don't mind us. we'll be watching this on repeat for the rest of the night. pic.twitter.com/h20BA3fADC

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

Despite their recent struggles, the Wolf Pack are tied for sixth-place (4-7-4-0, 12 points) with the Bridgeport Islanders for the final playoff spot in the Atlantic Division.

The Wolf Pack’s offense received a welcome boost when the New York Rangers assigned Gabe Perreault to Hartford on Sunday. He reunited with Dowling and Jaroslav Chmelař on the top line, after picking up his first NHL point (assist) in three games with the Rangers. Perreault still leads Hartford with 10 points, and is tied for the team lead with five goals.

Scott Morrow was called up to New York on Sunday, when Perreault was reassigned to the minors. The 23-year-old defenseman made his Rangers debut in a 2-1 loss to the Detroit Red Wings, after he recorded two points (one goal, one assist) in 11 games with Hartford. Morrow is on New York’s three-game road trip out west, but was a healthy scratch Tuesday when Will Borgen returned to the lineup for a 3-2 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights.

Veteran goalie Spencer Martin signed a two-year contract with the Rangers last week, and will mentor Dylan Garand and also provide depth. The 30-year old appeared in 14 games with CSKA Moscow this season, posting a 5-6-0 record, 2.69 goals-against average, and .905 save percentage.

Hartford Wolf Pack News-n-Notes

Dylan Roobroeck heating up

Second-year forward Dylan Roobroeck is heating up. After a slow start, Roobroeck, a sixth round pick (No. 178) in the 2023 NHL Draft by the Rangers, has seven points (five goals, two assists) in his past 10 games. He is tied for the team lead in goals (five) with Perreault and Trey Fix Wolansky, after leading Hartford with 20 last season. The 21-year-old has eight points (five goals, three assists) and is tied for fourth on the team in scoring, with Berard.

Hilly ➡️ Beebs ➡️ Roobs pic.twitter.com/W6siRUDbv3

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) November 9, 2025

The 6-foot-7 forward’s production is welcome at a time when Hartford is struggling to score (34 goals, tied for 24th out of 32 AHL teams). Hartford coach Grant Potulny put Roobroeck on the second line with Anton Blidh and Brennan Othmann, and also on the second power-play unit (with Othmann, Fix-Wolansky, Bryce McConnell-Barker, and Connor Mackey), where he’s scored three power-play goals.

It took Roobs just 8 seconds into the power play to net this beauty 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/IMgDF4XJ3l

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) November 16, 2025

Roobroeck had 34 points (20 goals, 14 assists) in 2024-25, and is on pace to surpass those numbers.

Penalty kill woes are back

Originally a bright spot for Hartford, the penalty kill was best in the AHL on Nov. 7, operating at 89.5 percent (34-for-38). Now, Hartford’s penalty kill dropped to 21st in the league (79.7 percent; 51-for-64). The Wolf Pack conceded 11 goals down a player in the past eight games.

A lack of discipline and continued parade to the penalty box is reminiscent of last season, when the Wolf Pack failed to reach the Calder Cup Playoffs. Hartford’s been short-handed 64 times (third most in AHL) through 15 games. And that’s costing them late in games again. Hartford’s been outscored 15-8 in the third period this season, with eight of those goals against scored with the Wolf Pack on the PK.

Sloppy play could cost Grant Potulny his job

In addition to taking too many penalties and a struggling penalty kill, the Wolf Packlook like an uninspired team far too often this season. Sloppy, dispirited play is a hallmark this season, and Potulny stated that there’s been signs of “quitting” by the Wolf Pack players.

The New York Post reported that Potulny was ushered into a postgame meeting with Hartford general manager Ryan Martin recently. So, it’s clear that the Rangers are none too happy with their AHL affiliate, and, perhaps, with the coach.

Hartford’s losing streak was paved with costly mistakes. On Nov 1 against Lehigh Valley, Garand fumbled the puck in overtime and the Phantoms scored into an empty net. Then on Nov. 7 against Laval, the Rocket converted a key power-play goal as Hartford was out-shot 17-8 in the third. On Nov. 8 against Belleville, Hartford lost the game with five seconds left by allowing a short-handed goal.

The Wolf Pack didn’t quit Tuesday. They trailed 2-0 after two periods, and were considerably outplayed in that span. But they scored twice in the third period, and sealed their first win in weeks on Fitzgerald’s clutch goal.

Perhaps Hartford can carry some positive momentum into this weekend.

• Defenseman Blake Hillman sustained an upper-body injury and is week to week
• Goaltender Dylan Garand is week to week with an upper-body injury

Upcoming Games

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

Friday, November 21 vs Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (Pittsburgh) at 7:00pm, PeoplesBank Arena

• This is the third of six meetings in the season series. Hartford is 0-2-0-0 against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
• Wilkes-Barre/Scranton is 12-3-1-0 for 25 points. They are first in the Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference. The Penguins are tied for first overall in the AHL with the Colorado Eagles.
• Sam Poulin leads the Penguins with 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) and is tied for ninth in the league. Next is Tristan Broz with 13 points (eight goals, five assists).
• Two of their top four scorers, Danton Heinen (14 points) and Ville Koivunen (11 points), were recalled by the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Saturday, November 22 vs Lehigh Valley Phantoms (Flyers) at 6:00pm, PeoplesBank Arena

• This is the third of six meetings in the season series. Hartford is 0-0-2-0 against Lehigh Valley.
• Lehigh Valley is 9-4-1-1 for 20 points. They are third in the Atlantic Division and tied for fourth (with the Rochester Americans) in the Eastern Conference.
• Alex Bump leads the Phantoms with 13 points (four goals, nine assists). Next in scoring is Anthony Richard with 12 points (four goals, eight assists).

In Hartford’s 4-2 loss to the Springfield Thunderbirds on Saturday, Matt Rempe and Brett Berard each scored a goal and then were summoned to play in New York with the Rangers in a 5-2 loss to the St. Louis Blues on Monday.

A 4-1 loss to the Bridgeport Islanders on Sunday featured a goal from Benoit-Oliver Groulx.

The Wolf Pack enter Thanksgiving week fifth in the Atlantic Division, 10th in the Eastern Conference, and 18th in the AHL with a record of 8-7-1-1 (.529) for 18 points.

Related: Rangers send Matt Rempe right back down to AHL Hartford after appearance against Blues

Hartford Wolf Pack storylines

Adam Sykora – photo courtesy Hartford Wolf Pack

Adam Sykora’s work ethic shines

Adam Sykora continues to stand out with his solid two-way play. The 20-year-old forward has five points (one goal, four assists) in his past six games and 10 points (three goals, seven assists) in 17 games this season. Sykora is tenacious and finds ways to get the puck on net, something Hartford struggles to do consistently. He has 29 shots on goal, tied for fifth on the Wolf Pack, just six back of team leader Groulx (35).

Potulny on Sýkora: 10 points in 16 games is pretty good. He plays the game with his teeth grit, and that’s a guy that you wanna go to war with all the time. #NYR

— Keegan Jarvis (@TheKeeganJarvis) November 24, 2024

In the neutral and defensive zones, Sykora’s game features grit and frustrates opponents. He has a knack to break up plays and can control play to help Hartford transition from defense to offense. One aspect the Rangers prospect does well is focus on key details of the game. He’s adept at keeping the puck away from defenders. And he regularly makes smart passes, lately with linemates Rempe and Jake Leschyshyn.

Sykora continues to have great positioning as he is one of two forwards on the roster who’s not taken a penalty this season (Blade Jenkins is the other). Furthermore, Rempe’s improved play as of late is influenced by Sykora, since they’ve developed nice chemistry. Pairing Sykora’s speed and skill with Rempe’s size benefits the Wolf Pack.

Potulny on the Sýkora-Leschyshyn-Rempe line: Everything that I talk about that we didn’t do, those guys do shift after shift. There’s a reason they’re successful. That line is staying together for sure. #NYR

— Keegan Jarvis (@TheKeeganJarvis) November 25, 2024

Defensive inconsistencies

Hartford coach Grant Potulny must revisit the Wolf Pack’s defensive struggles. Initially improving in the prior weekend when Hartford gave up four goals in two games, the Wolf Pack allowed 12 goals in three games this past week. Furthermore, they was outshot 101-84 in their past three games and surrendered a season-high 45 against Charlotte.

Potulny: It’s about consistently having sustainable success, and sustainable success is all the small things that we talk about all week. Until we can get that figured out, we’re not gonna be able to get over the hump. #NYR

— Keegan Jarvis (@TheKeeganJarvis) November 24, 2024

This also led to Hartford’s offensive struggles — three goals in its past two games. The Wolf Pack recorded 10 shots or less in five of six periods. Expand the scope to three games, the number goes to seven of nine periods. The lack of offensive zone time has hurt production. The Wolf Pack cannot generate offensive opportunities if they are out-shot heavily with most of the game played in their own end of the ice.

Potulny: You can’t turn pucks over in professional hockey. If you look at an NHL box score, the team that turns the puck over the most usually loses. You look at [Springfield’s] turnovers, and a high game would be 14, 15. We were much higher than that tonight. #NYR

— Keegan Jarvis (@TheKeeganJarvis) November 24, 2024

Notes

• Benoit-Oliver Groulx has scored two goals in the past three games.
• Alex Belzile had five points (three goals, two assists) in five games.
• Hartford no longer has the best home record in the AHL. It is 8-3-0-0 at the XL Center. The Toronto Marlies have the best home mark this season, 8-0-0-2.

Upcoming Games

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

Wednesday, November 27th vs Lehigh Valley Phantoms (Flyers) at 7 p.m., XL Center

• This is the third of six meetings in the season series. The Wolf Pack are 1-0-0-1 against the Phantoms. These rivals meet again in back-to-back games on Jan. 10-11.
• Entering the week, Lehigh Valley is 6-6-3-1 for 16 points. The Phantoms are seventh in the Atlantic Division and 13th in the Eastern Conference.
• Samu Tuomaala leads the Phantoms with 16 points (six goals, 10 assists). Olle Lycksell is second with 11 points (three goals, eight assists).

Saturday, November 30th vs Springfield Thunderbirds (Blues) at 4:05 p.m., MassMutual Center

• This is the fourth of 10 meetings in the season series. Hartford is 1-2-0-0 against the Springfield. The Wolf Pack look to record their first road win of the season. They are without a victory in six road contests so far.
• Entering the week, Springfield is 8-8-1-0 for 17 points. The Thunderbirds are sixth in the Atlantic Division and 11th in the Eastern Conference. They are on a four-game winning streak.
• Nikita Alexandrov and Dalibor Dvorsky are tied for the team lead in points with 13. Each forward has six goals and seven assists. Marcus Sylvegard has 12 points (seven goals, five assists).

Top Rangers prospect Brennan Othmann went down with an upper-body injury in a 5-4 overtime win against Bridgeport at the XL Center on Saturday. The 21-year-old forward was injured in the second period and didn’t return. He also did not play Sunday. The Wolf Pack (2-1-0-1) have yet to provide an update on his injury.

Othmann, who scored two goals Friday in a 6-5 home win against Springfield, was hurt after a 2-on-1 with linemate Alex Belzile when he was checked by Bridgeport’s Calle Odelius. A scrum ensued and Othmann left the ice.

The 2021 first-round pick has four points (two goals, two assists) in three games after recording four points (one goal, three assists) in six preseason games with the Rangers.

In addition, defenseman Matthew Robertson and forward Nathan Sucese each is day to day with unspecified injuries. Robertson has one assist in three games; Sucese is scoreless in his lone appearance this season.

Related: Brett Berard continues scorching start for Wolf Pack

Hartford Wolf Pack week ahead

Coach Grant Potulny — courtesy Hartford Wolf Pack

Grant Potulny won his first game as Hartford coach on Friday, But the Wolf Pack’s two-game win streak ended Sunday when they were shut out 4-0 by Bridgeport in the second half of a home-and-home set.

Still, taking two of three wasn’t bad, especially with the way Hartford’s offense took flight Friday and Saturday. Forward Brett Berard had a two-goal game Saturday and has four goals and six points in four games. Forward prospect Jaroslav Chmealr broke out with a three-point game (two goals, one assist) on Friday. Bo Groulx had a career-high four points (two goals, two assists) on Saturday.

Catch Brett Berard's postgame media availability following last night's thrilling OT win against the Islanders ↓ pic.twitter.com/IfdZ4NCXj6

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) October 20, 2024

But the other side of the puck has been a bit troublesome for Hartford, which has allowed 17 goals in four games. As a result, Hartford is tied with Cleveland and Henderson for the third-highest goals against in the AHL. The Wolf Pack have allowed at least four goals in each of their four games.

Potulny mentioned on the Wolf Pack’s pregame show Sunday that improving the overall team defense is a priority. That means cutting down on turnovers, scoring chances and shots on goal. Springfield and Bridgeport each capitalized on numerous defensive mistakes — including sequences where they had too much room and time, and the Hartford defenders were out of position.

Despite a seasoned blue line for the Wolf Pack, Hartford has work to do improving its defensive play. While scoring is not a problem, since Hartford has scored 14 goals, tied for 11th in the AHL (with Syracuse), it cannot sustain having to score four goals or more to win games.

That said, let’s take a look at the week ahead for Hartford.

Friday, October 25 vs Lehigh Valley Phantoms (Flyers) at 7 p.m., XL Center

• This is the second of six meetings this season; Hartford lost 4-3 in a shootout on Oct. 12. Hartford and Lehigh Valley will meet again on Nov. 27.
• Lehigh Valley is 1-2-0 , following the win against Hartford by dropping two games to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, 4-3 and 3-0.
• Samu Tuomaala leads the Phantoms with three points (one goal, two assists). Tuomaala, Anthony Richard, and Rodrigo Abols each had two points against Hartford in the first game.
• Listen – Mixlr. Watch – AHLTV.

Sunday, October 27 vs Springfield Thunderbirds (Blues) at 4 p.m., XL Center

• This is the second of 10 games between the teams this season. Hartford won 6-5 on Oct. 18. Hartford and Springfield will next play on Nov. 26.
• Entering the week, Springfield is 2-3-0. After losing to the Wolf Pack, Springfield split a home-and-home series against Providence, winning 4-2 before losing 3-0.
• Rookies Dylan Peterson and Dalibor Dvorsky are tied for the team lead in points with four. Peterson has four goals (two against Hartford); Dvorsky has two goals and two assists.
• Listen – Mixlr. Watch – AHLTV.

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.

The 44-year-old was head coach the past seven seasons with Northern Michigan University in the NCAA. Prior to leading NMU, Potulny spent eight seasons with University of Minnesota as an assistant coach. So, his background is teaching and development.

OFFICIAL: #NYR has named Grant Potulny Head Coach of the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack. Potulny is the eighth head coach in Wolf Pack history.#RunTogether pic.twitter.com/ATekLLjlNO

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) June 27, 2024

Potulny is getting his first opportunity to coach professionally and is now responsible for leading Rangers prospects and seasoned professionals in Hartford after the Wolf Pack reached the Atlantic Division Final for the second straight season, marking the first time it advanced beyond the first round in consecutive seasons since 1998 to 2000.

Related: Rangers GM has busy to-do list in Las Vegas

Rangers pick Grant Potulny to unlock prospects’ potential with Wolf Pack

Potulny could have the opportunity to work with several important Rangers prospects next season.

Rangers draft picks Brett Berard (25 goals) and Brennan Othmann (21) were 1-2 in goal scoring for Hartford last offseason. Goalie Dylan Garand had another strong playoff run and was reliable when veteran Louis Domingue was injured. Defenseman Victor Mancini joined the team late in the season and was impressive in the playoffs, and forwards Bryce McConnell-Barker and Adam SYkora are key Rangers prospects in Hartford, too..

Potulny is experienced in bringing out the best in young players, and could be more in tune with that role than interim coach Steve Smith, who replaced Kris Knoblauch last season in Hartford after Knoblauch took over as coach of the Edmonton Oilers.

He was WCHA coach of the year in 2017-18 and had numerous playoff runs, posting a regular season record of 128-113-17 (wins-loss-ties) at NMU

Rangers general manager Chris Drury and Hartford GM Ryan Martin selected a candidate with extensive experience coaching players who are in early development stages of their careers. Selecting a collegiate coach allows for an easier adjustment to the AHL and progression must continue from a player standpoint.

Potulny also has experience as an assistant coach on the international stage. He was an assistant for the United States at the World Junior Championship in 2013, 2017, 2018, 2022, and helped the U.S. win gold medals in 2013 and 2017 and a bronze medal in 2018.

He will also be tasked to continue developing a winning culture, which began under Knoblauch. Playoff experience is important because prospects will get a taste of playoff hockey prior to a potential arrival to New York.

Potulny will looked to be a better game manager than Smith, who struggled at times in key situations last season. It is crucial to have the next coach understand the roster and be able to steer the ship correctly.

A struggle last season for Hartford was its inconsistency at both ends of the rink. Potulny is known for putting players in the best situations to succeed, which will only help their development. His patience with the younger players will be crucial, as well.

The individual and collective results will mark Potulny’s success or failure in his new role with the Wolf Pack. But after Knoblauch’s solid run, it’s exciting to see another young respected coach take over in Hartford.

Potulny recently resigned as coach of Northern Michigan University to pursue professional hockey opportunities after he was 128-113-17 in seven seasons. NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman had reported that Potulny was the likely choice to land the Wolf Pack job.

At NMU, Potulny had four 20-win seasons after spending eight seasons as an assistant coach at the University of Minnesota, which won six regular-season titles and made five NCAA tournament appearances.

Last season, NMU finished 12-16-6.

OFFICIAL: #NYR has named Grant Potulny Head Coach of the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack. Potulny is the eighth head coach in Wolf Pack history.#RunTogether pic.twitter.com/ATekLLjlNO

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) June 27, 2024

Related: Rangers could tap into USA Hockey program again in 2024 NHL Draft

Rangers hire Grant Potulny to replace interim coach Steve Smith with Wolf Pack

Potulny, 44, will become the second consecutive younger coach to step into his first professional head coaching job with the Wolf Pack. Kris Knoblauch, who led to the Edmonton Oilers to Game 7 of the recently completed Stanley Cup Final, took the job before the 2019-20 season and was 112-87-31 with one playoff appearance with the Wolf Pack. He left Hartford in November when hired by the Oilers.

Steve Smith took over on an interim basis when Knoblauch moved on to the NHL. Smith led the Wolf Pack to the Atlantic Division Final, where they were swept by the eventual Calder Cup champion Hershey Bears.

A North Dakota native, Potulny also served on Team USA’s coaching staff in numerous international tournaments. He was an assistant for the World Junior Championship in 2013, 2017, 2018, 2022, helping Team USA win gold medals in 2013 and 2017 and a bronze medal in 2018.

Potulny played six seasons in the AHL after being selected No. 157 overall by the Ottawa Senators in the 2000 NHL Draft. A forward, Potulny totaled 145 points (73 goals, 72 assists) in 290 AHL games.

He is the eighth head coach in Wolf Pack history.

“I heard Potulny is going to Hartford,” NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman said on his latest 32 Thoughts podcast.

Speculation that Potulny will end up with the Wolf Pack grew on Wednesday when Kirk MacDonald landed the coaching job with Scranton-Wilkes Barre after Potulny had also been rumored to be in consideration for that position.

Potulny stepped down recently after seven seasons as Northern Michigan coach, citing an interest in pursuing a position in professional hockey. He was 128-113-17 with the Wildcats, including four 20+-win seasons.

The latest details on Grant Potulny's departure from @NMUHockey and the program's search for its next head coach 👇 pic.twitter.com/JE2KigqprQ

— Kevin McNulty (@kevinmcnultyTV6) June 12, 2024

NMU was 12-16-6 this past season under Potulny, who previously was an assistant at his alma mater, the University of Minnesota.

The 44-year-old native of North Dakota also was an assistant four times for the United States at the World Junior Championships, helping them capture the gold medal in 2013 and 2017 and a bronze in 2018.

Related: Wolf Pack offseason to-do list topped by coaching decision

Grant Potulny reportedly in running to be next Wolf Pack coach

If the Rangers do hire Potulny, it would be the second consecutive younger coach stepping into his first professional head coaching job with the Wolf Pack. Kris Knoblauch had been a head coach for two teams in junior, and an assistant with the Philadelphia Flyers, before being named Wolf Pack coach ahead of the 2019-20 season.

Knoblauch, who filled in as interim Rangers coach for six games when David Quinn was in COVID-19 protocol in 2021, was hired by the Edmonton Oilers last Nov. 12 to be their coach, and currently has them in the Stanley Cup Final. They trail the Florida Panthers 3-2 in the best-of-7 series after a 5-3 win in Game 5 on Tuesday.

Steve Smith stepped in as interim coach with the Wolf Pack when Knoblauch left for the Oilers job, Smith guided the Wolf Pack to the Atlantic Division Final, where they were swept by the Hershey Bears.

Potulny played six seasons in the AHL after being selected No. 157 overall by the Ottawa Senators in the 2000 NHL Draft. A forward, Potulny had 145 points (73 goals, 72 assists) 290 AHL games.