OFFICIAL: #NYR have acquired forward Anton Blidh from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for forward Gustav Rydahl and have acquired defenseman Wyatt Kalynuk from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for future considerations.

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 3, 2023

New York Rangers make minor moves

Kalynuk, 25, was originally drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the seventh-round of the 2017 draft. The left-handed defender amassed 9 points in 26 games before heading over to the Canucks.

Correction: Kalynuk was originally drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers.

Blidh, 27, has played 14 games this season with Avalanche registering no points. Originally selected by the Boston Bruins in the sixth-round of the 2013 Draft, he’s amassed 12 points in 84 games with 41 penalty minutes.

Rydahl, 28, was signed as a free agent by the Rangers out of Sweden this past summer. He collected 15 points in 40 games with the Hartford Wolf Pack.

As we enter the final week of February, Hartford has two games remaining on docket. In addition, the club has two games remaining until the 2023 National Hockey League trade deadline. Hartford will play the night after the trade deadline passes on March 3 in a match against Springfield.

Depending on moves made by the Rangers, the roster could be altered for that game. More roster moves likely as the American Hockey League trade deadline approaches in mid-March.

Hartford Wolf Pack Weekly

Schedule Outlook for Hartford

Twenty two games remain on the schedule for Hartford. The playoff push continues and despite recent three game losing streak, the club righted the ship in last weekend’s action. While the group is out of a playoff spot, we have to remain optimistic. One point separates the Wolf Pack from the final playoff spot. In fact, the Pack showed resiliency in the last two games.

Hartford was down by two goals in each contest and they managed to fight back. That is encouraging, especially where the group is at now compared to the first half of the season. Those would have been losses but they’ve become a more confident and resilient team.

Even in Friday’s loss to Bridgeport the Wolf Pack attempted to claw their way back in the third. At one point, it was 4-3 Islanders with five minutes remaining before a late penalty resulted in critical tally to put the game out of the Pack’s reach.

While it was a tough game to lose, Hartford still controls their own fate. They will be playing Bridgeport, Springfield, and other divisional opponents for a good number of games in March and April. All the Wolf Pack have to do is win out. It will be a tough and tall order, but if they can find their spark and go on a point or win streak, that will bode well.

Ready or not, it’s showtime.

Entering the week, Hartford is once again above .500 on the season. The club’s record stands at 21-20-3-6 for 51 points. That ranks the group seventh in the Atlantic Division, 10th in the Eastern Conference, and 20th in the AHL. The Wolf Pack are 5-5 in their last ten outings.

Taking a look at the 22 games remaining, Hartford has 10 home and 12 away games. Hartford is in the midst of a five game road-trip and will be road heavy for the next seven of eight games over the next couple of weeks. Once complete, the Wolf Pack will have a favorable home schedule in mid to late March, featuring six of eight at the XL Center.

In April, the Wolf Pack will have three home and three away games. The record for home and away is nearly identical. While seasons past had Hartford playing well at home while struggling on the road, this season is well more rounded. At the XL Center, Hartford is 11-0-0-5 and 10-10-3-1 away from it.

Stay tuned for the AHL’s Playoff Primer as that will become available soon. The primer will be updated daily to show the magic number for teams to clinch a 2023 Calder Cup Playoffs spot.

Standings Outlook

Two points behind the Wolf Pack are the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. The Penguins are eighth (last) in the Atlantic Division with a record of 21-21-2-5 for 49 points. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton has two wins in their last ten outings (2-6-0-2). Despite the struggles, Hartford has to keep an eye on the Penguins as they are in the playoff race and within striking distance.

In the final playoff spot in the division, the Bridgeport Islanders are holding onto the spot one point ahead of Hartford. Bridgeport is 22-19-7-1 for 52 points. The Islanders are on a three game winning streak and are 5-4-1 in their last ten outings. Hartford is 2-5 against Bridgeport, which is not ideal for the current situation the Wolf Pack are in. Keep in mind that the season series is 12 games. There is still time for the club to win the season series, but they have little margin of error.

In fifth place with little cushion, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms are 25-20-3-2 for 55 points in the standings. Hartford is four points behind the Phantoms. Lehigh Valley is finding ways to stay afloat and maintain in playoff positioning in the division. However, indications has shown that the Phantoms are struggling slightly more than usual. They are 5-5 in the last ten outings. They have lost their last three of five games as well.

Looking upward in the standings, the Springfield Thunderbirds are in fourth with 56 points (25-18-2-4) and five points ahead of Hartford. Then a large jump occurs as the Charlotte Checkers are in third with 62 points. In second are the Hershey Bears at 69, followed by the Providence Bruins in the first with 70 points.

Wolf Pack Watch

Gustav Rydahl’s Best Game of Season

The 28 year-old forward recorded his best game of the season last Sunday after struggling for most of the year. Prior to the game, Rydahl was in and out of the lineup often, depending on the opponent. His last goal prior to the hat-trick was on December 22. While the experienced forward provides a good two-way game, the offense many expected was missing.

always ready 😤 pic.twitter.com/CQus4iBtVE

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) February 19, 2023

Rydahl’s game found a spark as he excelled throughout the contest. In fact, the forward secured the hat trick after the Phantom’s Garrett Wilson recorded his. Rydahl was noticeable all over the ice and generated numerous chances. He recorded a season-high six shots on net.

Gus = 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/sQLBHNr0yx

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) February 20, 2023

This is just what the doctor ordered for the forward. He needed a game that boosts his confidence by letting out his frustrations out on the ice with goals. As we approach the two games this week, I am expecting Rydahl to carry over momentum and become a late season consistent forward for the group.

HE IS HIM pic.twitter.com/tzY57KNQoL

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) February 20, 2023

Captain Leads by Example

Jonny Brodzinski snapped his two game point drought in Friday’s contest and led the group to two well earned victories over the weekend. The veteran played with an edge, and was physical. Brodzinski recorded two goals, with one of them being the game winning goal in Saturday’s win against Providence. He now has 100 career AHL goals.

GWG courtesy of the Captain 🤩 pic.twitter.com/OUrtyMMLAZ

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) February 19, 2023

Libor Hajek scores for Pack

The 25 year-old defenseman skated in each of the three games last weekend. Hajek is playing solid for Hartford, despite a few defensive hiccups, he was noticeable on the ice. In Friday’s game, Hajek recorded two assists and had five shots on net. In Sunday’s contest, he recorded the game winning goal (yes, you read that right!).

Go ahead, Libor 🤩 pic.twitter.com/q6llqwIKLH

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) February 20, 2023

Bobby Trivigno With Good Weekend

In his rookie year and first full season in the AHL, Trivigno is progressing well. Trivigno has struggled offensively but carries a good work ethic and does generate offensive opportunities. While the competition is stiff to remain in the lineup, Trivigno’s appeared in 43 of the 50 games this season recording seven goals and 14 assists for 21 points.

This past weekend, he registered one goal and one assist on Saturday followed by two assists on Sunday.

NO QUIT FROM BOBBY T pic.twitter.com/jCcqWEVb7Y

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) February 19, 2023

Wolf Pack One Timers

• Tanner Fritz is two assists away from tying his career season high of assists of 28. After Sunday’s contest of recording three assists, Fritz has 26 assists in 45 games with Hartford. I expect the veteran to break his career season high this season.
  • Fritz also leads the team in points with 30. Fritz also has four goals.
• Turner Elson recorded one goal and on assist on Sunday.
• Ryan Carpenter and Tim Gettinger each recorded one goal and one assist over the weekend.
• Zac Jones recorded two assists over the weekend. Jones has points in the last 14 of 20 games. The prospect has five goals and 11 assists.
• Zach Giuttari recorded two assists over the weekend.

Wolf Pack Upcoming Games

Wednesday, February 22nd vs Springfield Thunderbirds (St. Louis) at 7:05pm, Mass Mutual Center

• This is the sixth of 12 meetings in the season series. Hartford is 1-3-0-1 against the Thunderbirds. The seventh will be on March 3rd and the eighth meeting will be on March 8th. Both will be in Springfield.
• The Thunderbirds are 8-1-1 in the last ten outings and are on a two game point streak (1-0-1). Springfield’s nine game winning streak was snapped last Friday.
• Veteran Martin Frk leads the active roster in points with 44. Through 44 games, Frk has 19 goals and 25 assists. Will Bitten is second on the active roster for points with 30. Through 42 games, the forward has 14 goals and 16 assists.
• Listen – Mixlr. Watch – AHLTV.

Saturday, February 25th vs Syracuse Crunch (Tampa Bay) at 7pm, Upstate Medical Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial

• This is the second and final meeting in the season series. Hartford dropped the first meeting by a score of 7-3 on January 28th.
• Entering the week, Syracuse is 23-18-4-3 for 53 points. That ranks the group second in the North Division and 7th in the Eastern Conference. The Crunch are on a two game winning streak and are 5-4-1 in the last ten outings.
• Experienced forward Alex Barre-Boulet leads the Crunch in points with 61. Through 46 games, the forward has 16 goals and 45 assists. Defenseman Darren Raddysh is second for points with 49. Through 47 games, the veteran has 13 goals and 36 assists.
• Listen – Mixlr. Watch – AHLTV.

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Early in the first period, Gauthier was sandwiched by former Ranger Ryan Reaves and Wild forward Brandon Duhaime leaving him in a heap on the ice. The Rangers announced his evening was over at the start of the second period with an upper-body injury. He played just 1:47 of total action.

New York took an even bigger blow when Chris Kreider had to leave the game in the third period. On the play, Marcus Foligno went shoulder-to-shoulder on Kreider as he was carrying the puck near the boards into the Wild zone. The Rangers leading goal scorer, who is tied with Mika Zibanejad at 19, was seen leaving the ice favoring his left arm.

After the game, head coach Gerard Gallant stated they have re-evaluations scheduled for this morning.

Chris Kreider and Julien Gauthier injured

Gauthier, 25, has registered six goals and nine points in 31 games since being an early season call-up from the Hartford Wolf Pack. The big and fast forward has been impressive playing a pivotal role on the Rangers fourth line.

Kreider, 31, has collected 30 points in 42 matches after a big 2021-22 campaign where he notched 52 goals. He was replaced by Alexis Lafreniere in the third period. If Kreider should miss any time, it will be interesting to see if Gallant gives the 2020 first overall pick and extended look on the top line.

Sammy Blais, who was scratched in favor of Jonny Brodzinski last night is the likely candidate to get back in the lineup should either or both players miss any time.

Regarding any call-ups from the Wolf Pack, Gustav Rydahl is most assuredly going to get the nod.

The 28 year-old forward has registered 4 goals and 9 points in 25 AHL games. He also has a +1 rating as Hartford’s coach Kris Knoblauch has applauded his overall game this season.

However, if the Rangers need to call up another forward, it would be great to see Will Cuylle get a look with the big club.

Cuylle, 20, was taken by the Blueshirts in the second round of the 2020 Draft. Listed at 6-3′ and 204 pounds the kid certainly has the size to play in the NHL. This season with the Pack, he’s recorded 10 goals and 17 points in 33 games of action.

A closer look at Cuylle’s power play goal pic.twitter.com/EEfNVDoaeO

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) January 11, 2023

The New York Rangers are scheduled to skate at the MSG Training Facility at 12:00 pm et today. An update on both Kreider and Gauthier should follow.

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This season, the 28 year-old has registered 4 goals and 9 points in 24 AHL games. He also has a +2 rating.

New York is already in Montreal for their game against the Canadiens tonight. It’s possible one or two of the Rangers’ forwards is under the weather or nursing an injury. Filip Chytil was reportedly not feeling well in his last game.

UPDATE: Jonny Brodzinski unavailable paternity leave

#NYR Gustav Rydahl was recalled because Jonny Brodzinski’s wife went into labor! Mazel Tov to the Brodzinskis 👶🏼

— Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) January 5, 2023

Rangers call up Gustav Rydahl

Rydahl signed a one-year, one-way contract over the summer as a free agent out of the SHL. It should be noted that he is waivers exempt.

In his four preseason contests, he registered an assist and picked up two shots and was one of the late cuts in camp. Last season for Färjestad BK of the Swedish Hockey League, he recorded 15 goals and 15 assists for 30 points.

“We liked everything he brought,” Gerard Gallant said via Vince Mercogliano. “For a guy we didn’t know at all, I was very impressed with him. He might be a guy that’s going to see some time up here.”

That time appears to have come from the big Swede, who tips the scales at 6-3 and 201 pounds. The veteran can also play center or wing and can kill penalties.

The New York Rangers are now back to the max roster limit of 23.

Rangers prospects Othmann and Chmelar square off

New York Rangers prospects Brennan Othmann and Jaroslav Chmelar will face each other in the final of the 2023 World Junior Championship on Thursday night.

The two players have a bit of history with each other dating back to the 2022 tournament’s preliminary round when Chmelar crunched Othmann from behind. It left both players shaken up with Chmelar being ejected from the game.

Afterwards, the Chmelar reached out to Othmann in order to make amends.

“I texted him and he said there are no hard feelings,” he said. “At the next Rangers camp I will buy him dinner and we will be fine”

Well we’ll see how fine things are after Czechia and Canada battle for Gold. Puck drop is slated for 6:30 pm et and will be broadcast on NHL Network.

Canada roared back on the US with six unanswered goals en route to a 6-2 victory and a chance to repeat as champions. Othmann did not register a point in the match and has 2 goals, 2 assists, for 4 points in six games to date.

Othmann, 19, was selected in the first round of the 2021 draft. He has 13 goals and 35 points in 26 games split between the Flint and Peterborough of the OHL. At the 2022 WJC, he registered 6 points in 6 games to help Canada capture Gold.

Czechia advanced to the final in a thrilling 2-1 overtime win over Sweden. In that match, Chmelar didn’t register a point. In six WJC games, he has 3 goals, 2 assists, for 5 points.

Chmelar, 19, was selected in the 5th round of the 2021 Draft. This season, he has 6 goals and 10 points in 18 games with Providence of the NCAA. He registered a goal in three games at the last tournament held in August.

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Since recalling Julien Gauthier, the team is running at the league maximum of 23 players on the roster.

Let’s be clear, the Rangers DO NOT have to place a player on waivers since they have 14 forwards, 7 defensemen, and 2 goalies. From a roster perspective, they would be forced into a decision if they took two minor injuries on defense. So either a forward would have to drop back or they place someone on waivers in order for a call up.

The biggest reason why the Rangers may want to place someone on waivers is to free up cap space as it will impact them at the trade deadline. For every $1 million in cap space accrued, it’s equivalent to around $4.5 million in player salary they can take on.

Now that we have that understood, let’s look ahead and rank who the Rangers may call up depending on need by position.

New York Rangers Call Ups: Forwards

1. Jonny Brodzinski (Center/Winger): 14 GP, 2 G, 7 A, 9 PTS, -3, 14 PIM

The 29 year-old forward is the captain of the Wolf Pack and a seasoned veteran with 84 games of NHL experience. Last season, he was called up for 22 games and registered one goal and one assist. Gerard Gallant likes the way the versatile forward plays and kills penalties.

2. Gustav Rydahl (Center/Winger): 12 GP, 2 G, 3 A, 5 PTS, -1, 10 PIM [Waivers Exempt]

Rydahl, 28, signed a one-year contract over the summer as a free agent out of the SHL. In his four preseason contests, he registered an assist and picked up two shots. Last season for Färjestad BK of the Swedish Hockey League, he recorded 15 goals and 15 assists for 30 points. He’s certainly someone to keep an eye on if an injury occurs at center.

“We liked everything he brought,” Gerard Gallant said via Vince Mercogliano. “For a guy we didn’t know at all, I was very impressed with him. He might be a guy that’s going to see some time up here.”

3. Will Cuylle (Winger): 14 GP, 3 G, 3 A, 6 PTS, -1, 17 PIM [Waivers Exempt]

The 20 year-old was among the late cuts in training camp and is adjusting nicely to the pro life in the AHL. He’s a power forward that uses his large size well. New York traded away Lias Andersson to the Los Angeles Kings in order to select the 6-3, 212 lbs forward in second round of the 2020 Draft. If he doesn’t get a shot this season, he definitely will in 2023-24.

4. Tim Gettinger (Winger): 14 GP, 5 G, 4 A, 9 PTS, -5, 9 PIM

The 24 year-old is an excellent forechecker and has enough NHL experience with 16 games for Gerard Gallant to have comfortability with. Last season, he played 8 games with the Rangers in a fourth line role.

5. Lauri Pajuniemi (Winger): 13 GP, 5 G, 1 A, 6 PTS, -2, 2 PIM [Waivers Exempt]

The 23 year-old was selected by the Rangers in the 5th round of the 2018 Draft for his goal scoring ability in Finland. It took him awhile to sign his ELC and make his way to North America where he’s slowly adjusting to the North American rinks and heavy style of play. He has yet to play an NHL game.

New York Rangers Call Ups: Defense

1. Ben Harpur (Left): 14 GP, 2 G, 0 A, 2 PTS, +2, 15 PIM

The 27 year-old was first signed to a Professional Tryout with the Hartford Wolf Pack on October 13 and then parlayed that into a one-year deal with the big club making him eligible for a call up. He’s a veteran of 156 NHL games.

2. Andy Welinski (Right): 13 GP, 3 G, 7 A, 10 PTS, -6, 6 PIM

The 29 year-old veteran defenseman has 46 NHL games under his belt and would be the likely call up in case of an injury to the right side. He signed a one-year deal over the summer and is currently the leading scorer for the Wolf Pack.

3. Matthew Robertson (Left): 11 GP, 0 G, 4 A, 4 PTS, -5, 6 PIM [Waivers Exempt]

The 21 year-old was selected by the Blueshirts in the second round of the 2019 Draft. At 6-4 and 201 pounds, he has the size to play in the NHL but failed to impress management this past training camp. In his one game of preseason action against Boston, Robertson played 18:37 and didn’t register a single hit or block. He still needs to improve at both ends of the ice.

New York Rangers Call Ups: Goalies

1. Louis Domingue: 4-2-3, 2.57 GAA, .908 SV%

The 30 year-old veteran backstop has a record of 59-60-10 in 142 career appearances. His GAA of 3.04 and SV% of .905 are also respectable for a backup. New York signed him after pushing them during their first round matchup in the playoffs. In six games against the Rangers in the 2022 playoffs, he posted a 3-3 record.

2. Dylan Garand: 1-3-1, 3.50 GAA, .889 SV% [Waivers Exempt]

The 20 year-old netminder had an amazing record of 34-9 and 4 shutouts for the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers in 2021-22. His GAA of 2.16 and his .925 SV% were good for second in the WHL. The goaltender was selected in the fourth round of the 2020 Draft and has exceeded expectations since being taken. At the WJC, he was a perfect 6-0 to help Team Canada win gold. Garand played in one preseason game and stopped 9 of 10 shots in a win over the Islanders. He’s been the victim of some bad defense in the AHL but continues to develop.

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Gustav Rydahl and Jonny Brodzinski will trim the roster down to 26 players come tomorrow afternoon.

Rydahl, who does not need to clear waivers was assigned to the Hartford Wolf Pack on Thursday. Brodzinski is on waivers and will be sent down once he clears to resume being captain of the Rangers’ AHL affiliate.

New York Rangers assign Gustav Rydahl to Wolf Pack

Rydahl, 28, signed a one-year, one-way contract over the summer as a free agent out of the SHL. The fact that he’s waivers exempt played a key role in why he was sent down.

“We liked everything he brought,” Gerard Gallant said via Vince Mercogliano. “For a guy we didn’t know at all, I was very impressed with him. He might be a guy that’s going to see some time up here.”

In his four preseason contests, he registered an assist and picked up two shots. Last season for Färjestad BK of the Swedish Hockey League, he recorded 15 goals and 15 assists for 30 points.

“This is what I have always wanted,” he said. “I got a really good feeling from the Rangers before I signed with them and now I am getting such good support from the players and staff.“I’m working hard to play the body and make plays. I knew it was going to be tough. But I’m doing everything I can and putting 100 percent of myself into it.”

NY Post

Brodzinski, 29, played in two preseason games and register no points on 6 shots. Last season, he played 22 games for the Blueshirts picking up a goal and an assist.

New York Rangers training camp roster

Per the Rangers Press Release the remaining players at camp are as follows:

Forwards (16): Sammy Blais, Jonny Brodzinski*, Ryan Carpenter, Filip Chytil, Julien Gauthier, Barclay Goodrow, Dryden Hunt, Kaapo Kakko, Vitali Kravtsov, Chris Kreider, Alexis Lafrenière, Artemi Panarin, Ryan Reaves, Vincent Trocheck, Jimmy Vesey, Mika Zibanejad

Defensemen (9): Matt Bartkowski, Adam Fox, Libor Hajek, Zac Jones, Ryan Lindgren, K’Andre Miller, Braden Schneider, Jarred Tinordi, Jacob Trouba

Goaltenders (2): Jaroslav Halak, Igor Shesterkin

*Brodzinski is on waivers for the purpose of assignment to the Wolf Pack.

The New York Rangers last preseason game is Saturday night against the New York Islanders.

NHL DIVISION PREVIEWS

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Igor Shesterkin has already been announced as the starter and is expected to go the distance. Jaroslav Halak will back him up and likely play the final preseason game against the New York Islanders on Saturday night.

In 71:41 of exhibition action, Shesterkin has stopped 36 of 39 shots for a save percentage of .923 to go with a GAA of 2.51.

UPDATE: Jaroslav Halak starts despite New York Rangers listed Igor Shesterkin as the starter. Apparently, he has a stomach issue.

Game and broadcast info below in bold and italics.

Gustav Rydahl to center Rangers 4th line

Tonight’s New York Rangers lineup gives fans a glimpse as to what the opening night roster may look like.

• Kreider – Zibanejad – Vesey
• Panarin – Trocheck – Kravtsov
• Lafrenière – Chytil – Kakko
• Blais – Rydahl – Goodrow
• Miller – Trouba
• Jones – Schneider
• Hajek – Bartkowski
• Shesterkin
• Halak

Jimmy Vesey is on a PTO and is being given serious consideration to make the team. In three preseason games, he’s recorded a goal and two assists. Vesey played primarily as a left wing but is being used on the right side with Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider tonight.

This game will also mark the first time Vincent Trocheck will center Artemi Panarin in an exhibition contest. Hopefully those two can translate their chemistry in practice to a solid performance against the Bruins. The Rangers made a huge decision and commitment to replace Ryan Strome with Trocheck by giving him a seven-year deal.

The Kid Line is staying together for now, but Gerard Gallant hinted that may not be the case to start the season.

“Maybe we’ll break up the Kid Line and spot somebody up [on the first line],” he said. “Honestly, we’re not 100% sure yet but we’ve got a good feeling. We’ll wait and see how things shake out.”

Gustav Rydahl is getting a huge opportunity to win the fourth line center role over Ryan Carpenter.

Rydahl, 28, signed as a free agent out of Sweden on a one-year, one-way contract and is waivers exempt. He’s a solid big man that is mature enough to play in the NHL and made a huge impression in the team’s last game. He registered an assist on K’Andre Miller’s game-winner versus the Devils and will look to build upon that tonight, centering Sammy Blais and Barclay Goodrow.

When I’m sitting down with (GM) Chris Drury and his staff,” Gallant explained. “We’re looking at a guy like Rydahl, that we don’t know very well, but has played very well. It’s a tough decision to make.”

On defense, there’s no surprises with K’Andre Miller and Jacob Trouba being paired together. Zac Jones has all but secured the third left defense spot with Braden Schneider as they’re paired again. It also looks like Libor Hajek and Matt Bartkowski, who is also on a PTO, are battling it out for the 7th defenseman spot.

Back at #NYR morning skate, where Ryan Lindgren (lower-body) and Adam Fox are not skating.

Team says Lindgren is day to day.

— Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) October 5, 2022

New York Rangers preseason notes:

• Jimmy Vesey leads the team with 3 points (1G – 2A)
• Three Rangers are tied with 2 goals each
  • Alexis Lafrenière
  • K’Andre Miller
  • Chris Kreider
• Filip Chytil leads with 12 shots on goal
• Jaroslav Halak leads all NYR goalies with a .99 GAA and a .967 SV%

NHL DIVISION PREVIEWS

METROPOLITAN DIVISION PREVIEW. Read more.

ATLANTIC DIVISION PREVIEW. Read more.

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PACIFIC DIVISION PREVIEW: Read more.

Both teams will be suiting up some of their top players like Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreirder for the Blueshirts, while the Isles have Mat Barzal and Anders Lee going for them.

However, this is the first game of the preseason and is really an opportunity for several Rangers to show Gerard Gallant what they can do.

7 New York Rangers to watch vs Isles

Jimmy Vesey: The 29 year-old forward registered 8 goals and 15 points in 68 games for the New Jersey Devils last season. He’s on a PTO looking for a second stint with the team he broke into the NHL with. Tonight’s he’ll be on a line with Filip Chytil and Vitali Kravtsov, so an opportunity to show some offensive skill will be present. What you should watch for his deployment on the PK, which is his inside track to win a job with the Rangers.

Vitali Kravtsov: The 22 year-old wants to make him for lost time bickering with management and even asking for a trade last September. He will get an opportunity with Chytil on the second line which means minutes and likely PP time. It should be nice to see where his game is at after not playing in the AHL last year.

Gustav Rydahl: The 27 year-old left the SHL in Sweden to take a shot at his NHL dream by singing as a free agent this summer. It’s a one-way contract but also waivers exempt giving the Rangers flexibility to call him up from the AHL at will. He’s a big forward at 6-3, 201 lbs that can also play center which is where he’ll play tonight with two prize prospects.

Adam Sykora: New York selected the 18 year-old in the second round of the 2022 draft. He’s not very big but plays an agitating style like Boston’s Brad Marchand, someone Sykora models his game after. Last season, he recorded 10 goals and 17 points in 46 games with Nitra where he will play in 2022-23. As for tonight, the Islanders are a heck of team to face to make your first impression but he’ll have help in the form of Rydahl and Othmann.

Brennan Othmann: He’s the crown jewel of Rangers prospects selected in the first round of the 2021 draft. Othmann, 19, is too young to be sent to the Hartford Wolf Pack which doesn’t give the Rangers any flexibility and why he’ll likely head back to the OHL at some point. Last season, he scored 97 points with 50 goals and scoring is what everyone will want to see from him in preseason. But you should also keep an eye out for his physical play. If he can show he’s got the size to compete with the big boys there’s a chance he can stick around past camp.

Zac Jones: For all the talk about Libor Hajek having a chance to win the 6th spot on LD with Braden Schneider, it’s this kid chance to prove it’s his time. The 21 year-old registered two assists in 12 games for the Rangers last season. He also led all Hartford Wolf Pack defenseman with 35 points in 52 games. For his brief NHL career, he’s played 22 games and recorded 6 helpers.

Dylan Garand: Selected in the 4th round of the 2020 draft, the 20 year-old netminder has a chance to be something for the Rangers in a few seasons. He completed his fifth season with the Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League last year going 34-9 with 4 shutouts. His GAA was 2.16 and his .925 SV% were good for second in the WHL. Garand also went undefeated for Canada to win gold at the WJC this summer. It should be fun to see what he can against NHL shooters.

NHL News and Rumors

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NHL Recaps: Johnny Geaudreau debuts, plus all preseason scores here.

NHL Rumors: Jakob Chychrun to Ottawa heats up again. Read more.

John Tortorella coming out of the gate hard on the Flyers. Read more.

“It’s our first game of the preseason and you want to work hard,” Gallant said today. “You have to play the game so you might as well try and win the game.”

When the New York Rangers step onto Madison Square Garden ice Monday night, it will present an opportunity for a few players fighting to make the team with only a few slots available.

“The message is different for a lot of different players,” Gerard Gallant said on Sunday. “Some guys don’t have to make the team and other guys better play their tails off.”

Those “other guys” Gallant is speaking of that are confirmed for tonight’s lineup are defensemen Zac Jones, Libor Hajek, and Andy Welinksi. All three are fighting for the 6th and 7th spots on defense. As for the forwards, Bobby Trivigno, Gustav Rydahl, and PTO invite Jimmy Vesey are really competing for a role on the bottom six.

A few players could lose their spot in the projected lineup with poor showings in preseason action are Ryan Carpenter, Ryan Reaves, and Vitali Kravtsov. Meanwhile the kids Brennan Othmann and Adam Sykora are unlikely to make it no matter what they do based on AHL ineligibility.

New York Rangers that are fighting for a spot

Vesey, who is on his second trip with the Rangers, could play a vital role on the team if he makes the roster. He is an asset on the penalty killing unit which is an area that needs help after losing players like Kevin Rooney, Andrew Copp, and Greg McKegg to free agency.

“I know what type of player [Vesey] is,” Gallant explained. “We’ll see where he fits at the end of camp. He’s a good skater, PK guy, and he looks pretty good out there.”

While Vesey is a versatile player with some offensive skills, the Rangers head coach praised another forward as a standout in the first few days of camp.

“Huntsy (Dryden Hunt) has been standing out a little bit,” Gallant said. “I think he’s looked really good.”

Hunt, 26, played last season in New York recording 6 goals and 17 points in 76 games. But when the playoffs started, he only appeared in three contests.

As for Gustav Rydahl, he’s is a 27 year-old free agent signing out of Sweden that will look to put his best foot forward to make an impression. He along with Veesy and Hunt, who will play later this week are presumably trying to win what will be the 13th forward slot.

On defense, Jones and Hajek are believed to be competing for the sixth and seventh spots. They along with Matthew Robertson and PTO invite Matt Bartkowski are in the mix.

First look for Rookies

Rookie prospects Brenan Othmann and Adam Sykora will play with Rydahl in the game. It is unlikely either of these two rookies will make the team out of camp, but the experience they gain will be invaluable to the future of the club.

Othmann, 19, scored 50 goals and 97 points in 66 games last season in the OHL. He then helped Canada win Gold at the World Junior Championship in August with 6 points in 6 contests. However, the Rangers 1st round pick of 2021 is learning he’ll need to take it up a notch to make the NHL.

“I’ve been on the same team with (Chris) Kreider the last three says and just the work ethic that he brings is second to none,” Othmann relayed. “He’s a New York Rangers and he can take it easy, but he’s working his ass off, and that’s just something a younger guy like me looks up to.”

Sykora, 18, will be heading back to Nitra in Slovakia at some point but the 2022 2nd round pick is ready to get under some Islanders’ skin tonight.

“It will be special for me to be a part of this team,” Sykora said. “I will prepare for this game mentally and physically because it will be hard.”

The preseason allows the coaching staff to experiment with different line combinations in a different capacity than what was used in the scrimmages last week. The projected lines for Monday’s game are:

Kreider-Zibanejad-Kakko

Vesey-Chytil-Kravtsov

Trivigno-Carpenter-Reaves

Sykora-Rydahl-Othmann

Miller-Trouba

Hajek-Schneider

Jones-Welinski

Shesterkin

Garand

Head coach Gallant does have an idea of how his lines will look come opening night but understands that things could change through a short preseason schedule.

I got a pretty good idea what I like best right now, but we’ll see,” he said. “Things change day to day in this game. People get hurt. Some people play really well and makes you make decisions. But we have a pretty good idea, I do, what I’d like to see.”

NY POST

And in goal…

This is Igor Shesterkin’s team. The 2022 Vezina Trophy winner has no one looming over his shoulder, nor has to listen to the bickering of a goalie who never felt comfortable in the role of back-up this season.

Shesterkin is starting in goal tonight with Dylan Garand likely to play in the second half. This season, the backup spot will likely be filled by Jaroslav Halak, but the club also has Louis Domingue (played last season for Pittsburgh) to add some competitive value to camp.

Following Monday’s game, the Blueshirts will play back-to-back games against the New Jersey Devils. The first of these games will be on Thursday at MSG and then Friday at the Prudential Center.

NHL News and Rumors

NHL Recaps: Johnny Geaudreau debuts, plus all preseason scores here.

NHL Rumors: Jakob Chychrun to Ottawa heats up again. Read more.

John Tortorella coming out of the gate hard on the Flyers. Read more.

NHL Rumors: Patrick Kane calls trade talk noise. Read more.

The New York Rangers rookie camp will begin on Wednesday (September 14) and it will culminate in two game set against the Philadelphia Flyers rookies.

Game 1 will be at 7:05 PM ET on Friday (September 16) followed by the finale on Saturday (September 17) starting at 5:05 PM ET. Both games will be played in Pennsylvania at PPL Center in Lehigh Valley.

Last year’s rookie games were streamed on YouTube, no official word on if these contests will televised or streamed.

Pretty solid Monday at the office 📈 pic.twitter.com/5qGsXR2WBs

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 12, 2022

New York Rangers rookie camp

The Rangers have already begun informal skates this week, but the official start for the rookie camp will be in two days. That’s followed by the official start of training camp, one week later on September 21.

Here’s a look at several key rookies that could make a serious push to make the Blueshirts’ opening night roster.

Brennan Othmann (2021 Rd 1, 16 overall): The 19 year-old scored 50 goals and 97 points in 66 games last season as the Firebirds’ captain. He just wrapped up their training camp and is getting ready to make a serious push to be on the Rangers opening night roster. While it’s possible he could win a starting job as one of the third-line wingers, his ineligibility to be sent to Hartford due to age requirements means it could be for a short stay before heading back to the OHL.

Will Cuylle (2020 Rd 2, 60 overall): He’s skilled, big, physical and slightly more mature at 20 years of age than some other prospects. This past season for the Windsor Spitfires, he notched 43 goals and 80 points in 59 games. Of all the forward prospects coming to camp, I feel he has a legit chance of stealing a spot on the bottom six.

Matthew Robertson (2019, Rd 2, 49 overall): He’s likely the organization’s most NHL ready prospect defenseman. At 6-4 and 201 lbs, he has the size to play with the big boys. Robertson posted 11 points in 65 games for the Hartford Wolf Pack and can still develop into a top 4 defender. He will be competing with Zac Jones and Libor Hajek to be Braden Schneider’s left defense partner.

Adam Edström (2019, Rd 6): The 21 year-old is big, very big. At 6-8′ and 225 pounds he’s a formidable figure on the ice. He’s the big grinding and hard-hitting type you want on a fourth line punishing opponents. At camp, he will be fighting exactly for one of those spots but IIHF rules indicate he must go back to the SHL if he does not win a roster spot for opening night.

Gustav Rydahl (Undrafted): The Rangers signed the 27 year-old as a free agent out of the SHL. He scored 30 points in 44 games last season and is eager to see if he can make in the NHL. He’s a big forward at 6-3, 201 lbs that can also play center and is considered a clutch performer. On the way to winning the SHL Championship, he potted 12 points in 19 games. Rydahl is also waivers exempt, so there’s a good chance we might see him this season even if he doesn’t make the team out of camp.

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