Rangers’ Roster Chatter: Who’s Making the Cut and Who’s in the Penalty Box?
By Marvin Azrak
The New York Rangers are gearing up for the season, and the question on everyone’s mind is who makes the team when they break training camp?
As the New York Rangers gear up for the upcoming season, there’s a lot of buzz about who will make the final roster. It’s like figuring out which players will light the lamp on a power play – exciting and mysterious.
New York Rangers’ Roster: Who’s In and Who’s Out?:
First up, the rising star, Zac Jones. It’s a no-brainer; he’s a lock for the roster this season. He’s no longer exempt from waivers, so if the Rangers try to stash him in the minors, someone will snap him up faster than you can say “slapshot.” The 22-year-old agreed to a one-way, $812K AAV deal earlier this offseason. He can only return to Hartford through waivers.
There’s also Erik Gustafsson,31, who New York signed for one year, $825K. The two will battle for the third defensive spot on the left side next to Braden Schneider. The other will start the season in the press box as a healthy scratch.
However, Jones isn’t the only prospect with a realistic shot of breaking camp. Forward Will Cuylle demonstrated potential with his tenacity throughout his four-game tenure with the Rangers last season. Cuylle vs. Alex Belzile is the battle to watch for the final Left Wing spot; right now, the 21-year-old Cuylle’s got the edge. The projected fourth line? Cuylle-Nick Bonino-Barclay Goodrow. Sorry, Belzile, but Cuylle’s got youth on his side by ten years.
Belzile isn’t the only one in Cuylle’s crosshairs; he’s also competing with Jake Leschyshyn and Riley Nash. Nash was a solid defensive forward a decade ago, but he spent the last season in the AHL, and fans would like to forget Leschyshyn’s Rangers run. So, Cuylle, get ready for the spotlight.
The trio of Brett Berard, Adam Sykora, and Brennan Othmann has generated excitement within Rangers Nation. Unfortunately, none of them will break camp with the Blueshirts this season. It’s not about their skills; it’s about timing and roster space. There is no need to rush these young talents. Their time to shine on Broadway will come. Yet you can still enjoy watching them thrive in the AHL with the Hartford Wolfpack!
There’s also the case of Bobby Trivigno. He’s been a name on fans’ lips, but he’s not in the running for a roster spot. At 24 years old, he’s not tearing up the AHL, and his points-per-game stat doesn’t scream “NHL regular.” Cuylle has leapfrogged him in the Rangers prospect rankings, and the Berard, Sykora, and Othmann trio are knocking at the door.
Keep an eye out for Bryce McConnell-Barker. He may not get his chance until 2025-2026, but he could be someone you can get excited about if you’re the type of fan who follows Junior Hockey. Need an OHL team to root for? The Soo Greyhounds are your answer where the Blueshirts 2022 third-round pick (97th overall) currently resides as captain.
You should also monitor the progress of defenseman Mathew Robertson, 22, as New York’s 2019 4th-round pick (49th overall) is in the final year of his entry-level contract.
So, as the Rangers prepare for the new season, there’s plenty of excitement and competition on the ice. Who’ll make the final cut? Stay tuned– this season’s lineup is still unfolding like a thrilling overtime period!