Martin St. Louis, who has played the wing almost exclusively over his 15-year-career, is willing to make a move to the middle if the Rangers need it.
Alain Vigneault received a text message Wednesday night from veteran Rangers right wing Martin St. Louis, hours after top center Derek Stepan had broken his left leg during training camp.
“If you need me in the middle, I’m ready,” St. Louis wrote, knowing Stepan will be out 4-6 weeks.
While Vigneault said thanks but no thanks -- for now -- St. Louis’ offer underscores how desperate things are for the Rangers down the middle. With Stepan hurt, Brad Richards in Chicago and Brian Boyle in Tampa Bay, the Blueshirts will star the season without three of their top centers from last year’s Stanley Cup run (only Derick Brassard and Dominic Moore remain).
It’s expected that former first-rounder J.T. Miller will get a shot at an increased role in light of the Stepan injury, as will veteran Matthew Lombardi.