The New York Rangers have announced that Rick Nash has been named an Alternate Captain he joins fellow Alternates Derek Stepan, Dan Girardi and Marc Stall.
Nash said that it's an honor to be named alternate captain and an honor to wear a letter for an organization like the Rangers that has had "so many great leaders."
Defenseman Kevin Klein who has missed two prior days of training camp is suffering through back spasms. No timetable on a return has been announced.
Forward Nathan Gerbe has not reported to the Wolf Pack and the Rangers will place him on waivers to terminate his contract. Gerbe will head to Switzerland to play this season.
Alain Vigneault spoke with the media on Tuesday (NYR): Highlights;
Is Klein an issue for opening night, "yes. At this point in time, we felt yesterday that back spasms were not serious, still feel that way, but we will double check and he will get an MRI this afternoon and we will see how he feels tomorrow."
On the roster, "it means that we have 7 healthy D here right now and 13 healthy forwards and that is where we are right now."
On opening night against the Islanders, "both team's, I can't speak for them, but on our team we have moved past last year. Focused on this year and a new season, the 90th of the New York Rangers against one of our best opponents is a great way to start. Both team's will be ready for the competition. Both teams want to start off on the right foot. We know that the Isles always played well against us in the past and no better way to start the season off against such a strong opponent."
On the Metro division, "if it's not it's gotta be close. You got the Cup champs, the team that finished first overall last year in the NHL. All teams, in my estimation, in our division have gotten better. It's certainly a very strong team but you could say that about all the teams in both conferences. Every team seems to be getting closer to that parity that the league wants and that you usually get in a cap era and that is where we are. It's going to be a very competitive year and very hard to get in and that is our first goal, like all the teams, and it should be very fun and competitive."
On Rick Nash, "There is no doubt that we need a healthy Rick Nash and him playing to his strength. We also named him assistant captain today officially. After talking with Ryan McDonagh and having not replaced Marty St. Louis, Ryan and I discussed different possibilities and felt that Rick, with his past experience, would be a great fit and help to him. It was officially named this morning and I am confident that, I don't want to say that added pressure but the added importance, you don't need a letter on your sweater to be a leader but I am hoping that this will be getting Rick even more involved than he has been in the past and every time he has been prodded or challenged he has responded well and we are going to need him to respond well.
NYR Alumni Birthdays October 12:
Danny Cox LW (1933-1934) Marcel Hossa LW (2005-2007) Larry Jeffrey LW (1967-1969)
Today in NYR History October 12:
1976: Don Murdoch becomes the first Rangers to score five goals in a game as the Rangers defeat the Minnesota North Stars, 10-4.
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