Alain Vigneault’s Loyalty to Tanner Glass Could Cost New York Rangers
By Matt Stillwell
@MattNYR12
Adam Hunger – USA TODAY Sports
It is no secret that the New York Rangers’ signing of Tanner Glass to a three-year deal this past offseason was a mistake. It is also no secret that Glass has been, by far, the team’s worst player this season.
Unfortunately for the Rangers, his boss, Alain Vigneault, appears to be the only person on the face of the planet who thinks Glass’ continued poor play is acceptable.
About a month ago, it appeared that Vigneault wised up, beginning to make Glass a consistent healthy scratch. Recently, however, he has allowed Glass to return to the lineup, and coincidentally, the Rangers have not played their best hockey.
This season, Glass is a -12 with only one point. One. His game is predicated on being physical and an agitator, and this game has been non-existent halfway through the season. Even when Glass attempts to fire up his team with a fight, it does not have a positive effect. His defensive coverage is atrocious, and he brings down the battle and talent level of his linemates while on the ice.
With his continued loyalty to Glass, Vigneault has shown himself to be a hypocrite. He continues to tolerate Glass’ unacceptable play, yet immediately throws a young player such as J.T. Miller under the bus if he makes one little mistake. Glass’ ineptitude is taking away from opportunities that should go to more deserving players.
Perhaps Vigneault saw something in Glass while coaching him with the Vancouver Canucks that he believes will appear as a member of the Rangers. Right now, how can we trust that “something” will appear? There is absolutely zero evidence to suggest Tanner Glass will be a positive contributor to the Rangers this season, and if Vigneault is too blind to see this, Glass may eventually make a mistake that could cost the Rangers’ their season.
Unfortunately, the Rangers demoting him to the minors will not help their cap space or the current roster. They have exercised all their compliance buyouts, so they are stuck with Glass for the next two and a half seasons.
Therefore, Vigneault needs to put loyalty aside and do the right thing. Tanner Glass must be a healthy scratch for the remainder of the season before it’s too late.
Matt Stillwell is a New York Rangers contributor for www.rantsports.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattNYR12!
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