New York Rangers: Is Emerson Etem ready to break out?

One of the new faces for the New York Rangers next season will be forward Emerson Etem.

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Etem was part of the package the Rangers got for trading away Carl Hagelin to the Anaheim Ducks. So far, Etem has been a bit of a disappointment after being selected in the first-round of the 2010 NHL Draft.

In three seasons with the Ducks, Etem has played in 112 games, totaling just 15 goals and 16 assists. Etem was a California native, which made playing for the Ducks a good experience, but he will now be playing far away from home.

“It was a great experience playing at home, having my friends and family close by all the time,” explained Etem to Jim Cerny of Blueshirtsunited.com. “But I think it will be just as good to move away, be more on my own, and play on the biggest stage in New York City. I am really excited to be here.”

Etem had a hard time sticking with the Ducks, as he bounced back and forth between the AHL. His major issue was being consistent on a talented team, and many times was the odd man out. Etem is only 23-years-old, which means there is plenty of time to find that consistency.

“It’s just a different scenery, and this is a talented team, too,” Etem said of coming to New York to Cerny. “I have to work hard and let my play do the talking. I have to come to camp ready to take a spot (on the roster). My strengths are my speed, and I feel I can play a versatile game. I can play a physical game. Right now I haven’t had the chance to break out offensively, but I feel like with more hard work during the summer I can put myself in a good spot when training camp arrives.”

The Rangers are certainly going to be counting on Etem to be a productive player for them, as general manager Jeff Gorton believes he is a Top-9 forward.

“Whatever role Alain and the coaching staff ask of me, I am ready to fill that role,” stated Etem to Cerny, who scored three goals in 12 playoff games this past spring. “I am looking to have a big year. This is something I want to take full advantage of, and I’m going to do everything it takes to be at my best.”

New York still has aspirations of being a Stanley Cup contender next season, and they hope that Etem will find some of his potential and help them reach that in the 2015-16 season.

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