Rangers choose to keep rookie on roster, place Chad Ruhwedel on waivers
A couple of months ago, it would’ve been hard to imagine this scenario with the New York Rangers roster and lineup. But on Thursday, the Rangers placed veteran defenseman Chad Ruhwedel on waivers and opted to keep rookie Victor Mancini on the NHL roster. In fact, Mancini will remain in the lineup over Zac Jones even after the return of Ryan Lindgren from an upper-body injury.
Mancini earned his way on to the opening-night roster following a strong preseason and with Lindgren placed on injured reserve after sustaining an injury to his jaw during a fight against Islanders defenseman Scott Mayfield.
It raised some eyebrows Tuesday, when Lindgren returned to the lineup and was partnered with Mancini on the third pair. Jones and Ruhwedel were healthy scratches in that 7-2 win against the Montreal Canadiens.
Still, it felt that the logical move was to send Mancini to Hartford of the American Hockey League since he’s the only Rangers defenseman who does not require waivers. But clearly coach Peter Laviolette likes what he sees in the big (6-foot-3, 229 pounds), smooth-skating defenseman, who’s currently on a three-game point streak (one goal, two assists).
Without speaking specifically about Mancini, Laviolette told reporters after the morning skate Thursday ahead of their game against the Florida Panthers that he likes the make-up of their defense pairs.
“They’re going to stay that way tonight and there’s no real plan for me to change things right now,” he said. “That doesn’t mean it won’t happen ever but right now I like the way that they’re playing.”
It’s a major vote of confidence for Mancini, who’s only months out of college, where he played at Nebraska-Omaha. He’s moved past Jones on the depth chart despite Jones being an apprentice the past few seasons and finally getting his shot at a full-time gig this season after Erik Gustafsson signed with the Detroit Red Wings.
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Mancini skated on the right side of Jones on the third pair for the first four games this season. He paired with Ruhwedel, who spelled Jones and made his season debut last weekend in a 4-1 win against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Then Tuesday, Mancini remained in the lineup and skated with Lindgren, who did not return to his usual spot on the top pair alongside Adam Fox.
“With ‘Lindy’ coming back and playing with Mancini, that’s a good veteran player playing with a young player. A good pair and a good matchup,” Laviolette explained. “I thought Lindy came back and gave us some good minutes, and I think he’ll only get better as he gets into the game more.”
Lindgren’s injury not only allowed Mancini the opportunity to prove himself NHL ready, but gave Laviolette the chance to experiment with his defense pairs. K’Andre Miller moved up into Lindgren’s spot next to Fox, and that pair has been very good, likely a sign of things to come since Lindgren is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.
“They’re both real high-end players. Defensively and offensively, they bring a lot to the table,” Laviolette said about the Miller-Fox pair. “They’re capable of moving the puck, getting it out of our end and contribute offensively. They’ve been a really good pair. I like the pairs, the way they have sat.”
With Mancini making it four right-hand shots on defense, Laviolette shifted Braden Schneider to his off side and paired him Trouba. They have been very good at both ends of the ice so far this season.
So, the Rangers will continue to ride these six defensemen. And Jones, as he’s been in seasons past, will be the extra defenseman. At least for now.
And assuming Ruhwedel clears waivers, the Rangers will be happy to have a 34-year-old Stanley Cup champion on call.
It’s all really a best-case scenario for the Rangers.
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