Defenseman Zac Jones, who spent parts of five seasons with the Rangers, and forward Jake Leschyshyn were placed on waivers by the Buffalo Sabres.

In addition, forward Alex Belzile, who was an AHL All-Star last season with the Rangers’ affiliate in Hartford but became an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and signed with the Montreal Canadiens, was played on waivers for the purpose of sending him to Laval of the AHL. Belzile spent two seasons in the Rangers organization but never dressed for an NHL game.

Jones became an unrestricted free agent on July 1 after the Rangers elected not to tender him a qualifying offer. The lefty-shooting defenseman signed a one-year contract with the Sabres. That seemed an odd fit right away since the Sabres have Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power, Bowen Byram, and Mattias Samuelsson capable of playing the left side.

Today’s waiver wire:https://t.co/so7qgeK2D3 pic.twitter.com/GKl3z6N1CO

— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) September 28, 2025

In 46 games with the Rangers last season, Jones had 11 points (one goal, 10 assists), 46 blocked shots, and averaged 17:15 TOI. He also scored one goal in two games for Hartford. In 115 games during five seasons with the Blueshirts, he had 28 points (four goals, 24 assists) and was minus-10.

Jones began last season on the third defense pairing, then lost playing time to rookie Victor Mancini – who was sent to the Vancouver Canucks in the J.T. Miller trade. Jones re-established himself in the top six only to be supplanted by incoming defensemen Urho Vaakanainen, Calvin de Haan and Carson Soucy after a flurry of trades.

But when the Rangers best defenseman, Adam Fox, went down with an injury in late February, Zones got back into back into the lineup and largely played well.

“I thought there were some good parts of the year,” Jones said on breakup day. “When I had some consistent time, I thought I played well. I thought my defensive game was a lot better this year as opposed to years prior. I lost the offensive game a little bit, but that’s something that this summer I’m really going to try and focus on and get back to.”

Per Natural Stat Trick, Jones was on ice for 157 high-danger scoring chances against and just 118 for, and the Rangers’ expected goals 5v5 was 47.79 percent when he was on the ice.

Related: Rangers stock report: Who’s trending up, down halfway through preseason

Sabres place former Rangers Zac Jones, Jake Leschyshyn on waivers

The rub against Jones continued to be that he was viewed as being too small (he’s listed at 5-foot-11, 190 pounds) to adequately defend in his own end. But the Rangers certainly could have used his ability to move the puck quickly and exit the zone smartly when they imploded as a group defensively in 2024-25.

Consistent playing time was the biggest issue for Jones, who made his frustration known in an outburst to the media during an extended stretch when he was out of the lineup. It was a major struggle for Jones, who had stayed mostly optimistic throughout his time in the organization but told reporters in January, “I just feel like I’m rotting away a little bit.”

Leschyshyn also became a free agent when he did not receive a qualifying offer from the Rangers and ended up signing with the Sabres. He spent all of last season with Hartford, finishing with 24 points (13 goals, 11 assists) in 69 games.

The son of longtime NHL defenseman Curtis Leschyshyn played in a total of 14 games with the Rangers in 2022-23 and 2023-24. He was scoreless and minus-4 with 17 hits.

Belzile had 19 goals, a team-high 56 points and 119 penalty minutes in 66 games with the Wolf Pack last season, his second with Hartford after signing with the Rangers in the summer of 2023. The 34-year-old signed a one-year contract with the Canadiens this summer. All 44 of his NHL games came with the Canadiens from 2020-21 to 2022-23; he scored six goals and 15 points. All but one assist came in 2022-23, when he played 33 games for Montreal.

Among other notable names to hit the waiver wire Sunday were ex-Islanders forward Hudson Fasching (Columbus Blue Jackets), forward Brendan Gaunce (Blue Jackets) and forward Kole Lind (Dallas Stars).

The seventh-place Wolf Pack (27-30-6-2, 62 points) are nine points behind sixth-place Lehigh Valley for the final playoff spot in the American Hockey League’s Atlantic Division. The Wolf Pack’s playoff hopes are on life support with seven games remaining.

Related: Rangers to sign undrafted free agent goalie from UCONN, heads to Hartford on ATO

Hartford Wolf Pack news-n-notes

Alex Belzile ties AHL career high in points

Alex Belzile recorded a goal in back-to-back games last week and is up to 54 points (18 goals, 36 assists) in 61 games this season. The 33-year-old forward leads Hartford in points, goals, assists, shots (172), and points per game (0.89). Furthermore, he tied his previous AHL career high in points, established in the 2018-19 season with Laval.

Alex Belzile’s team leading 18th goal of the season 🚨⤵️ pic.twitter.com/V1Bi6P7uMV

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) March 29, 2025

Signed by the Rangers in July 2023, Belzile’s two-year deal paid dividends for the Wolf Pack. He recorded 50 points (19 goals, 31 assists) last season and contributed three points (one goal, two assists) in the 2024 Calder Cup Playoffs before his strong play this season.

Career best reached by Matthew Robertson

Returning to Hartford in a “prove it” year, Matthew Robertson made strides in his fourth professional season. and has 24 points (one goal, 23 assists), a new career best, in 56 games. Furthermore, he has eight assists in his past 10 games. The 24-year-old defenseman picked up his 24th point Saturday when he assisted on Belzile’s goal. His previous AHL career high of 23 points (five goals, 18 assists) was established in the 2022-23 season.

Robertson leads the defense corps in assists, points, and shots (116). Despite setbacks from injuries earlier in his career, Robertson is building a compelling case to return next season. A restricted free agent this summer, the Rangers will have an important decision to make since the Hartford blue line is not very deep, and certainly lacks younger defensemen.

Injury Updates

Bo Groulx – Courtesy Hartford Wolf Pack

After missing two games due to injury, captain Casey Fitzgerald returned to the lineup Saturday. He recorded three shot on goals and was assessed a roughing penalty.

Unfortunately, Benoit-Oliver Groulx’s return was short-lived. The forward initially returned to the lineup Wednesday (his last game was Feb. 19), but Groulx left the game with an upper body injury. He is week to week and could be out for the season. This is a major blow for the Wolf Pack, since Groulx is their second leading scorer. Groulx has 37 points (15 goals, 22 assists) in 47 games.

Bo Groulx took a hard spill in the opening frame and did not return in the period. He’s not on the bench as period two gets underway.

Potentially a brutal loss for the Wolf Pack.#HFDvsWBS | #NYR

— Keegan Jarvis (@TheKeeganJarvis) March 27, 2025

Upcoming Games

All games can be watched on AHLTV and listened on Mixlr.

Saturday, April 5 vs Hershey Bears (Capitals) at 7pm, Giant Center

• This is the third of four meetings in the season series. Hartford won each of the first two games.
• Hershey is 39-18-6-1 for 85 points. They are first in the Atlantic Division and tied for second in the Eastern Conference (with Rochester). The Bears lost two straight and are 5-3-1-1 in their past 10 games.
• Ethan Bear leads the Bears with 44 points (10 goals, 34 assists). Next is Alex Limgoes with 40 points (15 goals, 25 assists).

Sunday, April 6 vs Hershey Bears (Capitals) at 5pm, Giant Center

• The fourth and final meeting in the series.
• Hartford is 9-17-5-1 on the road this season.

The New York Rangers AHL affiliate saw a two-goal lead vanish twice against Belleville on Wednesday, before they lost 6-5 in overtime. Then Hartford was swept by Laval, losing 3-1 and 5-4 in overtime, after blowing a three-goal lead.

The seventh-place Wolf Pack (18-21-4-1, 41 points) are six points out of a Calder Cup playoff spot. Ahead of Hartford is sixth-place Springfield (21-17-2-2, 46 points), who hold the final playoff spot in the Atlantic Division and own the tiebreaker with the Wolf Pack, who are 2-6-2-0 in their past 10 games and searching for answers.

Related: Adam Edstrom could be out 3.5 months for Rangers with lower-body injury

Hartford Wolf Pack news-n-notes

Alex Belzile on way to career-best season

Alex Belzile continues to lead the way for the Wolf Pack, even when little else is going right around the veteran forward. Belzile has seven points (two goals, five assists) in his past four games and leads the Wolf Pack with 43 points (14 goals, 29 assists), second best in the AHL at All-Star break. The 33-year-old is seven points behind last season’s total (50) and is on pace to pass his career high (54), set in 2018-19 with Laval.

Belzy with a beauty back in Laval ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/puT9XBp5y8

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) February 1, 2025

Belzile recorded two assists with Brennan Othmann (who has goals in five of six). He also assisted on the game’s first goal against Belleville and recorded assists on back-to-back goals Saturday against Laval to help build a 3-0 lead. He also set up Lucas Edmond’s first goal with Hartford, part of a two-goal game.

Belzy tallies his team-leading 40th point of the season with this beauty ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/zPTV7Y8XHc

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) January 30, 2025

An unrestricted free agent this summer, Belzile is a premium veteran in the AHL. The Rangers coulddo well to bring him back as depth forward at the NHL level and a steady hand in the AHL.

Anton Blidh leads by example

Anton Blidh — Photo courtesy of Hartford Wolf Pack

Anton Blidh has eight points (four goals, four assists) in his past 10 games. That’s significant as the gritty forward is impactful at both ends of the ice. In addition to providing physical play in the defense zone, Blidh has discovered an offensive touch. His 13 goals is third most on the Wolf Pack and ties a career high. The 29-year-old surpassed last season’s point total (17) and is on pace to match his career high, set in 2017-18 (26) with Providence. Blidh’s 20 points (13 goals, seven assists) is fourth most on Hartford

No quit from Blidher and he scores his 13th goal of the season, tying his previous career high 👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/0gJK1cUXk2

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) January 30, 2025

In addition to his offense, Blidh is resourceful in Hartford’s own end. He is not afraid to block shots, be in the passing lanes, and forecheck. He is willing to do it all to prevent goals against. The veteran brings great effort each shift, leading by example for the Rangers of tomorrow to never give up regardless of the situation and score.

Potulny on the Blidh-Groulx-Belzile line: It’s a good mix. Anton’s a worker, Bo’s got speed, and Belzy’s just got such an elite brain and a great stick. Played them against the other team’s top players, and not only did they shut them down, they came away with three goals. #NYR

— Keegan Jarvis (@TheKeeganJarvis) November 28, 2024

Similar to Belzie, Blidh is an unrestricted free agent this summer. So, the Rangers have a decision to make on this veteran, as well.

60 minutes, please

The Wolf Pack had missed opportunities last week as they could have snapped their losing streak in two of the three games. They had leads in two games and failed to defend adequately. As a result, they were outscored 14-10. They gave up six power-play goals resulting from lack of discipline. The penalty kill was 2-for-5 against Belleville, 3-for-4 against Laval Friday (game-winning goal was scored on the power play), and 2-for-4 Saturday, allowing the Rocket to comeback. Struggling down a man remains a problem, which Hartford coach Grant Potulny must address sooner rather than later.

Another deficiency is shots against, allowing momentum to shift away from Hartford game-in, game-out. The Wolf Pack were outshot 96-86 in the three games. Diving in, the Wolf Pack conceded two goals in the second against Belleville (Senators had a 15-9 edge). Then, Hartford conceded three goals in the second Saturday against Laval (Rocket had a 13-3 edge). Putting 60-minute efforts together is a challenge for this team.

Upcoming Games

All games can be watched on AHLTV and listened on Mixlr.

Friday, February 7 vs Charlotte Checkers (Panthers) at 7pm, XL Center

• This is the fifth of eight meetings in the season series. Hartford has won each of the first four matchups.
• Charlotte is 24-13-3-2 for 53 points. They are tied for second (with Providence) in the Atlantic Division and tied for sixth in the Eastern Conference. The Checkers are 5-4-1-0 in their past 10 games.
• John Leonard leads the Checkers with 36 points (19 goals, 17 assists) and is tied for 16th in the AHL in scoring. Next is Trevor Carrick with 34 points (seven goals, 27 assists).

Saturday, February 8 vs Lehigh Valley Phantoms (Flyers) at 7:05pm, PPL Center

• This is the sixth and final meeting this season. Hartford is 2-1-1-1.
• Lehigh Valley is 21-17-5-1 for 48 points. They are fifth in the Atlantic Division and ninth in the Eastern Conference. The Phantoms are 5-4-1-0 in their past 10 games.
• Samu Tuomaala leads the Phantoms with 29 points (10 goals, 19 assists). Next is Olle Lycksell with 27 (12 goals, 15 assists). Jacob Gaucher also has 27 points (14 goals, 13 assists), but is up with the Flyers in the NHL.

Mixed results for the Wolf Pack continue as they are 3-2-0-0 in their past five games and 5-5-0-0 in their past 10. The two recent wins allowed Hartford to close the gap for fourth and fifth in the division, with Lehigh Valley and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton tied for fourth place. Each has a five-point cushion on the Wolf Pack.

Related: Brutal night for Rangers prospects in ugly loss to Devils farm team

Hartford Wolf Pack news-n-Notes

Photo courtesy Hartford Wolf Pack

Louis Domingue improves

Louis Domingue won two of his past four starts and allowed fewer than three goals in three of them. Furthermore, the 32-year-old goalie stopped 117 of 126 shots, a .929 save percentage. His improvement comes at a time when standings points are important for the Wolf Pack to maintain playoff positioning. The veteran began the season 1-4-1, allowing more than two goals in five of six games. Domingue is now 5-10-1 with a 3.43 goals-against average and .924 save percentage.

Domingue’s improved play gives Hartford two solid goalies, joining Dylan Garand, who will take part in the 2025 AHL All-Star Classic.

Hartford coach Grant Potulny likes to rotate his goalies, so it’s optimal if each is on top of his game. Garand has played in 20 games, Domingue 16.

Alex Belzile continues to lead Hartford’s offense

Belzile had a goal and two assists Saturday and leads the team with 36 points. The 33-year-old forward’s consistency on the score sheet has been hugely important because of the ups and downs of Hartford’s offensive production all season. Belzile recorded two hat tricks in a six-game span and has nine multi-point games. He is on pace to exceed last season’s point total (50) with 37 games remaining. He is seven goals from tying a career high (19, done twice) and needs seven assists to tie last season’s total (31).

Belzy’s team-leading 34th point 🚨 pic.twitter.com/Fp1ZTkEpBu

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) January 19, 2025

In addition, Belzile is tied for fifth in points (36) and tied for third in assists (24) in the AHL. His points per game is tied for 19th (1.03).

Belzy 🤝 Hilly
a multipoint game pic.twitter.com/5vc8JeghEx

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) January 19, 2025

Brett Berard’s re-adjustment to AHL

Returning to the minors after playing 19 games with the Rangers, Brett Berard is struggling to find his game with Hartford. The 22-year-old forward has two assists in four games and was minus-5 in the first two upon returning from Broadway.

Berard was better the past two games and more involved in all aspects of the game. He’s shown he can be a big-time AHL player, leading the Wolf Pack with 25 goals last season. His 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) is fourth on the Wolf Pack in just 20 games played. Once he regains his footing, Berard will be leaned on down the stretch to help Hartford return to the Calder Cup Playoffs.

Another snipe for Scans 💥 pic.twitter.com/knjnOisPKM

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) January 18, 2025

Notes

• Garand earned his third shutout of the season on Sunday. He improved to 12-6-2 with a 2.29 GAA and .924 save percentage.
• Benoit-Oliver Groulx has five points (four goals, one assist) in three games.
• Brandon Scanlin recorded his first multi-goal game in the pros on Saturday.

Upcoming Games

All games can be watched on AHLTV and heard on Mixlr.

Friday, January 24th vs Laval Rocket (Canadians) at 7 p.m., XL Center

• This is the second of four meetings in the season series. Hartford lost the first game 4-2 on Dec. 14. The last two meetings will be in Laval on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1.
• Laval is 23-11-2-1 for 49 points, second in the North Division and third in the Eastern Conference. The Rocket are 6-3-1-0  in their past 10 games.
• Joshua Roy (14 goals, 13 assists)  and Alex Barre-Boulet (eight goals, 19 assists) lead the Rocket with 27 points apiece. Jared Davidson is next with 24 points (14 goals, 10 assists).

Saturday, January 25th vs Rochester Americans (Sabres) at 6 p.m., XL Center

• This is the second and final meeting this season. Hartford lost the first game 6-3 on Nov. 8.
• Rochester is 23-11-3-1 for 50 points, first in the North Division and second in the Eastern Conference. The Americans are 7-2-0-1 in their past 10 games.
• Isak Rosen leads the Americans with 31 points (16 goals, 15 assists). Brett Murray is next with 29 points (17 goals, 12 assists).

Sunday, January 26th vs Springfield Thunderbirds (Blues) at 3:05 p.m., MassMutual Center

• This is the eighth of 10 meetings in the season series. Hartford is 2-5-0-0 against Springfield.
• Springfield is 17-16-2-1 for 37 points, seventh in the Atlantic Division and 12th in the Eastern Conference. The Thunderbirds are 5-5-0-0 in their past 10.
• Matthew Peca (13 goals, 13 assists) and Matt Luff (11 goals, 15 assists) lead the Thunderbirds with 26 points apiece. Dalibor Dvorsky is next with 25 points (12 goals, 13 assists).

Alex Belzile and Dylan Garand are All-Star bound 🤩 #RunTogether pic.twitter.com/XWhP01Xgxc

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) January 8, 2025

Garand, a 22-year-old goalie drafted by the Rangers in the fourth round (No. 103) of the 2020 NHL Draft, has appeared in 16 games with the Wolf Pack this season. He is 10-4-2 with a .929 save percentage, 2.17 goals-against average, and two shutouts. 

The native of Victoria, British Columbia, is having his best season since turning pro. Garand is seventh in the AHL in wins, sixth in save percentage, eighth in GAA and tied for eighth in shutouts.

Garand was named AHL goaltender of the month for December. He was 4-2-0 in six starts with a microscopic 1.35 GAA, .958 save percentage and a pair of shutouts. The last Hartford goalie to be named goaltender of the month in the AHL was Igor Shesterkin in October 2019.

In four AHL seasons, all with the Wolf Pack, Garand is 39-36-10 with a .902 save percentage, 2.87 goals-against average, and seven shutouts in 89 games. This is his first AHL All-Star selection.

G is heading to the desert 🌴 #RunTogether | @FloHockey pic.twitter.com/wX9YF5wInb

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) January 8, 2025

Related: Matt Rempe takes cautious road to return: ‘It can’t happen again’

Free agent signed by Rangers 2 seasons ago selected as AHL All-Star

Alex Belzile — photo courtesy of Hartford Wolf Pack

Belzile, a 33-year-old forward, has a team-leading 31 points (10 goals, 21 assists) in 29 games with the Wolf Pack (15-14-2-1) this season, tying him for eighth place in the AHL scoring race. He led Hartford last season, his first with the Wolf Pack, with 50 points (19 goals, 31 assists) in 61 games.

He has played in 90 games for Hartford and has 81 points (29 goals, 51 assists).

The native of St. Eloi, Quebec, is appearing in his second AHL All-Star Classic. He represented the Laval Rocket, the Montreal Canadiens’ top minor-league affiliate, in 2019, a season when he had a career-high 54 points (19 goals, 35 assists) in 74 games. 

Belzile has played 44 NHL games, all with the Canadiens from 2020-21 through 2022-23, putting up 15 points (six goals, nine assists). The Rangers signed him as a free agent on July 1, 2023, after he had 14 points (six goals, eight assists) in 31 games for Montreal in 2022-23. The Canadiens had signed him as an undrafted free agent on May 24, 2019.

Alex Belzile.
Alternate Captain.
All-Star.#RunTogether | @FloHockey pic.twitter.com/2SmVpsGji1

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) January 8, 2025

Belzile and Garand join a lengthy list of familiar Rangers names who’ve been selected to represent the Wolf Pack in the AHL All-Star Classic. They include forward Brennan Othmann (2023-24), defenseman Zac Jones (2022-23), Shesterkin (2019-20), defenseman Ryan Graves (2015-16), forward J.T. Miller (2012-13), forward Artem Anisimov (2008-09), defenseman Dan Girardi and forward Ryan Callahan (2006-07), goalie Al Montoya (2005-06), defenseman Fedor Tyutin (2003-04), forward Derek Armstrong (1998-99, 1999-2000, 2000-01), and forward Ken Gernander (1998-99, 1999-2000).

The AHL All-Star Skills Competition will take place on Feb. 2, with the All-Star Challenge set for Feb. 3. 

January will be an important month as the Wolf Packs battles to maintain a playoff spot approaching the halfway point of the season. The Wolf Pack are 14-13-2-1 (.517) and have 31 points. They are tied for fifth with Lehigh Valley in the Atlantic Division, 11th in the Eastern Conference, and 21st in the AHL. Hartford is five points behind Wilkes-Barre/Scranton for fourth. A threat to Hartford and Lehigh Valley, Springfield is only two points behind each with the three teams battling for the final playoff spot in the Atlantic Division (sixth).

Related: Brennan Othmann scores first goal after two-month injury absence

Hartford Wolf Pack news-n-notes

Photo courtesy Hartford Wolf Pack

Road improvements

After dropping seven straight road games (0-5-1-1), the Wolf Pack found the right formula to win away from the XL Center. December featured three road victories and the Wolf Pack were 3-2-0-0 in five away games. Of their 33 goals scored on the road this season, 21 were scored last month. Furthermore, two of Hartford’s three victories were blowouts, a 6-1 victory against Bridgeport on Dec. 4 and a 7-0 win Tuesday in Springfield. Furthermore, the Wolf Pack gave up three goals in the three road victories In December. One more key was the power play, 7-for-15 during December’s road slate.

The Wolf Pack must continue to find strides on the road as they will be away from home for 11 of the next 16 games.

Potulny: The thing I will say is that I never question our effort. Do I wish our execution was better at times, yeah. But you control what you can control. Attitude and effort are things that are controllable, and those have been good all year. #NYR

— Keegan Jarvis (@TheKeeganJarvis) December 29, 2024

Handling adversity

Hartford is expected to go with ECHL call-ups Hugo Ollas and Talyn Boyko in goal this weekend. Dylan Garand is out day to day with an injury and Louis Domingue was recalled by the Rangers after Igor Shesterkin landed on IR with an upper-body injury.

Start your day with a Talyn plaque picture 🥹 pic.twitter.com/i6ZxJJoEdc

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) January 2, 2025

Boyko was terrific in his AHL debut Tuesday, stopping all 33 shots in the 7-0 win against Springfield. Ollas won his one start with Hartford last season in his pro debut after finishing his collegiate career at Merrimack. The 22-year-old from Sweden has a 3.18 goals-against average in 11 games this season with Bloomington of the ECHL.

Potulny on Boyko: It’s his fourth game in five days. Flew all the way across the country from California to get in here. I thought he looked calm, I thought he had confidence. He made some saves early in the game on breakaways or point-blankers…those were important saves. #NYR

— Keegan Jarvis (@TheKeeganJarvis) December 31, 2024

The Wolf Pack also could be again without captain Casey Fitzgerald (day to day) and Ryder Korczak this weekend.

Speaking of adversity, the Wolf Pack aim to jump out to fast starts this weekend since their win/loss disparity is great whether they score or allow the game’s first goal. When they are down after the first period, they are 1-5-1-0. If the Wolf pack continue to trail after the second, they are 1-12-0-1. In the past five games when the opponents score first, Hartford is 0-5-0-0.

Top line leading the way

Alex Belzile (29 points; 10 goals, 19 assists) and Benoit-Oliver Groulx (27 points; nine goals, 18 assists) are crushing it on Hartford’s top line. Combined, the forwards recorded 19 goals out of the team’s 89 for a 21 percent ownership. Furthermore, they also recorded 56 assists of Hartford’s 155 total, a 36 percent rate. Now with Brennan Othmann back from a two-month injury absence, that top line is set to cook even more. Othmann has a goal and assist since returning three games ago.

Potulny on the scoring depth: That’s what we’re looking for. If you took a snapshot of the first half of the year, I’d say that Belzile and Groulx have driven the offense. Nice to see some depth scoring. That’s gonna be important in the second half. #NYR

— Keegan Jarvis (@TheKeeganJarvis) December 31, 2024

There is concern in the drop of production behind the top line, though. Adam Sykora’s 17 points (six goal, 11 assists) is third on Hartford’s roster. Eight players have five or more goals in the lineup, but Belzile is the only one in double digits. The Wolf Pack have missed Othmann and Brett Berard, who’s currently playing on the Rangers third line. More production is needed behind the top line in Hartford.

Potulny: We gotta play in the offensive end more. We talk about it a lot – going north with pucks, finding rebounds, getting to the net front. #NYR

— Keegan Jarvis (@TheKeeganJarvis) December 28, 2024

Notes

• Jaroslav Chmelar recorded three assists in the previous game. The Rangers forward prospect has five points (one goal, four assists) in his past four games.
• Adam Sykora recorded two goals in the previous game. He has four points (two goals, two assists) in four games.

Upcoming Games

All games can be watched on AHLTV and listened on Mixlr.

Saturday, January 4th vs Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (Pittsburgh) at 6pm, Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza

• This is the third of six meetings in the season series. Hartford is 0-2-0-0 in the first two games.
• Entering the week, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton is 17-8-2-0 for 36 points. They are fourth in the Atlantic Division and eighth in the Eastern Conference. The Penguins are on a four-game point streak (3-0-1-0).
• Emil Bemstorm leads the Penguins with 25 points (10 goals, 15 assists). Ville Koivunen has 22 points (six goals, 16 assists), second best on the Penguins.

Sunday, January 5th vs Bridgeport Islanders (New York) at 3pm, Total Mortgage Arena

• This is the fifth of 10 meetings in the season series. Hartford is 2-2-0-0 in the first four games.
• Entering the week, Bridgeport is 7-19-2-2 for 18 points. They are eighth in the Atlantic Division and tied for 14th in the Eastern Conference. The Islanders are 2-7-1-0 in their past 10 games.
• Brian Pinho leads the Islanders with 24 points (15 goals, nine assists). Chris Terry has 23 points (four goals, 19 assists), second best on the Islanders.

Hartford’s first win in five games (1-3-1-0) was fueled by Alex Belzile, who recorded his second hat trick of the season, and Bo Groulx, who contributed four assists. But the kids stepped forward, too. Matt Rempe and Bryce McConnell-Barker each scored his third goal and Victor Mancini had three assists.

Belzile (seven goals, 12 assists) and Groulx (eight goals, 11 assists) are tied for the Wolf Pack scoring lead with 19 points. Each veteran forward recently passed Brett Berard (13 points; seven goals, six assists) after the 22-year-old was recalled by the Rangers. Berard has two points — including his first NHL point and goal — in four games, but is currently day to day with an upper-body injury.

A BLAST FROM BELZILE💥 pic.twitter.com/xmzvWxgSmA

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) December 5, 2024

Belzile, a 33-year-old forward, has eight points (three goals, five assists) on a four-game point streak, and 11 points and two hat tricks in his past six games. He scored each of his goals on the power play Wednesday, one in each period, to make it 1-0, 2-1 and 4-1.

Groulx, a 24-year-old forward who played all of last season with the Anaheim Ducks, also has eight points (two goals, six assists) in a four-game point streak.

Mancini’s three points were a professional career high. He now has five points (two goals, three assists) in six games since the Rangers assigned the 22-year-old defenseman to the American Hockey League.

Related: Wolf Pack weekly: Alex Belzile, Bo Groulx stepping up

Matt Rempe, Bryce McConnell-Barker part of Wolf Pack explosion

Bryce McConnell-Barker — photo courtesy of Hartford Wolf Pack

Belzile’s third goal at 8:47 of the the third period opened the floodgates for two Rangers forward prospects to bust through and pile on goals of their own, all in a 52-second span.

Rempe stationed himself in front of the net to deflect a Casey Fitzgerald shot into the cage at 9:32 for his third goal in 13 games with Hartford this season. Then McConnell-Barker beat everyone down the ice to bury a loose puck seven seconds later, and the rout was on.

Alex Belzile, Matt Rempe, and Bryce McConnell-Barker all find the back of the net in just 52 seconds😳👀@WolfPackAHL | #HFDvsBRI pic.twitter.com/b0JMzi1wcp

— American Hockey League (@TheAHL) December 5, 2024

Let’s just say the Rangers will love Rempe using his size and soft hands to score. And they’ll delight in that effort by McConnell-Barker — a third-round pick in 2022 — just as much.

Speaking of Rangers prospects, goalie Dylan Garand stopped 31 of 32 shots in the win and is sitting on a solid .910 save percentage in 10 games this season. It’s only a quarter of the way through the season, but it appears that in his third pro campaign, Garand is finding the consistency he lacked the past two seasons.

Two other prospects found the score sheet Wednesday. Adam Sykora and Dylan Roobroeck each had an assist. Sykora, the 20-year-old forward, is tied with Fitzgerald for fourth on the Wolf Pack with 11 points (three goals, eight assists). Roobroeck, a rookie pro, is right behind with eight points (four goals, four assists).

Hartford’s struggles continue, especially defensively in the first quarter of the season. The Wolf Pack allowed four or more goals in 12 of 19 contests, and in five straight games. They look to reset in December to maintain playoff positioning in the tightly contested Atlantic Division. The Wolf Pack are 8-8-2-1 (.500) and sixth in the Atlantic, holding the final playoff spot in the division. Four points separate Hartford from second-place Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

Related: Brett Berard sidelined for Rangers with upper-body injury

Hartford Wolf Pack latest

Cooling off at home

The Wolf Pack consistently found ways to win at the XL Center when they began the season 8-1-0-0 on home ice. That was the second best home record in the league at the time. In Hartford’s current four-game losing streak, they dropped three straight games at XL Center (0-2-1-0) and now have the league’s fifth best home record (8-3-1-0).

Of the 12 home games to date, seven were decided by one goal, including five in overtime. So, that’s walking a fine line trying to maintain a positive mark at home. If the Wolf Pack cannot continue their magic at the XL Center, especially in a critical month featuring six home games, they could find themselves digging out a hole to start the New Year.

Road struggles

The Wolf Pack are the only team in the league to not win on the road (0-5-1-1). The seven road games are the fewest in the league, which doesn’t bode well for when the schedule evens out and Hartford spends more time on the road.

December will be an opportunity for the Wolf Pack to get a road win and find confidence with five opportunities. Either that, or they continue to struggle away from XL Center and face a massive issue come the New Year.

Relying solely on a stellar home record is not sustainable since the Wolf Pack will be road heavy in January with nine road contests. The Wolf Pack’s defensive issues are glaring on the road where they’re outscored 27-12 and allowed four or more goals in five games. Furthermore, the power play’s two goals on the road were from the first game of the season on Oct. 12, before Brennan Othmann was injured. The Wolf Pack are 2-for-26 and on a 0-for-24 run which puts them last in the league in away games (7.7 percent). The penalty kill is also last in the league, operating at 64 percent having allowed nine goals while short-handed (fifth highest in league) in 25 calls against them (third fewest in league).

Alex Belzile, Benoit-Oliver Groulx heat up

Bo Groulx — photo courtesy Hartford Wolf Pack

After Hartford’s leading scorer Brett Berard was recalled by the Rangers, veterans Alex Belzile and Bo Groulx stepped up their production. Combined, the forwards contributed two goals and seven assists in three games since Berard landed on Broadway. In fact, each of Hartford’s six goals had a contribution from either Belzile or Groulx. The Wolf Pack’s 54 goals puts them 20th in the league for production. While they lack firepower without Berard, Othmann, and Riley Nash (hasn’t played this season due to injury) Belzile and Groulx are filling the big voids.

a thing of beauty 🔥 pic.twitter.com/USlryganZv

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) November 30, 2024

Belzile has five assists in the three games. Consistent this season with production, he’s notched four goals and 12 assists for a team-leading 16 points in 16 games. The forward was held out without a point in five games, but has been on the scoresheet in seven of the past 10 games. His best performance was Nov. 19, when he had a hat-trick and a shootout goal in a win against Charlotte

OFF AND RUNNING pic.twitter.com/MOKHqKVlBJ

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) November 28, 2024

Signed by the Rangers in the off-season, Groulx is finding consistency in his game. In the first six games of the season, Groulx recorded eight points (four goals, four assists). Then he was held off the score sheet in six of eight games, posting two points (one goal, one assist). In his past five games, Groulx has five points (three goals, two assists). The timing of his consistent production is ideal following Berard’s departure. This is the kind of veteran play the Rangers expected from Groulx when they signed him this summer after he played all of last season with the Anaheim Ducks.

Bo’s team leading 8th goal of the season ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/Ky1L0cmjdK

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) November 28, 2024

Upcoming Games

All games can be watched on AHLTV and listened on Mixlr.

Wednesday, December 4th vs Bridgeport Islanders (New York) at 7pm, Total Mortgage Arena

• This is the fourth of 10 meetings in the season series. Hartford is 1-2-0-0 against Bridgeport. The Islanders won the past two meetings.
• Entering the week, Bridgeport is 5-12-1-2 for 13 points. They are eighth in the Atlantic Division and 15th in the Eastern Conference. The Islanders lost two straight and are 3-6-0-1 in their past 10 outings
• Brian Pinho leads the Islanders with 17 points (11 goals, six assists). He has two goals against Hartford. Chris Terry is second with 15 points (one goal, 14 assists) and has three assists against Hartford.

Friday, December 6th vs Rockford Ice Hogs (Blackhawks) at 7pm, XL Center

• This is the first of two meetings in the season series. Hartford and Rockford last met in the 2022-23 season, when the Wolf Pack were swept in two games (0-2-0-0).
• Entering the week, Rockford is 7-9-2-0 for 16 points. They are fourth in the Central Division and 12th in the Western Conference. The Ice Hogs are 2-1-2-0 in their past five games. They have points in two straight (1-0-1-0).
• Frank Nazar leads the Ice Hogs with 21 points (10 goals, 11 assists). He is tied for eighth in the AHL scoring race. Colton Dach is second on Rockford with 15 points (seven goals, eight assists).

Saturday, December 7th vs Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (Pittsburgh) at 6pm, XL Center

• This is the second of six games in the season series. Hartford dropped the first meeting on Nov. 2 by a score of 2-1.
• Entering the week, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton is 11-4-1-0 for 23 points. They are second in the Atlantic Division and fifth in the Eastern Conference. The Penguins won three straight and are 7-2-1-0 in their past 10 games.
• Emil Bemstrom leads the Penguins in scoring with 18 points (six goals, 12 assists), which is 18th in the league. Ville Koivunen is second on the Penguins with 14 points (four goals, 10 assists).

The 33-year-old forward had one goal and seven assists entering the School Day 11 a.m. start Tuesday, but ended the afternoon with a goal in each period including the shootout to save the Wolf Pack, who let a 3-1 third-period slip away.

Belzile also scored one of each type of goal — even strength, short-handed, power play and shootout.

“‘Belzy’ with the hat trick and shootout goal, what a great game,” Hartford coach Grant Potulny said postgame.

Added Belzile, with a smile, “”it was a good day.”

Belzile’s first goal, at 15:51 of the first period, gave Hartford a 2-1 lead. The puck found him in front after he tried to connect on a pass cross-crease, and Belzile buried it for an even-strength goal.

He made it 3-1 with a simply gorgeous short-handed goal at 10:33 of the second period.

if anyone needs us, we'll be watching this on repeat all day 🔁 pic.twitter.com/YW93I55L9b

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) November 19, 2024

Then, after the Wolf Pack allowed three straight goals to start the third period to fall behind 4-3, Belzile saved them with a power-play goal at 10:23. He slipped behind the defense to accept a pass and quickly deposit it past Checkers goalie Chris Driedger.

Hartford entered the game in a 0-for-36 slide on the power play.

1+1+1 = 3 for Belzy!! 🎩🎩🎩 pic.twitter.com/C6FJZR447I

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) November 19, 2024

Belzile scored the only goal in the shootout, supporting veteran goalie Louis Domingue, who stopped all three shots in the shootout and finished with 41 saves.

Related: Wolf Pack weekly: Casey Fitzgerald leads scoring barrage from defensemen

Rangers’ prospects ‘keeping me young’ playing on Belzile’s line

Alex Belzile — photo courtesy of Hartford Wolf Pack

Belzile discussed his growing chemistry with linemates Brett Berard and Dylan Roobroeck after the game. He even got a laugh when referencing how he’s the old man on a line with a 22-year-old (Berard) and 20-year-old (Roobroeck).

“I played with Berard a lot last year. He’s a really fast player, he’s dynamic, really good offensively,” he explained. “Dylan is the new guy, but he’s really smart, he’s a really smart hockey player. I feel like it’s easy to play with him he fits right in. His head is in the right place. He wants to be a better hockey player and it’s fun to play with these guys. … They’re keeping me young. That’s a good thing.”

Berard, who had the primary assist on Belzile’s third-period tying goal, leads the Wolf Pack with 12 points (six goals, six assists). Belzile is tied for second with 11 points (four goals, seven assists) and Roobroeck, who had the primary assist on Belzile’s first goal, is tied for sixth with seven points (four goals, three assists).

Bo Groulx scored Hartford’s first goal, just 14 seconds into the game, assisted by Rangers forward prospect Jaroslav Chmelar. Groulx also has 11 points (six goals, five assists) and is tied with Berard for the Wolf Pack lead in goals.

Training camp featured Potulny teaching his system, which, perhaps not so coincidentally, is the same one deployed y the Rangers.

Among other things, Potulny said last week he wants the Wolf Pack “to play fast.” And by that, he meant not so much skating fast, but making quick decision and moving the puck quickly.

Potulny likes the looks of his team ahead of what should be a very interesting 2024-25 season.

Related: Rangers place Matthew Robertson on waivers, send Connor Mackey to AHL Hartford

Hartford Wolf Pack training camp notebook

Let’s dive into some of the big topics from Wolf Pack training camp.

Maxim Barbashev makes noise before ECHL assignment

Maxim Barbashev — photo courtesy Hartford Wolf Pack

Though he ended up being assigned to ECHL Bloomington, Maxim Barbashev had an impressive camp and preseason with Hartford. The 20-year-old forward, a fifth round pick by the Rangers in 2022, signed a one-year contract with Hartford after not being offered an entry-level contract by New York. He responded by tying for the Hartford lead with four points (two goals, two assists) in the preseason.

The young forward, who played one game with Hartford on a PTO last season, displayed an offensive presence in three games last week, as well as a physical aspect. Barbashev, who’s listed as 6-foot-2, 191 pounds, dropped the gloves and secured a Gordie Howe hat trick in Hartford’s second game of the preseason.

Barbashev on what he brings to Hartford: Everything that I can. Be physical, every position they put me in, I’ll do my job in. #NYR

— Keegan Jarvis (@TheKeeganJarvis) October 4, 2024

The prospect built a compelling case to remain on the Wolf Pack’s roster. However, it was not good enough and he will begin his first full pro season with the Rangers ECHL affiliate, the Bloomington Bisons. If he continues to make noise in the ECHL, then Barbashev will likely be a top candidate to earn a call up to Hartford.

Barbashev on his performance: Just trying to take the next step. Playing pro hockey is a bit different than junior. #NYR

— Keegan Jarvis (@TheKeeganJarvis) October 4, 2024

Veteran Wolf Pack players stand out

Forwards Blade Jenkins and Alex Belzile were in the grove and had an immediate impact in the preseason games. Offensively, Jenkins produced four points (one goal, three assists) and Belzile notched three points (two goals, one assist). Both are part of the group returning from last season, craving for more after concluding the season in the Atlantic Division Final, where they were swept by the Hershey Bears.

Belzile returns to Hartford for his second straight season after after playing well for the Rangers in the their preseason. The 33-year-old is a prime candidate to be Hartford’s next captain after the departure of Jonny Brodzinski to the Rangers full time. Prior to joining the organization, Belzile was the Laval Rocket’s captain in the 2022-23 campaign. Experienced in the NHL as well, the forward will be able to guide the prospects throughout the season.

Jenkins joined the club at the halfway point of last season through a Professional Tryout, which led to signing an AHL deal for the remainder of the season. The 24-year old split time in the AHL and ECHL prior to joining Hartford. He brings size (6-foot-2, 195 pounds) and physicality to the roster. While he is not an offensive juggernaut, Jenkins is versatile and can take face-offs (Hartford lacks depth at center) and is dependable defensively.

Projecting Hartford’s opening-night roster

Currently the Wolf Pack have 15 forwards, nine defenseman, and three goalies, and are expected to make additional cuts. The projected roster to begin the season will be tweaked as the Rangers are beginning the season with a few injuries. Once healthy, a trickle-down effect will occur since the Wolf Pack may receive another player or two from the NHL club.

Among the forwards, Peter Laviolette — yes the son of the Rangers coach — is on a PTO. Another question up front is the status of NHL veteran forward Adam Erne, who’s also on a PTO. On defense, Griffin Luce is the lone player on a PTO. Decisions will also have to be made on Carter Berger, Case McCarthy, and Ryan Siedem. Players on PTOs are likely to be released, and Bloomington will receive additional reinforcements on the back end. Lastly, goaltender Brad Arvanitis is on a PTO and likely will be released.

Brennan Othmann, who had four points (one goal, three assists) in the preseason with the Rangers is back to start the season with Hartford, along with key forward prospects Adam Sykora, Bryce McConnell-Barker and Jaroslav Chmelar.

Forward Brett Berard and defenseman Victor Mancini remain with the Rangers, who still have a cut or two to make before opening the season Wednesday against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Hartford’s 2024-25 squad will be difficult to play against with sprinkles of talent built around size and grit. Potulny will be able to roll out four solid lines and three good defense parings with ease.

Preseason notes

• Riley Nash is expected to be out for a while. The veteran did not participate in the Rangers training camp nor in Hartford’s. The veteran forward is missed in Hartford for his steady veteran presence.
• The Wolf Pack’s lease is not official as we begin the season. However, the sales office is moving and is given a 5-year lease. Based on the language of the lease, Hartford has a 2-year deal with options to renew. Stay tuned for additional information once available.

Upcoming games

The Wolf Pack have 7 games (5 home, 2 away) in October. The first of those takes place this weekend.

Saturday, October 12th vs Lehigh Valley Phantoms (Flyers) at 7:05pm, PPL Center

• This is the first of six meetings in the season series. Last season, Hartford won the series posting a record of 4-1-1. The rematch will be at the XL Center on Oct. 25.
• The Phantoms posted a record of 32-31-6-3 for 73 points last season. They were ranked sixth in the Atlantic Division. In the Calder Cup Playoffs, Lehigh Valley lost to Hershey in the Atlantic Division Semifinals.
• Listen – Mixlr. Watch – AHLTV.