Good move by Rangers' management.In my mind, Evgeny Grachev is not physically ready to play in the NHL, just yet. I'd rather see the lanky Russian winger succeed at the AHL level before moving up to the big league. Rangers fans need to remember he's only 19, and it's not as if the Rangers are in a position where they have a lot of openings up front.
Playing in the AHL will allow Grachev to build up his confidence and consistency - there is no reason to rush him, at all.
I also hope this is a prelude to Vinny Prospal staying on the wing.
If Prospal plays wing, the Rangers have six quality "top-nine" wingers - Prospal, Marian Gaborik, Ryan Callahan, Chris Higgins, Ales Kotalik, and Sean Avery - and that's not including Enver Lisin, who will probably assume Avery's spot as he continues to recover from an MCL sprain. Even if Grachev were to make the team, I couldn't see him playing more than 10-12 minutes a game, which probably isn't the best course for his development.
Assuming Avery can't go on Friday, I think the Rangers will look like this upfront:
Prospal-Dubinsky-Gaborik
Lisin-Drury-Kotalik
Higgins-Anisimov-Callahan
Voros-Boyle-Brashear
The Rangers played it safe here with what they hope will be a future stalwart up front.
I think it was the right move.
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