Noah Laba could be fast-tracked to Rangers as organization shows thinness at center

The New York Rangers' shortage of depth at center has increased the chance that prospect Noah Laba will reach the NHL sooner than expected after the 22-year-old finished rookie camp among the Blueshirts' top internal options.

Laba, who completed his junior season at Colorado College before appearing in 11 professional games with the Hartford Wolf Pack last season, centered Gabe Perreault and Brennan Othmann — two of only three rookies in camp with prior NHL experience — throughout the week and drew game action Friday and Saturday against Philadelphia Flyers prospects in Allentown, Pa. "Obviously, just like everybody else, the goal is to make the New York Rangers, and that's what I’m trying to do," Laba said during the week. "Just trying to compete, showcase my skills and my abilities and where I shine."

At 6-foot-2 and 214 pounds, the Michigan native profiles as a physical, two-way center who emphasizes a 200-foot game and pace through the neutral zone. He described his time with Hartford at the end of last season as invaluable preparation for pro hockey, saying the experience of facing bigger, faster opponents helped him adjust more quickly to the professional level.

Laba recorded three goals and two assists in 11 games with Hartford. He was primarily used in middle roles on the top two lines, getting reps next to Brendan Brisson and Jaroslav Chmela and extended minutes with veterans such as Nathan Sucese, Anton Blidh and Alex Belzile. In his professional debut, just 8:17 into the game while killing a penalty, Laba was sprung on a shorthanded breakaway and converted on his first career professional shot.

Those performances, combined with his leadership background as an assistant captain at Colorado College, have drawn attention because the Rangers enter camp with a relatively thin center depth chart. Established NHL centers such as J.T. Miller and Vincent Trocheck are expected to fill top roles, and the club also has Sam Carrick, Jonny Brodzinski and Mika Zibanejad — the latter of whom can play center and wing — ahead of Laba on the depth chart. That group, however, leaves limited proven middle-six options beneath the core veterans, creating a clearer path for a prospect who can handle defensive responsibilities and penalty-kill work.

"I think [the AHL games were] huge, I’m really glad I went there at the end of the year," Laba said. "I think what I learned was invaluable going into this year. If I had not, I think I’d be a little less prepared going into camp. I feel like I’m ready. Obviously, you’re never ready until it actually comes, and there’s always lessons to be learned. But, you know, I feel like I’m prepared and super excited to play with any amount of guys."

Even if Laba does not make the opening-night roster, the Rangers view Hartford as a continuing development destination where he can take on heavy minutes and grow his role. The organization valued his decision to go to Colorado College, where he played top-line minutes and developed leadership traits he said he sought when turning pro. Coaches at development camp and rookie camp were able to evaluate Laba’s defensive awareness, faceoff work and transition game against peers and older pros, providing a clearer picture of how he might fit into New York's middle-six rotation in short order.

Rangers management will monitor Laba through the remainder of camp and preseason. His versatility and pro experience, though limited, give him an advantaged profile among the club’s crop of centers, and his early AHL success — including a shorthanded debut goal and a five-point stint in 11 games — has reinforced the view that he could be considered for NHL minutes sooner than a typical college prospect.

The Rangers begin final roster preparations in training camp and will determine whether to carry Laba into the NHL, assign him to Hartford for more seasoning, or use a combination of recall opportunities if injuries or performance needs arise. For now, Laba’s camp performance and his short but productive AHL cameo have positioned him as a player to watch during the club’s roster decisions this autumn.