Rangers Roundup: Wolf Pack milestone win, Brett Berard, and Patrick Kane
The New York Rangers AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack are off to an amazing start this season. After two weeks of play, they sit atop the Atlantic Division with a record of 4-0-0-0.
This past weekend, the franchise registered its 1000th win by beating the Lehigh Valley Phantoms 5-1. By doing so, they became just the 9th franchise in AHL history to accomplish the feat.
Let’s dive into the latest buzz surrounding the Rangers.
Related: Not Patrick Kane rumors again
Rangers Roundup: Wolf Pack and Brett Berard milestones
The Wolf Pack have really looked sharp out of the gate, getting key contributions from young and veteran players alike. It’s something that head coach Kris Knoblauch highlighted when speaking to the media after the milestone victory.
“Depth is very important in the American League,” he said. “Sometimes you’re playing Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, so you need that depth (in the AHL). I’m very happy with the guys.”
One player also enjoyed a personal milestone as prospect Brett Berard registered his first professional goal. Berard took a nice feed from Riley Nash in front of the net for his first in the Pack’s win over the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. He followed that up with his second of the season the next night against the Phantoms.
“That’s the way I play. You can’t score if you don’t get pucks on net,” Berard smiled. “I’ll just try to build on that and keep going.”
Berard, 21, played three seasons at Providence College finishing with 33 goals, 39 assists, and 72 points in 91 career games before signing his entry-level deal with the Rangers last season.
At 5’9″ and 165 pounds, he can play an agitating style to get under opponents’ skin. Berard made a name for himself at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship winning Gold with Team USA. He recorded one goal and four helpers in seven tournament matches.
Through 3 games, Berard has 3 points (2 goals, 1 assist). The Rangers selected him in the fifth-round of the 2020 Draft.
Patrick Kane rumors
NY Post reporter Larry Brooks has weighed in on the recent rumors regarding a Rangers reunion with Patrick Kane.
He notes that the Rangers might be able to sign Kane around December, albeit for only a one-year deal at around $3 million. Of course, there would be some immediate ramifications, which would include sending someone down to the minors. Brooks also adds that any addition of Kane this season would likely rule out any chance of seeing Brennan Othmann on the team.
Considering that the Blueshirts really don’t have two nickels to rub together cap wise, I still believe that it would take trading away a salary, most probably Barclay Goodrow ($3.641M AAV). if not, the Rangers may have to send down two players and run with just one extra forward or defenseman. If that’s the case, Will Cuylle could be one of those sent down since he’s exempt from waivers.
I just don’t see it happening under those circumstances.
Kane, 34, played 19 regular seasons games totaling 12 points, plus 7 postseason contests adding another 6 for the Rangers last year.
Former Rangers executive finds new home
Former longtime New York Rangers executive, John Rosasco is now officially with the Toronto Maple Leafs as a Senior Advisor.
Rosasco joined the Rangers in 1987, where he worked his way from intern to VP of PR and Player Recruitment (2007 – 2021), playing a key supporting role in many of the Rangers’ big trades and signings over the years.
More About:New York Rangers Analysis