Rangers Send 9 Players Packing, Including Danny Kristo

Updated:
Danny Kristo is on his way back to the Wolf Pack (HWP)

As we wrote yesterday, certain players really needed to stand out to stay. One such players was Danny Kristo and he is on his way back to Hartford.

Really no huge surprises here. Matt Hunwick did enough last night to win the 7th defenseman spot, although it is not official yet. What is interesting is Conor Allen going down and Dylan McIlrath staying up for the time being. Here’s what my thought process is; the Rangers know what they have in Conor Allen and don’t in Dylan McIlrath. This longer look appears to be an effort by the Rangers organization to see just that. Are they looking at a future starting NHL defenseman or career minor leaguer? McIlrath gets more time in camp to prove it’s the former, but still gets sent down when camp ends. Oscar Lindberg also gets a longer look in camp. Logical reasoning would indicate the Blueshirts are looking to see if he can step up and claim a center spot, which is still up for grabs.

Oscar Lindberg gets a longer look (AP)

  Sadly for Danny Kristo, I believe this was his last legit chance to make the team. He has certainly been surpassed by many other forwards on the depth chart. Players like Anthony Duclair, Kevin Hayes, Ryan Haggerty, Jesper Fast and Marek Hrivik have all passed him by. Here are the remaining 34:  

Interesting note from Elliotte Friedman at Sportsnet:

The New York Rangers are at the maximum 50 contracts, with Anthony Duclair making a push for the roster. Because of his age (19) and when he signed (Jan. 2, 2014), his entry-level contact will not “slide” this season. So, he will burn the first year of that three-year deal in 2014-15 whether or not he plays in the NHL. Can’t pin down who, but there is no doubt the Rangers are trying to move at least one body so there is room if necessary.

New York took Duclair with its third third-round pick (80th overall) in 2013. There were teams who shied away, wondering why Colorado — picking 63rd — did not take him, since he played for Patrick Roy with the Quebec Remparts. Whatever the reason, the Rangers’ decision looks intelligent.

By Anthony Scultore

Anthony Scultore has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL since 2014. His work also appears at... More about Anthony Scultore

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