In yesterday's post I suggested that the Rangers bring up rookie center Brandon Dubinsky to fill the void created by trading Matt Cullen back to Carolina. Here's why:

Following the signings of Scott Gomez and Chris Drury, I believe it's important that the Rangers continue to show their committent to youth and the development of their own prospects. So far it has really been working out, as players like Fedor Tyutin, Petr Prucha, Daniel Girardi, Ryan Callahan and of course Henrik Lundqvist have certainly made their mark. Having young, hungry and spirited players helps team chemistry and also helps to motivate veterans, as we've seen last year with Brendan Shanahan and Jaromir Jagr.

Dubinsky, an Anchorage, Alaska native almost won one of the remaining spots on the Rangers roster during training camp last year but in stead went on to play with the Wolfpack in the AHL. There, he has developed into a fine playmaker and worked very well with Rangers forward Ryan Callahan prior to his call up. The 6'-1", 210lb, left shooting, 21 year old center, scored 21 goals and had 22 assists for 43 points in 71 games last season with Hartford.

If he were to win a spot on the Rangers this year it would certainly make for some exciting hockey. He could potentially find himself centering a third line flanked by Ryan Callahan and Nigel Dawes, a line that would exhibit hard nosed and gritty North American style hockey combined with the skill to finish. I guess we'll just have to wait and see how it all shakes out.