KINGSTON, R.I. — Gustav Rydahl performs a North American game. Maybe that’s why the uninformed would by no means wager that the 28-year-old is taking his first crack on the NHL following a profession spent on international-size rinks in Sweden.
“I like contact, I like being involved in physical play,” the 6-foot-3, 210-pound free-agent signee informed The Post following Tuesday’s apply right here at Boss Arena. “I think it’s been getting better and better for me as camp has progressed. I’m getting more comfortable all the time.”
Rydahl, who is basically competing with Ryan Carpenter for the spot as fourth-line middle, was once signed this summer season at the advice of professional scout Shaone Morrisonn. Carpenter will require waivers to get to the AHL whilst Rydahl does now not, so this can be a lengthy shot for the Swede to make it out of camp. But he has indubitably inserted himself into the dialog.
“The first two games I thought the [smaller] rink was a big difference for him but I thought the last game was excellent,” head trainer Gerard Gallant mentioned. “He was once truly sturdy in that one, he’s being used to a few other people and avid gamers right here.
“The longer he goes in our camp, the better he’s getting, and that’s a good sign.”
Rydahl, who performed the ultimate four-plus seasons for Farjestads BK, mentioned he thought to be coming over two years in the past. But he sustained an ACL damage that set him again. Now wholesome, he takes his shot at it.
“This is what I have always wanted,” he mentioned. “I got a really good feeling from the Rangers before I signed with them and now I am getting such good support from the players and staff.“I’m working hard to play the body and make plays. I knew it was going to be tough. But I’m doing everything I can and putting 100 percent of myself into it.”
“It’s such a lot quicker right here. The avid gamers are all so gifted and professional. At house, you might have a couple of seconds to come to a decision with the puck. Now there is not any time. You at all times must be in a position to make a play.
“I talk to Mika [Zibanejad] a lot. I can ask him questions in Swedish,” mentioned No. 15, who’s making his first shuttle to the U.S. “[Chris] Kreider additionally has been serving to me. I attempt to see how he performs. I think like I get higher and studying what and what to not do.
There was once a shuffle at the first line, for no matter this is price, with Jimmy Vesey taking proper wing at the unit with Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider. Barclay Goodrow, who had skated in that spot all through Monday’s apply, joined the four-man fourth/5th line with Rydahl, Sammy Blais and Julien Gauthier.
“Just trying to fill our lineup and give some guys opportunities,” mentioned Gallant, whose membership has two exhibition suits last, Wednesday on the Garden towards the Bruins and Saturday on the Islanders. “[Vesey] is on a PTO so we’ll give him a look and see where it goes.”
Vesey has been extraordinarily spectacular all through camp. To this level, he has outplayed Dryden Hunt, the winger believed to be his direct festival. This will probably be Vesey’s fourth preseason game after having performed on strains focused via Filip Chytil, Vincent Trocheck and Goodrow.
The Rangers appear to nonetheless be within the seek mode for a winger to skate up best, having used Kaapo Kakko and Blais one game apiece with the BFFs earlier than having Goodrow skate with Zibanejad and Kreider on the two practices previous this one.