Since the league shutdown for an extend holiday break, they’ve been working on how to handle the issues with COVID-19 cases and subsequent postponement of games. In a new report from Elliotte Friedman here’s what teams will have at their disposal starting soon.

• Taxi-squad through All-Star break (Feb 4-5)
• Emergency call-ups (player must make $1M or less)
• Free goalie adds if club has less than 2 healthy goalies due to COVID

Rangers can use Taxi Squads

Now that taxi squads are back, it would be wise for the New York Rangers to use them. However, the rules will be different this season as players who are waiver exempt can’t be placed on them. That immediately means players like Zac Jones and Morgan Barron can only be regular call-ups from Hartford.

Last season, waiver exempt players could be placed on the taxi squad to travel and practice with the team. Here are the full rules:

• Optional and max six players
• No player can be on it for more than 20 days
• No player on an NHL roster as of 12/22 can be on it
• No player who is waiver exempt
• Anyone who was on the roster for 75% of the season or 16 of last 20 games

Emergency call-ups will be cap exempt if the team is in danger of dressing less than your standard 18 skaters and two goalie lineup. However, that player’s salary can’t exceed $1 million.

Possible Rangers taxi squad

Now that there is clarity on the rules, it makes picking out a taxi squad that much easier. Here’s six potential candidates.

Keith Kinkaid (G): The veteran backup is a no-brainer to be the taxi squad goalie. In his one game this season he beat the the Arizona Coyotes 3-2 and looked solid. Kinkaid requires waivers, but already made it through once.

Anthony Bitetto (D): The defenseman from Long Island, NY had a nice little run with the team last season. He provided a few sparks and was great for the locker-room. His 197 NHL games experience is invaluable. Bitetto requires waivers.

Anthony Greco (F): The 28 year-old forward has been solid scoring 21 points in 22 games in the AHL. He can certainly help in a pinch and potential provided some offensive punch.

Jonny Brodzinski: He’s the captain of the Wolf Pack and has received praised for his leadership and playing a complete game every night. The 28 year-old also has 62 games of NHL experience. In 23 games with the Pack he has 24 points.

Tim Gettinger (F): A big man that has NHL experience, who could contribute decent 4th line minutes if needed. Gettinger has 16 points in 21 AHL games, but that has never translated to the NHL level. In 8 games with the Rangers he has one point.

Ty Ronning (F): The 24 year-old son of Cliff Ronning, who was a star for the 1994 Canucks team that lost to the Rangers in the Finals would be another option. The winger has 13 points in 23 games with the Wolf Pack. He’s never played an NHL game.

Update: Additional clarifications have been posted to the rules. Waiver exempt players are allowed on the taxi squad. Here’s the latest.

Clarification on taxi squad. Players are ineligible for the taxi squad if they meet all of these 3 criteria:
-on roster Dec 22
-waivers exempt
-either on NHL roster 75% of days or played 16 of last 20 NHL games https://t.co/31LtbXMZ0r https://t.co/TlkCUQIoPs

— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) December 26, 2021

NHL Rumors: 5 Hot Possible Trade Candidates

If these 5 players were to be officially placed on the trading block it would set the market on fire. Read More.

During the 2020-21 season, the NHL shortened the season to 56 games and implemented a taxi squad for each team. It would consist of 4-6 players with at least one goalie. Those players traveled and practiced with the team and were available to be recalled on short notice to deal with COVID related issues.

It should also be noted that the taxi squad call up rules were similar to that of AHL call ups and players that were waivers eligible must pass through.

Projecting a New York Rangers taxi squad

Whether or not the NHL reinstates the use of taxi squads, it would be a valuable exercise to determine who would be on it.

Last season, the Rangers opened the year with the following players on their taxi-squad: Morgan Barron, Anthony Bitetto, Colin Blackwell, Libor Hajek, Keith Kinkaid, and Matthew Robertson.

That changed many times during the season, as all but Matthew Robertson were used at some point. Let’s examine just who would make the squad this year.

Keith Kinkaid (G): The veteran backup is a no-brainer to be the taxi squad goalie. In his one game this season he beat the the Arizona Coyotes 3-2 and looked solid. Kinkaid requires waivers, but already made it through once.

Morgan Barron (F): New York has already called him up a few times and played in two games this season with no points. While it would make sense for him to get game action in Hartford, the fact he doesn’t require waivers makes him an attractive option.

Zac Jones (D): Many argue he should have made the team out of camp, and it would be hard to refute. He leads all Wolf Pack d-men in points with 17 in 21 games. Similar to Barron, it would be better to play but his waiver exempt status comes into the decision.

Tim Gettinger (F): A big man that has NHL experience, who could contribute decent 4th line minutes if needed. Gettinger has 16 points in 21 AHL games, but that has never translated to the NHL level. In 8 games with the Rangers he has one point. Gettinger requires waivers.

Anthony Bitetto (D): The defenseman from Long Island, NY had a nice little run with the team last season. He provided a few sparks and was great for the locker-room. His 197 NHL games experience is invaluable. Bitetto requires waivers.

Anthony Greco (F): While I would rather take Jonny Brodzinski, taking away all these players plus the Wolf Pack captain didn’t feel right. Greco has been solid scoring 21 points in 22 games in the AHL. He has to pass through waivers.

NHL: One Christmas gift for every team

Happy Holidays everyone. Here’s a fun article in the spirit of the season. Read more.

Today, all players have cleared.

Rangers players clear waivers

There was a chance that a team would possibly claim either Kinkaid or Bitetto off waivers, but that means the Blueshirts can send them down to Hartford after this weekend.

So what does placing them on waivers mean to the roster?

Alexandar Georgiev was rumored to be on the trade block but it’s safe to say he’s no longer available. On defense, Jarred Tinordi has the leg up on the 7th defenseman spot. He will be playing with Nils Lundkvist in tonight’s game

Update: Rangers have assigned all six players to Hartford. Roster is now trimmed to 34.

Remaining players in camp listed below:

Forwards (18): Morgan Barron, Sammy Blais, Filip Chytil, Will Cuylle, Julien Gauthier, Barclay Goodrow, Dryden Hunt, Kaapo Kakko, Vitali Kravtsov, Chris Kreider, Alexis Lafreniere, Greg McKegg, Lauri Pajuniemi, Artemi Panarin, Ryan Reaves, Kevin Rooney, Ryan Strome, Mika Zibanejad

Defensemen (12): Adam Fox, Mason Geertsen, Libor Hajek, Zac Jones, Ryan Lindgren, Nils Lundkvist, K’Andre Miller, Patrik Nemeth, Matthew Robertson, Braden Schneider, Jarred Tinordi, Jacob Trouba

Goaltenders (4): Alexandar Georgiev, Adam Huska, Igor Shesterkin, Tyler Wall

The Rangers hit the road for the first time this preseason when they face the New Jersey Devils, tonight at 7:00 PM, at Prudential Center.

Opt-out deadline

Today is the deadline for a player to opt-out of the 2021-22 NHL Season. Any player opting out will need to do so in writing by 5:00 PM ET.

As of today, there’s been no indication that any member of the Rangers will be opting-out. Per the league’s COVID protocol policy:

A Player subject to an SPC that includes the 2021-22 Season who (i) is Unvaccinated; or (ii) is Fully Vaccinated but can establish that an immediate family member (i.e., spouse, partner or child) with whom he shares a household is at substantially heightened risk of severe illness by contracting COVID-19 shall be entitled to opt out of play in the 2021-22 Season by notifying his Club of his intention to do so (with a copy to the NHL and the NHLPA pursuant to CBA Exhibit 3) by no later than October 1, 2021. Written notice from a Player of his decision to opt out of the 2021-22 Season is irrevocable and may only be given within the window provided herein.

A player who opts out will not be paid. One possible player who may opt-out is Travis Hamonic of the Vancouver Canucks.

NHL Rumors

The Canucks are close to signing their RFA’s. Strome not worried about trade talks, and more. Read here.

This means Alexandar Georgiev is likely pulled off the trade block and the 7th defenseman spot is most likely coming down to Jarred Tinordi.

Also today, the Rangers sent 2021 first round pick Brennan Othmann back to the OHL.

The New York Rangers announced today that the team has assigned Brennan Othmann to his junior team, the Flint Firebirds of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). A first round selection (16^th overall) by the Rangers in the 2021 NHL Draft, Othmann skated in New York’s 3-2 preseason win over Boston on September 28, notching 11:55 minutes of ice time.

NY RANGERS

The Rangers roster is now at 40 and should be trimmed to 34 by tomorrow.

Brennan Othmann knows he needs to get stronger

Othmann has actually looked very good in camp considering he is just 18 years old. It’s a fact not lost on him as he explained today.

“You haver to get stronger,” he admitted. “You’re playing against guys like Reaves, who is 225 lbs, and if you line match against him and you’re a 180 lbs like me, 9 times out of 10 he’s coming away with the puck.”

“If I can throw on another 5 or 10 lbs of muscle and come back with a little more confidence, and play well in the OHL next year, I may have a good shot next year,” Othmann said. “I think if I can build strength, I think I can turn into a better hockey player than I am now.”

The Rangers have high hopes for Othmann as he looks like a future replacement for a player like Chris Kreider one day.

NHL Rumors

The NHL Trade Bait Tracker for the 2021-22 season has been set. While training camps continue, a few names have emerged as possible trade deadline rentals already. Read More.

Colin Blackwell a Team USA leader

Blackwell is an Assistant Captain for Team USA and was named the player of the game in their 2-1 over Norway yesterday. They are in second place in Group B with a 4-1 record with 12 points. Finland holds the top spot with a 4-0-1 record and 13 points.

Team USA last won Gold at the WC in 1960. They last claimed Silver in 1956 and Bronze in 2018. In total USA has 2 Gold, 9 Silver, 8 Bronze for a total of 19 medals since 1920.

Today's Player of the Game after helping @usahockey improve to 4-0-0-1 with a W over Norway at #MensWorlds: 4⃣3⃣

Congrats, Colin! 👊 pic.twitter.com/HXIkcf4y2D

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) May 29, 2021

Mike Sullivan unlikely to be fired from Penguins

Yesterday we noted that Mike Sullivan could be on the hot seat. According to Elliotte Friedman in the latest installment of Sportsnet’s Saturday Headlines, that is unlikely to be the case.

“There’s been rumors here and there [about Mike Sullivan],” he began. “I don’t think that’s going to happen. He’s a heck of a coach, he’s under contract for three more years, I’d expect him to be back behind the bench if anyone had any questions.”

Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan has had an incredible run in Pittsburgh. Over the course of the last six seasons he’s amassed a record of 251-131-43 with two Stanley Cup Championships. It makes sense for them to keep him.

Anthony Bitetto flying ace

Anthony Bitetto took to the skies at the Bethpage Air Show.

Anthony Bitetto is an American @NHL player for the @NYRangers as well as a #NewYork native!

Today @ABitetto7 went up with Thunderbird 8 and pulled 9.1 Gs! pic.twitter.com/X5lLmJpjVR

— Thunderbirds (@AFThunderbirds) May 28, 2021

Latest NHL Rumors

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins appears to be heading to free agency. Read More.

A full six-man defensive corps will be necessary to accomplish this. Along with making the postseason, Drury has emphasized the need for more grit in the lineup and there has been news of the organization wanting to add a veteran defenseman. The top four seem to be obvious, but there are many options to fill the bottom two spots.

New York Rangers defense: Adam Fox and Ryan Lindgren have emerged as the top pair

Even in their 2019-20 rookie season, Adam Fox and Ryan Lindgren often found themselves playing against other teams’ skilled top lines. Fox and Lindgren have developed a noticeable chemistry which helps elevate their play making ability in all three zones.

As a rookie, Fox impressed and made an immediate impact. He didn’t look like a newbie; he appeared very comfortable playing defense in the NHL which isn’t considered an easy task for a young player. Now, he has added an element of offense to his game that has propelled him into the Norris Trophy conversation. He led all defensemen in the league in assists this season with 42, indicating his play making ability. Additionally, analysts have recently compared Fox to Brian Leetch. Since the Tony DeAngelo incident that led to the defenseman’s banishment from the team, Fox has proven to be an excellent quarterback on the power play. It’s possible that Fox could eventually wear a letter as the team evolves and a younger leadership group develops.

Ryan Lindgren has been a pleasant surprise since coming to New York in a trade with Boston three years ago. He initially struggled slightly with positioning in the defensive zone but has since developed into a responsible defenseman. Lindgren also brings an element of grit and physicality that the Rangers lack. He’s certainly a physical presence, bringing big hits each game and not shying away from a fight. Being as physical and tough as he is, he sets an example on the ice that helps to develop a culture in general. Lindgren is still very young and as he continues to develop, the offense will come as well. There were a few glimmers of his offensive potential this season, and his game will only improve.

Jacob Trouba and K’Andre Miller are the most likely option for the second pair

Jacob Trouba mentioned in during his end of season media availability that he felt much more comfortable with the Rangers this year. He seemed to struggle a bit in his first Broadway campaign after coming over from Winnipeg in a trade. This season, he showed that he can be a solid top-four defenseman and a leader. K’Andre Miller spoke multiple times this season about how helpful Trouba has been to him. At 6’3″ and 209 lbs, Trouba’s size makes him a threat. He uses his reach to take away the opponent’s space and time, especially when paired with K’Andre Miller. However, Trouba plays his best when he plays a heavy game. He needs to make this a more prevalent habit going forward as the Rangers need more muscle.

Similarly to Adam Fox, K’Andre Miller impressed as a rookie, appearing to have little to no trouble adjusting to the pace of the NHL. Throughout most of the season, his defensive play was eye-catching though he did seem to experience a slight decline towards the end of the season. That could have been a result of the grind of an NHL season on a rookie even though it wasn’t a full one or a result of playing with different partners after Trouba was injured. Like Trouba, Miller has wonderful size at 6’5″ and 210 lbs but needs to learn to use it for checking as well as defending. Anywhere the Rangers can add more physicality would helpful as their mindset is currently too finesse oriented.

The Rangers must make decisions on Brendan Smith and Libor Hajek

While Brendan Smith is generally a bottom pair defenseman, he deserves credit for several aspects of his game. Overall, he doesn’t make many catastrophic mistakes and he’s versatile. He’s a pending unrestricted free agent this summer, and the Rangers could choose not to re-sign him. They want to bring in a veteran defenseman, which Smith can continue to provide. He also has some playoff experience, but with making the postseason as the goal the Rangers may feel they need bring in a player with more playoff games on his resume.

Smith can also play wing, which is something that former Head Coach David Quinn flirted with last season. Chris Drury has expressed his intent of adding more sandpaper to the bottom six. Moving Brendan Smith to the fourth line would be useful in that case; he brings a physical presence every night. He has also been a valuable leader this season in acting as a mentor to a K’Andre Miller and taking on Tom Wilson in a fight after he injured Panarin. There should be some serious consideration from the organization before they decide to let him walk.

Libor Hajek is a pending restricted free agent this summer, and the Rangers have to decide if he still fits into the big picture. When he first started in New York, his play was promising but he suffered multiple injuries that kept management from seeing what he could really do in the NHL. This season, Hajek played much more for the Rangers, but wasn’t really able to reach a point of playing consistently effective defense. While he isn’t costing the team games, he also isn’t exactly capitalized on the chances he’s been given. With other prospects in the pipeline and the possibility of acquiring another veteran defenseman, Hajek simply may not be the answer on the third pair.

What about Anthony Bitetto?

The Rangers signed Anthony Bitetto last offseason, and he played 14 games this season. In those 14 games, he had one goal and three assist for four points. That’s fine for a defenseman, but he doesn’t by any means stand out offensively. Defensively, he sometimes makes too many mistakes when in the lineup and he was a minus-8. He acted as a sort of placeholder this season as he was able to come in when someone was injured. Though Bitetto may be a good insurance policy, he’s certainly not a staple in the lineup. He may be taking a roster spot from a younger defenseman that the Rangers want to bring to New York. There’s no sense in him just sitting on the roster next season and not playing, especially considering there likely won’t be a taxi squad.

If the Rangers can find some way to trade him, that’s always an option. However, they may be forced to assign him to Hartford even though it seems a bit ridiculous considering his age and the stage he’s at in his career.

Tarmo Reunanen and Zac Jones should be competing for roster spots

Prior to joining the Rangers briefly this season, Tarmo Reunanen posted impressive numbers in 21 games in Hartford. He had four goals and 13 assists for 17 points, and only 4 penalty minutes. In the few chances he was given in the NHL, he showed encouraging flashes of skill and was mostly diligent in the defensive zone. Overall, he seems to definitely be more offense oriented. If he does make the team out of training camp next season, he will of course need time to adjust to the NHL like any other player.

Zac Jones will also be vying for a roster spot out of camp next season and got an opportunity to show what he can do late this season. Being that the Rangers have already gotten a look at him may factor into whether he makes it or not. Analysts have described him as Adam Fox-esque. Considering what Fox has been able to do in his first couple of years with the Rangers, hearing that about Jones is exciting. Size may be a bit of a concern as Jones is only 5’10” and 176 lbs. That could play a role in the time it takes him to adjust to the NHL.

If both are on this roster heading into next season they will be competing for roster spots. That is a big if considering the Rangers desire to add more proven young NHL talent at the expense of some of their younger assets.

When will we see Nils Lundkvist and Braden Schneider?

Assuming the Rangers can get Nils Lundkvist signed to his entry level contract, he will also be competing in training camp for a spot in the lineup. Since being drafted, Lundkvist has continued to play with Luleå in the SHL. This season, he had 14 goals and 18 assists for 32 points in 52 games. According to the scouting report on eliteprospects.com, Lundkvist is a “mobile puck-moving defenseman who likes to make quick decisions and join the rush. Lundkvist displays confidence with the puck on his stick.” His quick decision making will be useful in the NHL where the game moves much faster.

He has been in the Rangers system since the 2018 draft, and it’s time to bring him to New York. He’s had time to play against men in the SHL, and it likely NHL ready. It will be interesting to see what he does at this year’s World Championships as well. It will be curious if the Rangers don’t get him signed this offseason.

The Rangers traded up to draft Braden Schneider nineteenth overall in the 2020 draft. Schneider brings a physical style of play and good size to aid him in that at 6’2″ and 187 lbs. He will continue to develop physically and get stronger to be even more of a presence. He certainly does not shy away from big hits. His physical style is an integral part of his defensive play. He has a leadership quality as he’s the captain of the Brandon Wheat Kings in the WHL this season.

Schneider also has offensive upside, posting five goals and 22 assists for 27 points in 22 games this season. It may be useful for the Rangers to give him a year in Hartford to further develop his game instead of making a jump from juniors to the NHL. Schneider probably won’t spend next season with the Rangers. It would be more helpful for him to play meaningful minutes in Hartford instead of potentially being the sixth or seventh defenseman on the depth chart for the Rangers.

Note: all stats come from hockey-reference.com and eliteprospects.com

NHL Rumors

JD back in Columbus! Red Wings trade buzz and more here.

David Quinn reacts to Anthony Bitetto’s goal

Island Park, NY native Anthony Bitetto wowed the at-home audience and his teammates by scoring a beauty against the Caps. The 30 year-old defenseman took control of the puck and described it as a “blackout moment” and a “magical” goal.

Here’s how his coach saw it. “I was thinking. ‘Holy Bleepin’ what is he doing’?”

Coach speaks the truth. 😂 pic.twitter.com/WQlXxsup6Q

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 5, 2021

Tony DeAngelo trade situation timeline

• 2/1 – DeAngelo clears waivers
• 2/2 – Darren Dreger states trade within days
• 2/4 – Bob McKenzie contradicts some reporting on NYR eating salary
• 2/4 – Flames, Kings, Ducks, and Red Wings reported interested
• 2/5 – Larry Brooks reports DeAngelo for Bennett deal discussed
• 2/5 – Flames reporter refutes interest in DeAngelo

Forever Blueshirts also took a deeper dive into what a Sam Bennett trade with the Flames would look like. And how the LA Kings are likely a better trade partner.

Check out DGH’s latest NHL Trade Bait Board

Tony DeAngelo claims the top spot, but a lot of new names are now on the list too.

Catch up on the latest NHL News and Scores

When it comes to expanded rosters, the belief is the NHL would use a similar model as they did with Return to Play. Nothing has been finalized, including how these players would impact the cap, but there is talk of increasing rosters from 23 to 26.

RELATED: Looking at a potential Rangers taxi squad

Expanded rosters could greatly impact the Rangers

Let’s assume the 23 man roster will have many of the same names we saw last year like Phil Di Giuseppe, Julian Gauthier, and Brendan Smith. We should also add players like Alexis Lafreniere, Libor Hajek and possibly Tarmo Reunanen. Replacements should include Kevin Rooney for Jesper Fast and Jack Johnson for Marc Staal.

Here’s my top candidates for an expanded roster:

• K’Andre Miller, D
• Morgan Barron, C
• Anthony Bitetto, D
• Darren Raddyish, D
• Tim Gettinger, F
• Colin Blackwell, C

Keeping K’Andre Miller and Morgan Barron around

The top two names on my list are included primarily because the AHL could start later than the NHL. In my mind, it would be extremely beneficial for both K’Andre Miller and Morgan Barron to get in practice time with the big club.

Keep in mind that there’s been a lot of talk about performance bonuses for players like Miller and Barron. Until we know for sure how expanded rosters will count against the cap, they should remain serious considerations.

Other possibilities for the Rangers expanded roster

The Blueshirts signed Anthony Bitetto and Darren Raddysh to anchor the defense in Hartford. It would make sense for them to be added to the Rangers roster if expanded.

Same can be said for Colin Blackwell who was a depth center signing. A familiar face that knows David Quinn’s system is Tim Gettinger. He certainly can provide fourth line punch in a pinch.

New York Rangers expanded roster

If the Rangers can, they should keep both Miller and Barron up until the AHL gets going. One player I believe the Rangers need to keep around is defenseman Anthony Bitetto.

When the AHL is in full swing, I am proponent to add Colin Blackwell and Tim Gettinger to fulfill the extra three players. Miller and Barron should be shining and developing for the Wolf Pack in 2021.

Check out the latest NHL rumors

The Daily Goal Horn is growing and becoming a favorite pit stop for crazy hockey fans. Check out the latest below.

For next season, they are not talking about expanded rosters but “taxi squads”. The issue with expanded rosters are basically cap related. There is no cap to worry about in the playoffs, but the regular season is a different ball of wax.

According to early reports, these taxis squads would consist of 5 skaters and 1 goalie. The caveat, is they would have to be on an AHL salary (under the $1.075 million threshold you are allowed to bury in the AHL without a cap penalty).

RELATED: NHL likely to shorten camp, invites, and add taxi squads

New York Rangers Return to Play expanded roster

Let’s first look at who the extra skaters were the Rangers brought with them to the bubble last season.

Forwards: Steven Fogarty (gone), Tim Gettinger, Vitali Kravtsov (on loan), Vinni Lettieri (gone), Gregg McKegg (gone), and Danny O’Regan.

Defense: Brandon Crawley, Libor Hajek, and Darren Raddysh

It’s very possible that Gettinger, Hajek, and Crawley could be on the taxi squad but let’s dive into it further.

Yesterday, I wrote about whom the Rangers should bring to training camp. There are certainly going to be battles for roster spots. At the moment, Anthony Bitetto is listed as the 7th defenseman, which is unlikely to remain that way. I see Hajek or Reunanen taking the 7th defense spot.

Also, Colin Blackwell is one of the forwards on the team roster on the Rangers website. That will not be the case as Alexis Lafreniere will make the team.

Predicting the New York Rangers Taxi Squad

When constructing the taxi squad, it makes sense to go with an actual unit. Three forwards, two defenseman, and one goalie. All have to meet that criteria of being either under the allowed salary limit or on a two-way contract.

Here’s who I see being on the New York Rangers taxi squad:

• Forward, Colin Blackwell
• Forward, Tim Gettinger
• Forward, Danny O’Regan
• Defense, Brandon Crawley (or Libor Hajek if Reunanen beats him out)
• Defense, Anthony Bitetto
• Goalie, Keith Kinkaid

I know, the first thing some of you are saying is why not players like K’Andre Miller, Morgan Barron, and Tarmo Reunanen? While they all have two-way deals, it would be better if they were actually playing in order to develop. Also, with Miller and Barron they have bonus clauses tied to their ELC’s that would already stress the cap.

RELATED: Understanding the Rangers cap situation and those pesky performance bonuses

Get to know the Rangers new “Black Aces”

The term “Black Aces” was made popular during the 1994 NYR Cup winning season. Nick Kypreos was a member of that squad and talked fondly about always being ready when the team needed him. Kyper discussed this on the latest episode of the Forever Blueshirts Radio podcast.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE

On this new edition, I added two centers in Blackwell and O’Regan. The 27 year-old Blackwell was signed this offseason and played for the Nashville Predators last year. In 27 games, he potted three goals and 10 points. O’Regan is 26 years-old and has 22 games of NHL experience with 5 points. He has been in the AHL for the last two seasons.

Two more members of the Wolf Pack were added with Brandon Crawley (D) and Tim Gettinger (F). The 23 year-old Crawley is a NJ native that has offensive upside and played one exhibition game for the Rangers. Gettinger is 22 years-old and has played 6 games with the Blueshirts, including 2 last season.

Finally, we go with two more players signed this offseason in goaltender Keith Kinkaid and defenseman Anthony Bitetto. Kinkaid is the elder statesman of the group at 31 year of age and was signed to a 2 year deal in order to be exposed in the Seattle expansion draft in 2021.

Bitetto is the most seasoned skater of this group with 183 NHL games including 51 with the Winnipeg Jets last year. The 30 year-old rearguard and Long Island native would also be the most likely call up on defense if there’s a significant injury.

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