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 20-year-old forward made his pro debut late last season after signing an amateur tryout contract with the Wolf Pack in April following his fourth season of major junior hockey in the QMJHL. He played one game for the Wolf Pack, on April 20 against Springfield, and didn’t record a point.

Barbashev stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 191 pounds. He combined for 35 points (14 goals, 21 assists) in 59 games with two teams in the QMJHL last season. In 2022-23, Barbashev scored 32 goals and had 65 points in 67 games with Moncton, after scoring 15 goals for them the year before.

He’ll join three other players selected by the Rangers in the 2022 draft on the Wolf Pack roster this coming season. The group includes forward Adam Sykora (second round), center Bryce McConnell-Barker (third round) and defenseman Victor Mancini, who was selected in the fifth round, two spots ahead of Barbashev.

Of that group, Sykora has the most pro experience, having just played an entire season with Hartford at the age of 19. Sykora was recently called a “menace” for his tenacious play in a story about Rangers prospects. He had 23 points (eight goals, 15 assists) in 66 games with Hartford last season.

McConnell-Barker played four Calder Cup Playoff games with Hartford after finishing his junior season with the Soo Greyhounds in the OHL this past spring. And Mancini became a regular on the Wolf Pack’s defense corps after completing his collegiate career at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. The 22-year-old had three assists in seven regular-season games in the AHL and another three assists in 10 playoff games.

Related: Brett Berard “confident” ahead of Rangers training camp

Former Rangers draft pick set to begin first pro season with Wolf Pack

Blade Jenkins – Photo courtesy Hartford Wolf Pack

Barbashev’s older brother Ivan is a forward with the Vegas Golden Knights. He helped the Golden Knights win the Stanley Cup in 2023 after previously winning the Cup with the St. Louis Blues in 2019.

The Barbashev signing is part of a busy week for the Wolf Pack. They also signed forward Blade Jenkins, who had two goals and three points in 13 games with them last season.

And in the biggest news, a $145 million renovation of the Wolf Pack’s home, the XL Center, was approved the other day. In addition, a 20-year lease agreement was approved with Oak View Group.

That provides stability for the Wolf Pack and much-needed upgrades for the players and fans alike.

And earlier this offseason, Grant Potulny was hired as coach of the Wolf Pack, replacing Steve Smith who was the interim after Kris Knoblauch was hired by the Edmonton Oilers in November.

Hartford’s 28th season in the AHL begins with a road game at Lehigh Valley on Oct. 13. The Wolf Pack’s home opener is set for Oct. 18 against Springfield.

Forwards Kalle Vaisanen and Maxim Barbashev signed their ATOs on Tuesday and will be available to play when Hartford hosts Springfield on Friday.

Vaisanen signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Rangers last week. That deal begins next season.

The 21-year-old was selected by the Rangers in the fourth round (No. 106 overall) of the 2021 NHL Draft. He was the fifth of eight picks the Rangers made in that draft, and the second of three selections in the fourth round.

Barbashev was selected by the Rangers in the fifth round (No. 161 overall) of the 2022 draft. The 20-year-old is the younger brother of two-time Stanley Cup champion Ivan Barbashev, who’s currently a forward for the Vegas Golden Knights.

#NYR prospect Maxim Barbashev on the breakaway, in overtime, to win Game 7 for the @monctonwildcats❗️ 😤 pic.twitter.com/ExM1PAt6nW

— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) April 12, 2023

Related: Rangers sign 2022 draft pick Victor Mancini

Rangers prospects Kalle Vaisanen, Maxim Barbashev sign ATOs with Hartford Wolf Pack

Kalle Vaisanen — Photo courtesy Hartford Wolf Pack

Vaisanen and Barbashev join three other Rangers draft picks who recently signed ATOs with the Wolf Pack. Forward Jaroslav Chmelar (fifth round of the 2021 draft) is scoreless and minus-five in four games. Defenseman Victor Mancini (fifth round, 2022) is scoreless in three games. Goalie Hugo Ollas (seventh round, 2020) has yet to appear in a game.

Vaisanen had nine goals and 14 points in 58 games with TPS Turku this season and four points (one goal, three assists) in nine playoff games, when they were eliminated in the quarterfinals. The 6-foot-4, 178-pound forward had four goals and five points in 2022-23, when he played 47 games for TPS Turku.

On the world stage, Vaisanen helped Finland win a silver medal at the 2022 World Junior Championship, when he had two points (one goal, one assist) in seven games. He also represented Finland at the 2023 WJC and was named one of their Top 3 players, finishing with two points (one goal, one assist) in five games.

Barbashev just completed his fourth season in the QMJHL, totaling 35 points (14 goals, 21 assists) in 59 games split between Shawinigan and Rimouski. He scored 32 goals and 65 points in 67 games with Moncton last season.

Hartford is looking to end a six-game losing streak Friday and has five games remaining on its 2023-24 schedule.

“I thought the chances we gave up wasn’t a quantity thing but a quality thing,” he said. “I think there’s some things that are real teachable inside the game and there were positives. So we’ll show those as well.”

One of those would be the play of bruising forward Anton Blidh, who led the Rangers with six hits, but was also buzzing in the offensive zone.

Rangers Roundup: Anton Blidh

Blidh, 28, was a trade deadline acquisition from the Colorado Avalanche that sent Gustav Rydahl the other way. The move was to bolster the Hartford Wolf Pack as they pushed for a playoff spot last season.

As soon as he got into the Pack lineup the impact was immediate. Besides the obvious physical presence, Blidh picked up 11 points in 17 games to help Hartford secure their first playoff spot since 2015.

In the Calder Cup playoffs, the 6-1′ and 197 lbs winger recorded 2 goals and 7 assists for 9 points in 9 matches. The Wolf Pack won two rounds before falling to the Hershey Bears. His play earned him a two-year, two-way deal with an AAV of $775,000 at the NHL level and $350,000 in the AHL.

Against the Bruins on Sunday, he registered 13:27 of ice time and managed 4 shots on goal. While his physical play was a known commodity coming into the matchup, it was nice to see Blidh assert himself offensivley.

The battle for the 13th forward spot is going to be heated with Alex Belzile looking like an early front-runner, unless Will Cuylle makes the team out of camp as the third-line LW. However, Blidh certainly put his best foot forward and deserves some consideration if he continues to perform in preseason action.

Blidh was originally selected by the Boston Bruins in the sixth-round of the 2013 Draft, and has amassed 12 points in 84 games with 41 penalty minutes split between Boston and Colorado.

New York Rangers Training camp schedule

Here’s the latest schedule per the Rangers:

September 25, 2023:

• 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM – Group 1 Practice
• 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM – Group 2 Practice

September 26, 2023:

• 9:30 AM – 11:45 AM – Non-Game Group Practice

The Rangers will face the New York Islanders with a 7 PM puck drop at Madison Square Garden.

Maxim Barbashev

On Sunday, the Rangers made their first round of training camp cuts. As expected, many of those players were young prospects which you can read more about here.

Among them is 19 year-old forward Maxim Barbashev, who was selected in the fifth round of the 2022 NHL Draft. The reason why his name intrigues me is because the Rangers assigned him to their AHL affiliate and not back to his junior team.

It’s likely the 6-1, 176 lbs Moscow native could be signing his entry-level contract soon.

Barbashev recorded 32 goals and 65 points in 67 games for Moncton in the QMJHL last season.

Wonder if Maxim Barbashev will be signing an ELC soon now that he’s heading for the Pack. The 19 year-old was selected in the fifth round of the 2022 Draft. #NYR https://t.co/f6YPVfN161

— Forever Blueshirts (@4EverBlueshirts) September 24, 2023

Meanwhile, the Pack are adding players to their Calder Cup hopes in Ryder Korczak and Maxim Barbashev.

Rangers Rumors: Lauri Pajuniemi headed to Sweden

Pajuniemi, 23, registered 19 goals and 19 assists for 38 points in 58 regular-season games in Hartford. So far in the playoffs, he’s recorded 2 goals and 1 assist for 3 points helping the Pack sweep the Springfield Thunderbirds in round one.

The Finnish native was taken by the Blueshirts in the fifth round of the 2018 Draft and was slated to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights this summer. According to Swedish outlet Expressen, Pajuniemi will be suiting up with Malmö Redhawks in the SHL next season.

The recruitment will only be announced when his AHL team Hartford Wolfpack has finished its season. They start the round of 16 against the Providence Bruins in a couple of days. During the match series against Springfield, Hartford advanced and then Pajuniemi accounted for three points in two games.

Expressen

Pack added Korczak and Barbashev

On Thursday, the Hartford Wolf Pack announced the additions of two players.

Maxim Barbashev was signed to an ATO (Amateur Tryout) after registering 32 goals and 33 assists for 65 points in 67 games for the QMJHL’s Moncton Wildcats.

The Rangers drafted the 19 year-old forward in the fifth-round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.

Ryder Korczak, who started the season with the Pack before being reassigned back to the Moose Jaw Warriors in the WHL has returned.

The 20 year-old center notched 28 goals and 41 assists in 48 games for Moose Jaw this season. Previous to that, he played in 5 games for Hartford registering no points.

Selected in the third-round in 2021, the Rangers are hoping Korczak’s offensive abilities in juniors can translate to the pro level.

“I’ve definitely made a lot of noise previously so there’s this necessity to redeem myself a little bit,” he said via a translator after practice today. “I just want to do what everyone else is doing. Put in the work, get on the team, and do my part.”

Vitali Kravtsov wants to redeem himself

The noise Kravtsov is referring to began in 2019. That’s when he used his European out clause to exit Hartford after not making the team out of camp. Per Arthur Staple of The Athletic, then Wolf Pack GM Chris Drury told him that he “quit” on the team.

Things didn’t get any better the following year.

Kravtsov injured his groin during preseason, and the Rangers were reportedly not happy with his conditioning coming into camp. He was once again cut but this time refused assignment to the AHL and requested a trade. The Rangers allowed his camp, led by agent Dan Milstein to speak with other teams but no trade ever came to fruition.

“After I left last year I talked with [Drury] and all the guys,” he explained. “All that happens on the internet is not always the truth with what happens in the locker room. I didn’t want to make [the trade request] public.”

This summer, Kravtov signed a one-year deal to return the Rangers after mending his relationship with Chris Drury. He also heeded the advice of the Rangers to come over sooner from Russia to begin training.

“He came [to New York] in early July and started working out,” Gerard Gallant said. “I talked to him about a month ago and said to him, ‘there’s an opportunity here but you’ve got to take it.’”

Kravtsov, 22, had a strong 2021-22 campaign in the KHL. In 19 regular season contests, he potted 6 goals and 7 assists for 13 points. During the playoffs, he added 7 goals and a total of 10 points in 15 games.

Having played 20 games for the Rangers at the tail-end of the 2020-21 season, he scored two goals and added two assists. That experience will be beneficial for both Kravtsov and the Blueshirts as well this year.

“I don’t think we’ve ever wavered from our stance of, he’s an all-world talent. He does a lot of things on the ice that a lot of people can’t,” Drury said. “Like everyone else, your play dictates where you end up. But we’re certainly glad to have him back in the mix.”

The youngster is currently slated to play on the second line with newly signed center Vincent Trocheck and fellow Russian, Artemi Panarin. By all accounts, the trio has found some early chemistry with Panarin taking a mentorship role to guide Kravtsov.

“I tried to learn a lot from those guys,” Kravtsov explained. “It’s easier for them to play with me than it is for me to play with them.”

New York Rangers announce first cuts

On Saturday, the New York Rangers announced the following players will be returning to their respective junior teams:

• Sam Alfano
• Maxim Barbashev
• Jayden Grubbe
• Bryce McConnell-Barker

That brings the camp invites down from 66 to 62 per team press release as follows:

Forwards (37): Sammy Blais, Easton Brodzinski, Jonny Brodzinski, Ryan Carpenter, Filip Chytil, Will Cuylle, Cristiano DiGiacinto, Adam Edstrom, Turner Elson, Tanner Fritz, Julien Gauthier, Tim Gettinger, Barclay Goodrow, Karl Henriksson, Dryden Hunt, Zach Jordan, Kaapo Kakko, Patrick Khodorenko, Ryder Korczak, Vitali Kravtsov, Chris Kreider, Alexis Lafrenière, Ryan Lohin, Brennan Othmann, Lauri Pajuniemi, Artemi Panarin, Ryan Reaves, Matt Rempe, Austin Rueschhoff, Gustav Rydahl, C.J. Smith, Adam Sykora, Bobby Trivigno, Vincent Trocheck, Jimmy Vesey, Alex Whelan, Mika Zibanejad

Defensemen (18): Matt Bartkowski, Ty Emberson, Adam Fox, Zach Giuttari, Libor Hajek, Louka Henault, Blake Hillman, Zac Jones, Ryan Lindgren, Luke Martin, K’Andre Miller, Matthew Robertson, Brandon Scanlin, Braden Schneider, Hunter Skinner, Jarred Tinordi, Jacob Trouba, Andy Welinski

Goaltenders (7): Talyn Boyko, Louis Domingue, Parker Gahagen, Dylan Garand, Jaroslav Halak, Olof Lindbom, Igor Shesterkin

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Adam Sykora was the first player taken in the second round and made quite the impression when talking with the media. From the moment he sat in front of the microphone, he had a smile from ear-to-ear thrilled to be chosen by the Rangers.

When asked about a player he likes or models his game after the response was quick.

“I really like Brad Marchand because he’s like a rat and he’s not scared of [bigger players],” Sykora laughed. “I try to play that way.”

Recapping the New York Rangers Draft

Round 2, 63rd overall

Adam Sykora: Forward, 5’10 – 172 lbs (Nitra, SVK)

Sykora, 17, recorded 10 goals and 17 points in 46 games with Nitra. He added two goals in five games for Slovakia at the 2021-22 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He describes himself as a high-energy player that loves to get under the skin of his opponents. A relentless forechecker with good speed and some scoring ability.

“I try to play physical,” he said. I’m a hard-working player with a lot of energy and give a lot of hits.”

Round 3, 97th overall (via Alexandar Georgiev trade with Colorado)

Bryce McConnell-Barker: Center, 6’1 – 194 lbs (Soo Greyhounds, OHL)

McConnell-Barker, 18, picked up 23 goals and 49 points in 68 games in the OHL. He added another 5 points in 10 playoff contests. The Rangers get a big kid who plays both sides of the puck well and looks at Patrice Bergeron as a model for his game.

“I’m a two-way centerman and I work really hard all over the ice,” he said. “I am good defensively but I can produce offensively by putting the puck in the net and making some plays too.”

Round 4, 111th overall (via Brett Howden trade with Vegas)

Noah Laba: Center, 6’1 – 181 lbs (Lincoln Stars, USHL)

Laba, 18, is committed to play at Colgate University after registering 39 points in 50 games with the Lincoln Stars of the USHL. The scouting reports have him as a power-forward that’s difficult to play against.

Update: Per Mollie Walker of the NY Post, Laba has uncommitted from Colgate and will now attend Colorado College.

Round 5, 159th overall

Vittorio Mancini: Defense, 6’3 – 215 lbs (Nebraska -Omaha, NCAA)

Mancini, 20, played 38 games in the NCAA picking up 5 points and also spent time with Frolunda in Sweden.

“He’s a player that when I was in Toronto we watched and liked,” Director of Scouting John Lilley said. “He’s a good defensive minded player that’s big. A high character young man.”

Round 5, 161st overall (via Alexandar Georgiev trade with Colorado)

Maxim Barbashev: Forward, 6’1 – 183 lbs (Moncton Wildcats, QMJHL)

Barbashev, 18, is the younger brother of the Blues’ Ivan Barbashev. This past season, he notched 42 points in 59 games with the Wildcats. The Rangers are getting another physical winger that can score gritty goals.

“It’s my brother because we play the same hockey,” Maxim answered a question on who he models his game after. “I am physical player that’s strong on the puck.”

Round 6, 191st overall

Zakary Karpa: Center, 6’2 – 188 lbs (Harvard, NCAA)

Karpa, 20, is the son of former Ranger Dave Karpa. This past season he registered 12 points in 33 contests. If you haven’t sensed the trend yet, Karpa is a physical forward that isn’t afraid to mix it up.

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