Hartnett: Etem Believes He's Over Initial Growing Pains With Rangers

By Sean Hartnett
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Rangers fans need to be patient because the Emerson Etem project is going to pay off.

There has always been a rawness in how the 23-year-old makes reads and positions himself on the ice. Having only skated for 135 combined regular season and playoff games, Etem is attempting to refine his game.

That inexperience combined with learning the finer points of Alain Vigneault's system and adjusting to a new conference caused Etem to struggle through his first three preseason games as a Ranger.

But underneath the surface of the initial growing pains, there is a star player on the verge of blossoming.

Etem skated in his fourth preseason game in Monday night's 3-2 overtime victory over the rival Philadelphia Flyers. Following the victory, the 6-foot-1 winger admitted that he's starting to feel a greater comfort level with Vigneault's system.

"That was the best I felt out of the four games I played," Etem told WFAN.com following the game. "You know, just control the puck better. The timing was there. I was able to finally get the systems down, but I've just got to keep doing it. I wish it didn't take four games, but I've felt a lot better. It's the best I've executed what they wanted me to bring."

Following Monday's morning skate, Vigneault revealed that the young forward has spent considerable time reviewing game tape with assistant coaches Scott Arniel and Darryl Williams.

"Arnie and Darryl have spent some time showing Emerson video of how we play and the style we're attempting to establish," Vigneault said. "They can see that he's picking it up. He's taking strides. He's a young player. It's our job to work with him and develop him. That's what we're going to do."

Although he is yet to register a point in the preseason, Etem's athletic traits should mesh naturally with Vigneault's uptempo system once he has gained a full handle on his responsibilities.

"For sure," Etem said when asked about the positive effect of film study. "It gives me a better understanding. Of course, I'm new to the systems here. It really relates to my game – and that's a speed game. Stretch passing, slashing across with speed – especially coming out of the defensive zone. That's my game. That's what I want to bring. With each game, I'm just going to get better and better like I did tonight."

The work spent in practice and in the film room should soon turn into goals and assists. On Monday night, Etem skated on the left wing of the fourth line with experienced forwards Dominic Moore and Jaret Stoll. Both veterans have the flexibility to play at center or the wing. Moore centered the line.

Etem credited Stoll and Moore with delivering helpful feedback on the bench following each shift and was pleased with the line's ability to drive possession.

"Dom and Stolly were doing a great job giving me pointers after every shift," Etem said. "It was awesome playing with those two. They're responsible. We had great possession time. They're both great at faceoffs, as their stats throughout their career has shown. It's great to play with two guys with that veteran leadership."

Overall, Vigneault said he can see the progress being made by Etem. There are only blue skies ahead for this young Blueshirt.

"You can see Etem is taking some steps," Vigneault said. "These aren't easy games to be in right now. Guys are looking for their timing, some guys are looking to make plays with the puck. I think like any player, when you come to a new team, it takes awhile. Every time he steps on the ice, you see him talking with his teammates. He's only going to get better."

Follow Sean on Twitter at @HartnettHockey