Bobby Trivigno could give New York Rangers interesting lineup

bobby trivigno
Bobby Trivigno takes part in the Rangers Prospect Development Camp at the Rangers Training facility in Tarrytown July 12, 2022. Rangers Development Camp
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The New York Rangers just wrapped up their Prospect Development Camp and got a real good look at Bobby Trivigno. He was signed late last season to a two-year entry-level contract that begins when the puck drops on the 2022-23 campaign.

A small player out of UMass, he understands that he has a list of doubters probably bigger than his 5-8, 161 lbs frame.

“Being an undersized player people don’t think you can play in the NHL,” Trivigno said. “I believe differently and I’m going to earn my way there. It’s what you do with failure that determines who you are. I’ve been cut from teams, undrafted, and it just makes me want to prove them wrong that much more.”

After a successful college career where he won the NCAA National Championship in 2021, he’s gained a reputation as a clutch performer. Last year, he scored 49 points with 20 goals for UMass earning himself College Hockey News’ Player of the Year Award.

Can the ‘little engine that could’ earn a spot on the the New York Rangers in 2022-23?

Bobby Trivigno not a typical Rangers prospect

new york rangers prospects
From right, Rangers Adam Sykora, a 17-year old forward from Finland, and Bobby Trivigno battle for puck control, during the Rangers Prospect Development Camp at the Rangers Training facility in Greenburgh July 12, 2022. Credit: © Frank Becerra Jr. / The Journal News / USA TODAY NETWORK

Trivigno is not your typical prospect being 23 years old. He’s mature and ready to play professionally. As part of signing his ELC with the Rangers, he also signed an Amateur Tryout to play for the Hartford Wolf Pack. In limited action, he scored a goal and added two assists in 11 contests.

“He’s not a big guy but’s he’s got a big heart and plays hard,” Jed Ortmeyer, Director of Player Development said. “He got a taste of pro hockey at the end of last year, so he knows what it takes.”

A self-described heart and soul player, the Setauket, NY native wants to be with the Blueshirts. The feeling is mutual since the team have been trying to sign him for a quite awhile.

“I’m a Rangers fan growing up for a longtime,” he explained of his decision. “Their persistence to get me. They were on me [to sign] last year and the year before.”

Where Trivigno could fit

Although the Rangers top six isn’t set, the candidates to play there apparently are.

Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider will remain on the top line. Newly signed Vincent Trocheck will play the role of second line center with Artemi Panarin on the left wing. Alexis Lafreniere and Kaapo Kakko are both expected to be on the top two lines with talks of Lafreniere moving to right wing.

The Rangers bottom six also has some knowns in Filip Chytil, Barclay Goodrow, Ryan Reaves, and Vitali Kravtsov, who made amends with the organization this summer.

That leaves two spots open with presumably Sammy Blais taking one of them and the other up for grabs.

Dryden Hunt, Julien Gauthier, and Ryan Carpenter will compete for that spot, but so will Bobby Trivigno.

“I want to play the right way” he said. “I don’t care too much about points.”

He’s listed as a left wing, but I assume he could play either side if needed. Trivigno can also play the penalty kill, and with his offensive skill set he could be a threat to score shorthanded.

The Rangers may want to go with a more skillful third line that includes Chytil, Kravtsov, and Trivigno. That would give the team a monster fourth line centered by Goodrow with Reaves and Blais on his flanks.

While it’s still way too early to project lineups, it’s not too hard to see how Trivigno could fit in this upcoming season.

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Anthony Scultore is the founder of Forever Blueshirts and has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL... More about Anthony Scultore

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