Tom Renney wants to be perfectly clear about this. Brandon Dubinsky and/or any other young forward competing to make the Rangers out of training camp isn’t competing for a particular lineup slot but rather for a roster spot.

“Brandon’s skills tell you that he should be a second-line center, if not a first-liner when he hits his stride in the NHL, but if he plays well enough to earn a spot with the Rangers, he can be a fourth-liner for me out of camp,” Renney said of the precocious 20-year-old who beat Martin Brodeur on a 50-footer in last night’s 3-1 preseason victory over the Devils at the Meadowlands.

“People shouldn’t get caught up labeling players based on what line they might open the season or any particular game, because I certainly don’t.

“I don’t have a problem with the integrity of having a young player on our fourth line. By playing him in that spot, I can protect his minutes while giving that fourth line the enthusiasm and energy young players bring to the task. Plus, we might be able to conceal some offense by having the talent level of a Dubinsky on a line you don’t generally associate with that.” In other words, Dubinsky doesn’t have to be the secondline center in order to avoid opening the season in Hartford.

For that matter, Nigel Dawes, who skated on Dubinsky’s left flank, doesn’t have to open as a top-six forward, either, in order to make the 23-man roster for the Oct. 5 opener against the Caps.

*

Jaromir Jagr, who practices every day but has not received clearance from the medical staff (or Renney) to take contact, probably won’t play in a preseason game until the Rangers’ final exhibition, Sept. 30 at Boston. “I hope I can play in at least one game before the season starts,” Jagr said. “I would want that.” Kevin Weekes, bothered by a groin pull, did not skate yesterday and is not expected to get onto the ice today, either. Hugh Jessiman, in his third camp, played in his first Ranger preseason game and was involved physically. . . . Lauri Korpikoski, improving by the day in his first pro camp, was impressive.