He signed a one-year two-way deal as well this summer. His NHL salary is $775,000 and his minor league deal is for $300,000.

As far as Kravtsov goes, he did not make the trip to R.I. with his teammates as he recovers from his lower-body injury. Per Gerard Gallant, he is still day-to-day.

Alain Vigneault responds to Robin Lehner’s comments

The Philadelphia Flyers had a very tough season in 2020-21. Things are already off to a rocky start thanks to Robin Lehner’s Twitter tirade over the weekend. According to Elliotte Friedman, both the NHL and NHLPA reached out to Lehner on Sunday. There will be more to come, as he presents his grievances.

Today, Alain Vigneault responded to his comments. Read more here.