from Howie Kussoy of the New York Post,

Signed by the Predators to a four-year, $12 million contract after winning a Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks in 2013, Stalberg spent nearly as much of his second season with the Predators organization in the AHL (in Milwaukee) as the NHL, struggling with injuries and suffering through healthy scratches, seemingly unable to recapture the form of the 22-goal scorer from the 2011-12 season.

This offseason, Stalberg signed a one-year deal with the Rangers for $1.1 million, and saw the expectations he took to Tennessee stay there. For Alain Vigneault, the most disappointing season of Stalberg’s career may end up being the best thing to happen to his team.

Calling Stalberg one of the team’s most impressive players in training camp, the Rangers coach has been extremely pleased with the wing’s play in each of the five preseason games, saving particular praise for his determination.

“As a coach sometimes, and as an organization, you catch players at the right time,” Vigneault said following Tuesday’s practice. “And him, with what happened last year in Nashville, I’m catching him at a time where if he’s not hungry and he doesn’t play well, he’s not going to be very long in this league, so I think he knows that. He understands that and he’s come here to play.

“The player that I remember from Chicago is what I’m seeing now. For me, it’s not a surprise from that standpoint, but I figure he wasn’t playing the way he is now in Nashville, otherwise they would have kept him.”

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