The New York Ranger organization’s blueline corps is long on exciting young talent, but is somewhat short on experience. Thus, it is not surprising that the Rangers would take the opportunity to add 14 years of NHL experience, and three Stanley Cups, to their organizational roster, which is what they did when the Hartford Wolf Pack signed defenseman Mathieu Dandenault to a tryout agreement October 21.

In his latest blog entry for THN.com, league President and CEO David Andrews talks about the value of the AHL in preparing players for the National Hockey League. Top prospects will generally benefit from the opportunity to take their first steps at the pro level in an AHL environment that is less stressful and challenges them to be productive leaders on their teams, and there is also something to be said for paying your dues at an early age.

In this week's edition of the AHL Conference Notebooks, find out which team matched an AHL season high with its second penalty shot goal, which player is already just nine points shy of his total from last season, more about Hamilton's 11-game points streak and Rochester's eight-game winning streak, which player has 10 assists in his first five games this season, which team hasn't allowed more than one regulation goal in its last four outings, and much more. Click for notes from all 29 AHL teams.