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New York Rangers Going Through Changes, Starting with Glass Being Waived

By Patrick Comia

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And so, it has come to this.

The embattled forward Tanner Glass, who has endured so much in his first year with the New York Rangers, was placed on waivers this afternoon.

In terms of money, the Rangers will save about $945,000, if he clears waivers, goes unclaimed, and is assigned to the Hartford Wolf Pack. The team will still have a cap hit of $500,000, but that is small compared to the full $1.45 million they would have had to carry for another year, just so he can remain a rotational player, with spot starts at best.

With a crowded group of players coming out of training camp, it was beginning to look like game of musical chairs of who would be in the lineup a given night.

However, it was Glass who was without a chair when the music stopped. Though, he wasn’t the best or most loved player amongst Rangers fans, he still had a following. A group that wanted to see the man overcome criticism and negativity thrown his way.

Tanner Glass (15) passes around Montreal Canadiens left wing

Jiri Sekac

(26) as goalie

Carey Price

(31) looks on. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

A group that wanted him to prove his name-sayers wrong. And to his credit, he did show glimpses of productivity.

Glass seemed to be learning his role on a team expected to go far in the playoffs. After the second-half of last season, he became more responsible with the puck, and even generated offensive opportunities for his teammates.

Read More About Glass’ Future: What is to be the Fate of Tanner Glass?

And, how can you forget his lone Rangers goal from last season, coming against the Ottawa Senators?

New York Rangers
New York Rangers /

New York Rangers

However, the fight wasn’t enough to keep him on the roster anymore. It was time to move on, turn the page and look at what is to come.

Opportunities for Emerson Etem to get in the lineup just rose. Still battling for a spot in the lineup, he has less competition to deal with when Alain Vigneault sets his lineups.

The Rangers head coach may have more of options with a player like Etem or Jarret Stoll. He can play as a centerman in addition to being on the wing, so he can afford to rest Dominic Moore and insert Stoll in the middle.

You also have Viktor Stalberg, who may see his presence in the lineup increase this season.

Options, so many options to choose from. Unfortunately, Glass may have been too one-dimensional in his tough guy play on the ice. Also, the game has started evolving into a move fast-paced game, where all four lines have speed. Being extinct is the checking line, one where players kept the other team’s scoring lines in check.

With that evolution, Glass may have become a casualty.

Next: Antti-Hero Debut Ends New York Rangers Three-Game Winless Drought

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