Rangers Roundup: Hartford Wolf Pack bolster staff, oddsmakers’ outlook, and more
The New York Rangers have bolstered their AHL staff with the addition of Jamie Tardif as new assistant coach. They’ve also named Casey Torres as Player Development Assistant.
Per the Hartford Wolf Pack Press Release:
New York Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury announced today that the club has named Jamie Tardif as an Assistant Coach with the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack. In addition, Casey Torres has been named as Player Development Assistant with the organization.
Tardif, 37, was most recently an Assistant Coach with the Soo Greyhounds of the OHL, starting with the club prior to the 2018-19 campaign. During his time with the organization, the Greyhounds won 112 games and advanced to the playoffs in both the 2018-19 and 2021-22 seasons.
Last season was another difficult one for the Rangers AHL affiliate. A late season collapse cost them a playoff berth. Hartford finished with a record of 32-32-6-2 for 72 points (.500) for a 7th place finish in the Atlantic Division.
The franchise has not contended for the Calder Cup since 2015.
New York Rangers odds outlook
As we prepare for the start of the 2022-23 season, it’s always interesting to look at how oddsmakers project the future in sports.
According to VegasInsider.com they see the New York Rangers as a second place team in the Metropolitan Division, behind the Carolina Hurricanes. Here’s how the division breaks down:
- Carolina Hurricanes +195
- New York Rangers +325
- Pittsburgh Penguins +325
- New York Islanders +700
- Washington Capitals +1000
- New Jersey Devils +1200
- Columbus Blue Jackets +4000
- Philadelphia Flyers +8000
I’ve yet to do my predictions for this upcoming season, but I would put the Rangers tied with the Hurricanes chances before elevating the Penguins.
As far as whom they feel has the best odds to win the Eastern Conference, the Maple Leafs come in at +425 with the Rangers tied for fifth at +900. While I wouldn’t give the Blueshirts the best odds, Toronto has disappointed year after year and isn’t my choice.
When it comes to the Stanley Cup, the Avalanche are tops with the Rangers coming in 8th.
On the individual side, Igor Shesterkin is the clear cut favorite to win the Vezina Trophy with a +250. Tampa’s Andrei Vasilevskiy comes in second at +500. Adam Fox is tied for fourth best odds to win the Norris Trophy (+850) with Colorado’s Cale Makar a runaway favorite to win it (+125).
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