The trade deadline is less than one week away (February 26, 3 PM EST), and it will be a busy one for the New York Rangers. To stay up to date on the moves made, continue to check this list, as it will update anytime a trade is made.

February 9: Washington Capitals acquire forwards Adam Chapie and Joe Whitney from New York Rangers in exchange for forward John Albert and defenseman Hubert Labrie. 

Analysis on the recent Wolf Pack Trade

February 20:  The Rangers acquire defenseman Rob O’Gara and a third-round pick in the 2018 NHL Draft from the Boston Bruins in exchange for Nick Holden.

Rapid Reaction: Rangers trade Nick Holden for Rob O’Gara and a 2018 3rd Round Pick

February 22: The Rangers acquire a second-round pick and prospect Igor Rykov from the New Jersey Devils for Michael Grabner.

Rapid Reaction: Grabner traded to NJ for 2nd rd pick and a prospect

February 25:  The Rangers acquire a first-round pick in the 2018 NHL Draft, defenseman Ryan Lindgren, forwards Ryan Spooner and Matt Beleskey, and a seventh-round pick in the 2019 NHL Draft from the Bruins in exchange for Rick Nash. 

Rapid Reaction: Rick Nash traded to Boston FULL DEAL AND DETAILS

February 26: The Rangers acquire Libor Hajek, Brett Howden, Vladislav Namestnikov, 2018 first round pick, and a conditional second-round pick in exchange for Ryan McDonagh and JT Miller.

Breaking: Ryan McDonagh and JT Miller traded to Tampa Bay (full details)

February 26: The Rangers acquire defenseman Chris Bigras from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Ryan Graves 

Rapid Reaction: Ryan Graves to Colorado

The Wolf Pack keep on rolling! The club has not lost in regulation since January 15th and heads into this week with a record of 24-20-4-3 for 55 points (.539 point percentage). They are sixth in the Atlantic Division, however, they have two more points than fifth place Bridgeport due to the two games in hand the Sound Tigers possess. Charlotte is in fourth and are two points ahead of Hartford with one game in hand. This week is a critical week, with the Pack possibly being able to jump ahead of Charlotte in the standings. Let’s check out the latest happenings.

Date Nights With Charlotte

Hartford plays Charlotte twice, on Tuesday and Wednesday, and the Checkers occupy the last playoff spot. Hartford has shown readiness against a tough Charlotte club considering the group swept back to back games in Hartford in the last weekend of January. Hartford won the first game tilt in a shootout while the Pack shutout the Checkers Saturday. In order for this “series” to be a success, Hartford must collect three of four points to leapfrog Charlotte in the standings, especially the one game in hand.

Roster Moves

Hartford has been a revolving door as of late between call-ups, trades, or re-assignments of Greenville players. In a span of two days, Hartford had 12 roster moves. The one that hurts most for the Pack is Alexandar Georgiev being called up to the Rangers. Brandon Halverson played his first game up with Hartford last Saturday and this was his first game in net in over a month. Chris Nell was also recalled from Kansas City in the ECHL.

Despite the additions and losses, the Pack still have a strong roster and they are getting the job done.

One Timers

• Hartford’s points streak is active at 10 games, and have collected 19 of 20 points. This is the second lengthy point streak the franchise had this season.

• The two goalies Hartford has are ECHL goalies. Brandon Halverson must step up if he wants to play. He has shown good strides in prior seasons but hasn’t been able to stick in Hartford. Chris Nell can play solid as well. The group has to rely on and help out these goalies for the next two to three weeks.
• Ryan Sproul has points in three straight. He’s recorded three goals and one assist for four points. In the last six games, he has six goals and two assists for eight points.
• John Albert and Hubert Labrie debuted on Saturday against their former team, the Hershey Bears ironically. Joe Whitney and Adam Chapie faced Hartford as well on the foe side. All four of the players had no effect on the game.

Upcoming Schedule

Tuesday, February 13th vs Charlotte Checkers (Carolina) at 7:00 pm, Bojangles’ Coliseum

• The fourth of eight meetings of the season between the clubs.
• Hartford won the last two meetings at the XL Center, 3-2 in the shootout on January 26th and 4-0 on January 27th.
• The lone loss was in Hartford on October 6th, opening night by a 5-4 decision.
• This is the first time Hartford faces Charlotte on the road.
• Andrew Miller of Charlotte leads the club in most points and the league at 48 points (15 goals, 33 assists) in 50 games.
• Warren Foegele is the leading rookie on the Checkers roster with 39 points (22 goals, 13 assists) in 48 games.
• Charlotte is 4-4-0-2 in the last ten games.

Wednesday, February 14th vs Charlotte Checkers (Carolina) at 7:00 pm, Bojangles’ Coliseum

• The game finishes the back to back games in Charlotte.

Saturday, February 17th vs Lehigh Valley Phantoms (Philadelphia) at 7:05 pm, PPL Center

• The fourth meeting of the season between the clubs.
• Hartford is 3-0 in the season series against the Phantoms entering the week.  Two of the three games went into overtime.
• The Phantoms enter the week surging, going 7-2-1 in the last ten games.

Sunday, February 18th vs Bridgeport Sound Tigers (Islanders) at 3:00 pm, Webster Bank Arena

• The final game in the six-game road trip for Hartford.
• The ninth of ten meetings against Bridgeport. After Sunday, Hartford plays Bridgeport for the final time on March 31st.
• Hartford is 3-4-1 in the season series against Bridgeport.
• Hartford won the last two meetings in the series.

Hartford enters the weekend with a three-game winning streak, after snapping a three-game losing streak last Friday against Utica. All three victories were in overtime, with Filip Chytil ending the game against Utica and Vince Pedrie on Sunday against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Then, on Wednesday, Cole Schneider notched the game-winning goal against Utica. After multiple roster moves by the organization, the Wolf Pack have found life after their slump. Let’s check out what is happening in Wolf Pack world.

Standings Update

Entering the weekend, Hartford is 18-20-3-3 for 42 points (.477 point percentage), putting the club sixth in the Atlantic Division.

You may think Hartford is in trouble, and they are to a certain extent. However, the fight for the top four spots for post-season action is within range for the club. The Charlotte Checkers hold the fourth and final playoff spot in the division. They have registered 49 points for a .583 point percentage, with Hartford seven points behind the Checkers. The hill is steep, but not impossible to climb. The schedule has great timing for the Wolf Pack to catch up with Charlotte as the Pack will face the Checkers twice this weekend. Hartford could inch four points closer to Charlotte.

Looking at the teams that separate the Wolf Pack and Checkers, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers are ahead of Hartford by six points for fifth. The Sound Tigers have built themselves room for error. If Hartford can go on a lengthy point streak or winning streak, they would be well in the fight for fourth. The third-place Providence Bruins have 52 points. The Phantoms are in second with 55 points but have a lower Points Percentage (.640 PTS%) than the first place Penguins with 54 points and a .675 PTS%.

Injury Updates

Similar to the New York Rangers, Hartford had an injury bug as well, and the Wolf Pack are hoping to regain a few players back in the upcoming weekend. Here are the current players out. Returning players from the injury list include Lias Andersson, Dan DeSalvo, and Steven Fogarty.

• Marek Mazanec – Left the game after falling awkwardly when making a save on Friday. There is no timetable for return. He left with pains on his right leg, putting no weight on it.
• Shawn O’Donnell – Injured in his first game back with Hartford on Friday. Had facial injuries and he should be back shortly.
• Ryan Sproul – He is out after a late injury on Friday. No word on his status.

Transactions

• Lias Andersson was added to the roster on January 15th.
• Shawn O’Donnell was added to the roster January 18th. The Wolf Pack are looking for more grit in the lineup. Shawn O’Donnell was with the team between 2013-2016, as an old face returns for his second run with the club.
• Chris Langkow was added as another center for Hartford. He played in two games over last weekend. Added on the 19th, and released on the 22nd. The forward spent time in Hartford earlier in the season.
• The Rangers called up Anthony DeAngelo and Dan Catenacci on the 19th, though Catenacci was sent back to Hartford on the 25th.
• Brandon Halverson makes his first appearance to Hartford this season through a call up.
• In addition, Sergey Zborovskiy debuted in a Hartford uniform this past weekend too on the blue line.

Remembering an old Friend

Former Whale forward Andrew Carroll suddenly passed away on Monday at the age of 32. Andrew Carroll played in Hartford in the 2009-10 season and the 2012-13 season. In addition, he played in Greenville in the 2009-10 season and the 2013-14 season. Thank you for the memories and rest in peace.

Game Notes From Wednesday

For the first time in franchise history, Hartford has won three straight games in overtime.  Lias Andersson was paired with Gabriel Fontaine and Adam Chapie. The young forward was getting back into the groove. Filip Chytil extends his point streak to three games. In addition, he’s notched points in four of the last five games (2G, 4A). Alexandar Georgiev has won two straight in net as well.

Upcoming Schedule

Friday, January 26th vs Charlotte Checkers (Carolina), 7:15 pm, XL Center

• This will be the second meeting of the season with Charlotte. The last time these teams met was on opening night for Hartford on October 6th. Charlotte grabbed the win in the first meeting with a late goal, 5-4. Since then, Charlotte has been a streaky team, surging periodically. The Checkers have floated around the middle of the standings in the Atlantic Division. Both Charlotte and Hartford enter the weekend winning four of their last ten games.

Saturday, January 27th vs Charlotte Checkers (Carolina), 7:30 pm, XL Center

• The game is “Stick it to Cancer Night”.  Proceeds from the game will benefit the American Cancer Society.
• Charlotte is 11-9 on the road entering the weekend.

Editor’s Note: AHL playoff seeding is done based on points percentage and not by total points.

Another week is in the books for the Wolf Pack, who earned themselves three of four points over the weekend. On Saturday, the club pulled out a 2-1 victory against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Then on Sunday, the Pack dropped a 3-2 decision against the Laval Rocket in an overtime heartbreaker; keeping the WolfPack just one win short of a .500 point percentage. Hartford is currently 6-7-1-1, sixth place in the Atlantic Division.

Injury Updates

Filip Chytil was scratched last weekend, while he deals with an undisclosed injury and will be in the lineup once he fully recovers. The prized Rangers prospect has been dominating the American Hockey League. And while his presence is missing for the club, his health is his main priority. He can’t afford to be rushed back from injury and may be ready to go the upcoming weekend.

Adam Tambellini is still out with a hand injury and is considered day to day. However, he is still not fully recovered and may be ready to go during the weekend.

Impressive Weekend for Alexandar Georgiev

Alexandar Georgiev continues to be the workhorse for the Pack in the crease. On Saturday, the young goalie stole two points for Hartford against Bridgeport. He stood on his head and was gave the Pack their best chance to win a game that they didn’t deserve to win, saving 43 of 44 shots.

Sunday was more of the same for the young goalie prospect. He was once again peppered and Hartford was outplayed.  Georgiev could not bail out the Pack this time, but did help earn the club a point. He faced 40 shots and saved 37 against Laval, and saved 80 out of 84 shots in the two games.

Anthony DeAngelo Progression

Since joining Hartford, Anthony DeAngelo has been working on his game. Offensively, he has two points in seven games but has been getting his shot on net. He is also on the power play and is given opportunities to show his worth as a PP quarterback.

Defensively is where he can get spotty. His positioning is good most of the time but could slip up if he gets caught up in the play. He does block shots and is not afraid to check. He can pinch and get into the dirty areas when needed. His total defensive game is still a work in progress and should improve as the season continues.

Active Streaks

1. Dan Catenacci is on a two-game point streak, after recording goals in both games last weekend, including the game-winning goal on Saturday against Bridgeport.
2. John Gilmour had one assist in each game last weekend, giving him five points this season.
3. Adam Cracknell, Gabriel Fontaine, and Eric Selleck have been held without points so far in this young season.  Adam Chapie is also pointless, but he was recently called up to Hartford from Greenville this past weekend.

Upcoming Games

•  Wednesday, November 15th vs Bridgeport Sound Tigers (Islanders) at 7:00 pm, XL Center
  • This is the fourth matchup between both clubs. The Pack are 1-2 in the season series thus far, out of the 12 game series. The Sound Tigers lost two straight while Hartford is on a point streak, earning points in three straight outings.
• Friday, November 17th vs Rochester Americans (Buffalo) at 7:05 pm, Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial
  • The first of four meetings between Hartford and Rochester. Last season, the Pack were 1-3 against the Americans. Rochester is off to a strong start to their season as they are 7-4-1-1, second in the North Division with a point percentage of .615, and have earned points in five straight outings.
• Saturday, November 18th vs Utica Comets (Vancouver) at 7:00 pm, Adirondack Bank Center at the Utica Memorial Auditorium
  • Utica has struggled as much as Hartford so far this year. The Comets lost two straight coming into this week and are 5-4-0-1 in their last ten outings. Hartford faces the Comets four times in the season series.

When drafting prospects, sometimes teams scout players and select those who may be able to make an impact on their team down the line. Sometimes, they scout and analyze but throw a pick at a wall and see if it sticks. The Rangers have a plethora of prospects that are brewing in the system, thrown at the wall attempting to stick somewhere. Here are the three stars from the past week in the Rangers North American prospect pool!

3rd Star: Morgan Barron, Center, Cornell University (NCAA)

Drafted by the Rangers 174th overall in the 18th round, Morgan Barron posted 50 points (28 goals, 22 assists) in 46 games for St Andrew’s College along with a brief stint in the USHL for the Sioux City Musketeers.

Barron collected two assists and a plus/minus of +2 in his first exhibition game with Cornell against the University of Guelph. Barron will begin his Freshman season on Oct. 27th.

2nd Star: Sean Day, Defenseman, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

This past week, Day recorded two assists, had a plus minus rating of +3 and recorded 10 shots on goal in three contests. The 81st overall pick of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft is tied for second in Windsor on plus/minus and first among team defenseman overall with a plus/minus rating of + 2 this season. Coming in at 6’3′ and 231 pounds, Day is considered to be a mobile, two day defenseman with lots of skill and strong skating ability.

“A mobile two-way defenceman who boasts an elite level skill package. Strong on the forecheck and delivers hard shots and crisp passes. His consistency and enthusiasm exhibited at the game’s defining moments does seem to wane, and the pressure felt seems to impact his decision-making slightly. When focusing on simplifying his game and getting all the little things right, he becomes a forceful impact that is hungry to be a difference maker. All-in-all, a talented two-way defenceman who has all of the raw abilities in place to become an elite defenceman, but has yet to put it all together and prove that he can thrive in the driver’s seat.” (Curtis Joe, EP 2015) Elite Prospects

1st Star: Adam Chapie, Right Wing, Greenville Swamp Rabbits (ECHL)

Signed as a free agent on April 1st, 2016, Chapie played his last three seasons at UMass-Lowell. Chapie registered 35 points in his last season with the Riverhawks. In a brief stint with the Swamp Rabbits during their recent playoff run, Chapie posted 12 points in 24 regular season games (4 goals, 8 assists) and notched two assists in the postseason for Greenville.

This season, Chapie posted two multi-point games during the past week, posting a goal and four assists in the two games. Chapie also tallied three assists on Oct. 14 vs. Wheeling, and is tied for third in the ECHL assists, and is tied for fourth in the league in points.

The Rangers announced today that they have started to trim their roster ahead of the 2017-18 season.

The team said that they have sent forwards Robin Kovacs and Adam Chapie back to Hartford, along with defenseman Brendan Kotyk. They have sent forwards Tim Gettinger and Ty Ronning back to their respective CHL (Juniors) teams.

None of these players being cut should be much of a surprise. Gettinger and Ronning will continue their development and should compete for roster spots next year if they continue progressing. Kovacs had just 12 points in 72 games last year, and wouldn’t have made this year’s Rangers squad. Chapie split time between the ECHL affiliate Greeneville Swamp Rabbits and the Wolf Pack, putting up 16 points in 48 games. Kotyk was signed out of the NCAA to an AHL contract, and given the Rangers bevy of young defensemen, he was never going to be considered for this year’s squad.

The Rangers roster is now down to 49, including the six goalies that the team has brought to camp. Barring an injury, the four goalies should be excused from training camp relatively soon. The biggest battles will be for the last two spots on the blue line and finding the right guys for the bottom six.