Rooney actually began his professional career with the Devils, who signed him as an undrafted free agent from Providence College in 2016. He bounced between the NHL and American Hockey League for three seasons before sticking full time with the Devils for the COVID-shortened 2019-20 season.

He signed a two-year, $1.5 million contract to cross the Hudson River and join the Rangers before the 2020-21 season. Rooney established career highs that first season on Broadway with eight goals, six assists, 14 points and 54 penalty minutes in 54 games. A valuable penalty killer, two of his assists came short-handed.

In 2021-22, Rooney helped the Rangers reach the Stanley Cup Playoffs, averaging a career-high 13:51 TOI in 61 games. He finished that season with 12 points (six goals, six assists).

The Rangers reached the Eastern Conference Final that spring, losing to the Tampa Bay Lightning in six games. Rooney appeared in 15 of 20 games, and picked up two assists in the first round against the Pittsburgh Penguins. One of those was an assist on Andrew Copp’s short-handed goal in Game 3.

Related: Which Rangers must step up this season if key prospects not ready for NHL

Kevin Rooney could join Rangers division rival this season

Rooney played the past three seasons with the Calgary Flames. In 70 games last season, Rooney had 10 points (five goals, five assists).

He’s played 330 games in the NHL, totaling 134 penalty minutes and 60 points (32 goals, 28 assists).

The Devils are set down the middle with their top three lines. Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, and Dawson Mercer play center through their top-nine. But Rooney could find his way on to a hard-working fourth line.

New Jersey has Cody Glass and Paul Cotter who can fill the 4C role. But Rooney could be a nice fit, as well. Or he could be an experienced veteran option as the Devils’ 13th forward.

The Rangers very well could see Rooney on the ice when they open up their preseason schedule against the Devils on Sept. 21 at Prudential Center. The teams meet again in preseason action Oct. 2 at Madison Square Garden.

According to multiple reports, New York Rangers center Ryan Strome is scratched for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Final.

Strome, 28 skated at practice this morning but according to Renaud Lavoie of TVA, he looked uncomfortable.

“I hope he’s ready. I think he’s ready to go tonight,” Gerard Gallant said. “The trainers will tell me after they assess them all.”

Apparently, after warmups it was decided to keep him out.

Strome was injured during the second period of the Rangers 3-2 loss on Sunday. Tampa forward Ondrej Palat delivered a crosscheck to an unsuspecting Strome throwing him off balance and causing a lower-body injury that forced him out of the contest.

Kevin Rooney is the man stepping in on the 4th line. He will center Tyler Motte and Ryan Reaves, which was the case before Goodrow returned for Game 6 against the Carolina Hurricanes. Goodrow moves up to the second line right wing, slotting Andrew Copp in the middle.

Rooney, 29, has two assists in 12 playoff contests this season. During the regular-season, he played 61 games and registered 12 points (6G -6A).

The native of Canton, Massachusetts is a big body at 6-2 and 190 lbs. He can play the physical game and is considered an excellent penalty killer.

Head coach Gerard Gallant sounded optimistic about the possibility that New York Rangers center Ryan Strome may not be out for too long.

Strome, 28, was injured during the second period of Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final after Ondrej Palat delivered a crosscheck to his back. He immediately reacted in pain and had difficulty skating back to the bench.

Later in the period, he took one shift but after it ended Strome shook his head in the negative to the the medical trainers and did not return. The Rangers labeled it a lower-body injury.

“We’ll know more [Monday],” Gallant updated. “Hopefully he’s fine for the next one.”

Ryan Strome injury, Kevin Rooney next man up

The loss of Strome would be a significant one as he scored 54 points (21 G – 33 A) in 74 regular-season games and added 9 points (2 G – 7 A) in 17 postseason contests.

After the injury, Andrew Copp slotted into the the second line center position from the wing and Barclay Goodrow was moved up from the fourth line.

“Stromer is a big piece. Obviously, playing in the middle, he’s on the first power play, takes right-handed draws that he’s pretty good at,” Copp explained. “It’s a huge loss. Everyone has to kind of step up. Hopefully, he’s not out too long.”

If Strome can’t go for Game 4 on Tuesday, Kevin Rooney is the man expected to step in on the 4th line. He will center Tyler Motte and Ryan Reaves, which was the case before Goodrow returned for Game 6 against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Rooney, 29, has two assists in 12 playoff contests this season. During the regular-season, he played 61 games and registered 12 points (6G -6A).

The native of Canton, Massachusetts is a big body at 6-2 and 190 lbs. He can play the physical game and is considered an excellent penalty killer.

Barclay Goodrow banged up?

Late in the third period, Barclay Goodrow blocked a Victor Hedman shot with his left ankle.

Immediately he went down in pain and practically hobbled all the way back to the bench. He left for the locker-room making every Rangers fans stomach queasy. However, he must’ve quickly walked it off and returned within a minute staying in the game.

If for any reason he is unable to go for Game 4, the Rangers will have to make a serious decision to see what’s best for the second line.

With Sammy Blais not available for this series, we could see the return of Dryden Hunt, who spent some time with Artemi Panarin on the second line during the season.

Hunt, 26, registered 17 points in 76 games this regular-season for the Blueshirts. He played in the Rangers Game 2 win over the Penguins in the opening round and in their Game 3 loss in Pittsburgh. He collected no points in those contests but was physical with five hits.

New York Rangers Playoff Schedule: ECF vs Tampa Bay Lightning

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Barclay Goodrow is making strides back from a believed fractured foot suffered in Game 1 of the NHL Playoffs against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

According to head coach Gerard Gallant, he’s skating and “going in the right direction.” While he has yet to take part in a full practice, one has to wonder who he would replace in the lineup?

That will depend on where Gallant sees Goodrow making the most impact. Is it in a third or fourth line role? How much will he be able to handle coming back from an injury that prevented him from skating for weeks?

All will be taken into consideration when the time comes.

Gerard Gallant says Barclay Goodrow is skating again:

"It's going in the right direction." pic.twitter.com/vVAaXL2zT7

— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) May 25, 2022

Barclay Goodrow skating for Rangers

Goodrow was labeled week-to-week by Gallant before Game 2 of the Penguins series. That announcement indicated the seriousness of the injury. Remember, Goodrow played with a broken hand in the Stanley Cup Final last season to give the Lightning their second straight championship.

Last week, Gallant noted that Goodrow had yet to begin skating but gave a glimmer of hope that there was a possibility for him later in Round 2 against the Hurricanes.

“He hasn’t skated yet but we’re not counting him out for this series,” he said. “He’s not going to start the first couple of games but we’ll see how it goes.”

Goodrow, 29, had a great first season with the Rangers after a trade and sign in the summer. In 79 games, he recorded 13 goals, 20 assists, for 33 points. All were career highs for the rugged forward.

“He’s a big player and we’re going to miss him,” Jacob Trouba said. “We love the depth of our team. It’s not like he’s gone. He’s still around the rink– next guy up and hopefully he gets back as soon as he can.”

Who comes out for Goodrow?

So when Goodrow is available, who comes out?

For me, there are three possible candidates and they were all on the fourth line for the Game 4 win. Let’s start with the most likely candidate, a young Finn selected second overall in 2019.

Kaapo Kakko: The 21 year-old has been excellent in these playoffs from the standpoint of being strong with the puck down low and maintaining zone time. Unfortunately, that has not translated to points. With just two points in the playoffs, he is a prime candidate to give way to the defensively more responsible Goodrow.

Ryan Reaves: The 35 year-old tough guy is certainly more valuable than Kakko as a fourth-liner. As the playoffs get a bit nastier, it is nice to have his physical presence in the lineup. Of course, Reaves has no points in these playoffs and there’s an argument that a fourth line with Kakko is more dangerous.

Kevin Rooney: The 29 year-old has two points in these playoffs but plays a big role on the PK. Goodrow could easily take over as the 4th line center and on the PK for Rooney, but I find it hard to see Gallant taking out a center and penalty killer from a playoff lineup.

In the end, when Goodrow is ready, Kaapo Kakko really does seem like he’ll be a healthy scratch.

New York Rangers Playoff Schedule: Round 2 vs Carolina Hurricanes

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The Hartford Wolf Pack season officially came to an end with a 6-3 win over the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

It certainly was a disappointing season for the New York Rangers AHL affiliate. They were eliminated from playoff contention on Friday night. A serious collapse for a team that looked like a shoe-in to get in this season.

Since March 11, the team won a grand total of 4 games out of 21 contests and have now missed the playoffs 7 straight years. They finish the year 32-32-6-2.

Bobby Trivigno gets first pro goal

The Rangers signed free-agent UMASS captain Bobby Trivigno on April 1. His 2-year ELC begins next season but the Blueshirts also inked him to an Amateur Try Out to play with the Hartford Wolf Pack this year.

In the team’s final game he scored the game-winning goal with 5:46 left to play. AHL Trade Deadline acquisition Maxim Letunov got the puck to Lauri Pajuniemi, who centered the puck to Trivigno. The college star deked goaltender Tommy Napier notching his first pro goal.

Trivigno, 23, is a New York native and will play a big role with the Pack next season. He finished with 3 points in 11 games.

.@BobbyTrivigno’s first as a pro 🤩 pic.twitter.com/aFPaO33puk

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) April 24, 2022

Wolf Pack Stats

Anthony Greco led all Wolf Pack scorers with 20 goals and 58 points in 68 games.

Zac Jones was the team’s top scoring defenseman with 9 goals and 35 points in 52 games.

Rangers prize defense prospect Nils Lundkvist finished with 3 goals and 15 points in 34 games.

Which Pack players could join the Rangers

There are no roster limits in the NHL playoffs and no salary cap. However, a player must be one of the 50 contracts with their rights belonging to the team prior to the NHL Trade Deadline in order to be eligible.

Now that the AHL season is over, there are several Pack players that could join the Rangers for the playoffs as extras. Here are some candidates:

• Zac Jones (D)
• Nils Lundkvist (D)
• Jarred Tinordi (D)
• Tim Gettinger (F)
• Anthony Greco (F)
• Keith Kinkaid (G)

The New York Rangers extras to date include:

• Tyler Motte (F) Injured
• Sammy Blais (F) Injured
• Jonny Brodzinski (F)
• Greg McKegg (F)
• Julien Gauthier (F)
• Libor Hajek (D)
• Justin Braun (D)

The Blueshirts will conclude their regular season on April 29 in a tilt against the Washington Capitals.

Rangers focused on themselves

All season long, head coach Gerard Gallant has made it about to stress that he’s worried only about his team. The bench boss has no issue talking about other teams but every chance that arises his focus goes back to the Rangers.

Kevin Rooney noted as much prior to the Rangers game against the Bruins.

“I think we’ve done a great job of this year, at least Turk’s message has been always about us,” Rooney said on the team’s YouTube channel. “Even going into the Islanders game (on Thursday), we showed a lot of clips before the game on our game and not too much on theirs. I think that’s huge this time of year to focus on our game. We’re not sure who we’re going to play but it’s all going to be about the way we play to be successful.”

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There were 11 games on the NHL slate for Sunday, April 24, 2022. After all the dust settled, the San Jose Sharks put the Vegas Golden Knights on the brink of elimination. Check out all the latest from the league along with updated playoff pictures. Click Here.

The New York Rangers lineup will finally get two key players back as both Kaapo Kakko and Kevin Rooney will return against the Senators on Saturday.

Based off of Friday’s practice lines, Kakko will be on the right wing of the third line centered by Barclay Goodrow with Alexis Lafreniere on the opposite flank.

Rooney will likely return and center the fourth line flanked by Dryden Hunt and Ryan Reaves.

Both Filip Chytil (day-to-day) and Tyler Motte (indefinite) are out.

UPDATE: Igor Shesterkin will start

Kaapo Kakko and Kevin Rooney return to action

Kakko has been out since January 21 with an upper-body injury but finally skated with the team at practice on Friday.

The 21 year-old has only been able to play in only 37 games this season due to injuries. He has just 5 goals and 14 points for a .37 points per game average, which is only slightly better than last season’s .34. Gallant will be looking forward to see him get his game going for the playoffs.

Kevin Rooney, who has been out since March 2 with an upper-body injury was also a full participant. He has registered 11 points in 51 games this season.

“They looked really good out there and they’ve been skating a long time,” Gallant said after the session. “Conditioning is not an issue. We’ll see what the trainers say and we’ll find out this afternoon what the plan is.”

The plan is both are in.

Meanwhile, Chytil is listed as day-to-day after playing a really strong game with and without the puck against the Penguins.

Chytil, 22, has registered 19 points in 60 games this season while being hampered with injuries he’s tried to play through. As of late, the big center has been extremely noticeable and seems to be finding his game at the right time of the season.

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The New York Rangers enjoyed a big divisional win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Unfortunately, they did not come out of it unscathed as Tyler Motte was injured late in the game.

At the 12:37 mark of the third period, Anthony Angello hit a prone Motte reaching for the puck in a bent over position. The Penguins forward could’ve let up knowing that Motte didn’t see him, but instead came in hard with his hip to Motte’s shoulder.

The hit set off a scrum and led to both teams coming together at center ice when the game ended. If these two teams meet in the playoffs, that hit will be remembered by the Blueshirts.

Angello was called for interference on the play.

“He knew Motte didn’t see him,” Gerard Gallant relayed on the team’s YouTube channel. “He was in a vulnerable position and I think [Angello] took advantage of it.”

Tyler Motte injured for New York Rangers

On Friday, the team announced that Motte suffered a significant upper-body injury and there was no timetable for his return.

“I thought last night it was a blow to the head, but it was the back part of the shoulder that got him, so I don’t think it was as bad as I thought originally,” Gallant commented on the hit. I still didn’t like it.”

Gallant did stop short of saying that Motte was out for the season, stating he did not know if that was the case.

Motte, 27, has 15 points in 58 games this season, with no points in 9 games with the Rangers.

The Rangers acquired him from the Vancouver Canucks for a 4th-round pick on Trade Deadline Day (3/21). He will be a pending UFA come July 13.

With Motte out of the lineup, it should give Ryan Reaves an opportunity to get back into action.

Filip Chytil out, Kaapo Kakko and Kevin Rooney close

The Rangers also announced that Filip Chytil was out, but the head coach made it a point to say it was just “day-to-day.

Chytil, 22, has registered 19 points in 60 games this season while being hampered with injuries he’s tried to play through. As of late, the big center has been extremely noticeable with and without the puck.

Hopefully this latest issues is minor and doesn’t set back his recent progress.

Some good news also came the Rangers way as Kaapo Kakko was back as a full practice participant.

Good morning 😇 pic.twitter.com/VhkC5qENIV

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) April 8, 2022

Kakko has been out since January 21 with an upper-body injury but finally skated with the team at practice. He was a third line centered by Barclay Goodrow in place of the injured Chytil and Alexis Lafreniere on the opposite flank.

Kevin Rooney, who has been out since March 2 with an upper-body injury may also be close to returning.

“They looked really good out there and they’ve been skating a long time,” Gallant said. “Conditioning is not an issue. We’ll see what the trainers say and we’ll find out this afternoon what the plan is.”

The head coach also noted that there was definitely a chance they could play tomorrow when the Rangers host the Ottawa Senators.

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The New York Rangers are about to be overloaded with choices to fill out their four lines in the near future. These are considered good problems for an NHL team to contend with, but a problem nonetheless.

While Kaapo Kakko and Kevin Rooney continue to skate on their own, they are close to a return. When they do, the New York Rangers will need to decide which 12 healthy forwards should be in the lineup out of 17 possible options.

Some of the potential scratches are obvious, but others will not be an easy decision. That includes what line a player like Kakko should play on. Same for Barclay Goodrow, who may be regulated to fourth line duties once everyone is ready to go.

New York Rangers lineup has a forward logjam

Kakko has missed 34 games since a lingering issue landed him on IR on January 22. Meanwhile, Rooney has been out of action since suffering an upper-body injury on March 2.

“They’re skating and they’re real close,” Gerard Gallant said this week. “The doctor’s control that– not me. I was hoping to have them back two weeks ago. We’ll be patient and make sure they’re ready.”

However, once they return a serious logjam will need to be dealt with.

After the deadline acquisitions of forwards Andrew Copp, Frank Vatrano, and Tyler Motte the Rangers are overloaded up front.

Alexis Lafrenière, who was playing on the first line right wing was bumped down to the third line in favor of Vatrano. The move was to get Lafrenière back to his natural left wing position where he is most comfortable, especially defensively.

Needless to say, that change was a no-brainer and has worked beautifully. Vatrano has looked like a perfect fit with his speed and shoot-first mentality on the top line. Copp has also been a great compliment for Panarin and Strome.

So what will Gallant do when he has Kakko and Rooney healthy?

Clearing up the logjam won’t be easy

“Obviously some guys are gonna be disappointed, they’re not playing as much, that’s all part of it,” Gallant said via the NY Post after the deadline. “It’s about attitude. Take the right attitude, do what you can do. If you’re not playing, go work hard and be ready for when you do play. It’s not easy, but we’re all trying to win.”

The additions have already bumped players like Ryan Reaves out of the lineup, and things will only get harder for him to get back in once Kakko and Rooney return from IR.

“You don’t want to be around the guys that bring any negative energy to the locker room,” Reaves said after a recent scratch. “I’m getting older, and with all the guys we’ve got in here there are probably some games I’m not going to play. Am I happy about it? No, you never want to sit but you can’t be a distraction in the locker room. You have to be the same guy and bring energy.”

Here’s a look at the expected forward lines when everyone is healthy:

Kreider – Zibanejad – Vatrano
Panarin – Strome – Copp
Lafrenière – Chytil – Kakko
Motte – Rooney – Goodrow

Gallant will be hard pressed to find playing time for Ryan Reaves, a player he loves and lobbied hard for the team to acquire. Greg McKegg will likely stick around as should Dryden Hunt. Both seem like they are behind Reaves on the current depth chart.

As for Julien Gauthier and Jonny Brodzinski, it would make sense to get them down to Hartford to help the Wolf Pack chase down the Calder Cup.

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New York Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury addressed the media today after the NHL Trade Deadline passed.

While the focus was on the Rangers new additions which include forwards Andrew Copp, Tyler Motte, and defenseman Justin Braun an injury update was provided.

Both Kaapo Kakko and Kevin Rooney will be out for the remainder of this month, potentially into early April.

#NYR Chris Drury says Kaapo Kakko and Kevin Rooney will be out for the rest of March and potentially into early April

— Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) March 21, 2022

Kaapo Kakko and Kevin Rooney remain out

Back on March 14, head coach Gerard Gallant updated the status of both Kaapo Kakko and Kevin Rooney.

“They’re doing their rehab and it’s still week-to-week,” he said. “It’s not going to be this week for sure.”

After Drury’s update it is clear that both of their injuries were more significant than initially suspected.

Kakko, 21, last played on January 21 against the Carolina Hurricanes. Television cameras caught Kakko wincing in a lot of pain and discomfort at the end of the second period as he was flexing his his left arm. He was placed on IR the next day.

Rooney, 28, has 11 points in 51 games this season and has been an integral part of the Blueshirts’ physical fourth line with Ryan Reaves. The injury occurred on March 2 and the Rangers miss his checking abilities.

Rangers Trade Deadline moves

Today’s deadline moves via Rangers press releases:

New York Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury announced today that the team has acquired defenseman Justin Braun from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for a third-round selection in the 2023 NHL Draft.

New York Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury announced today that the team has acquired forward Andrew Copp and a sixth-round selection in the 2023 NHL Draft from the Winnipeg Jets. In exchange, the Rangers have traded forward Morgan Barron, two conditional second round picks (conditions listed below), and a fifth-round pick in 2023.

• Conditional second round pick 1 (NYR’s own second round pick in 2022; becomes a first-round pick in 2022 if the Rangers advance to the Eastern Conference Final and Copp plays in at least 50 percent of New York’s playoff games)
• Conditional second round pick 2 (either STL’s own second round pick in 2022 or NYR’s own second round pick in 2023)

New York Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury announced today that the team has acquired forward Tyler Motte from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for a fourth-round selection in the 2023 NHL Draft.

New York Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury announced today that the team has acquired forward Nick Merkley from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for Anthony Bitetto.

The New York Rangers have shown a keen ability to bounce back after disappointing losses. That’s exactly what happened on the Blueshirts final game of the road trip.

Falling behind 2-0 in the first 4:53 at Dallas, they answered with four goals in a span of 5:05 and ultimately won 7-4 over the Stars.

The Rangers are 14-14-3 when allowing the first goal. The Rangers also own 19 comeback wins, tied for the league lead with the Colorado Avalanche and Columbus Blue Jackets, and their nine wins when trailing after the opening 20 minutes are the most in the NHL.

Gerard Gallant’s charges look to keep it going at Madison Square Garden when they host the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday night.

New York Rangers injury update

After practice on Monday, head coach Gerard Gallant updated the status of two key players: Kaapo Kakko and Kevin Rooney.

“They’re doing their rehab and it’s still week-to-week,” he said. “It’s not going to be this week for sure.”

Kakko, 21, last played on January 21 against the Carolina Hurricanes. Television cameras caught Kakko wincing in a lot of pain and discomfort at the end of the second period as he was flexing his his left arm. He was placed on IR the next day and is still recovering.

Rooney, 28, has 11 points in 51 games this season and has been an integral part of the Blueshirts’ physical fourth line with Ryan Reaves. The injury occurred on March 2 and the Rangers sorely miss his checking abilities.

The Rangers were hoping Kakko would be back this week before the NHL Trade Deadline, next Monday.

Gerard Gallant on trade deadline

The New York Rangers trade rumors will be a big focus this week. They have four more games before the NHL Trade Deadline which includes the following matchups:

• Anaheim Ducks 3/15
• New York Islanders 3/17
• @Tampa Bay Lightning 3/19
• @Carolina Hurricanes 3/20

Expect the trade rumors to ramp up with the possibility of a move before the team hits the road against Tampa and Carolina. So, just how much input does Gerard Gallant have when it comes to trades? Apparently not much at all.

“This is my first year with [Chris Drury] at this time of the year (trade deadline),” Gallant explained. “Obviously we talked about individual players, what possibly could happen, but it hasn’t been a lot.”

“Chris wants me to coach the team and the guys I got here– that’s my job,” he added. “If he asks me about some players that I know, then I’ll give him feedback. There’s not a whole lot of conversation.”

Forever Blueshirts had learned recently that Gallant lobbied to have the team acquire Ryan Reaves earlier this season and expressed interest in another Golden Knight, Reilly Smith.

Smith, 30, is a pending UFA that the Rangers would love to add. However, with Mark Stone on LTIR, Vegas is not forced to trade the reliable right wing.

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