After one period of play, neither has stepped on the ice. Rangers lead 1-0 on an Alexis Lafreniere goal.

Per PuckPedia, by not playing either player and sending Schneider down to the Wolf Pack (paper transaction) on Monday and Tuesday, it will accrue enough cap space to finalize the Patrick Kane deal by Wednesday.

However, K’Andre Miller was assessed a match penalty for spitting on Drew Doughty effectively bringing the Rangers to four defensemen with two period left.

We will update this article if anything changes.

The Rangers and Blackhawks are believed to have the parameters of a deal in place for Kane. A third party is also in place.

Update: Ryan Carpenter has taken a shift. Braden Schneider has not even though K’Andre Miller has been ejected.

Note: For clarification, the Rangers intend on sending Schneider and Carpenter down, which can’t be done if they are injured. Keeping them on the bench is for caution.

Always another twist…

If Miller is suspended, #NYR could:
-Send Schneider down Mon/Tues, back Wed
-Call up another D for Game on Wed (Hajek)
-Thurs trade for Kane @ 25%, send Carpenter & recently called up D back down

Is Kane a #NYR yet? https://t.co/00zTCjeQPm https://t.co/HsaCgTKj3d pic.twitter.com/y3Kp2ejVQU

— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) February 26, 2023

Rangers working on cap space

The Rangers began opening up cap space when they waived Jake Leschyshyn and traded Vitali Kravtsov to the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday.

Earlier today, Gerard Gallant updated Ryan Lindgren’s injury by saying he didn’t think it was serious and is day-to-day.

Also today, Leschyshyn was loaned to the Wolf Pack and the Rangers called up Ryan Carpenter, who is not expected to take a shift for cap purposes. Also the Rangers sent down William Lockwood to the Wolf Pack. He was acquired from the Canucks along with a seventh-round pick for Kravtsov.

NHL News and Rumors

NHL Recaps. All the latest scores right here.

New Jersey Devils trade for Timo Meier. Read more.

Patrick Kane returns home awaiting trade. Read more.

Head coach Gerard Gallant is expected to address the media at 3:00 PM ET prior to the team taking on the Los Angeles Kings today at 5:00 PM ET.

Ryan Lindgren’s injury status will be updated at that time.

With this move, #NYR can now add Kane @ 25% ($2.625M) as early as Thursday by sending Carpenter down. They could send Carpenter down for Monday and Tues and accrue some extra space, but without other roster moves, earliest Kane can fit is now Thursday. https://t.co/00zTCjeQPm https://t.co/ToYdBsBGTy

— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) February 26, 2023

Rangers recall Ryan Carpenter

Carpenter, 32, had 3 points in 21 games prior to being sent down to the Wolf Pack. Since joining the Pack, he’s been one of their best offensive players with 13 goals and 28 points in 31 games.

He signed a one-year deal for $750,000 this past summer.

Leschyshyn, 23, was claimed by the Rangers from the Vegas Golden Knights earlier in the season. In 13 games with the Blueshirts, he has not registered a point.

Regarding the anticipated Patrick Kane trade, this will likely push it to no earlier then March 1.

While all indications remain positive on a Patrick Kane to #NYR deal eventually coming to fruition, the trade itself likely won't be executed before Wednesday. It could even come closer to Friday's 3 p.m. deadline because the salary cap implications improve with each passing day.

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) February 26, 2023

Despite significant struggles in two of their three previous games, Hartford is two points away from a playoff spot as we enter February’s slate of games. The club began a five game home-stand last Saturday against the Syracuse Crunch and it will conclude on February 10th against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.

Hartford has a home heavy slate until the last week of February, which bodes well for the club as they’re generally better on home ice. Although this past week was exactly the opposite as Hartford dropped their first game against Bridgeport by a score of 6-2, then their second straight home loss by a score of 7-2. The Wolf Pack’s only win was against the Providence Bruins on the road by a score of 2-1 in overtime.

Even with the addition of Sammy Blais (conditioning stint) and the Rangers returning Will Cuylle after a two-game stint, the group only secured two of six possible points. While a rough outing was due for Hartford, they have to shake this off fast as the division continues to be tight.

Hartford Wolf Pack Weekly: Standings Update

Entering the first week of February, Hartford is 17-16-3-6 for 43 points. That ranks the group eighth (last) in the Atlantic Division. However, the Wolf Pack are still the race for a playoff spot.

The teams ranked fourth through sixth are ahead of Hartford by two points. Essentially, four teams are tied in the standings and are not far off from the Wolf Pack. A good streak could push the Wolf Pack over the edge. The season series are critical, especially against the rivals of Bridgeport and Springfield as Hartford plays each club in a 12 game series.

Currently the breakdown is:

• 4th: Lehigh Valley Phantoms (45 points, .549 pts%, RW 14)
• 5th: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (45 points, .536 pts%, RW 14)
• 6th: Springfield Thunderbirds (45 points, .523 pts%, RW 14)
• 7th: Bridgeport Islanders (45 points, .549 pts%, RW 13)
• 8th: Hartford Wolf Pack (43 points, .512 pts%, RW 12)

Hartford plays a six game season series against the Penguins and four against the Phantoms. What benefits Hartford further is the remaining schedule as the club will be facing Springfield, Bridgeport, and Wikes-Barre/Scranton often. Add in the three games remaining against the Phantoms, these games will all be pivotal.

Hartford has 30 games remaining on the docket.

Wolf Pack Watch

Sammy Blais Building Confidence

Announced on January 23rd, the Rangers elected to send Sammy Blais to Hartford through for a conditioning stint. The loan will be in effect for two weeks as the Wolf Pack will have six games in that span.

The 26 year-old made an immediate impact scoring in two of three games to date and is being given top minutes. The forward skated with Johnny Brodzinski and Tanner Fritz in his first game. In the last two games, there were lineup adjustments and Blais was mixed and matched with others. Despite the changes, Blais continued to perform well and was noticeable in each contest, especially in Hartford’s previous game where the club struggled as a whole.

WELCOME TO HARTFORD, SAMMY BLAIS! pic.twitter.com/o011X2xFcO

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) January 26, 2023

From the Rangers perspective, this is great as he was struggling in the lineup after returning from last year’s major knee injury. Blais is beginning to find his scoring confidence as he’s getting power play time as well. With three games remaining, I expect the forward to further work on his game and be prepared for the return to New York on February 6th.

""Just tap it in. Give it a little tappy. Tap Tap Taparoo.” — Happy Gilmore" – Sammy Blais pic.twitter.com/9sQ6tUDiba

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) January 29, 2023

Goaltending Updates

The Wolf Pack made a few adjustments over the week:

• Louis Domingue missed the last two games and was out of the lineup. The goaltender was bumped in last Wednesday’s game. However, the veteran finished the remainder of the game. Domingue played for 50:30 and in relief for Dylan Garand.
• Dylan Garand started in Hartford’s last three outings. He went 1-2 and was pulled on Wednesday and Saturday. Despite recent struggles, the rookie performed well in Friday’s game in Providence to give Hartford a win, stopping 27 of 28 shots. Garand is known to bounce back after rough games. He did that again this week. For his next game, I expect him to be refocused and ready to go again.
• Rangers prospect Olof Lindbom was called up to Hartford as Domingue was unavailable. Lindbom had a taste of action in the American Hockey League as he relieved Garand. The prospect stopped 9 of 11 shots in a span of 34:10. Despite the brief appearance, Lindbom held his ground.
• NOTE: Olof Lindbom was called up on January 26th and returned to Jacksonville on the 28th.

Ryan Carpenter Continues Push for Points Leader

The 32 year old veteran continues to be reliable for offense. In 21 games, Carpenter netted 11 goals and nine assists for 20 points. He is ranked fourth (tied for third with Will Cuylle) among the roster for points. He is four points away from tying Hartford’s point leader (Turner Elson). Since joining the Wolf Pack, Carpenter continues to be a bright spot and a needed player to jump start the struggling offense.

Carpy starting things out on #NYR night with this beauty 🔥 pic.twitter.com/OH64haEOrc

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) January 29, 2023

Entering the week, Carpenter is on a eight game point streak (two goals, seven assists). The veteran is ranked second on the team in goals. His point per game rate currently sits at 0.95 (team high).

Zac Jones Joins Will Cuylle as AHL All-Star

Announced on January 27th, Zac Jones will be the second player from Hartford to attend the AHL All-Star weekend on February 5th and 6th.

The 22 year-old prospect continues to be superb in Hartford. Despite his struggles in New York, Jones has become one of the key cogs on defense, contributing on the power play to playing strong defense in key moments of games.

And with this All-Star ending, goodnight fam 🫶🏻 pic.twitter.com/q8YmzZlI6R

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) January 28, 2023

While Jones could be blocked from a return to New York this season with the recent contract extension of Ben Harpur, he continues to focus on his play and become a noticeable asset in the organization as the season progresses.

Unfortunately, his time with the organization could be ticking away. While he benefits the Wolf Pack, he’ll likely be moved at the trade deadline for a key piece in the Rangers quest for a Stanley Cup. It’s also noteworthy that Jones will be an RFA in July.

Will Cuylle Back with Pack

The New York Rangers reassigned Will Cuylle back to the Wolf Pack in time for their 2-1 win over Providence on Sunday. He failed to record a point in his return, but has 13 goals and 20 points in his rookie season.

In his two-game NHL stint, Cuylle averaged 6:10 per contest looking strong on the team’s fourth line using his formidable size and speed to his advantage. Although he didn’t register a point, he drew a penalty and won his first fight. The Rangers know what they have in the talented forward and may choose to call him up again.

Wolf Pack News and Notes

Injury Updates

• C.J. Smith continues to be out of the lineup with an undisclosed injury. His timetable of return is now week to week.
• Patrick Khodorenko is considered month to month (out for season).

One Timers

• Hartford compiled a 6-3-2-1 record for January.
• Hartford has four power play goals in the last three games.
• Zac Jones is on a three game point streak. The defenseman has one goal and two assists.
• Jonny Brodzinski has points in four straight. The captain has two goals and two assists.

Upcoming Games

Hartford has 10 games on tap for February. Six will be at home and three will be on the road.

Wednesday, February 1st vs Providence Bruins (Boston) at 7pm, XL Center

• This is the seventh of 10 meetings in the season series. Hartford is 3-2-1 against the Bruins. The eighth meeting will be on February 18th in Hartford.
• Entering the week, Providence is 24-9-7-2 for 57 points. That ranks the group second in the Atlantic Division and third in the Eastern Conference. The Bruins are 5-3-2 in the last ten outings and have lost their last three of five. Of those losses, Hartford gave Providence two of the losses.
• Old friend Vinni Lettieri leads the Bruins in points with 37. Through 41 games, Lettieri has 16 goals and 21 assists. Bruins prospect Georgii Merkulov is second in points with 26. The left winger has eight goals and 18 assists in 38 games.
• Listen – Mixlr. Watch – AHLTV.

Friday, February 3rd vs Utica Comets (New Jersey) at 7pm, XL Center

• This is the final meeting in the season series. The first meeting was in Utica on January 6th as the Wolf Pack dropped the game by a score of 3-2 in the shootout.
• Entering the week, Utica is 22-14-5-1 for 50 points. That ranks the group second in the North Division and fourth in the Eastern Conference. The Comets are 5-5 in their last ten outings. In addition, the Comets lost the last three of five games.
• Devils prospect Graeme Clarke leads the Comets in points with 34. Through 41 games, the forward recorded 16 goals and 18 assists. Experienced forward Nolan Stevens is second for points with 27. Through 38 games, Stevens has 12 goals and 15 assists.
• Listen – Mixlr. Watch – AHLTV.

Saturday, February 4th vs Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (Pittsburgh) at 7pm, XL Center

• This is the fourth of six meetings in the season series. Hartford is 1-0-1-1 against the Penguins. The fifth meeting will be on March 26th in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
• Entering the week, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton is 20-16-2-3 for 45 points. That ranks the group fifth in the Atlantic Division and eighth in the Eastern Conference. The Penguins are 5-5 in the last ten outings and lost the last three of five games.
• Veteran Alexander Nylander and prospect Valtteri Puustinen are tied for the team lead in points at 34. Nylander has 17 goals and 17 assists in 40 games. Puustinen has 16 goals and 18 assists in 41 games. Forard Drake Caggiula is third for points with 30. He has nine goals and 21 assists in 36 games.
• Listen – Mixlr. Watch – AHLTV.

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Julien Gauthier was already ruled out with an upper-body with the team announcing he will be placed on injured reserve. A stint on the IR list means he’ll be out at least a minimum of seven days.

In response, the Blueshirts have called up Ryan Carpenter from the Hartford Wolf Pack. With Chris Kreider doubtful to play today and both Artemi Panarin and Vitali Kravtsov missing practice with the stomach flu, this move was necessary.

#NYR have recalled Ryan Carpenter from @WolfPackAHL. Julien Gauthier (upper body) was placed on IR.

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 15, 2023

Julien Gauthier on IR, Rangers make call up

Gauthier was injured in the first period against the Stars after an accidental collision with Sammy Blais. The 25 year-old has 9 points in 32 matches this season.

Jake Leschyshyn, whom the Rangers claimed off waivers from the Vegas Golden Knights will make his debut on Sunday versus the Habs.

“A huge opportunity to prove myself again,” Leschyshyn said on Saturday. “I’m just trying to bring some energy to this team. Be a good two-way center or winger, wherever they throw me and bring good compete to this team.”

Leschyshyn, 23, has no points in 22 games this season.

Carpenter, 31, registered just one goal and two assists in 21 games this season before clearing waivers and being sent down in early December. Over the summer, he signed a one year contract as an unrestricted free agent for league minimum ($750,000).

The rugged center played for head coach Gerard Gallant in Vegas for two seasons (2017-18 and 2018-19). He had the best year of his career under Gallant by scoring 18 points in 68 games (2018-19) but struggled more often than not this year.

However, the veteran has done an excellent job since joining the Pack. In 15 games, Carpenter has 9 goals and 13 points. That’s good for 6th on the team in scoring, 6 points behind Turner Elson, who has played in 35 contests.

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Carpenter, 31, has registered just one goal and two assists in 21 games this season. Over the summer, he signed a one year contract as an unrestricted free agent for league minimum ($750,000).

The rugged center played for head coach Gerard Gallant in Vegas for two seasons (2017-18 and 2018-19). He had the best year of his career under Gallant by scoring 18 points in 68 games (2018-19) but struggled more often than not this year.

Rangers place Ryan Carpenter on waivers

Jonny Brodzinski seems to have captured the fourth line center job since being called up on December 3. The 29 year-old is the captain of the Wolf Pack and familiar with Gallant’s system. Last season, he was called up for 22 games and notched one goal and one assist. The versatile forward, who can kill penalties, has two goals and nine points in 17 AHL games in 2022-23.

Carpenter has been a healthy scratch since the debacle against the Chicago Blackhawks at home this past Saturday where he was a -1.

Last season, he scored 12 points in 67 games split between the Chicago Blackhawks (59) and Calgary Flames (8). For his career, he’s amassed 72 points in 329 games with San Jose, Vegas, Chicago, Calgary and New York.

Once Carpenter clears or is claimed, the Rangers will have around $1.851 million in cap space.

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A major reason for the outcome in Seattle was not playing a full 60 minutes. Improving here will be a key to success for the remainder of the trip. They will also benefit from continuing to receive contributions from up and down the lineup.

“There was a lot of opportunities to put a stamp on this game,” Chris Kreider explained after the OT loss. “It’s a long change (in the second period) that somehow makes us think we can open it up. But we got away from the stuff we did well in the first and then they come right on back into the game.”

New York Rangers need a full 60

In the previous two games against Seattle and the Arizona Coyotes, the Rangers have gotten off to slow starts. They only recorded four shots in the first period against the Coyotes while giving up 17. Igor Shesterkin stood tall, stopping all 17 shots to give the Rangers a chance. The team did respond in the second and third periods to win the game 4-1. However, Shesterkin cannot be relied upon to keep the Rangers in the game like this every night. A stronger forecheck and more pressure early on are needed.

Seattle presented a similar problem. The Rangers allowed an early goal, but they were able to build momentum regardless. Momentum shifted between teams during the period, but the Rangers outshot the Kraken 14-6, and Mika Zibanejad tied the game on the power play. The demonstrated chemistry and cohesion on that power play, with Zibanejad scoring off of a clean pass from Chris Kreider, who got the puck from Vincent Trocheck with a crafty kick, was good to see.

This time, the issue of not playing a full 60 minutes showed up largely in the second period. The Kraken outshot the Rangers 16-5 during those twenty minutes, and Shesterkin once again stood out, stopping all 16 shots including two on breakaways. Defensive lapses and lack of pressure led to these breakaway scoring chances. The difference in play between the first two periods was too great. Seattle brought energy and a sense of urgency that the Rangers could not match. Going forward, the Rangers should focus on playing with the same effort period to period.

“First period was great, second period was awful, and the third period was pretty even,” Gerard Gallant said. “There was some good stuff, but there was some bad stuff in the second period that we got away from what we did in the first period. [Shesterkin] kept us in the game and we found a way to get a point but it’s not good enough. We’re better than that.”

Contributions from the entire lineup

Filip Chytil had the Rangers’ lone goal against the Nashville Predators last Saturday with Kaapo Kakko picking up an assist. Alexis Lafrenière, Chytil and Kakko have all shown improvements so far this season, clearly playing with more confidence. If they can continue to bring significant effort each night, more points will come. This is a huge piece of the Rangers’ development into a complete cup contender.

In the Rangers’ 4-1 win over the Coyotes, Barclay Goodrow opened the scoring. Goals by Fox, Kreider, and Ryan Carpenter followed. Chytil assisted on Fox’s goal, and Braden Schneider and Jimmey Vesey did so on Carpenter’s goal. Goodrow has nine points on the season, Carpenter has two, and Vesey has five. Their production against Arizona was encouraging. The same can be said for Braden Schneider as a young defenseman.

The third and fourth lines often contribute physically. Sammy Blais, for example, has 55 hits through his 15 games. These kinds of contributions are necessary but getting points from the bottom six as well can certainly help the team progress.

“I see some bright spots. He’s playing well but it was a major injury,” Gallant said. “I’ve seen the last four or five games, he’s played better hockey and it’s coming. Be big, physical, bumping, finishing checks, going to net and showing good hands. That’s what he can do for us.”

Whether the contributions come in the form of points or physical play, every player needs to be bringing something substantial to every game. This and playing a full game every night are two steps towards returning to contender form. Both factors make the team more complete. Despite the disappointing start to the western road trip, the Rangers have an opportunity to regroup and recover.

Note: All stats come from nhl.com and hockeyreference.com

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Not without placing a player on LTIR, which requires them to be out a minimum of 10 games and 24 days, in order to get cap relief. While a player can go on regular IR and must miss a minimum of 7 days, that only allows a team to exceed the 23 max roster limit with no cap relief. It should also be noted you can place a player on LTIR retroactively.

That’s probably why the Rangers were reluctant to place Filip Chytil on LTIR after he suffered a concussion against the Columbus Blue Jackets on October 23. By rule, he’d still be out, with tomorrow’s contest against the Seattle Kraken being his first eligible game to return.

The Rangers will also want to have more cap space open 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.

New York Rangers cap decisions

As of today, the New York Rangers are at their max roster space of 23 after calling up Julien Gauthier earlier in the season.

That gives the team 14 forwards, 7 defenseman, and 2 goalies. Should the Rangers take two minor injuries on defense, a forward would either need to drop back or they’d be forced into a trade or place someone on waivers.

So which forward would the Rangers risk losing on the waiver wire? At this time, I don’t see Julien Gauthier or Jimmy Vesey as anyone Gerard Gallant would not consider playing. Vitali Kravtsov is no longer waivers exempt and would definitely be claimed because he’s a former first-round pick that’s 22 years old with a high potential.

Remember, the Rangers took a risk with Dryden Hunt and he was taken by the Colorado Avalanche.

Rangers waiver options

As of right now, the two players that are most likely to be placed on waivers for cap space savings are Ryan Reaves or Ryan Carpenter.

Ryan Reaves

The 35 year-old hard-hitting forward seems slower than he was last year. He’s never been fleet of foot but is struggling a little more so than anticipated. In 12 games this season, Reaves has failed to register a point. That being said, he’s one of the few true heavyweights in the league and would very likely be claimed. His current salary is $1.75M, which means some of his cap hit will stay on the books as you’re only allowed to bury $1.125M in the AHL.

Ryan Carpenter

Gerard Gallant values Carpenter’s ability to play center and kill penalties. Yet, he’s still been scratched on several occasions this season. In 14 games, he has just two points (1G – 1A) but is 59.8% on draws. At just $750,000 against the cap, it won’t be a big savings for the Rangers and likely makes him an interesting claim for an injury plagued team.

Rangers trade options

So could the Rangers make space by trading a player? If so, who would it be? Both Ryan Reaves and Ryan Carpenter are candidates but will return next to nothing in a deal.

That’s why Vitali Kravtsov and Sammy Blais are the most likely trade candidates.

Vitali Kravtsov

I doubt that GM Chris Drury wants to trade Kravtsov at this time. However, he’s probably likely to fetch the biggest return. I would think a second-round pick as the ceiling. The talented winger is having a hard time staying healthy and has just 1 assist in 6 games. In a perfect world, Kravtsov and his $875,000 cap hit would be a sweetener for a trade deadline splash.

Sammy Blais

It’s hard not to feel for Blais, who is a hard worker but looks very slow among the Rangers skaters. The 26 year-old missed virtually all of last season with a torn ACL and is still trying to find his skating legs. In 14 games this season, Blais has only been able to muster 3 assists and a handful of good scoring chances. I’m not sure what he could fetch in a trade on his own. His current cap hit of $1.525M is attractive, but he will be a UFA in July which will limit the return to a mid-round pick.

What will the Rangers do?

Right now the Rangers aren’t forced to do anything unless they really want to accrue cap space for the trade deadline.

Should the Rangers find themselves in the uncomfortable position of having two defensemen out, I would think a waiver wire move is the route they’d try first. Ryan Carpenter is the player I believe they’d take a risk with knowing they have Gustav Rydahl to fill that 4th line center role if needed.

As for a trade, it’s hard to see anything happening right now. Sammy Blais is the most likely trade candidate, maybe even Julien Gauthier because he could be at maximum value.

Of course, moving Blais for next to nothing will certainly bring out Drury’s critics regarding the Pavel Buchnevich trade.

At the end of the day, the Rangers have things they need to consider and only a handful of players they’re likely willing to risk losing or moving.

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Kravtsov skated on the first line left wing in place of Chris Kreider, who was given a maintenance day. Ryan Carpenter centered the fourth line with wingers Jimmy Vesey, Dryden Hunt, and Ryan Reaves all rotating.

It’s expected that one of those wingers will be scratched for Thursday’s contest against the San Jose Sharks. In addition, it’s unlikely Kravtsov will be in the lineup considering there’s currently no opening on the top three lines.

Jacob Trouba, who took a slap shot off the helmet from Troy Terry in the team’s 6-4 victory over the Ducks on Monday night, was also given a maintenance day.

The Rangers may also want to consider which forward they want to send down to the Wolf Pack in order to increase their cap space, which is prorated come the NHL Trade Deadline. Their current amount is just $184K.

Basically, $1M in cap space at the deadline will allow you to add around $4.5M in salary.

Vitali Kravtsov and Ryan Carpenter back at practice

Kravtsov, 22, was injured during the first period of the team’s opening night victory at Madison Square Garden by Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman playing just 1:28.

On the play, Kravtsov was off-balance near the boards when Hedman put his knee into his chest and proceeded to shove his head down.

The former 9th overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft is going to have to work his way through practice to get back into the lineup. Alexis Lafrenière, who has taken his spot as the second-line right wing is playing well with 1 goal and 3 points in 4 games this season.

Kravtsov has 4 points in 21 career games dating back to the 2020-21 season.

Carpenter, 31, was injured in the 4-1 loss to the Winnipeg Jets last Friday night.

Late in the second period, while on an aggressive forecheck in the Jets zone, Carpenter tried to get around the defender to steal the puck. In the attempt, both players went down and Carpenter fell face first on the Jets player’s skate causing a deep laceration. He left for the locker-room bleeding badly and didn’t return for the third period.

“I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has reached out,” Carpenter said afterwards. “I’m very grateful it wasn’t worse. I am fine and all stitched up.”

Carpenter signed a one-year contract this summer with the Blueshirts for $750,000. In three games this season, he has one assist and -1 rating.

Last season, he scored 12 points in 67 games split between the Chicago Blackhawks (59) and Calgary Flames (8). For his career, he’s amassed 70 points in 311 games with San Jose, Vegas, Chicago, Calgary and New York.

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Late in the second period, while on an aggressive forecheck in the Jets zone, Carpenter tried to get around the defender to steal the puck. In the attempt, both players went down and Carpenter fell face first on the Jets player’s skate causing a deep laceration. He left for the locker-room bleeding badly and didn’t return for the third period.

“He’s doing okay– I haven’t heard anything,” Gerard Gallant updated afterwards. “Day-to-day.”

Ryan Carpenter shows off scary cut

Yesterday on his Instagram Story, Carpenter posted a photo of the aftermath with a message for fans.

“I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has reached out,” Carpenter said. “I’m very grateful it wasn’t worse. I am fine and all stitched up.”

The 31 year-old also proceeded to thank the Rangers medical staff and the doctors in Winnipeg for their help.

Carpenter added he was grateful for divine intervention. As you can tell by the posted photos it was just inches away from his neck.

Carpenter signed a one-year contract this summer with the Blueshirts for $750,000. In three games this season, he has one assist and -1 rating.

Last season, he scored 12 points in 67 games split between the Chicago Blackhawks (59) and Calgary Flames (8). For his career, he’s amassed 70 points in 311 games with San Jose, Vegas, Chicago, Calgary and New York.

Ryan Strome on coming back

On Monday, the New York Rangers will get back to work against the Anaheim Ducks and welcome back two familiar faces.

Ryan Strome and Frank Vatrano will both be back at Madison Square Garden but in opposing uniforms. Vatrano was a deadline acquisition last season and played a total of 42 games with the Rangers with 20 of them being in the magical run to the Eastern Conference Final. Salary cap issues prevented the two sides on coming to terms before Vatrano signed with Anaheim.

As far as Ryan Strome is concerned, he spent four seasons on Broadway and finally realized his potential as a former first round pick (5th overall in 2011). In four season with the Rangers, he registered 195 points in 263 games.

The 29 year-old pivot spoke with the NY Post’s Ethan Sears this weekend in anticipation of the game.

“I think for me it was just where we were to where we got to,” Strome said. “I was there a little bit after The Letter went out, they started tearing down a little bit. Saw so much change, but I think the core group of us just kinda being there and kinda pulling ourselves out of the basement a little bit was a great feeling.

“We put a lot of work into, not only on the ice but off the ice and making it a good environment and a good culture and a good dressing room dynamic. And I think to see that come to fruition last year, we feel a little bit short, but to see the hard work pay off a little bit and kinda take that next step was a really good feeling. That’s probably the thing I’ll remember most.”

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With two preseason games remaining, the next round of roster trimmings will be coming soon. Those contests will bring clarity on the final roster for opening night which is October 11 versus the Tampa Bay Lightning.

UPDATE: NYR TRIM ROSTER TO 29 (READ MORE)

New York Rangers ready to make more cuts

On Friday, the Rangers trimmed their training camp roster by 8 to bring the total number of players here to 34. Among those cut was prized prospect Brennan Othmann, who likely would’ve stayed here longer save for being ineligible at age 19 to be sent to the AHL.

Below are all the names remaining at camp with those in Bold and Italics still fighting for a spot:

Forwards (20): Sammy Blais, Jonny Brodzinski, Ryan Carpenter, Filip Chytil, Will Cuylle, Julien Gauthier, Tim Gettinger, Barclay Goodrow, Dryden Hunt, Kaapo Kakko, Vitali Kravtsov, Chris Kreider, Alexis Lafrenière, Lauri Pajuniemi, Artemi Panarin, Ryan Reaves, Gustav Rydahl, Vincent Trocheck, Jimmy Vesey, Mika Zibanejad

Defensemen (11): Matt Bartkowski, Ty Emberson, Adam Fox, Libor Hajek, Zac Jones, Ryan Lindgren, K’Andre Miller, Braden Schneider, Jarred Tinordi, Jacob Trouba, Andy Welinski

Goaltenders (3): Louis Domingue, Jaroslav Halak, Igor Shesterkin

Two transactions that are in the works are forward Tim Gettinger and defenseman Andy Welinski, who were both placed on waivers yesterday. They will be sent down to the Wolf Pack if they clear.

That really puts the roster at 32 with Gerard Gallant ready to make more cuts before the Rangers next game on Wednesday, October 5.

“For our coaching staff we’ll have about 27 or 28 players left in the near future for the last two games,” Gallant said. “We’ll have most of our team playing those games to get ready for the regular season.”

So we know of two players simply by way of waiver transaction, but who else is an obvious cut?

Louis Domingue is a given before the opening night roster, but he will stay here for practice and likely to backup both Igor Shesterkin and Jaroslav Halak. That means we’re looking for about 5 more cuts this weekend.

Will Cuylle, Ty Emberson, Lauri Pajuniemi, Gustav Rydahl, and Jarred Tinordi are my next expected cuts.

While it’s possible that Matt Bartkowski could be released from his PTO soon, I think the Rangers give him one more look as the 7th defenseman. If not Tinordi stays.

As for Will Cuylle, he’s looked good but is going to be better served playing at least one pro season with the Wolf Pack. The 20 year-old has the size to play in this league but needs develop his game to be effective at the NHL level.

Gustav Rydahl is someone on this list many will question and not be pleased to see. Even though he’s been solid and picked up his first preseason point on K’Andre Miller’s game winner last night, the fact he’s waivers exempt is why he’ll be sent down. That’s fine because I believe he’s done enough to be the first call up if an injury occurs.

New York Rangers camp battles

Zac Jones is the 6th defenseman

Coming into camp many believed the battle for who will be Braden Schneider’s partner this season was between Zac Jones and Matthew Robertson. It quickly became apparent that Robertson was not impressing as Libor Hajek came back from the offseason in excellent shape and tested well. Robertson was an early cut and none of the other defensemen stood out.

“When my legs are moving that’s the biggest thing for me,” Jones said after the win versus NJ. “Schneids played a great game with me and is a great partner to have. I think him and I work well together.”

All and all, they’ve been used as a pairing in both games they played with Jones registering a goal in their first game together against the Islanders to open exhibition action and Schneider getting an assist last night on Artemi Panarin’s goal. For me, it’s clear as day that Jones will start this season.

At this point, the job as the extra defeseman will go to Libor Hajek. Despite turnovers, he’s been more impressive than Bartkowski, who has been burned several times by speedier opponents.

Two opens spots on the Rangers bottom six

Due to the salary cap, the Rangers are unlikely to carry the 23 max roster limit. That means there’s a lot of players fighting for what looks like one spot on the fourth line and the extra forward.

In reality, it’s going to take a lot to beat out Ryan Carpenter, who was signed this summer to replace Kevin Rooney as the 4th line center and penalty kill. He and Gallant are also familiar with each other from their time together in Vegas.

The players remaining are Jimmy Vesey, Dryden Hunt, Jonny Brodzinski, and Julien Gauthier all fighting for one spot.

Of the four, Brodzinski has been solid but not better than the others he’s up against. Plus, he’s the captain of the Wolf Pack and they need all the help they can get.

Julien Gauthier has looked fast and strong in preseason action, but once again can’t finished despite having 11 shots in 3 games. If he was a center, I’d say he had a chance. However, the Blueshirts wings are pretty overloaded and he hasn’t outplayed Hunt or Vesey. Look for the Rangers to trade him before having to place him on waivers.

Finally, it will come down to Jimmy Vesey and Dryden Hunt for the last forward spot. Even though Hunt has decent speed and is a strong forechecker, he’s not a good penalty killer. That’s why the 29 year-old Vesey will turn his PTO into a standard contract and make his second tour of duty with the Rangers in 202-23.

Vesey also has recorded a goal and two assist in his three games, plus last night his hard back check on the PK saved the game-tying goal and preserved a Rangers win.

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