Wolf Pack finalize roster with their own cuts and additions
The organization has had a busy couple of days as preseason action finished up for New York and Hartford. As we approach the start of the regular season, the organization has finalized their rosters.
After today’s cut by Chris Drury, the Hartford Wolf Pack’s roster looks impressive, as it has all elements to be successful in the American Hockey League. Let’s take a look at the roster movements:
RELEASED
Forward: Connor Brickley
Goaltender: Francois Brassard
TO MAINE
Forwards: Jake Elmer, Dawson Leedahl, Ty Ronning, Greg Chase, Shawn McBride.
Defenseman: Zach Tolkinen.
Goaltender: Tom McCollum
TO HARTFORD
Forwards: Filip Chytil, Vitali Kravtsov, Vinni Lettieri.
Defenseman: Ryan Lindgren.
Goaltender: Igor Shesterkin.
There are a few surprises on my end with the shakeout of the roster at the NHL level. On paper, Hartford is looking impressive with the additions of Chytil, Kravtsov, Lindgren, and Shesterkin. Now we have to see how they will perform beginning on Saturday against the Charlotte Checkers. Chris Drury and Rangers management had a great off-season for Hartford with the signings plus putting a new coaching staff in place. These moves should lead to positive results on ice.
Adam Huska Earns Spot Over Tom McCollum
I was expecting Adam Huska to start the season in ECHL with the Maine Mariners. Huska is still early in his career, and appeared to struggle with the Wolf Pack after finishing his college season with the University of Connecticut.
Fast forward to training camp, Huska looked impressive in his preseason action. He appeared to work on his game over the off-season and impressed Chris Drury. Tom McCollum was expected to be Hartford’s goalie when he signed on July 1st. This shows that the Rangers are putting faith in Adam Huska and Igor Shesterkin as the goaltending duo with Hartford.
Tom McCollum could possibly find himself back in Hartford if a goalie is struggling in net in the AHL.
Ty Ronning Back To The ECHL
Ty Ronning continues to be left out in Hartford. The prospect struggled at the AHL level last season, despite some success towards the end of the year. He had setbacks from injuries and could never find his groove. Ronning is getting red flags from the organization, in terms of where he ranks on the depth charts. As we have seen in prior years, when the organization does not give a chance to a prospect then he may not have a future within the organization long term (Examples: Ryan Bourque, Adam Tambellini).
The 21 year old needs to be healthy and perform well in the next two seasons if he wants to stay after his contract expires in the summer of 2021. Where he ends up after the contract will be up to him. The competition in the organization for spots is tough, and he has to be up to the task to compete harder.
More Firepower: Filip Chytil and Vitali Kravtsov
The addition of two terrific players will boost Hartford offensively. They will provide a punch to the lineup with their high ceiling potential and able to perform well in the AHL. Regardless of how long their stay will be, both prospects will impact the team in a positive way.
I do not expect both to be here long term. If they play up to expectations, it will be no stretch to think that they will rejoin New York again soon. Time will pay off for them and the Rangers. Getting top line minutes will benefit both guys and the Pack.
Projected Lines
After today’s roster moves, Wolf Pack fans have begun thinking of the lines that they could see on opening night. Check out these lines, courtesy from Khris Taschereau! These lines sound impressive!
Gettinger – Chytil – Kravtsov
Meskanen – O’Regan – Lettieri
Di Giuseppe – Fogarty – Nieves
Gropp – Fontaine – Jones
Lindgren – LoVerde
Day – Raddysh
Keane – Geertesen
Shesterkin / Huska
Extra: Beleskey
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