The New York Rangers have decided to part ways with Finnish forward Ville Meskanen who has been playing for the Hartford Wolf Pack. Meskanen has not impressed in his second season in North America.
In May 2018, the New York Rangers signed two Scandianvian forwards who had not been drafted by NHL teams. The first was Michael Lindqvist , a 23-year old forward from Sweden. Days later, they signed Meskanen, a 22 year old left wing who had a career season with Ilves in the Finnish pro Liiga. He had 24 goals and 44 points in 48 games, far better than he had ever done and he signed a two year deal with the Blueshirts.
Meskanen showed some promise in his first year in North America. He scored 12 goals and added 22 assists for the Hartford Wolf Pack and there were hopes he would continue to improve in his second season.
This year, he has only four assists in 20 games and the Rangers have decided to release him from his contract, by placing him on unconditional waivers. If he isn’t claimed within 24 hours, he will be released from his contract and according to the Finnish website Aamulehti, he is contemplating a return to his former team, Ilves Tampere though he is free to cut a deal with any team.
As for Michael Lindqvist, he last barely a month in North American before he was released from his contract. He was actually productive for Hartford with three goals and seven points in 16 games and it was never really known why he and the Rangers agreed to terminate his deal. The 25-year old left wing is playing for Farjestads BK in the Swedish Hockey League.
He is the second leading scorer in the SHL with 23 points in 24 games. He’s been a point a game producer in every season he has played in the SHL.
Signing these undrafted European players is never a bad idea. There is little downside except a minor league salary that doesn’t impact the salary cap. It’s how Mats Zuccarello became a Ranger so there are chances of finding a diamond in the rough.
Hartford wins without him
With Meskanen, it appears that the Rangers feel that there are better options for ice time in Hartford so letting him go was a no-brainer. It didn’t impact the Wolf Pack at all as they won their fourth game in a row 4-1 over the Binghamton Devils Wednesday night. Igor Shesterkin had 29 saves, allowing only one power play goal with goals from Tim Gettinger and Boo Nieves with an empty net tally for Nick Jones.
Shesterkin was named the first star of the game. He now has a record of 10-3-3. He leads the AHL with a goals against average of 1.92 and owns a save percentage of .932, third best in the league.
In their four game winning streak, the Hartford has scored 18 goals and allowed only six. The win catapulted them back into first place in the Atlantic Division.