Forwards Riley Hughes and Eric Ciccolini were both removed off the Rangers reserve list per CapFriendly.

continued…

Players that came off their teams reserve list yesterday that we did not have on our original list:

C McCarthy #NJDevils
P Moynihan #NJDevils
E Ciccolini #NYR
R Hughes #NYR
L Loheit #goSENSgo

(2/2)

— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) August 16, 2023

Rangers let Riley Hughes and Eric Ciccolini go

The Rangers drafted Riley Hughes in 2018 (7th round, 216 overall) as he prepared for his college career at Northeastern University.

In 118 games, the winger amassed 11 goals and 21 assists for 32 points. His father Kent Hughes is the current GM of the Montreal Canadiens. It wouldn’t be a surprise if the 23 year-old lands in the Habs organization.

Meanwhile, the Blueshirts selected Eric Ciccolini with the 205th pick of the 2019 Draft (7th round). The now 22 year-old played college hockey at the University of Michigan recording 15 goals and 19 assists for 34 points in 85 matches.

For more on Riley Hughes read here.

For more on Eric Ciccolini read here.

Wolf Pack sign Tristan Mullin

The Hartford Wolf Pack announced on Tuesday the signing of forward Tristan Mullin to a one-year AHL deal. He’s not eligible to be called up to the Rangers.

Mullin, 26, has registered 10 goals and 13 assists for 23 points in 83 career AHL games.

Hartford also re-signed forward Christiano DiGiacinto to a one-year AHL deal on August 9th.

DiGiacinto, 27, played in 36 games for the Pack last season scoring 3 goals and 9 assists for 12 points.

Note: Colege stats via Elite Prospects

Below are excerpts from the official report provided to the media via the New York Rangers.

New York Rangers Prospect Report: Red hot defensemen

• Zachary Jones tallied a goal and recorded four shots on goal while skating in his first game of the 2020-21 season with UMass on Nov. 20 against UConn, and he also tallied an assist and registered four shots on goal on Nov. 21 against UConn.

We recently spoke with Zac Jones and asked him who he models his game after. “As a kid I liked Erik Karlsson, but now that I am a bit older, I try to model my game after Torey Krug, a smaller guy, offensive, responsible in his D-zone,” he said.

• Nils Lundkvist registered five points (three goals, two assists) in three games during the past week; hetallied an assist and posted a plus-two rating in 23:14 of ice time on Nov. 19 against Orebro, recorded two points (one goal, one assist) and a plus-two rating on Nov. 21 against Linkoping, and established a single-game SHL career-high with two goals and tied a single-game SHL career-high with seven shots on goal on Nov. 22 against Farjestad. Lundkvist leads Lulea in shots on goal, and he is tied for the team lead in goals and power play goals (three) in 2020-21. Lundkvist ranks second on Lulea in average ice time this season, and his 20:37 average ice time per game is the highest among all SHL players who are 20 years old or younger.

Related: Nils Lundkvist on fire this weekend (w/video)

• Tarmo Reunanen tied for the game-high with nine shot attempts (three of which were on goal) and posted a plus-one rating in 26:54 of ice time on Nov. 18 against JYP, and he also registered a goal, recorded six shot attempts, and posted a plus-two rating while skating in a game-high 28:58 of ice time on Nov. 21 against TPS.

Vitali Kravtsov cools off and other forwards

• Vitali Kravtsov led all skaters with five shots on goal and 20:34 of ice time on Nov. 18 against SKA, and he established a single-game KHL career-high in ice time in the contest. Kravtsov also played on Traktor’s first line in each of the team’s three games during the past week. The Rangers’ first round pick (ninth overall) in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft has recorded 11 points (eight goals, three assists), a plus-eight rating, and 67 shots on goal in 22 KHL games with Traktor this season.

Kravtsov has not scored a point in his last 5 games or a goal in his last 9 contests. However, he continues to do all the little things right in all three zones.

• Eric Ciccolini recorded the game-winning goal on Nov. 19 against the University of Wisconsin and was on the ice for the game-winning goal in overtime on Nov. 20 against the University of Wisconsin. The Rangers’ seventh round pick (205th overall) in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft has recorded two goals/points in three games with the University of Michigan thus far this season, and he has also registered eight shots on goal and a plus-three rating in the three contests.

Ciccolini is coming off a shoulder injury and told us how about the constant communication with the Rangers. “Especially since the shoulder injury, there has been regular contact. [Jed] Ortmeyer also went to Michigan so there’s some familiarity there when we talk about our facilities“

• Lauri Pajuniemi tallied a goal and posted a plus-one rating on Nov. 21 against HPK. The Rangers’ fifth round pick (132nd overall) in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft has registered three points (two goals, one assist) and 32 shot attempts (18 of which have been on goal) in eight games with TPS in Liiga in 2020-21.

• Leevi Aaltonen was loaned to IPK in Mestis (Finland’s second-highest professional league) during the past week, and he registered three points (two goals, one assist) in two games with IPK during the week.

• Brett Berard is expected to begin his freshman season at Providence College on Nov. 27, as the Friars are scheduled to play their first regular season game in 2020-21 against Boston College.

• Riley Hughes is expected to begin his sophomore season at Northeastern University on Nov. 27, as the Huskies are scheduled to play their first regular season game in 2020-21 against UMass Lowell. The Rangers’ seventh round pick (216th overall) in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft tallied four points (one goal, three assists) in his freshman year last season.

Thanks again to the NYR PR staff for gathering this great info. Read the complete report in the link below.

Below are excerpts from the official report provided to the media via the New York Rangers.

New York Rangers prospect report: Russian prospects

• Vitali Kravtsov has recorded 10 points (eight goals, two assists), a plus-seven rating, and 58 shots on goal in 16 KHL games with Traktor thus far this season. The Rangers’ first round pick (ninth overall) in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft has notched a point in eight of the 16 games he has played in 2020-21, including a goal in seven of the 16 contests.
  
• Yegor Rykov has registered six assists and a plus-five rating in 19 KHL games with CSKA Moscow thus far in 2020-21.

Swedish prospects

• Nils Lundkvist has registered four points (two goals, two assists) and 26 shots on goal in 10 SHL games thus far in 2020-21, and he has averaged 20:20 of ice time in the 10 contests.

Latest on Nils Lundkvist as Lulea hit with positive COVID tests.

• Karl Henriksson has registered three assists, 12 shots on goal, and a plus-one rating in 11 SHL games with Frolunda thus far in 2020-21, and he has averaged 14:37 of ice time per game in the 11 contests.

• Adam Edstrom has recorded two points (one goal, one assist) and a plus-three rating in seven SHL games with Rogle thus far this season.

• Oliver Tarnstrom has tallied eight points (four goals, four assists) and a plus-six rating in 12 games with AIK’s J20 team in J20 Nationell thus far this season.

• Olof Lindbom made 31 saves in each of his two appearances during the past week, and he earned a win on Nov. 8 against AIK.

• Calle Sjalin has recorded two assists in 12 SHL games with Leksands thus far in 2020-21. He is tied for second among Leksands defensemen in assists and ranks third among Leksands defensemen in points this season.

• Jacob Ragnarsson posted a plus-three rating over three games during the past week. The Rangers’ third round pick (70th overall) in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft has recorded one assist and has posted a plus-seven rating in 13 games with Timra in Allsvenskan thus far this season.

• Hugo Ollas has posted a 7-1-1 record, along with a 2.20 GAA, a .906 SV%, and 1 SO in nine appearances with Linkoping’s J20 team in J20 Nationell thus far in 2020-21.

Finnish prospects

• Tarmo Reunanen joined HPK of Liiga in Finland during the past week; HPK’s next scheduled game is Nov. 13 against Assat. Reunanen also averaged 23:51 of ice time per game in the seven games he played with TUTO Hockey in 2020-21.

“I have no idea about the schedule but I am ready to leave immediately when everyhting is clear and I get the call from the Rangers. I hope things get well as soon as possible with the current COVID restrictions and we get things started soon!“

Tarmo Reunanen

• Lauri Pajuniemi has registered one assist and 16 shot attempts (11 of which have been on goal) in four games with TPS in Liiga thus far in 2020-21.

• Leevi Aaltonen has registered one assist and 17 shot attempts (12 shots on goal) in eight games with KalPa in Liiga thus far in 2020-21. 

North American prospects

• Braden Schneider was invited to Canada’s National Junior Team Selection Camp in advance of the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship; the Selection Camp begins on Nov. 16 in Red Deer, Alberta.

• Matthew Robertson was invited to Canada’s National Junior Team Selection Camp in advance of the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship; the Selection Camp begins on Nov. 16 in Red Deer, Alberta.

• Dylan Garand was invited to Canada’s National Junior Team Selection Camp in advance of the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship; the Selection Camp begins on Nov. 16 in Red Deer, Alberta.

• Eric Ciccolini is expected to begin his sophomore season at the University of Michigan during the upcoming week, as the Wolverines are scheduled to play against Arizona State on Nov. 14 and Nov. 15. Ciccolini ranked second among Michigan freshmen in assists and tied for third among Michigan freshmen in points last season.

“I spoke to them on Friday (Draft Day) and got a sense they were interested in drafting me.”

Eric Ciccolini

• Matthew Rempe is expected to begin the regular season with the Spruce Grove Saints of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) during the upcoming week, as Spruce Grove is scheduled to play against Sherwood Park on Nov. 13 and Nov. 14.

Thanks again to the NYR PR staff for gathering this great info. Read the complete report in the link below.

Saturday 11/30 VS. Michigan

On Saturday night against the Wolverines, the Badgers came out a bit sluggish again. They were a bit sloppy in their own end, and could not generate much offensively. The Badgers took a penalty early in the first period, that led to a goal from Philadelphia Flyers 2019 first-round pick Cam York for the Wolverines. The period ended with the Badgers starting to find their feet, but the score remained 1-0 after one.

To start the second period, the Badgers looked a lot better, until they took another penalty roughly seven minutes into the period. The penalty to Ryder Donovan led to the second PP goal for the Wolverines. Facing a 2-0 deficit, the Badgers got it together. Just four minutes later, the Badgers cut the lead in half with a Dylan Holloway goal. In the final two minutes of the period, the Badgers’ hard work paid off, as Wyatt Kalynuk tied it up for the Badgers.

After gaining some serious momentum in the second period, the Badgers came out flying in the third period. For most of the period, it was a hard-fought battle, but it wasn’t until Rangers prospect K’Andre Miller scored with about seven minutes left in the game to give the Badgers a 3-2 lead, and eventually the win. The Badgers fought hard Saturday night, and got a well deserved win.

Sunday 12/1 VS. Michigan

After a well-fought win Saturday night, the Badgers took on the Wolverines again Sunday. The Badgers came out and let up an early goal to Rangers prospect Eric Ciccolini, as mentioned before.

From the start, it felt like a night the Badgers just didn’t have it. After falling behind 1-0 in the first, the Badgers found themselves on a PP early in the second period, with a chance to tie the game. Instead, Luke Morgan of the Wolverines scored a shorthanded goal and increased the Michigan lead to 2-0. Heading into the third period, the Badgers found themselves fighting for a goal. It wasn’t until late in the third period that Cole Caufield cut the Wolverine lead in half with an assist from K’Andre Miller. The Badgers were not able to get the tying goal in regulation and fell short 3-1 due to a late power-play goal from the Wolverines.

The Badgers are back at it this weekend against Michigan State for two games. These will be the last two games before the break heading into the World Junior Championships. Miller, Caufield, and Turcotte are near-certain locks to make the US team.

Through 16 games:
Alex Turcotte (Kings) – 14 games – 6 goals, 9 assists – 15 points
Cole Caufield (Canadiens) – 16 games – 10 goals, 8 assists – 18 points
K’Andre Miller (Rangers) – 16 games – 6 goals, 5 assists – 11 points

The last 17 months has seen an unprecedented amount of talent flood into the New York Rangers prospect pipeline. From the addition of 2017 ninth overall pick Vitali Kravtsov to the trade for star Harvard defenseman Adam Fox and the selection of Kaapo Kakko, the Rangers now have a prospect pipeline that is within the upper echelon of the NHL.

With all of these new faces joining the organization, we at Forever Blueshirts wanted to rank all these players and give you all just a little bit on each. Enjoy our forward, defense and goaltender prospect rankings, written by myself and Stat Boy Steven himself, Mr. Steven Voogel. We begin with the forwards.

#1 – Kaapo Kakko

What can we say about Kaapo Kakko? Highest draft pick since 1966 when it was still an amateur draft. Best prospect the Rangers have ever had. Won gold at the U18, U20 and Men’s World Championships before even being drafted. Easy number 1. – Steven

#2 – Vitali Kravtsov

The Russian kid who was picked ninth overall has silenced the critics after a remarkable season in Russia, where his contributions were higher than Eeli Tolvanen, Evgeny Kuznetsov, Artemi Panarin and Vladimir Tarasenko in their respective D+1 season. – Steven

#3 – Lias Andersson

The seventh overall pick in 2017, the Swede is taking a bit longer to develop than fans were hoping but is still the third-best forward prospect on the team. Guys like Mark Scheifele, Mat Barzal, Logan Couture, Claude Giroux, and many others were still playing junior hockey at this stage in their careers. Patience is key. Andersson had a higher contribution percentage in the AHL this past season than Martin Necas, Klim Kostin and Eeli Tolvanen, all of whom are considered blue-chip prospects. – Steven

#4 – Leevi Aaltonen

The speedy winger is all you want in a late-round pick. He’s fast, has great puck control, superb vision and can pot some goals on top of that. Style-wise, the best comparison is Tony Amonte. If Aaltonen can develop into a middle-six winger in the NHL, this pick will be the steal of 2019. – Steven

#5 – Morgan Barron

Barron was Cornell’s best player on the ice last season. After a decent freshman season for the Big Red where he recorded 18 points (5G, 18A) in 33 games, he exploded during his sophomore season with 34 points (15G, 19A) in 36 games. Barron, a 6’2”, 209 pound center, could possibly challenge for a roster spot during the 2020-21 season after he elected to stay at Cornell for his junior year. For a sixth-round pick, the Rangers may have gotten a steal. – Russell

#6 – Karl Henriksson

A talented center who drives the play. While playing with 2020 top prospect Lucas Raymond, he established himself as the best center on a very talented J20 Frölunda team. Expect Henriksson to play some big minutes in the SHL next season. – Steven

For a much more detailed analysis of Henriksson, click here.

#7 – Lauri Pajuniemi

Playing in the shadow of Kakko this season at TPS, the 19-year old winger was drafted last year by the Blueshirts and continues to develop. Of course, the development takes more time with him, but with Kakko most likely in New York, a bigger role should be up for grabs for Pajuniemi with the Finnish club. – Steven

#8 – Ty Ronning

The former seventh-round pick is a perplexing player in the Rangers organization. He had a decent start to his pro career in Hartford last season but he really seemed to hit his stride with the ECHL’s Maine Mariners. Ronning scored 61 goals as an overager in the WHL during his final season with the Vancouver Giants, but it’s not quite clear yet what the Rangers have in this kid. Due to his size, 5’9” and 172 pounds, the comparisons to former fan favorite Mats Zuccarello are going to be there. Is there a place for Ronning in the Rangers lineup as this rebuild continues? It’s tough to say at this point in time, and he definitely needs more time in the minors. Seventh-round picks don’t typically have a big chance at making the NHL so if Ronning can turn into a solid third or fourth liner one day, that would be great. For now, Ronning needs to focus on tearing it up in Hartford. – Russell

#9 – Adam Edström

For a big, tall winger, Edström moves remarkably well. He surprised both scouts and fans during the prospect development camp with his skating, and he is another late-round pick who shows signs of things to come. In those later rounds, you look for players who stand out in at least one aspect of the game. He played 15 games with Mora in the SHL and, despite being relegated, Edström impressed scouts enough to receive several offers from SHL teams, and he accepted the offer from Rögle, where he will play with fellow Rangers prospect Jakob Ragnarsson this upcoming season. – Steven

#10 – Eric Ciccolini

Seventh round, 205th overall. The Rangers have had some good history with that spot before. Ciccolini had a decent year in the OJHL (Ontario Junior Hockey League) where he put 62 points (27G, 35A) in 48 games. Pretty good stats for an 18-year-old. Unfortunately for Ciccolini, the issue here is that the OJHL isn’t looked at the same way the OHL, WHL and QMJHL are. It’s one of the lesser Canadian junior leagues along with the BCHL, which features Rangers prospect Riley Hughes, and AJHL. Ciccolini is committed to the University of Michigan next season and if he begins to put up really good numbers there, then the Rangers just might have something. If Ciccolini turns into any type of contributor for the Rangers down the line, this pick is a success. He has a long road ahead of him and a big depth chart to jump if he hopes to make the NHL someday, but the kid has shown signs that he could be something down the line. – Russell

Honorable Mentions

Jake Elmer, Riley Hughes, Gabriel Fontaine

Editor’s Note: To be included in the prospect ranking, a prospect must be either 23 years of age at season’s start OR have played less than 60 NHL games.