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New York Rangers: Some needed progress for the Wolf Pack

By Steve Paulus

New York Rangers GM Chris Drury talks with the media (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
New York Rangers GM Chris Drury talks with the media (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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HERSHEY, PA – DECEMBER 01: Springfield Thunderbirds forward Harry Zolnierczyk (9) skates the puck out of his own zone during the Springfield Thunderbirds at Hershey Bears on December 1, 2018 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
HERSHEY, PA – DECEMBER 01: Springfield Thunderbirds forward Harry Zolnierczyk (9) skates the puck out of his own zone during the Springfield Thunderbirds at Hershey Bears on December 1, 2018 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Free agent signings

It didn’t make headlines, but the Wolf Pack signed three AHL veterans, including two with some NHL experience.  The trio have good reputations and should have an immediate impact on the quality of the team.

Harry Zolnierczyk, Left Wing – Of the three signed on Monday, Zolnierczyk has the most NHL experience.  He has played  84 games in brief stints in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Anaheim, Nashville and with the Islanders.

The 31-year old is coming off his best pro season with the Springfield Thunderbirds where he had 51 points in 72 games.  He has played in 426 AHL games for seven teams.

Vincent LoVerde, Defense – LoVerde has played the last seven years in the AHL after graduating from Miami University of Ohio in 2011.   He played last season with the Toronto Marlies where he had three goals and 11 assists in 68 games.  He was important member of the Marlies’ defense in the playoffs and had six assists in 13 playoff games.

The 30-year old has been on two Calder Cup championship teams, the Manchester Monarchs in 2015 and the Marlies in 2018.   He has been named an All-Star  twice in his career.

Tom McCollum, Goalie – McColum is a 29-year old former first round draft pick of the Detroit Red Wings.  He has spent almost his entire career in the AHL, making it to Detroit for only three games, the last in 2014-15.

McCollum played last season in Milwaukee where he was 12-10-10 with a 2.72 goals against average and a save percentage of .899.   He has appeared in 315 AHL games for four different teams and won a Calder Cup with Grand Rapids in 2013.

With top goaltending prospect Igor Shesterkin destined to be the first string netminder in Hartford, McCollum will back him up and help him get acclimated to North American hockey.  It will also allow the Rangers to most likely let prospect Adam Huska get a lot of playing time with Maine in the ECHL.

Drury has made a lot of moves, rebuilding the team that finished last this season.

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