The Rangers will likely regret not living up to their edict on prospects and their value to the club. That Dave Scatchard looks like a shoo-in to replace Brandon Dubinsky at center is another symptom of what’s ailing this club. Scatchard may be a safe bet. But that doesn’t make Scatchard the right choice. He played for Tom Renney in Vancouver, and some coaches will favor familiarity over potential. Tom Renney is one such coach.

How else can it be explained why Marek Malik skates every night? Or why — when Dubinsky has repeatedly shown not just potential but actual skill and ability, yet hasn’t been permitted yet to showcase it this season — Scatchard needed to be acquired, along with any fiduciary concerns he brings with him? I don’t know how he’ll affect the cap, but I know his acquisition is going to further alienate the kids who have paid their dues and deserve to play at the top-flight.