In a relatively unsurprising news, Andrew Gross notes that the Rangers have placed Andre Deveaux on waivers. This move could be predicted a week ago, following Deveaux’s suspension and the call ups of Carl Hagelin and John Mitchell. Both have played extremely well, and the need for Deveaux was no longer there.
In nine games with the Rangers, Deveaux registered an assist, 29 PIMs, and finished with a +3 rating. He also earned himself a three game suspension for an elbow to the head of Florida Panthers winger Tomas Fleischmann.
Darren Dreger tweets that Andre Deveaux has been suspended three games for his elbow to the head of Florida’s Tomas Fleischmann Wednesday night. With the way the Rangers schedule sits, Deveaux will be unavailable for the Rangers until December 1, when the Rangers take on the Carolina Hurricanes. Deveaux will miss today’s game against Washington, tomorrow’s game against Philadelphia, and Tuesday’s game against Pittsburgh.
The New York Rangers have called up forward Andre Deveaux from the Connecticut Whale. In nine games with the Whale this year, Deveaux has four goals, two assists, and 23 PIMs. This move is likely in response to some lingering affects of the Zenon Konopka hit on Artem Anisimov, a hit in which Anisimov landed awkwardly –face first– against the glass. Anisimov was not skating in practice today.
I missed the part where Kris Newbury was sent back to the Whale. So calling up Deveaux and sending down Newbury are the moves for the day, which eliminates the point I made about Anisimov being out of practice. In six games with the Rangers, Newbury did not register a point, but had 24 PIMs and a +2 rating.
The Rangers seem to be inundated with young Swedes in the organisation right now. Whether it is Lindberg, Hagelin, Erixon, Fasth or even Andreas Thuresson there is quite a line building behind Henrik Lundqvist all of whom hail from Sweden. Perhaps the least discussed of the prospects the Rangers obtained this summer is former Nashville Predator Andreas Thuresson who was acquired for Brodie Dupont (who personally, I had expected more from).
It appears Thuresson is a player in need of a change of scenery. Despite playing 3 games in the NHL this past season Thuresson’s year was considered a disappointment as the 23 year old only managed 14 goals and 38 points for Milwaukee of the AHL. Having played 22 NHL games the season before, perhaps more was expected from the young winger. With good size and plenty of pro experience (including a good rookie year in the SEL), should the Swede find himself in Connecticut next season he will be counted on to provide both offense and leadership.
Despite being criticised for his on ice production last year Thuresson’s character is not of concern. The young Swede was lauded for his community work and personality in Milwaukee last season so he should be a reliable presence on a potentially young Whale team. With recent signing Andre Deveaux, Thuresson could be part of a (slightly) older nucleus that helps bring along the younger prospects all the while trying to get himself back in the NHL frame; plenty of motivation then, for the Swede.
One concern I have right now however, is that there seems a large amount of players vying for ice time on the Whale let alone for a chance at cracking the Rangers roster. Competition is one thing but it seems that some players may be heading for different locales including potentially a level lower in the ECHL. So where will Thuresson find himself? Surely not in the ECHL, just a season after getting some NHL game time?
Wherever he starts next season the fact remains that not many people will be expecting much from Thuresson, at least not outside of the Rangers organisation. That level of pressure (or lack of it) may allow Thuresson a true fresh start in an organisation that has recently rewarded good play with legitimate NHL opportunities.
The Rangers have made another (minor league) signing. This evening the team announced that they have signed AHL tough guy Andre Deveaux who played with the Chicago Wolves last season. At 6’4 and 232 lbs Deveaux is a large body who also showed some scoring touch last season grabbing 23 goals and 23 assists as well as a mighty 194 penalty minutes. Deveaux has twice broke the 200 penalty minute mark in the AHL in seasons past.
Deveaux is a center and should also be able to contribute offensively as well as with his fists. Including last year the Bahamas native (yes, Bahamas – hockey is truly global…) has had three seasons where he has scored 10 or more goals. The last two years has also seen the 27 year old break 40 points.
It’s highly probable that it’s a signing strictly for the AHL however at 27 he does have some long term potential. With the Whale potentially icing a very young roster next season Deveaux is a good addition and should make other teams think before they try and take advantage of all the young prospects down on the farm.
Here’s a link to Deveaux’s player page on AHL.com http://theahl.com/stats/player.php?id=284
