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[New York Rangers]

Rangers return from break, blow 2-goal lead, lose 3-2 in OT to Flyers

The vibes were all positive to start at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night. But in the end, the New York Rangers’ home-ice misery this season continued, when they let a two-goal lead slip away in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Philadelphia Flyers in their first game after the three-week Olympic break.

Matvei Michkov sprung out of the penalty box, accepted a pass in the neutral zone, danced around J.T. Miller, and beat Igor Shesterkin between the pads 2:09 into overtime to cap Philly’s comeback.

MATVEI MICHKOV WINS IT IN OT FOR THE FLYERS!!!! pic.twitter.com/YKI20PiHte

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) February 27, 2026

The goal was Michkov’s second of the game, and 15th of the season. It came after the Rangers failed to score on a 4-on-3 power play in OT, after Michkov was penalized for goaltender interference with 8.6 seconds remaining in regulation.

It was the fifth straight loss for the Rangers (22-29-7), who held a pregame ceremony to honor five members of the organization who helped the United States win the gold medal at the just-completed Milan-Cortina Olympics. The five included Miller and Vincent Trocheck, coach Mike Sullivan, assistant David Quinn, and general manager Chris Drury, who was part of Team USA’s management group.

Adding to the upbeat atmosphere were the returns of Shesterkin and top-pair defenseman Adam Fox to the Rangers lineup. It was the first night back for Shesterkin and Fox, after each sustained a lower-body injury in the same game on Jan. 5.

And on top of that, the Rangers started fast and held a 2-0 lead halfway through the game. But winning at MSG is not that simple for the Rangers this season. So, the good vibes eventually melted away. And they’re now 6-15-5 at the World’s Most Famous Arena.

The Rangers were also gifted the first goal of the game, but only after they stormed out of the gate and dominated the first half of the first period. Samuel Ersson gave up a simply terrible goal at 9:56, allowing Sam Carrick’s unscreened flip from along the right-wing boards to somehow beat him five-hole to make it 1-0 Rangers.

Sam Carrick opens the scoring! pic.twitter.com/TqenvElpL5

— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) February 27, 2026

What made that goal even more shocking, is that Ersson was Philly’s best player to start the game, up until that point. On the first shift of the contest, he made a spectacular lunging save to deny Fox off a 4-on-1 zone entry by the Rangers, after a Flyers turnover at center ice. Shortly thereafter, Ersson made another huge stop, robbing Brendan Brisson — making his Rangers debut — on the doorstep.

The Rangers won pretty much every puck battle early on and deserved their lead. The Flyers provided some pushback finally later in the period, notably a point-blank look for Jamie Drysdale that Shesterkin handled.

Alexis Lafreniere doubled the Rangers lead 1:23 into the second period. He found a soft spot in front of the Flyers net, and finished a neat passing sequence from Will Cuylle and Trocheck for his 13th goal of the season.

Alexis Lafreniere gives the Rangers a two goal lead

Watch Flyers-Rangers on ESPN and the ESPN App pic.twitter.com/iy3JVx1dGJ

— ESPN (@espn) February 27, 2026

The visitors turned the tide after Lafreniere’s goal, outshot the Rangers 10-5 in the second, and got a goal back at 10:26 to make it 2-1. With New York’s Conor Sheary in the penalty box serving a high-sticking minor, Michkov buried a neat backdoor feed from Noah Cates.

Trevor Zegras scored the equalizer on the first shift of the third period, going bar down over Shesterkin’s blocker on an odd-man rush at the 39-second mark.

Penalties assessed to Lafreniere — at 7:28 for slashing — and Vladislav Gavrikov — for high-sticking at 14:40 –gave the Flyers a pair of power plays after Zegras tied the game. But Philly did nothing with the opportunities, though Shesterkin had to make one stellar save, denying Cates point blank with Gavrikov in the box.

Then Michkov crashed into Shesterkin with about 50 seconds left in the third period, but the Rangers played keep away with the puck so that the Flyers couldn’t touch up to get the whistle. That allowed the Rangers extra 4-on-3 power-play time in OT, though, of course, to no avail.

Next up, the Rangers host the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday afternoon, trying yet again to break the Garden hex.

Key takeaways after Rangers lose 3-2 in overtime to Flyers​

Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Rude welcome back​

The Rangers lost 11 of 13 games when Shesterkin and Fox were sidelined most of January and into the start of February. Returning on the same night after the Olympic break appeared to be just what the doctor ordered for the Blueshirts. Until it wasn’t, of course.

Shesterkin stopped 21 of 24 shots, though he probably wants the OT goal by Michkov back, beaten 1-on-1 on a quick release. But make no mistake, Shesterkin was still plenty good. The 30-year-old was particularly sharp in the second period, when he made nine saves, including three in one wild flurry just a few minutes into the frame. A couple minutes later, he lunged to his left to make a sparkling save to rob Cates on a power-play rebound attempt.

The Rangers No. 1 goalie told reporters he “felt pretty good, except for the result.”

Fox logged a game-high 24:59 TOI, and was caught up ice when Zegras scored the tying goal in the third period. The 27-year-old defenseman didn’t record a point and failed to get the sleepy-looking power play — which was 0-for-3 — going as its quarterback.

“i thought it was O.K.,” Sullivan said postgame about the play of Shesterkin and Fox. “I think they’re capable of another level.”

Sam, I am​

Carrick’s fourth goal of the season was gift-wrapped, no doubt. But when you’re among the hardest-working players on the team, you deserve one of these breaks. And he sure didn’t let the goal give him a swollen head.

The 34-year-old continued to do what he does, even though he played just 11 shifts and totaled 7:57 TOI. He and linemates Brisson and Brennan Othmann were effective on the forecheck early on and got pucks to the net.

When Othmann was caught in the jaw on a check by Garnet Hathaway late in the first period, in came Carrick to challenge the rugged Flyers forward to a fight. Not only that, Carrick landed the cleanest punch in the exchange, yet again stepping up for his teammates.

You’ve got to love this guy.

Carrick and Hathaway exchange some heavy blows pic.twitter.com/mu9JcGamOn

— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) February 27, 2026

Experimenting​

Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Sullivan gave Othmann some time on the penalty kill early in the game, and Noah Laba played 3:33 on the PK. Good opportunity for each kid. Then there was the second power-play unit, which featured youngsters Laba, Cuylle, Brisson, and Gabe Perreault, along with Gavrikov, the veteran defenseman. Again, good on the coach for creating these chances for the kids.

Also, Sullivan tried Braden Schneider on his off (left) side, partnered with Will Borgen on the second defense pair. They were on for New York’s two goals and each finished plus-two. Borgen had an assist on Carrick’s goal.

Schneider looked comfortable on his off side, though he and Borgen got worked several times by the Flyers in the second and third periods. Still, the 24-year-old totaled 22:34 TOI, including nearly five minutes on the penalty kill, and led the Rangers with three blocked shots and tied for second with three shots on goal.

This is just the start of the coach’s experimenting over the final six weeks of the season.

The Olympians​

Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Miller and Trocheck bathed in the warm reception they received from the Garden Faithful during the pregame ceremony. Sullivan, too, received a roaring ovation. The same can’t be said for Drury, who was booed loudly by the fans.

Aside from a needless interference (should’ve been cross-checking) penalty in the second period, Trocheck had a pretty solid night from start to finish. He led the Rangers with six hits, had an assist, was good on the PK, though didn’t record a shot on goal.

Miller started fast, but seemed to run out of steam. He was exhausted after being on ice for the entire power play in overtime and beaten easily by the fresh Michkov on the game-deciding goal. Miller won 7 of 11 face-offs, but didn’t record a shot on goal and was not noticeable much of the game.

Mika Zibanejad, who played for Sweden in the Olympic Games, was credited with a team-high nine shot attempts, though only three were on goal. He missed the net badly on a clean look from the left circle in OT, and was without a point in this one.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/recap-blow-lead-lose-3-2-ot-flyers

 

[New York Rangers]

Do Rangers have Adam Fox problem moving forward in retool?

Maybe we’re reading too much into what Adam Fox said after he returned to the New York Rangers lineup in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday. But what he said when asked about his future with the retooling Rangers can’t be completely dismissed either.

“Do you want to be here through a retool?” was the direct question asked of the 28-year-old defenseman.

Fox chuckled a bit, then danced around giving a clear answer, before kicking that can down the road until the offseason.

“I think that’s a conversation for when we’re done playing games.”

Not exactly a resounding affirmative that he wishes to remain a Ranger. And far from a “get me the heck out of here” declaration either.

But it’s been widely assumed Fox, a Long Island native and Rangers fan growing up, was all-in on being a part of this core moving forward. He has a no-move clause in his contract through next season, and a 16-team no-trade clause the two seasons after that. Fox earns $9.5 million annually, second most on the Rangers.

General manager Chris Drury reportedly asked his veterans with such contract clauses if they wanted to stay during this re-set of the roster or were open to being moved. Mika Zibanejad and Jonathan Quick, for example, publicly stated their preference to remain with the Rangers.

Since Fox was on on LTIR with a lower-body injury in January when Drury went public with plans to enter a retool — not rebuild — phase, Thursday was the first time he spoke with reporters about any subject.

So, he certainly had enough time to come up with an answer for a question he should’ve expected, considering his standing in the organization.

“I’m just trying to focus on this year right now and play each game,” Fox said postgame. “I mean that’s all I really could do right now, could control. I was just trying to work to get back and help the team finish strong. I think that’s where my head’s at obviously.”

Then he finished the answer with his comment about having this conversation at season’s end.

Adam Fox says Rangers plan to retool ‘not fun to hear’​

Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

So, do the Rangers have an Adam Fox problem?

If he doesn’t want to be here, be part of the Rangers moving forward, yeah that’s an issue. He’s a letter-wearing star player, former Norris Trophy winner, and unquestionably one of the most irreplaceable players on the roster.

Of course, if Fox is open to a trade, he’s easily the biggest chip for Drury to use to overhaul the look of the team in the present and future. But that’s speculative right now. Don’t expect a massive surprise before the March 6 NHL Trade Deadline as it pertains to Fox.

But, yeah, it’s safe to say he’s likely frustrated and disenchanted with how things are going on Broadway. This is the second straight dismal season not making the playoffs for the Blueshirts, and those two runs in a three-year-span to the Eastern Conference Final feel like a distant memory.

“Yeah, it’s not fun to hear,” Fox said about Drury’s plan to shake up the roster, including trading Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings before the Olympic break.

“We’re competitive people in here and we want to win. You lose a guy like ‘Bread’ and you don’t know what else could happen, obviously. We put ourselves in this position and that’s what happens, so, it obviously sucks when something like that happens.”

Fox missed 27 games this season, first with an upper-body injury in December, and then a lower-body injury sustained Jan. 5. Without him and No. 1 goalie Igor Shesterkin (also due to a lower-body injury sustained in the same contest) for 13 games in January and early February, the Rangers cratered and lost 11 times.

The Rangers (22-29-7) are last in the Eastern Conference, despite picking up a point in the OT loss to the Flyers in their first game back after the three-week Olympic break. Though he’s played only 31 games, Fox leads Rangers defensemen with 28 points, and his 24 assists are fourth most on the team.

Fox had a glorious scoring chance on his first shift back Thursday, set up on a 4-on-1 odd-man rush following a Flyers turnover. But he was robbed by Flyers goalie Samuel Ersson.

Overall, Fox led the Rangers with 24:59 TOI in his return. No problem there. But perhaps a bigger issue looms for Fox and the Rangers ahead.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/adam-fox-future-rangers-retool

 

[New York Rangers]

Rangers vs. Penguins: Lineups, storylines for 2 teams headed opposite ways

Much has changed since the New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins faced off at Madison Square Garden on opening night. Though the Rangers were shut out 3-0 that night, few could’ve imagined that they’d be 21 points behind the Penguins four months later for their Garden rematch.

Yet, that’s where things stand heading into their Saturday matinee at MSG.

If anything, that loss in the season opener was a sign of things to come for the Rangers (22-29-7). They struggle to score, been shut out nine times this season (seven at MSG), and are tied with the Vancouver Canucks for the fewest home wins in the NHL (six).

In fact, only the Canucks (43) have fewer points in the standings than the Rangers (51), after the Blueshirts lost 3-2 in overtime to the Philadelphia Flyers at The Garden on Thursday. In their first game back after the three-week Olympic break, the Rangers let a 2-0 lead slip away, despite getting Igor Shesterkin and Adam Fox back in the lineup. Each missed 13 games with a lower-body injury.

If the Rangers are on the biggest disappointments this season, the Penguins (30-15-12) are among the most pleasant surprises. They are second in the Metropolitan Division, after missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs the previous three seasons, ironically under coach Mike Sullivan, who, of course, is now the Rangers bench boss.

The Penguins won their first game out of the break Thursday, 4-1 over the New Jersey Devils. They have one regulation loss since Jan. 13, moving up in the standings with a 9-1-3 run.

They’re without captain Sidney Crosby, who sustained a lower-body injury playing for Canada in the Olympics and is out four weeks. But the Penguins still have plenty of depth scoring, with nine other players who’ve scored double-digit goals this season. That depth shined against the Rangers in their most recent meeting, a 6-5 Penguins win in Pittsburgh on Jan. 31.

3 storylines when Rangers host Penguins​

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

1. ‘Always something to play for’​

In less than a week, Sullivan went from answering questions about coaching the gold medal-winning United States men’s hockey team at the Milan-Cortina Olympics to explaining what the Rangers are playing for down the stretch of this dismal season.

“We want to see a group that competes hard every night and controls everything in our power that gives us the best chance to win,” Sullivan explained Friday after practice. “So, there’ve been opportunities for some of the young guys to come up and make an impact on the game, try to establish themselves as NHL players. There’s opportunities for other guys that played in the League that are looking to extend their careers or solidify their spot on the Rangers. There’s always something to play for.”

One of those players getting a chance after a post-break recall by the Rangers is forward Brendan Brisson. The 2020 first-round pick by the Vegas Golden Knights had 13 goals with Hartford of the American Hockey League and took part in the AHL All-Star Classic this season. He impressed Sullivan in his Rangers debut Thursday, when he logged 11:21 TOI, playing on the third line and second power-play unit.

“He had a couple really good scoring chances. I thought he scored on the first shift he got out there. He got a Grade A look; it was a terrific save (by Flyers goalie Samuel Ersson). But I think you can see some of his offensive instincts,” Sullivan said about the 24-year-old forward. “I thought for his first game, I thought it was pretty solid.”

2. Where’s the new guy?​

The Rangers claimed Tye Kartye off waivers from the Seattle Kraken on Friday. The 24-year-old forward, who has 180 games of NHL experience, is not expected to make his Rangers debut Saturday, however. With an overflow of bottom-six forwards, there’s no rush to get Kartye into the lineup, especially since he’s yet to practice with his new team. So, expect Jonny Brodzinski to draw back into the lineup, replacing Brennan Othmann, who was reassigned to Hartford on Friday.

When he does get his chance, expect Kartye to bring a physical element to the lineup, along with solid penalty-killing skills. Though not much a scoring threat in the NHL, Kartye did show some touch in the minors, when he scored 28 goals with AHL Coachella Valley in 2022-23.

3. Put the special back in special teams​

Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Sullivan was clearly annoyed and displeased with the Rangers special teams play against the Flyers. Their power-play was 0-for-3, including a failed 4-on-3 opportunity in overtime. And their penalty kill allowed a struggling Flyers power play to score and kickstart a comeback midway through the second period.

“I don’t think the penalty kill was especially strong tonight,” Sullivan said following the loss Thursday. “It was pretty good in the third [period], but in the second, a lot of the details weren’t there, the reads, things of that nature. I didn’t think the special teams on either side were very good. Our power play didn’t execute, we made poor decisions; and out penalty kill needs to be better.”

By contrast, Pittsburgh’s power play is fourth best in the NHL (26.0 percent), and their PK is second overall (84.5 percent).

New York Rangers projected lineup​

J.T. Miller — Mika Zibanejad — Gabe Perreault

Will Cuylle — Vincent Trocheck — Alexis Lafreniere

Conor Sheary — Noah Laba — Brendan Brisson

Jonny Brodzinski — Sam Carrick — Taylor Raddysh

Vladislav Gavrikov — Adam Fox

Braden Schneider — Will Borgen

Matthew Robertson — Vincent Iorio

Igor Shesterkin

Jonathan Quick

Rangers vs. Penguins: When, where, what time, how to watch​

Who: New York Rangers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

When: Saturday, Feb. 28 at 12:30 p.m. ET

Where: Madison Square Garden

How to watch: ABC

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/nhl-rangers-penguins-game-day-preview

 

[New York Rangers]

Will Rangers deal ‘ultimate teammate’ ahead of NHL trade deadline?

The New York Rangers could use more players like Sam Carrick on their roster. But that doesn’t mean the fiercely competitive veteran center is a lock to remain in New York with the March 6 NHL Trade Deadline on the calendar.

Rangers coach Mike Sullivan called Carrick “the ultimate teammate” this week, and then laid out exactly why the Rangers should keep the gritty fourth-line staple, which happen to be the same reasons why playoff contenders expect to have interest in trading for him.

“His most redeeming quality is his competitiveness, and I think that’s something every organization in the League values,” Sullivan said Friday after practice. “It’s hard to win in this League if you don’t have a certain competitive spirit and a willingness to pay the price to win. I think Sam certainly possesses that.”

The 34-year-old is not a star. Far from it. Over 378 NHL games, he averages 11:19 TOI and scored 38 goals. But, as Sullivan pointed out, Carrick is someone you want on your team, a real heart-and-soul player, even if the Rangers need more skill in the lineup.

“He does the thankless jobs, the hard stuff, sticks up for his teammates, competes hard out there, blocks shots, brings physical play. He does a lot of the thankless jobs that are so important to teams. He sticks up for guys all the time,” Sullivan explained.

“I just think he plays the game with so much courage. It’s hard not to like a guy like that. He’s a fierce competitor.”

The latest example of Carrick’s value to the Rangers was Thursday in their first game back after the three-week Olympic break, a 3-2 overtime loss to the Philadelphia Flyers. The 6-foot, 205-pounder gave away a couple inches and roughly 10 pounds, but sought out a fight with Philly’s Garnet Hathaway late in the first period.

#Flyers Garnet Hathaway vs #Rangers Sam Carrick pic.twitter.com/4YDlPMWPYL

— Will James (@wmjsports) February 27, 2026

Carrick did so because Hathaway caught Brennan Othmann in the jaw with a hard hit along the boards. Was it an illegal check Hathaway delivered? Likely not. But the message delivered by Carrick was clear as he stood up for his bigger, younger teammate.

That’s one of six fights Carrick’s taken part in this season, filling the majority of his 53 penalty minutes, so far. His uptick in fighting coincides with the absence of Matt Rempe from the Rangers lineup. Rempe’s missed considerable time this season after shattering his thumb in an October tilt against Ryan Reaves of the San Jose Sharks. Rempe is back on IR and expected to have a second surgery on the thumb.

So, yes, Carrick’s taken on the heavy-lifting in this area, even though he’s not exactly a heavyweight himself.

H2

It’s not just fighting that makes Carrick a valued player on the Rangers roster. His 8.11 hits per 60 minutes is second most among those who’ve played at least half of New York’s 58 games this season. He’s also won 53.7 percent of his face-offs, and historically is a solid forward on the penalty kill.

And Carrick’s got four goals and 10 points in his limited ice-time with a vast array of linemates this season, after recording an NHL career-best 20 points with the Rangers a year ago. Though his goal Thursday against the Flyers was more a product of good fortune than anything else.

Sam Carrick opens the scoring! pic.twitter.com/TqenvElpL5

— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) February 27, 2026

Carrick is durable, too. He’s played every game this season, and missed just two in 2024-25, his first season on Broadway.

And with one season at $1 million remaining on his contract, Carrick is a bargain.

All good reasons for the Rangers to hold on to him.

But considering their retool amid a second straight horrid season, the Rangers must listen if other teams come calling on Carrick. Especially if the Rangers land another young bottom-six center at some point or wish to give a look to 21-year-old Dylan Roobroeck, for example, who’s currently in his second season playing with Hartford of the American Hockey League.

If teams only offer up a late-round pick, and the Rangers alternative is to slot veteran Jonny Brodzinski in as the fourth-line pivot, then it makes no sense to trade Carrick. But if they can get a mid-round pick back, or if Carrick is packaged with another player for a larger return, then the Rangers must be willing to part with the “ultimate teammate.”

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...eadline-sam-carrick-options-ultimate-teammate

 

[New York Rangers]

Rangers rally to defeat Penguins 3-2 in shootout: takeaways

The New York Rangers erased a two-goal deficit, rallying to defeat the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2 in a shootout Saturday afternoon at Madison Square Garden.

New York snapped a five-game losing streak (0-4-1) with its first win since Jan. 26. It marks their seventh win at home; five have come in overtime or a shootout.

Vincent Trocheck netted the decisive shootout winner, and Igor Shesterkin stopped 31 of 33 shots, to help the Rangers overcome a listless start. New York was held to two shots on goal through the first 25:49 of regulation.

Pittsburgh padded its League-best first-period goal differential (plus-22) with an early power-play strike. After Braden Schneider was sent off for holding at 1:28, Anthony Mantha redirected a loud Erik Karlsson clapper past Shesterkin at 2:08 of the opening frame.

The Penguins went back on the power play 28 seconds later when Trocheck was assessed a two-minute unsportsmanlike conduct minor and a 10-minute misconduct for abuse of officials. Pittsburgh nearly went up 2-0 at 3:00 of the first, but a Bryan Rust goal was wiped off the board after a coaches’ challenge by Rangers bench boss Mike Sullivan.

Evgeni Malkin circled behind the net and slid a cross-ice pass to Rust, who ripped a one-timer from the left dot. Shesterkin struggled to get over to the right post, pushing off of Mantha’s right skate while the Penguins forward was in the crease. Officials ultimately waived off the score for goalie interference.

Penguins were up 2-0 quick… until the second tally was taken away

Goalie interference on this one? Or clean?

(via @espn on ABC) pic.twitter.com/lupH1jujqN

— SportsNet Pittsburgh (@SNPittsburgh) February 28, 2026

Rust had another golden opportunity later in the frame, speeding in on the rush and clanging the post with a sharp wrister.

Pittsburgh outshot New York 10-2 in the first period and drew three penalties in the process.

The Penguins extended their lead to 2-0 at 1:59 of the second period when defenseman Ryan Shea floated a long point shot that hit off the body of Blueshirts defenseman Scott Morrow and trickled underneath the right arm of Shesterkin.

But New York began to show life as the period unfolded.

Mika Zibanejad cut the deficit to 2-1 at 10:00 of the second with his 120th career power-play goal with the Rangers. Gliding into the low slot, he hammered a one-timer over Stuart Skinner’s glove after a sharp centering feed from Trocheck. Zibanejad has the second-most one-timer goals in the NHL (14), trailing only Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (15), per ESPN stats.

Rangers rookie Gabe Perreault nearly tied the game twice in the middle frame, ringing the post and later missing an open net on a rebound attempt off a Zibanejad shot.

Momentum fully swung in favor of New York in the third period. The Rangers drew even at 2:57, when Taylor Raddysh drove to the net and tapped in a Vladimir Gavrikov feed. Recent call-up Brendan Brisson earned a secondary assist on the play, notching his first point in his second game with the Rangers

Taylor Raddysh ties the game! pic.twitter.com/8zpmMCHHvw

— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) February 28, 2026

New York outshot Pittsburgh 10-4 in the third, and outchanced their Metropolitan Division rivals 13-4, per Natural Stat Trick, forcing overtime for a second consecutive game.

Pittsburgh threatened in the 3-on-3 overtime period, but the Rangers reached the shootout by virtue of some clutch defensive stops. Adam Fox lifted Rust’s stick on a rush, and Shesterkin made two acrobatic stops on Malkin in the final 10.6 seconds of OT.

Trocheck scored the only goal of the shootout, curling in from the right dot and besting Skinner with a quick wrister through the five-hole. Shesterkin made a pad save on Egor Chinakhov; Mantha lost the puck on Pittsburgh’s first attempt, and Tommy Novak missed wide right to clinch a Rangers win.

New York scored its first power-play goal since the NHL Olympic break after a lifeless 0-for-3 against the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday. Zibanejad scored his team-leading 24th goal of the season.

With Sidney Crosby sidelined for Pittsburgh with a lower-body injury, the Rangers won 76.9 percent of their face-offs Saturday — their highest in a game since the NHL began tracking face-offs in 1997-98.

The Rangers registered a 76.9 faceoff win percentage in the win, their highest in a game since the NHL began tracking faceoffs in 1997-98.

It is tied for the 10th highest single-game percentage in the NHL since ’97-98 and the highest since the Oilers recorded a 79.6 percent… pic.twitter.com/qpimICKIcd

— NY Rangers PR (@NYR_PR) February 28, 2026

Key takeaways after Rangers defeat Penguins 3-2 in shootout​

Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Tye Kartye ‘as advertised’ in Rangers debut​

New York claimed gritty forward Tye Kartye off waivers from the Seattle Kraken on Friday afternoon. Less than 24 hours later, the 24-year-old suited up for his Rangers debut.

“It was a pretty crazy 24 hours,” Kartye admitted postgame. “Found out at like 11 o’clock yesterday. Hustled to make a 2:45 pm flight, packed what I could, and then got here. It was kind of nice — just slept, woke up, and came to play.”

Kartye slotted in at left wing of New York’s third line alongside Brisson and Noah Laba. Kartye delivered a game-high six hits, recorded two shots, and was a minus-one in 12:39 TOI on Saturday.

“For a guy that gets the news yesterday, travels all the way across the country and then has to lace them up in a 12:30 game, that’s not an easy thing to do,” Rangers coach Mike Sullivan said after the win.. “But I thought he played really well.”

Kartye and Morrow attempted to give the Rangers a spark after falling down 1-0 in the first; the two skaters initiated a physical scuffle near Skinner in Pittsburgh’s zone.

“We like that he’s embracing the energy,” Rangers assistant coach Joe Sacco told ESPN’s Emily Kaplan during the second intermission. “He’s trying to be physical.”

Physicality is a calling card for the 5-foot-11 Kartye, who racked up 98 hits in 40 games with the Kraken earlier this season. As a rookie in 2023-24, he finished 19th overall Leaguewide with 229 hits.

“He came as advertised,” Sullivan lauded postgame. “[General manager Chris Drury] talked to me about his motor and his ability to help us in the puck pursuit game, getting in on the forecheck, disrupting plays, making it hard on the opponent’s breakout options — things of that nature.”

Kartye didn’t log any time on the penalty kill Saturday, but he was fourth among Kraken forwards in ATOI short-handed prior to his departure. Sullivan suggested that Kartye will join New York’s penalty-kill unit once he practices with the team.

“I would anticipate getting him involved with that moving forward,” said Sullivan. “It’s just hard — we haven’t had a chance to really work with him yet with that. I didn’t want to put him in a tough spot.”

Igor Shesterkin could impede Rangers’ tank: ‘He has the ability to change the outcome of the game’​

Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Shesterkin was in prime form Saturday. New York’s No. 1 goalie helped limit the damage as Pittsburgh tilted the ice in the first period. Both Penguins’ goals came on shots that sharply changed directions on the way to the net.

Shesterkin single-handedly sent the Rangers to the shootout in the final 10.6 seconds of overtime, robbing Malkin twice on the doorstep.

“I think he’s the best goalie in the game,” Sullivan stated postgame. “Just his compete level. He’s an elite player, and so it’s comforting to have him between the pipes, whether it be in the shootout or anytime, for that matter. He has the ability to change the game.”

The Rangers were 2-10-1 in the 13 games that Shesterkin missed on long-term injured reserve, netting five of a possible 26 points from Jan. 6 to Feb. 5. New York tumbled to the bottom of the Eastern Conference and sank to second-worst overall after an overtime loss to the Flyers on Thursday.

If the Blueshirts have their sights set on a high lottery pick, Shesterkin’s return could interfere with their plans.

“I’m focused on my game,” Shesterkin said in response to Drury’s announcement of a Rangers retool. “I just play a game at a time, and that’s it.”

#NYR Igor Shesterkin's reaction to Letter II?

"I'm focused on my game. I just play a game at a time, and that's it. Honestly, I didn't read the letter, because I don't speak English."

— Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) February 28, 2026

A locked-in Shesterkin could easily steal some wins for the Rangers, even if Drury ships off more talent ahead of the NHL trade deadline on March 6.

Gabe Perreault getting ‘more confident’​

Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Perreault didn’t end up on the score sheet Saturday, but the 2023 first-round pick (No. 23 overall) was one of New York’s most impressive forwards against Pittsburgh.

Perreault tied an NHL career-high with five shots on goal against the Penguins, pacing all Rangers skaters. Playing alongside Zibanejad and J.T. Miller on New York’s top line, Perreault was a consistent offensive threat; he led all Blueshirts with seven scoring chances created and four high-danger chances, per Natural Stat Trick.

“Even before the break, I thought we built some chemistry,” Zibanejad noted. “The skill that he has, and I think more and more confident he’s getting — you see him making plays.”

#NYR Mika Zibanejad on his chemistry with Gabe Perreault:

“The skill that he has and I think more and more confident he’s getting— you see him making more plays. You try that on that 2-on-1, try to get it back to me — I’m laughing, but I don’t care — like if that’s what he… pic.twitter.com/IANxgc7fQM

— Jonny Lazarus (@JLazzy23) February 28, 2026

Perreault passed up an opportunity to shoot on a 2-on-1 with Zibanejad in the third, instead attempting to slide it back to Zibanejad. Perreault’s pass was deflected, but Zibanejad supported the decision.

“If that’s what he thinks is the best play, trust it,” Zibanejad asserted. “Next time, it goes through, and I score, and we’re happy. That’s a great play.”

It’ll be hard to shake the feeling of disappointment around the 2025-26 Rangers, but a blossoming Perreault could be an important bright spot for the team’s future.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/recap-rally-against-penguins

 

[New York Rangers]

Upper Deck Celebrates Rangers Centennial With ‘Unique’ Trading Card Sets

The New York Rangers’ centennial season has been one to forget on the ice. Luckily, legendary trading-card retailer Upper Deck created a unique way for fans to celebrate 100 years of Rangers hockey in a more positive way.

Upper Deck unveiled two Rangers Centennial-themed trading-card boxes, a retail box that is available now and a higher-end hobby box that will be available at Upper Deck’s website and New York-area card shops March 18.

“We created two great sets at varying prices to create greater accessibility from Rangers fans to the different type of collectors,” Upper Deck senior brand manager, sports, Ed Spiker told Forever Blueshirts “The hobby price might be a bit more difficult for younger fans who also might be budding collectors, so that’s partly the reason for the retail box set.”

What’s in the Box?​

The retail box ($49.99) features 105 Rangers cards, where fans can chase Blue parallels, Red parallels or the even rarer Blueshirts Parallel insert that features one of the 18 greatest players in team history.

“There also could be a hard-signed autograph parallel in the retail box set,” Spiker said. “That’s something you don’t commonly see in a retail offering is hard-signed autographs.”

The hobby box ($139.95) has 15 cards and comes in a commemorative tin. Rangers fans can chase higher-end and unique cards such as Blue parallel autographed cards, Cup-celebration cards numbered to 94 or even the ultra-rare Blue Seats Memories Relics, featuring a piece of a Madison Square Garden seat cushion.

The hobby box also has ultra-rare Blueshirts materials cards, including game-used jersey patch cards, plus dual, triple and quad autograph cards – some which also have a piece of equipment like the goalie-pad card featuring signatures of Henrik Lundqvist and Mike Richter.

Some tins will also have Ticket to Greatness cards, numbered to 5, which feature a card/ticket stub from Wayne Gretzky’s greatest moments in his three-season history with the Rangers.

“The hobby side is definitely more robust than the retail offering, and it also comes in a collectible tin,” Spiker said. “The hobby offering offers a wide variety of autograph memorabilia cards.”

Both the retail and hobby boxes feature cards that go as far back as the team’s first season, 1926-27, since card No. 1 on the checklist is the team’s first captain Bill Cook. Cook, who was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1952, is only one of the Hall of Famers in both sets, since players like Jean Ratelle, Andy Bathgate, Harry Howell, Rod Gilbert, Marcel Dionne, Brad Park and others are featured on base cards and parallels.

“We do literally span the 100 years of the organization,” Spiker explained. “It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the history and know who played when. In some regards it’s educational, learning who the great players were from the different eras.”

How the Upper Deck Rangers Centennial Sets Came Together​

Spiker was assigned Centennial projects for each of the Original Six teams in the NHL. He explained the multi-year challenge of putting together a collection. He got ample assistance from members of the Upper Deck team, including project developer and longtime Rangers fan Matthew Bleiberg, who assisted in tailoring the sets for the Blueshirts Faithful.

“These Centennial sets are unique and a little bit different from the vast majority of the projects we work on,” Spiker said. “In terms of trying to put together a checklist that captures the organization’s history and key moments, the right memorabilia and designs that are going to resonate with Rangers fans, it’s a longer process, but it’s also quite fun.

“It’s a nice little challenge, and I know for [Bleiberg], being a native New Yorker and lifelong Rangers fan [it’s] just a dream come true to be able to work on a set like this.”

Spiker also noted how the Rangers’ ongoing viability is a success for the NHL.

“Each of these Centennials is a significant moment in the history of the NHL,” Spiker said. “These are storied franchises because they were first, so that’s the primary reason for creating these [sets].”

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/upper-deck-centennial-card-sets

 

[New York Rangers]

Rangers Week Ahead: NHL Trade Deadline overshadows on-ice action

New York Rangers fans will have one eye on their team for the next few days as the Blueshirts play three teams that, like them, are outside a playoff position – and the other on what moves general manager Chris Drury does or doesn’t make before the NHL Trade Deadline on Friday.

Drury shipped off his biggest chip, left wing Artemi Panarin, to the Los Angeles Kings on Feb. 4. But he still has desirable pieces such as Team USA gold medal winner Vincent Trocheck, the biggest name on several trade lists.

Trocheck scored the shootout winner Saturday afternoon when the Rangers overcame an early two-goal deficit to beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2 at Madison Square Garden.

Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

If nothing else, that comeback win wiped away the sour taste of the Blueshirts’ first game after the Winter Olympics break, one that saw them blow a two-goal lead at home and lose 3-2 in overtime to the Philadelphia Flyers.

Other Rangers who could find themselves playing elsewhere before the end of the week (according to the numerous trade boards) are defenseman Braden Schneider and forward Brennan Othmann, who was sent down to AHL Hartford before the win against the Penguins.

The best news for the Rangers last week was the return of their two best players, goaltender Igor Shesterkin and defenseman Adam Fox. They were injured in the same game, a 3-2 overtime loss to the Utah Mammoth on Jan. 5. Shesterkin played both games, allowing a total of five goals, while Fox was his usual workhorse self – he averaged more than 25 minutes in the two games and was on the ice for both of the Rangers’ two non-shootout goals against the Penguins.

While the trade deadline nears, the Rangers have three games this week – the first two at home, the other just across the Hudson River. The Columbus Blue Jackets will be desperate for points when they arrive at the Garden for a game on Monday night. Three nights later – and just hours before the deadline, the disappointing Toronto Maple Leafs make their first of two visits this month. Then it’s off to Newark for a nationally televised game against the New Jersey Devils, who enter the week above only the Rangers in both the Metropolitan Division and Eastern Conference standings.

Who’s Hot​

Trocheck was the only Ranger to have points in both of last week’s games – and that doesn’t count his shootout winner. He also went 24-7 in the face-off circle, including 18-3 against the Penguins.

Who’s Not​

It looks like the Rangers have given up on Othmann, their first-round pick (No. 16 overall) in 2021 – they sent him back to Hartford after claiming forward Tye Kartye from the Seattle Kraken. Kartye led the Rangers with six hits against Pittsburgh; Othmann likely won’t be back with the Rangers, although he doesn’t figure to bring back much in a trade.

Rangers lookahead this week includes …​

Matchups with two of the NHL’s biggest disappointments this season sandwiched around the trade deadline.

Columbus Blue Jackets at Rangers (March 2, 7 p.m.; MSG/NHL Network)​

Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

The Jackets won 10 of 11 games under new coach Rick Bowness before the Olympic break to get back into the playoff race in the Eastern Conference, but back-to-back losses to the Boston Bruins (4-2) and New York Islanders (4-3 in overtime after leading 2-0 in the second period) damaged those aspirations – and made their visit to the Garden even bigger.

The Metropolitan Division rivals faced each other just once this season; the Rangers topped Columbus 2-1 in a shootout at Nationwide Arena back on Nov. 15 – back when it was the Rangers, not the Blue Jackets, who had legit playoff dreams. The Blueshirts are 5-1-0 in their past six games against the Jackets, though Columbus won 7-3 last March 9 in its most recent visit to the Garden.

Fox is an assist-a-game player against Columbus – 17 assists (plus one goal) in 17 career games. Shesterkin is 21-10-1 all-time against Columbus, including the shootout win. Charlie Coyle (11 goals in 33 games) is the only Columbus player with double figures against the Rangers. Bowness might start Jet Greaves against the Rangers; Elvis Merzlikins is 2-6-1 in nine career games against New York.

Toronto Maple Leafs at Rangers (March 5, 7 p.m., MSG)​

Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

For every Rangers fan disappointed about his or her favorite team’s season, there are a dozen or more Leafs fans furious about their team’s dreadful performance – one that’s all but certain to end Toronto’s run of nine straight playoff appearances. If that wasn’t bad enough, the Leafs play nine of 15 games this month on the road and come to the Garden one night after a game against the Devils in Newark.

However, the Leafs have had the Rangers’ number during the past couple of years. Toronto is 6-3-0 in its past nine games against the Rangers, including a 2-1 overtime win at Scotiabank Arena on Oct. 16. That includes four straight wins at the Garden, including two one-goal victories late last season.

Auston Matthews had the OT winner in October, giving him 11 goals and 24 points in 25 career games against the Rangers. But Toronto’s most prolific producer against New York is ex-Islander John Tavares, with 18 goals and 53 points in 61 games. New York captain J.T. Miller has done well against the Leafs with 15 goals and 32 points in 38 games.

Rangers at New Jersey Devils (March 7, 3 p.m., ABC)​

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Amazingly, the Rangers and their cross-river rivals are facing off for the first time this season; they’ll play the other two games of their season series at the Garden later this month.

You can be sure ABC didn’t think it would they’d have a game between two non-playoff teams when this one was scheduled for national television, but that’s the case. The Rangers have been a disappointment, but the Devils have completely collapsed after a fast start. New Jersey was 13-4-1 after a 3-2 shootout win against the Washington Capitals on Nov. 15; it enters this week 29-29-2 and is all but assured of an early summer vacation.

Jack Hughes may be an Olympic hero, but he’s been a villain to the Rangers and their fans throughout his career. The first player taken in the 2019 NHL Draft (former Ranger Kaapo Kakko went No. 2) has 16 goals and 28 points in 23 career games against the Rangers – including five goals and eight points in three meetings last season. He’s missed 21 games because of injuries — a big reason the Devils fell apart.

Fox has excellent career numbers (five goals, 24 points in 27 games). Shesterkin is 11-7-1 against New Jersey with a 2.80 goals-against average and .911 save percentage.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/nhl-trade-deadline-overshadows-3-games

 

[New York Rangers]

Rangers star opens up on trade rumors: ‘I want to win Stanley Cup’

Vincent Trocheck understands the business of hockey. So, if the New York Rangers move him ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline on Friday, the veteran center is good with it. But that doesn’t mean he wants to go just anywhere.

Trocheck said Monday that he only wants to play for a contender, not a team in a rebuild, or retool, phase like the Rangers.

“I am 32 years old. I want to win a Stanley Cup,” Trocheck told reporters.

He came close with the Rangers in 2024, when they fell two wins short of reaching the Stanley Cup Final, losing to the eventual champion Florida Panthers in six games during the Eastern Conference Final.

His desire to win likely is further fueled by helping the United States capture the gold medal at the Milan-Cortina Olympics in February.

Trocheck has a 12-team no-trade clause in his contract, so he has some say as to where he ends up. He confirmed that west coast teams are on his no-trade list, so there won’t be any reunion with former linemate Artemi Panarin in Los Angeles. The Rangers traded Panarin to the Kings to kickstart their retool back on Feb. 4.

“It’s not a secret. They (west coast teams) are on my no trade cause family is important to me and my family is on the east coast,” he explained.

By the sounds of it, there are no surprises here. Trocheck and Rangers general manager Chris Drury thoroughly discussed the trade possibility

“He’s been very open and honest with me, and transparent,” Trocheck said about the much-maligned GM.

‘Rangers’ ask is high’ regarding possible Vincent Trocheck trade​

Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Of course, just because Drury had these talks with Trocheck doesn’t mean the Rangers will simply trade the stalwart two-way center away for pennies on the dollar. This isn’t similar to the Panarin scenario, when the Rangers had almost no leverage with the star player on an expiring contract, holding a complete no-movement clause, dictating exactly where he could and could end up.

Trocheck has three more years on his deal, at an affordable $5.625 million annual salary. It certainly behooves the Rangers to trade him now, though, before his play might deteriorate in coming seasons.

“The Rangers ask is high, it should be high,” NHL insider Elliotte Friedman said Sunday on TNT.

Friedman added that the Minnesota Wild, Detroit Red Wings, and Carolina Hurricanes — for whom Trocheck played previously — are in on the Rangers alternate captain. And that the Wild are the frontrunners to land Trocheck.

“I think the Rangers know exactly what Trocheck is going to cost, what Minnesota is willing to do for Trocheck,” Friedman reported. “And I just think they’re looking around there and saying ‘Alright, do we take that deal, or do we find another deal elsewhere that beats it’?

“Most people tend to believe that Minnesota has a standing offer for him. And we’ll just see what the Rangers decide to do.”

The Rangers reportedly are seeking young NHL talent, or prospects on the verge of playing in the NHL, along with draft capital. That’s what they did in the Panarin trade bringing back 20-year-old forward Liam Greentree, L.A.’s top prospect at the time, who’s expected to turn pro next season.

Trocheck is third on the Rangers with 38 points (12 goals, 26 assists), though he missed 14 games earlier this season with an upper-body injury. He’s also won 57.4 percent of his face-offs, has seven seasons with 20+ goals on his resume, and played a key role as a top penalty killer for the U.S. at the Winter Olympics, where he also contributed three assists in six games.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/vincent-trocheck-opens-up-trade-rumors

 

[New York Rangers]

Rangers erase 4-goal deficit, still lose 5-4 in OT to Blue Jackets: takeaways

Maybe in another season, erasing a four-goal deficit in the third period would catapult the New York Rangers to victory. But not this season. After climbing out of a 4-0 hole, the Rangers lost to the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-4 in overtime Monday at Madison Square Garden.

Kirill Marchenko scored his second goal of the night at 1:04 of OT, denying the win that the Rangers and their fans most definitely felt was going to be theirs. That’s because, out of nowhere really, the Rangers were flying in the third period, scoring two goals early and two goals late, to flip the script on the Blue Jackets.

But in the 3-on-3 overtime, Gabe Perreault missed the net off the rush, and Vincent Trocheck got caught in the offensive zone when Columbus broke the other way on an odd-man rush. With only Vladislav Gavrikov back to help defend the rush, Igor Shesterkin failed to stop Marchenko’s wrist shot that clipped his blocker for the short-side game-winner.

NEVER A DOUBT

Kirill Marchenko wins it for the @BlueJacketsNHL in @Energizer overtime! pic.twitter.com/Bo3ThOlskN

— NHL (@NHL) March 3, 2026

Shesterkin finished with 23 saves, after stopping all eight shots he faced in the critical third period. Perreault scored two goals, including the one that tied the score 4-4 with 4:46 remaining in regulation. Gavrikov started the comeback with his career-high 10th goal just 30 seconds into the third period.

THE RANGERS HAVE COME BACK FROM DOWN 4-0

Gabe Perreault pots his second of the game! pic.twitter.com/KzFgkRpj4y

— NHL (@NHL) March 3, 2026

The Rangers (23-29-8) didn’t show much life in the first period, especially after surrendering the game-opening goal at 5:50. They had three shots on goal at that point, and managed just one more the rest of the period.

Adam Fantilli got behind Gavrikov to redirect a pass from Marchenko off the rush into the net to open the scoring with his 16th goal of the season, extending his goal-scoring streak to three games.

Much of the rest of the period was a snooze fest, but the Blue Jackets did find a way to double their lead at 15:32. Marchenko’s one-timer from the left circle deflected off Matthew Robertson’s stick and beat Shesterkin short side for a power-play goal that made it 2-0.

The Rangers got their feet moving in the second period, and had two scoring chances in the first minute. Mika Zibanejad got a shot through that Elvis Merzlikins stopped but couldn’t control the rebound. Perreault was there to try and jam the puck home, but the Blue Jackets goalie denied him.

Then at 2:14, Columbus captain Boone Jenner was sent off for a tripping penalty; 50 seconds later the Rangers thought they cut the deficit in half when J.T. Miller buried what appeared to be a power-play goal from the right circle. But the Blue Jackets challenged for goaltender interference, and video review upheld the challenge, wiping the goal off the board, after it was determined that Alexis Lafreniere interfered with Merzlikins by slightly elbowing him in the head when moving through the top of the blue paint.

The Rangers being the Rangers these days, they allowed Sean Monahan to score a short-handed goal just 23 seconds later, an absolute backbreaker at 3:27. It was the ninth shorty allowed by the Rangers this season.

Mathieu Olivier beat Shesterkin far side with a right-wing snap shot off the rush at 11:54 to put the Blue Jackets up 4-0.

Left for dead after the 40 minutes of hockey, the Rangers came alive by scoring two goals in the first minute of the third period to get back into the game. Gavrikov buried a Lafreniere feed out in front 30 seconds into the period. Then 24 seconds later, Columbus defenseman Denton Mateychuk misplayed the puck after a face-off win by the Blue Jackets, and Perreault wasted no time rifling the loose puck past Merzlikins to make it 4-2.

Vladislav Gavrikov – New York Rangers (10) pic.twitter.com/3wv6n6MT12

— NHL Goal Videos (@NHLGoalVideos) March 3, 2026

Shesterkin kept his team in it at 6:22 when he aggressively dove out of his crease to poke the puck off the stick of Miles Wood after the Columbus forward blew past Brendan Brisson.

The Rangers rewarded their goalie by pulling even with two more goals. They scored off a scramble, with the puck deflecting off Will Borgen’s skate and over the goal line at 12:50, and Perreault tied it at 15:14, finishing off a perfect feed from Borgen on a rush up ice.

But on this night, in this season, the epic comeback was only good enough for one point in the standings, after Marchenko finished off this wild contest in overtime.

Key takeaways after Rangers lose 5-4 to Blue Jackets in overtime​

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Not a complete game​

The third-period comeback was awesome. The Rangers skated hard and fast, won numerous puck battles, drove to the net, and looked the part of a really good hockey team. They out-chanced the Blue Jackets 13-5, including 6-0 in high-danger scoring opportunities, had an expected goal share of 81.5 percent, per Natural Stat Trick, and scored four straight goals to the tie the game and force overtime.

“We talked about no quit. Proud of the way we kept pushing,” Miller said afterward.

But let’s be real. Had the Rangers actually, you know, started on time and played a full 60 minutes more similarly to how they competed over the final 20 of regulation, they would’ve won this game handily. Columbus was without its leading scorer and minute-munching defenseman Zach Werenski, yet led 4-0 after 40 minutes. There was minimal pushback by the Rangers until they jumped the visitors in the third period. Keep in mind that Columbus has now been outscored 76-54 in third periods this season.

So, yes, the comeback was awesome. But the first 40 minutes were as much the reason they lost as Marchenko’s goal in OT.

“Things haven’t gone as smooth as anyone has liked, but definitely proud of the group for that third period and, honestly, just giving the fans something to cheer for, something to get excited for,” Adam Fox said, before adding, “We want to be able to deliver that for a full 60 minutes, not just one period at a time.”

Gabe breaks out on cue​

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Before the game, coach Mike Sullivan gave a glowing commentary about Perreault’s play in the top six, even though the rookie hadn’t recorded a point in six games, nor a goal in 10. The kid looked the part in the third period, scoring twice and adding an assist to establish a career high with three points.

His first goal was an absolute snipe. And the way he jumped on that loose puck and fired immediately on net was an example of his growing confidence. He then hopped into a goalmouth scrum to push the puck where it caromed off Borgen and in to make it 4-3. And then the 20-year-old skated right down the middle to beat Merzlikins five-hole and tie the game, when Borgen returned the favor by setting him up.

Don't call it a comeback

Gabe Perreault SNIPE and the Rangers cut the lead to two pic.twitter.com/EBiCDRKX2G

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) March 3, 2026

If this is a sign of things to come, at least something good will come out of this overall dismal season for the Rangers.

“I’ve been getting a lot of chances the last five, 10 games or so and obviously it’s nice to see a couple go in tonight,” Perreault said postgame. “But you hate losing, and it sucks to come back like that and end up losing.”

Turning point​

Miller’s disallowed power-play goal in the second period felt like a real turning point in this game. Instead of trailing 2-1, the Rangers soon were down 3-0 after Columbus scored short-handed right after play resumed following the video review. And the home team and its crowd really fell silent afterward the rest of that second period.

Columbus likely believed there were two reasons to have this goal reviewed. Lafreniere did make some contact with the head of Merzlikins. He also slightly clipped skates with the Blue Jackets goalie, accidentally not allowing him to push off fully toward where the shot was coming from.

The age old question. What is goalie interference? pic.twitter.com/Un9AcbJqwd

— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) March 3, 2026

It wasn’t cut and dry. But the Rangers had one of these go their way on video review in the 3-2 comeback victory against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday, and that disallowed goal helped them win the game.

Last call?​

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

So, was this Trocheck’s last game wearing a Rangers sweater? And his last home game at Madison Square Garden?

The NHL Trade Deadline arrives at 3 p.m. ET on Friday, and the Rangers likely will move Trocheck before then. The 32-year-old center said as much after the morning skate Monday. There’s a chance he’ll be traded before the Rangers host the Toronto Maple Leafs at MSG on Thursday — or that they’ll hold him out of the game for roster management reasons.

If either is true, his final moment on home ice at The Garden is diving on his belly trying to break up a pass that never came on Marchenko’s game-winning goal.

Trocheck assisted on Perreault’s second goal, won 10 of 19 face-offs, recorded six shot attempts and two on goal, and logged 20:45 TOI.

Trocheck also was right in the middle of a third-period post-whistle scrum behind the Columbus net. Because of course he was.

Let’s see if this was his Rangers swan song.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...ecap-furious-rally-overtime-loss-blue-jackets

 

[New York Rangers]

Hartford Wolf Pack Weekly: Juuso Pärssinen rediscovers scoring touch

The Hartford Wolf Pack’s three-game winning streak was snapped when they split a two-game series against Lehigh Valley in Allentown over the weekend. But the past week was, by and large, a productive one for the New York Rangers affiliate’ in the American Hockey League.

Saturday featured a 5-4 shootout win, led by Dylan Garand’s heroic efforts after he relieved starter Spencer Martin for the final 58:37 of the game. Garand stopped 24 of 26 shots, then denied 10 of 12 attempts in the victorious shootout. Veteran Justin Dowling scored the deciding goal for the Wolf Pack in their longest shootout of the season.

However, Hartford couldn’t keep the good mojo rolling Sunday, when it lost 6-3.

Dowls called game during the 12th() round of the shootout last night with this beauty pic.twitter.com/ngtAlW9wEi

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) March 1, 2026

The eighth-place Wolf Pack (20-26-4-2, 46 points) are six points out of a playoff spot in the Atlantic Division. They begin a crucial five-game homestand on Wednesday.

Hartford Wolf Pack News-n-Notes​

Credit: Hartford Wolf Pack

Juuso Pärssinen finds scoring touch with Wolf Pack​

Finally healthy, Juuso Pärssinen is coming alive for the Wolf Pack. The 25-year-old forward has five points (four goals, one assist) in his past five games. On Saturday, Pärssinen was rewarded with a tip-in goal when battling in front of the Lehigh Valley net. One day later, Pärssinen converted a rebound of Travis Dermott’s shot. He also had a secondary assist on Hartford’s first goal by Anton Blidh, at first protecting the puck to keep the play alive.

Follow the puck and good things happen pic.twitter.com/rD5OEe2HIY

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) March 1, 2026

After two injury absences (Nov. 28 to Jan. 22; Jan. 23 to Feb. 5) and a disappointing start in New York with the Rangers (two goals, one assist in 14 games), Pärssinen is beginning to find his stride. His performance could earn himself a callup, especially at a time when the Rangers are retooling and vetting prospects.

Pärssinen has six points (five goals, one assist) in 11 AHL games.

Brennan Othmann producing in AHL ahead of uncertain NHL Trade Deadline​

Returning from his fourth callup of the season, Brenann Othmann scored in back-to-back games this past weekend. Othmann, a first-round pick (No. 16) by the Rangers in the 2021 NHL Draft, has nine points (seven goals, two assists) in his past 10 AHL games, even though he struggled mightily in the NHL and has just one goal with the Rangers.

On Saturday, he was on the second line, paired with Blidh and Pärssinen, and given significant ice time, something that didn’t happen in his fourth-line role with the Rangers. The 23-year-old provided an offensive spark for the Wolf Pack, tying the game 4-4 on Saturday with a snipe in a 4-on-4 situation.

Otter pic.twitter.com/7QBZU6t1re

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) March 1, 2026

The next day, Othmann skated on a line with Dylan Roobroeck and Jaroslav Chmelař and scored a third-period goal, though it was on a mixed line with Trey Fix-Wolansky picking up the assist.

Othmann is up to 16 points (eight goals, eight assists) in 25 AHL games this season. With the NHL Trade Deadline on Friday and Othmann’s name mentioned often on the rumor mill, he could play his final game with the organization in Hartford this week.

Adam Sýkora sets career high by scoring 10th goal​

Adam Sykora — Photo courtesy Hartford Wolf Pack

Adam Sykora scored in three consecutive games to establish a career high with 10 goals this season. A second-round pick (No. 63) by the Rangers in the 2022 NHL Draft, Sykora is tied for third in goals on Hartford with Gabe Perreault, who’s in New York and scored two goals in the Rangers’ 5-4 overtime loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday.

On Feb. 22, he got in on the forecheck against Providence, eventually leading to him scoring a rebound goal.

Syky’s motor never quits pic.twitter.com/FRFmINRhQU

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) March 1, 2026

Known for being a key cog on the penalty kill and defensive situations, Sýkora is beginning to build his offensive skillset, proving he can be effective on both ends of the ice. A depth player for Hartford, Sýkora is quietly establishing himself as a callup candidate to fill in the Rangers’ bottom six.

Upcoming Games​

All games can be viewed on AHLTV and heard on Mixlr.

Wednesday, March 4 vs Providence Bruins (Boston) at 7:00pm, PeoplesBank Arena​

• This is the eighth of 10 meetings in the season series. Hartford is 2-3-1-1 against Providence.
• Providence is 41-10-1-0 (83 points), first in the Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference. They are second overall in the AHL.
• Patrick Brown leads the Bruins with 48 points (17 goals, 31 assists) and is tied for 12th in the AHL. Next is Georgii Merkulov with 42 points (17 goals, 25 assists).

Friday, March 6 vs Bridgeport Islanders (New York) at 7:00pm, PeoplesBank Arena​

• This is the ninth of 12 meetings in the season series. Hartford is 3-5-0-0 against Bridgeport.
• Bridgeport is 22-24-3-5 (52 points), sixth in the Atlantic Division and 11th in the Eastern Conference.
• Matt Luff leads the Islanders with 42 points (15 goals, 27 assists). Next is Adam Beckman with 37 points (22 goals, 15 assists).

Saturday, March 7 vs Hershey Bears (Capitals) at 6:00pm, PeoplesBank Arena​

• This is the third of four meetings in the season series. Hartford won the first two meetings in regulation.
• Hershey is 26-20-6-2 (60 points), fourth in the Atlantic Division and eighth in the Eastern Conference.
• Ilya Protas leads the Bears with 45 points (22 goals, 23 assists). Next is Andrew Cristall with 42 points (12 goals, 30 assists).

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...ack-juuso-parssinen-rediscovers-scoring-touch

 

[New York Rangers]

What’s next for Rangers after J.T. Miller goes on IR with upper-body injury

The hits just keep on coming this season for the New York Rangers. On Tuesday, they placed captain J.T. Miller on injured reserve with an upper-body injury.

Reportedly this is a different injury from the upper-body issue that forced him to miss seven games, including the outdoor Winter Classic against the Florida Panthers in Miami, from Dec. 21 – Jan. 5.

Miller played the entirety of New York’s 5-4 overtime loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday. He logged 19:23 TOI and assisted on Will Borgen’s goal in the third period, when the Rangers erased a four-goal deficit to force overtime. Miller spoke with reporters after the game and appeared none the worse for wear.

It’s unknown what the exact injury is or whether it’s a new or lingering issue. Miller was hit in the back of the head by a shot after being knocked to the ice in front of the Columbus net by Erik Gudbranson with 7:26 remaining in the third period. He remained in the game during the ensuing delayed penalty, when Borgen scored to make it 4-3.

The 32-year-old forward played five more shifts the rest of the night without missing a single one. He started the 3-on-3 overtime for New York with Mika Zibanejad and Adam Fox.

Rangers’ J.T. Miller sustains latest blow in roller-coaster season​

Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

It’s been a roller-coaster ride for Miller this season. Named the 29th captain in franchise history before training camp started, he sustained an injury a couple weeks later that he played through to begin the season. Never looking completely healthy, Miller slumped to 14 goals and 38 points in 51 games, and the Rangers (23-29-8) are last in the Eastern Conference.

Seeing the team trade Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings on Feb. 4 amid an expected extensive retool of the roster is not what Miller envisioned for his first season as captain.

He’s had several big moments earlier in the season, including scoring three overtime goals and another shootout winner. Along with Rangers teammate Vincent Trocheck, Miller helped the United States men’s hockey team capture the gold medal at the Milan-Cortina Olympics last month.

What’s next for Rangers after J.T. Miller injury​

Credit: Hartford Wolf Pack

Juuso Parssinen — photo courtesy Hartford Wolf Pack

The Rangers recalled forwards Juuso Parssinen and Jaroslav Chmelar from Hartford of the American Hockey League late Tuesday afternoon. Parssinen has the hot hand lately in the minors, scoring four goals in his past five AHL games. He began the season as a lineup regular for the Rangers, so should get another chance here, either at center or on the wing.

Chmelar is pointless in six games with the Rangers this season. The 22-year-old could fill a fourth-line role, since forward Brendan Brisson was assigned to Hartford, along with defenseman Scott Morrow, on Tuesday.

The Rangers could elevate extra forward Jonny Brodzinski into the lineup as well. Brodzinski’s moved up and down the Rangers lineup over the past few years, and plays center or on the wing, just like Miller. It’s also possible that Adam Edstrom could be activated off IR since he’s been practicing with the team lately. Edstrom, a bottom-six wing, missed 33 games so far with a lower-body injury.

Further complicating matters is the NHL Trade Deadline on Friday. The Rangers are likely to trade Trocheck before then, or hold him out of the lineup for roster management reasons Thursday, when they host the Toronto Maple Leafs. Brodzinski, Sam Carrick, Taylor Raddysh, and Conor Sheary are other forwards that could be traded.

Barring any other moves, it’d make the most sense to give Parssinen a look in the top six, though they might prefer him on the third line, with a more veteran option taking Miller’s minutes.

Any trades between now and Thursday certainly will only add to the lineup confusion.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/jt-miller-injured-reserve-lineup-options

 

[New York Rangers]

How Rangers trade deadline might be affected by specific injury concern

Though it feels pretty certain that the New York Rangers will deal Vincent Trocheck ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline on Friday, there’s a recent injury that could affect where the veteran center lands, and what the return package might be.

And no, we’re not talking about Rangers captain J.T. Miller landing on IR with an upper-body injury Monday. With their playoff hopes long gone, the Rangers won’t hold on to Trocheck just because they’re thinner in the top six now without Miller.

As far as Trocheck’s trade value is concerned, it may raise or stay where it is depending on the severity of an eye injury sustained by Nashville Predators center Ryan O’Reilly on Tuesday. O’Reilly was struck in or near the eye by the butt end of Charlie Coyle’s stick midway through the third period of Nashville’s 3-2 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. He immediately left the ice bleeding, and didn’t return.

The Predators released this statement regarding O’Reilly: “For those who are concerned about Ryan O’Reilly, we expect that he is going to be OK. He is flying home with the team from Columbus tonight and will be evaluated by our medical team in Nashville. We expect to have an update on his playing status sometime on Thursday.”

That, of course, is the day before the trade deadline. And though it’s not for sure O’Reilly will be traded, there’s no doubt it’s a possibility. If the eye injury sidelines him, it’s difficult to imagine a team trading for him.

Which brings us to Trocheck and the Rangers. There are a number of centers on the trade market, but the consensus is that Trocheck is most likely to move, and right near the top of most attractive options. He becomes even more attractive if O’Reilly, his closest comp, stays put. And if O’Reilly is off the market, you’d think Rangers general manager Chris Drury has even more leverage to extract a haul in return for Trocheck.

Tale of the tape between Vincent Trocheck and Ryan O’Reilly​

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Trocheck and O’Reilly are similar players in the fact that each is strong on both sides of the puck and can be counted on to play a complete 200-foot game. They both average just under 21 minutes TOI per game, and are durable and reliable veterans, who play all game situations.

Looking for a big face-off win? Trocheck sits at 57.2 percent at the dot this season and was just under 60 percent last season (59.1 percent). O’Reilly is at 55.4 percent this season, right in line with his career average of 55.6 percent over 1,213 NHL games with the Predators, Toronto Maple Leafs, St. Louis Blues, Buffalo Sabres, and Colorado Avalanche.

O’Reilly leads the Predators with 59 points (22 goals, 37 assists) in 61 games, and has 325 goals and 883 points in the NHL. He won the Selke Trophy as top defensive forward in the League in 2018-19. That’s the same season he helped the Blues win the Stanley Cup, and was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.

Though, the 35-year-old is three years older than Trocheck (32), he has less term on his contract, just one more season after this at $4.5 million. Even at his age, O’Reilly is a bargain. Trocheck, who’s third on the Rangers with 39 points (12 goals, 27 assists) in 46 games (he missed 14 with an upper-body injury), has three more years left on his contract, with an average annual value of $5.625 million.

A seven-time 20-goal scorer, Trocheck has 235 goals and 617 points in 847 games with the Rangers, Carolina Hurricanes, and Florida Panthers. He’s yet to play in a Stanley Cup Final, though Trocheck did just help the United States capture a gold medal at the Milan-Cortina Olympics.

So, the tale of the tape is pretty even here. Meaning that potential suitors looking for a top-six center likely have interest in each of these players. And if O’Reilly is injured or removed from trade consideration, the Rangers, in theory, benefit.

And though Trocheck practiced Wednesday, you must wonder if the Rangers hold him out of the lineup Thursday against the Toronto Maple Leafs due to roster management purposes, using what happened to O’Reilly as a cautionary tale.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...eadline-plan-trocheck-affected-oreilly-injury

 

[New York Rangers]

Rangers ‘not getting the packages they want’ for Vincent Trocheck

New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck could headline the NHL Trade Deadline on March 6, per ESPN’s Emily Kaplan.

Kaplan tabbed Trocheck as her “Most Likely Big Name to Move” on Wednesday morning’s edition of the PuckPedia Hockey Show.

“I felt so much stronger about this yesterday than I did this morning,” Kaplan qualified. “As with all of these, there’s always gonna be these caveats — but I think it’s gonna be Vincent Trocheck.”

The Rangers traded defenseman Carson Soucy to the New York Islanders in January and dealt star winger Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings before the Olympic break. Trocheck could be the next domino to fall in the aftermath of general manager Chris Drury’s letter signaling a retool.

“I think that Chris Drury obviously has signaled which direction they’re gonna go. He’s kind of backed himself into a corner in a lot of ways,” continued Kaplan. “The expectation I got around the League — as well as within the Rangers locker room and with Vincent Trocheck — is that he is going to be on the move.”

Trocheck candidly acknowledged the rumors Monday, expressing his desire to play for a Stanley Cup contender. He also confirmed he would block any trade to the West Coast with his 12-team no-trade clause.

The Blueshirts certainly have incentive to move him. Drury specified a desire to acquire young players and draft picks in his Jan. 16 letter to the fans, and Trocheck figures to be his most valuable trade chip at this year’s deadline.

The 32-year-old is under contract through 2027-28 at a team-friendly cap hit of $5.625 million annually. Trocheck helped Team USA claim Olympic gold for the first time since 1980, anchoring a penalty kill that was 17-for-17; he also tied for second among all skaters with a 66.7 face-off win percentage in this year’s Winter Games.

But with the NHL Trade Deadline looming, Drury reportedly isn’t thrilled with the trade offers for his gritty, two-way center.

“You have to get a pretty big package for a guy that you’re getting for three playoff runs, and a pretty attractive cap hit,” Kaplan said. “And I think that’s the problem right now — they’re just not getting the packages that they want.”

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported Monday that the Minnesota Wild, Detroit Red Wings, and Carolina Hurricanes are all in on Trocheck, with the Wild being the frontrunner. Friedman added that Minnesota general manager Bill Guerin has likely sent New York his best offer — one that does not include 22-year-old winger Danila Yurov, per Kaplan.

On Trocheck: LA and Utah are likely out. MIN has likely sent NYR their best offer as Guerin likes to do and maybe New York is waiting to see if someone beats it. Elliotte thinks he's the most likely of the main C that will get traded. Carolina is checking in on him. #NYR

— NHL Trade Alert (@NHLTradeAlert) March 2, 2026

“I know that there’s a deal to be had, and the framework is there for the Minnesota Wild, but I’ve heard that Billy Guerin doesn’t want to give up Yurov at all,” Kaplan said. “It would circle around Charlie Stramel, a 2027 first-round pick, maybe another prospect or young roster player. I don’t know if Drury thinks that’s enough.”

Friedman theorized that the Rangers are shopping around for a deal that tops Minnesota’s. If Drury can’t find a more enticing offer, it leaves him with a difficult choice.

“I talked to a GM this morning that talked to ‘Dru’ last night,” Kaplan disclosed. “And he told him, ‘Hey, I’m kinda hemming and hawing here. I’ve got the guy for three more years; I don’t have to make a decision right now.'”

Trocheck’s value may never be higher, buoyed by his Olympic performance and the allure of a Stanley Cup run this spring. That said, Drury isn’t boxed into trading his most desirable piece by March 6.

“I’m kinda scared because it’s been so slow now that we all want this action, and there’s gonna be a lot of business that’s just punted to over the summer when people have more flexibility, there’s more teams in the race,” Kaplan noted. “All of that said, all of my reporting of the last several weeks says that Vincent Trocheck should be on the move.”

Emily Kaplan confirms Adam Fox ‘wants to see the dust settle’​

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

One name Kaplan shot down as a potential deadline move was Rangers star defenseman Adam Fox, who sparked conjecture with a pair of noncommittal responses regarding his future in New York.

“I don’t think that’s a move that gets made in the next week,” Kaplan said of Fox, who is signed through 2028-29 and wields a full no-movement clause through 2026-27. “I think there’s some smoke in that conversation, but I don’t think there’s any fire right now.

That’s not to say that Fox couldn’t get moved in the summer.

“His family is from the New York area, so I don’t think he’s really eager to go to California, per se. If there’s a team nearby that makes sense — maybe like the Boston Bruins, who could also use someone on that

side; he’s really good buddies with Charlie McAvoy — perhaps that’s a deal to be had,” Kaplan added. “But from everything I understand, he kinda just wants to see the dust settle. That’s a conversation for over the summer.”

Kaplan also addressed the possibility of a swap between the Rangers and Seattle Kraken involving 2021 No. 1 overall pick Alexis Lafreniere and 2022 No. 4 overall pick Shane Wright.

“I think that’s a deal that could’ve been done already,” said Kaplan. “I know that the Rangers — obviously, they’re saying they’re open for business — it just feels like nobody’s really giving the offer for that player that they feel is appropriate for his value.”​

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/vincent-trocheck-trade-rumors-packages​

 

[New York Rangers]

Rangers vs. Maple Leafs: Lineups, storylines day before NHL Trade Deadline

With the NHL Trade Deadline looming the following day, the New York Rangers host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday with an air of uncertainty hanging over the proceedings at Madison Square Garden.

In the midst of a terribly disappointing season, the Rangers (23-29-8) are sellers ahead of the trade deadline. The Rangers already traded Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings in early February, and Carson Soucy to the Islanders back in January.

Each was a pending unrestricted free agent at the time, and their departures were the first steps in the organizational retool. Now general manager Chris Drury must decide if players with term on their contract and no, or limited, trade protection, like veteran center Vincent Trocheck, are best served as chips to acquire young NHL players, key prospects on the verge of turning pro, and/or draft capital.

Though Trocheck appears unflappable in navigating the days leading up to the deadline, Rangers coach Mike Sullivan acknowledged it’s a stressful time for the team.

“We aren’t unique to this, I think this is just part of the business,” Sullivan explained Wednesday after practice. “Leading up to trade deadlines, there’s always uncertainty on teams. It’s across the League, it’s not just our team. Obviously, there’s more noise in some cities than others.”

Sullivan likely was referring to New York. But he could’ve been thinking about Toronto, as well. Like the Rangers, the Maple Leafs (27-24-11) are a massive disappointment this season, and look to be sellers for the first time in years.

If the noise is 10 in New York on a scale of 1-10, then it’s 11 in Toronto, where the daily outrage and unrest from the media and fan base is unrivaled.

The Maple Leafs lost five in a row (0-3-2) since the Olympic break, and sat out defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson and forwards Bobby McCann and Scott Laughton in their 4-3 shootout loss to the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday, likely for roster management purposes.

The Rangers very well could do the same with Trocheck on Thursday. When asked about that at the morning skate, Sullivan said “Right now, everybody is a game-time decision.”

3 storylines when Rangers host Maple Leafs​

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

1. Something to build on​

The Rangers come off a 5-4 overtime loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday, and are 1-0-2 in three games since the Olympic break. In the most recent contest, they erased a 4-0 deficit in the third period, and rallied to tie the game, before losing in OT.

Gabe Perreault led the spirited comeback with an NHL career-high three points (two goals, one assist), and contributions came from up and down the lineup, after a subpar first 40 minutes of play.

“I think if anything it provides evidence that we’re never out of it, that if we keep fighting that we have the ability to come back from deficits,” Sullivan said. “And there’s evidence to suggest that now. It’s not just coach-speak, it’s real.”

2. Moving parts​

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

J.T. Miller is out for the Rangers, placed on IR with an upper-body injury Tuesday. That alone creates a musical chairs scenario for the Rangers lineup. Then you factor in that Trocheck may not play for roster management reasons, and, yeah, there are plenty of moving parts.

Sullivan moved Taylor Raddysh into Miller’s spot in the top six at practice Wednesday. And Perreault may land a spot on the top power-play unit now, too.

The Rangers activated Adam Edstrom from LTIR, so he should play on the fourth line against the Maple Leafs. Edstrom missed 33 games with a lower-body injury, and replaces Brendan Brisson, who was reassigned to Hartford of the American Hockey League.

Juuso Parssinen was recalled and skated on the fourth line at practice Wednesday. And if Trocheck doesn’t play, Jonny Brodzinski could slot in at center.

There is one constant, though. Igor Shesterkin makes his fourth straight start in goal for the Rangers

3. Pregame trade​

One trade was finalized Thursday before puck drop at The Garden. Though made by the Maple Leafs, it still could affect the Rangers.

The Maple Leafs traded center Nicolas Roy to the Colorado Avalanche for a conditional first-round pick (top-10 protected) in the 2027 NHL Draft and a conditional fifth-rounder this year. That’s not a bad return for a player having a down year statistically (20 points; five goals, 15 assists; 14:45 TOI) and one who’s simply not as good as Trocheck. The 29-year-old is three years younger than Trocheck (32), and is under contract for one more season past this one at $3 million. The key thing to note from his resume is that Roy helped the Vegas Golden Knights win the Stanley Cup in 2023.

So, this takes another center off the market, and the decent return for a player not as good as Trocheck, might embolden Drury to ask for an even higher return than expected should the Rangers move Trocheck.

New York Rangers projected lineup​

Will Cuylle — Mika Zibanejad — Gabe Perreault

Taylor Raddysh — Vincent Trocheck — Alexis Lafreniere

Tye Kartye — Noah Laba — Conor Sheary

Adam Edstrom — Sam Carrick — Juuso Parssinen

Vladislav Gavrikov — Adam Fox

Braden Schneider — Will Borgen

Matthew Robertson — Vincent Iorio

Igor Shesterkin

Jonathan Quick

Rangers vs. Maple Leafs: When, where, what time, how to watch​

Who: New York Rangers vs. Toronto Maple Leafs

When: Thursday, March 5 at 7 p.m. ET

Where: Madison Square Garden

How to watch: MSG

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...afs-lineups-preview-before-nhl-trade-deadline

 

[New York Rangers]

Rangers reportedly trade ‘great teammate’ Sam Carrick to Sabres

The New York Rangers reportedly are trading Sam Carrick to the Buffalo Sabres. The deal is not yet official, and it’s unknown what the Rangers will receive in return for the 34-year-old center.

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman was first to report the news.

Carrick was a healthy scratch for roster management purposes on Thursday, when the Rangers defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-2 at Madison Square Garden. Another veteran center, Vincent Trocheck, also didn’t play with the NHL Trade Deadline set for 3 p.m. ET on Friday.

A fourth-line staple for two seasons on Broadway, Carrick earned the respect of two coaching staffs and each of his teammates after he signed a three-year, $3 million free-agent contract on July 1, 2024.

Sam Carrick can chuck em’

Nice addition to the Sabres 4th line pic.twitter.com/l7bISId2g7

— 2 Goalies 1 Mic (@2Goalies1Mic) March 6, 2026

Just this past weekend, Rangers coach Mike Sullivan said Carrick is “the ultimate teammate.”

“His most redeeming quality is his competitiveness, and I think that’s something every organization in the League values,” Sullivan said Friday after practice. “It’s hard to win in this League if you don’t have a certain competitive spirit and a willingness to pay the price to win. I think Sam certainly possesses that.”

Following the Rangers’ win Thursday, Adam Edstrom also spoke highly of Carrick, who leads the Rangers in fights with seven this season and has 10 points (four goals, six assists) in 60 games.

“Carrick has been a big part of my days in New York,” Edstrom said postgame. “Whatever happens, it’s out of my control. He’s been a great teammate and a great friend and I’d love to still have him on my line.”

The Rangers (24-29-8) are in sell mode since they’re last in the Eastern Conference and set to miss the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the second straight season. New York traded Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings in early February. Before that, the Rangers moved defenseman Carson Soucy to the New York Islanders.

Carrick had 20 points (six goals, 14 assists) in 80 games with the Rangers last season. They signed him after he helped the Edmonton Oilers reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2024, when they lost in seven games to the Florida Panthers. He had a part-time role with the Oilers, but a regular one as the heart of the Rangers fourth line.

In 380 NHL games with the Rangers, Oilers, Anaheim Ducks, and Maple Leafs, Carrick has 83 points (38 goals, 45 assists) and 427 penalty minutes.

The Sabres (37-19-6) are second in the Atlantic Division and seek their first playoff appearance in 15 years. They last took part in the postseason in 2011, when they lost in the conference quarterfinals.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/sam-carrick-trade-sabres

 

[New York Rangers]

Trade Grades: Rangers deal Sam Carrick to Sabres, add 2 more draft picks

The Broadway retool continued Friday, when the New York Rangers sent Sam Carrick to the Buffalo Sabres for a pair of 2026 draft picks.

Carrick and Vincent Trocheck were both scratched Thursday due to roster management, when the Rangers defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-2. Later that night, League sources reported that the Rangers agreed on a deal to send Carrick to Buffalo, and the team confirmed the trade Friday morning.

New York netted Buffalo’s third-round pick in this year’s draft and a sixth-round pick from the Chicago Blackhawks.

The #NYR have acquired a 3rd-round pick and a 6th-round pick (via CHI) from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for forward Sam Carrick.

Details → https://t.co/NEyTJT8fYH pic.twitter.com/j9dcG9PpRL

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 6, 2026

Carrick made the most of his two-year tenure with the Blueshirts, notching 10 goals and 30 points with a plus-3 rating across 140 games. He recorded a career-high 20 points (six goals, 14 points) in 2024-25.

He was best known for his grit and physicality, which translated to some entertaining bouts after the whistle. During his Rangers tenure, the 6-foot, 202-pound center dropped the gloves with known heavyweights like Tom Wilson, Mathieu Olivier, and Arber Xhekaj.

Sullivan lauded Carrick as “the ultimate teammate.” Now the fan-favorite center joins a Buffalo team in the thick of an Eastern Conference playoff race. The Sabres are tied with the Tampa Bay Lightning for first in the Atlantic Division and second overall in the East with 80 points.

Carrick’s three-year contract, signed with New York in the 2024 offseason, runs through 2026-27; the 33-year-old carries a manageable $1 million average annual value (AAV) cap hit. He becomes the third Rangers regular traded this season, after Carson Soucy (New York Islanders) and Artemi Panarin (Los Angeles Kings).

The NHL Trade Deadline is Friday at 3 p.m. Eastern time.

Grading the Sam Carrick trade between Rangers and Sabres​

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

New York Rangers: B-​

Per NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, this year’s trade deadline is a seller’s market, culminating in higher prices for teams looking to acquire assets. With that in mind, perhaps Rangers general manager Chris Drury missed a chance to squeeze every ounce of value out of a bottom-six center like Carrick.

As one team exec said to me this morning, it's definitely a sellers' market right now. Prices are sky high for the buyers. Not an over abundance of players available, either.

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) March 5, 2026

Taking a quick glance around the League, the Nashville Predators acquired a 2028 second-round pick for 30-year-old center Michael McCarron. The Chicago Blackhawks received a conditional 2027 first-round pick from the Edmonton Oilers in a package headlined by 30-year-old center Jason Dickinson, although Chicago also took forward Andrew Mangiapane’s $3.6 million AAV on a contract that runs through 2026-27.

McCarron and Dickinson are both slightly younger assets with larger roles and higher offensive ceilings, so it’s not an apples-to-apples comparison to Carrick. It’s simply to illustrate that even aging bottom-six centers commanded noteworthy hauls in this year’s market.

But while Drury didn’t land an A+ package for Carrick, it’s still a fair return — especially for a fourth-line center who’s better suited for a playoff contender as opposed to a retooling Rangers squad. It certainly doesn’t hurt to acquire two more picks for a 2026 NHL Draft that boasts strong depth and a wealth of first-round talent.

New York now owns 11 picks for the upcoming draft — including four third-rounders — per PuckPedia. Drury should have the ability to move up in the draft if he’s willing to package a few of those picks in June, or use some of those picks before the trade deadline to acquire NHL-ready talent.

Considering that Buffalo doesn’t have a second-round pick until 2028, it’s likely not worth losing sleep over. Carrick’s return might not line up with the market value of centers around the League, but it’s nothing to throw a fit over.

Buffalo Sabres: B+​

Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

Carrick isn’t the home-run asset who anchors your deadline, but he’s a match made in heaven for any playoff hopeful looking to strengthen its bottom six.

Buffalo hasn’t appeared in the Stanley Cup Playoffs since 2010-11 — the longest playoff drought of any team in NHL history — but they’re in a prime position to snap that skid this spring.

Carrick’s bread and butter is a physical, defensively responsible game in fourth-line minutes. It’s nothing flashy, although he’s got respectable puck skills if he finds himself on a breakaway. Carrick’s a capable penalty killer and above average in the face-off dot, winning 53.9 percent of draws this season and 52.0 percent in 380 games during his 10-year NHL career.

It’s everything you want in a bottom-six forward. His fearless style of play and a willingness to drop the mitts with just about anyone are merely the cherry on top. Had he finished the 2025-26 season in New York, he’d likely be a shoo-in for the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award.

Buffalo fans might not be thrilled to give up multiple picks in the 2026 draft, but come playoff time, they’ll be happy to have Carrick in the lineup.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/sam-carrick-trade-grades-sabres-analysis

 

[New York Rangers]

What lies ahead for Rangers after quiet trade deadline?

New York Rangers fans will have to wait a little longer for the “retool” general manager Chris Drury promised in his mid-January letter after the Blueshirts tinkered around the edges but didn’t make a major move before the NHL Trade Deadline on Friday.

“We will always continue to try and make the team better. It certainly doesn’t stop today at the 3 o’clock deadline,” Drury said after the day came and went with no major deals.

He did make some lesser moves, trading fourth-line center Sam Carrick to the Buffalo Sabres for third- and sixth-round picks in the 2026 NHL Draft, and swapping 32-year-old defenseman Derrick Pouliot to the Chicago Blackhawks for 24-year-old forward Aidan Thompson in an exchange of minor-leaguers. Drury also cut bait on his 2021 first-round pick, forward Brennan Othmann, by sending him to the Calgary Flames for forward Jacob Battaglia, a second-round pick (No. 62 overall) in the 2024 draft.

But what was most notable is who wasn’t traded.

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

After all the rumors of center Vincent Trocheck’s impending departure, he’s still a Ranger. So is defenseman Braden Schneider, another subject of numerous trade conjecture. Both figure to be in the lineup Saturday afternoon when the Rangers visit the New Jersey Devils.

Drury said he didn’t want to make a trade simply for the sake of making a trade, and that the letter he sent to fans seven weeks ago wasn’t a factor.

“It didn’t make any sense to do something just to say we did it, or to do something just because we wrote a letter,” he said.

Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Trocheck was most closely linked with the Minnesota Wild. But Wild/Team USA GM Bill Guerin couldn’t reach a deal with Drury, one of his assistant general managers with the United States’ gold medal-winning team at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Trocheck was part of the team that won the gold medal.

“I thought winning a gold medal with Chris Drury would get me a little bit of a hometown discount,” Guerin joked during an interview with ESPN, “but he wasn’t in that mood.”

The Carolina Hurricanes, Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins and Utah Mammoth were among the other teams believed to have expressed interest, but none was willing to pay what Drury wanted, so there wasn’r a deal to be made.

Vincent Trocheck still with Rangers after NHL Trade Deadline​

That doesn’t mean Drury won’t revisit dealing Trocheck before the NHL Draft, scheduled for June 26-27 in Buffalo. The veteran center is signed through 2028-29 at a very affordable $5.625 million average annual value, so any team acquiring the 32-year-old this summer would have him for three seasons. The Rangers believe it’s better to wait than take a deal they weren’t thrilled with now; time will tell if that ends up being a worthwhile gamble.

With centers reportedly at a premium as this year’s deadline approached, Drury said he felt comfortable not taking less than what he had set as his asking price for an excellent two-way center, with the option to revisit a trade before the draft.

“Vincent Trocheck is a great player. He’s been a great Ranger for us and a leader on and off the ice,” the GM said. “Broadly speaking, to any player in the organization as it pertains to a retool and this trade deadline and moving forward, we’re going to make deals that make sense. The deals we made today and leading up to this deadline, to us made sense.”

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Schneider, a righty-shooting defenseman, is a pending restricted free agent who will be looking for a raise from his current salary of $2.2 million. He also figures to get more attention before the draft – Drury traded K’Andre Miller, who was in a similar position, last July 1, opting not to make a major commitment and instead dealing him to the Carolina Hurricanes.

Drury said looking to the future for a team that’s going to miss the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the second straight season didn’t mean rushing to make a deal that would have seen the Rangers get a subpar return.

“I think it’s not just this deadline, but when you’re trying to put deals together and you already have something in mind — whether it’s me or the other general manager — just try to stick with it and make the best deal you can,” he said. “Things ebb and flow in conversations over time. At the end of the day, there is a deadline.

Drury failed to bring back an impact player at the deadline or before the Winter Olympics roster freeze. The Rangers added some mid- and later-round picks – they now have four selections in the third round — but haven’t done nearly enough to add the young talent their organization desperately needs.

#NYR trade deadline recap

IN:
RW prospect Liam Greentree
C prospect Aidan Thompson
RW/LW prospect Jacob Battaglia
2026 3rd-round pick (NYI)
2026 3rd-round pick* (LAK)
2026 3rd-round pick (BUF)
2026 6th-round pick (CHI)
2028 4th-round pick* (LAK)

OUT:
LHD Carson Soucy
LW…

— Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) March 6, 2026

The Rangers enter the weekend 29th in the overall standings, meaning they have a good chance to get a top-five pick in the draft after missing the playoffs in back-to-back seasons. That means Drury will be under pressure to show that his deadline day moves (and non-moves) will get the Blueshirts going in the right direction sooner rather than later.

The offseason will provide further chances for Drury to show that he’s up to the job of retooling the Rangers.

“Teams will be looking at free agents and different things, and maybe moving draft picks once picks are set in stone after the lottery and after the playoffs,” he said. “So a lot of factors that go into it, and we’ll certainly be ready and opportunistic when and where we can.”

He’s betting that there will be better deals this summer than the ones he passed up.

“When push comes to shove,” he said, “our goal is to make deals that make sense for the organization. Just how it ended up today.”

For his sake, he’d better be right.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/what-lies-ahead-after-quiet-trade-deadline

 

[New York Rangers]

Rangers coach ‘thrilled to have’ Vincent Trocheck after trade deadline passed

Mike Sullivan emphatically let it be known where he stands about Vincent Trocheck remaining with the New York Rangers after the just-completed NHL Trade Deadline.

“Right now, ‘Troch’ is a New York Ranger, and we’re thrilled to have him,” the coach said Saturday before their game against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center.

With the Rangers in a retool and looking to beef up the organization with young NHL talent, Trocheck topped nearly every trade board ahead of the deadline. But the 32-year-old center ultimately wasn’t traded because general manager Chris Drury had a seriously high asking price that no team was willing to meet.

“It didn’t make any sense to do something just to say we did it, or to do something just because we wrote a letter,” Drury told reporters Friday night, making a reference to his public proclamation in mid-January about the Rangers plans moving forward.

Trocheck seemed at peace with the likelihood he’d be traded, when speaking with the media earlier in the week. His biggest concern was how a potential trade would upset his family. And Trocheck stated that he wanted to go to a Stanley Cup contender, and would block any deal to a West Coast team, since those clubs are on his 12-team no-trade clause.

“He’s been terrific. He’s such a good pro. He’s a great person, he’s a great leader, and he’s a terrific hockey player,” Sullivan stated. “I think he’s done a really good job under difficult circumstances, just trying to navigate through it.”

For many days — weeks, really — it appeared the Minnesota Wild would land Trocheck. But in the end, Drury’s ask was too much for their liking and they pivoted the past couple days. Reportedly, the Boston Bruins, Carolina Hurricanes, and Detroit Red Wings also had interest.

But instead of swinging a deal, the Rangers held on to Trocheck, who has three years after this one remaining on a contract that pays him $5.625 million annually.

And Sullivan’s good with that. Though he understands the popular veteran still could be traded this upcoming offseason.

“I know how much we value Troch and what he brings to this team,” Sullivan explained. “If Chris were going to make a deal, it was going to be because he was going to put the organization in a better position moving forward.

“Troch and I have had a number of conversations over the last three weeks — as had ‘Dru’ and Troch. So, I think everyone is very much on the same page with where this thing is at, where it could potentially go.”

For now, these final 21 games of the 2025-26 season, Trocheck is a member of the New York Rangers. After that, all bets are off. But their coach will take that, for sure.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...sullivan-thrilled-vincent-trocheck-not-traded

 

[New York Rangers]

Jack Hughes hat trick powers Devils past Rangers 6-3: takeaways

Forgive the New York Rangers if they never want to see Jack Hughes up close and personal again. Hughes continued his career-long mastery over the Rangers on Saturday afternoon, scoring three goals and adding an assist to lead the Devils past the Blueshirts 6-3.

Since Hughes entered the NHL as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, he scored more goals against the Rangers than any other player in the League. With four points in this latest encounter, the Devils forward now has 32 points (19 goals, 13 assists) in 24 games against the Rangers.

Two of those goals came in the third period, when the Devils pulled away and scored three times to snap a 3-3 tie. Devils captain Nico Hischier scored the eventual game-winner, and Jesper Bratt and Dawson Mercer each scored once.

The Rangers (24-30-8) were out-shot 35-19 and saw their four-game point streak (2-0-2) since returning from the Olympic break end. Despite allowing five goals — the sixth was scored into an empty net — Jonathan Quick made a slew of Grade-A saves for the Rangers, who played much of this game as if defense was optional.

Interestingly, two of New York’s goals were score by defensemen — Will Borgen and Vladislav Gavrikov. Top-six forward Will Cuylle scored the other goal, his 16th of the season and third in the past two games. Vincent Trocheck contributed an assist, one day after the Rangers didn’t move the 32-year-old center ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline.

For two teams sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, the Rangers and Devils played a spirited back-and-forth contest that was fun to watch in this matinee contest.

Bratt opened the scoring just 1:06 into the game, burying a Cody Glass feed off the rush, as the Rangers yet again allowed a goal in the opening minutes, something they’ve done far too often this season.

Four minutes later, the Devils had an identical opportunity, but this time Quick made a terrific save to deny Timo Meier’s right-wing blast.

The Rangers pulled even at 6:26, when Trocheck set up Borgen off the rush. Borgen wired his fifth goal, and second in three games, past Markstrom to tie things up 1-1.

They proceeded to take the lead at 8:36, when Gavrikov hammered a shot that again beat Markstrom glove side. It was Gavrikov’s career-high 12th goal, and extended his goal streak to three and point streak to four.

What a BOMB by Vladislav Gavrikov to give the Rangers the lead pic.twitter.com/Yunm3VxN1Q

— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) March 7, 2026

However, the Rangers were unable to escape the first period with the lead. Mercer neatly deflected a Luke Hughes shot past Quick for a power-play goal with 12.4 seconds remaining before intermission.

The Devils carried some momentum into the second period and out-shot the Rangers 14-5 in the middle frame. Quick turned in an excellent period, though he was beaten by Jack Hughes just as time ran out on New Jersey’s second power play. Hughes clapped a slap shot through a screen to make it 3-2.

But just 61 seconds later, Cuylle got a stick on Braden Schneider’s shot, and the puck deflected past Markstrom to even the score yet again, this time at 3-3.

A three-game point streak for Will Cuylle pic.twitter.com/n6gt79K3o7

— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) March 7, 2026

Quick and Markstrom traded big-time saves in the third period, until the Devils regained the lead with their third power-play goal of the afternoon. This time it was Hischier hopping on a rebound in the slot, and, using Schneider as a screen, he wired his 21st goal past Quick at 8:05.

Hughes then iced it for the Devils, first scoring on a breakaway at 16:56, and then completing his fourth career hat trick into an empty net at 19:27.

Key takeaways after Rangers lose 6-3 to Devils​

Thomas Salus-Imagn Images

Not so special​

The Rangers special teams left a lot to be desired in this one. Their penalty kill allowed three power-play goals for the first time this season. And New York’s own power play was 0-for-4, managing four shots on goal total, and surrendering three short-handed shots by New Jersey.

Granted, Gabe Perreault was absolutely robbed by Markstom on the doorstep 2:54 into the third period, when the game was still tied 3-3. But less than a minute later, the Devils forced Quick to make two sensational saves on their short-handed opportunities.

Markstrom with a toe save and a BEAUTY on the rookie Gabe Perreault!!!! pic.twitter.com/K6Wd2N8uBY

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) March 7, 2026

“A big part of the game is momentum and we didn’t get any juice from our special teams today,” coach Mike Sullivan said postgame.

To make matters worse, the Devils were 1-for-26 on the power play in their previous nine games before exploding for a perfect 3-for-3 against the Rangers.

No third-period magic​

The Rangers scored four third-period goals in each of their past two games, but didn’t have that same late-game magic on Saturday. In fact, the Rangers managed only seven shots in the third period, three after Quick was pulled for an extra attacker in the final minutes.

JACK HUGHES. BREAKAWAY. DAGGER. pic.twitter.com/vfSB4ldYGX

— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) March 7, 2026

They are now 7-7-1 when tied after two periods this season.

On Thursday, the Rangers pulled away from the Toronto Maple Leafs, scoring four times in the third period of a 6-2 win at Madison Square Garden. On Monday, the Rangers erased a 4-0 deficit by scoring four times in the third period, before losing to the Blue Jackets 5-4 in overtime.

Not this time, though. Instead, it was the Devils who pulled away and outscored the Rangers 3-0 in the final period.

Trocheck not going anywhere, for now​

His name was all over the rumor mill for weeks. And Trocheck even was a healthy scratch against the Maple Leafs for roster management purposes, with a trade expected Friday before the League’s 3 p.m. ET deadline. But he wasn’t traded, and was back out there leading Rangers forwards with 22:52 TOI on Saturday.

Afterward, Trocheck didn’t reveal much about his feelings remaining with the Rangers, though he did express that he’s happy this time of uncertainty passed.

“I don’t know. I was just happy for it all to be over with,” he told reporters after the loss. “It’s a stressful waiting game whenever you’re in talks like that. So for me, it was just a rollercoaster of emotions. Now that it’s done with, for now, it’s nice.”

For now. That, for sure, sounds like a man who knows the next stressful period comes in the offseason, when trade talks heat up again, and likely ends up with him being traded.

Rivalry renewed​

The Rangers and Devils met for the first time this season, in Game No. 62 for New York, and 63 for New Jersey. They’ll play twice more this month. Clearly, the NHL schedule maker envisioned the Rangers and Devils battling for playoff spots at this juncture of the season. That’s not the case, of course, but there was a little extra juice to this one.

The Hudson River rivalry heated up in the third period, when Juuso Parssinen hit Connor Brown high and late. Brown’s teammate Arseny Gritsyuk — not exactly a thug — jumped on Parssinen and punched the Rangers forward several times. Meanwhile, Vincent Iorio and Brenden Dillon sized each other up, though opted not to fight.

Thomas Salus-Imagn Images

Parssinen received two minutes for interference, and Gritsyuk took a double minor for roughing. As we already know, the Rangers did nothing with that power play. But it remained testy out there. Mika Zibanejad Stapled Jonas Siegenthaler into the boards with a heavy — yet clean — hit. And with five minutes to go, Quick smacked Lenni Hameenaho in the face with his blocker after the Devils forward landed on the Rangers goalie in the crease.

Fun times. Rivalry renewed. These next two games at MSG should be fun.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...at-trick-powers-devils-past-rangers-takeaways

 

[New York Rangers]

New Rangers prospect earns 3rd Star honors in Hartford Wolf Pack debut

It was a whirlwind to say the least, but the newest New York Rangers prospect made quite the first impression Saturday night with the Hartford Wolf Pack. Acquired in a minor league deal from the Chicago Blackhawks right before the NHL Trade Deadline at 3 p.m. ET on Friday, Aidan Thompson recorded a pair of assists and earned Third Star honors in Hartford’s 5-2 win over Hershey.

The 24-year-old was in San Diego, taking part in a morning skate Friday with the Rockford Ice Hogs, when informed he’d been traded to the Rangers. That began an interesting cross-country journey because, as you probably figured, there aren’t any direct flights from San Diego to Hartford.

So, Thompson was a bit weary ahead of the 6 p.m. start Saturday at PeoplesBank Arena. But he sure didn’t look it, assisting on each of linemate Carey Terrance’s two goals.

“Super excited to be here,” Thompson said postgame. “Couldn’t ask for a better start.”

It was the second multi-point game for Thompson here in his rookie pro season. He had 15 points (six goals, nine assists) in 40 games with Rockford before the trade.

“I think he’s a smart player. He’s got a good stick and is an above-average skater. I thought he was competitive on pucks tonight,” Hartford coach Grant Potulny noted after the impressive debut.

Though listed at 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, Thompson stuck his nose into things and mixed it up some, when he wasn’t picking up the primary assists on Terrance’s goals — one late in the first period to put Hartford up 2-1, and the other early in the second period to extend the Wolf Pack lead.

Do, or do not. There is no try. pic.twitter.com/t4Sviuu1CT

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) March 7, 2026

In a game that had 71 total penalty minutes, Thompson accounted for four. He was assessed a slashing minor 10:29 into the second period, and a coincidental roughing minor with Hershey’s Louie Belpedio at 17:23.

“He’s smaller guy, but you saw it tonight, he likes to get into it, he likes to be a little bit greasy. So, I love that out of him,” Terrance said.

Rangers ‘take a swing’ on forward prospect Aidan Thompson​

Aidan Thompson – photo courtesy Hartford Wolf Pack

One of the stated goals by the Rangers in their retool is to find young players and prospects they believe can be part of the overall answer moving forward. That includes players like Thompson, who seek an opportunity after achieving some level of success in the recent past and/or have a solid pedigree.

Thompson was a productive player in college, and helped the University of Denver win the NCAA National Championship in 2024. The following season, he scored 21 goals and totaled 55 points in 44 games with Denver.

“When you do what’s he’s done before getting here, guys that have a history of scoring like that, they usually continue to score,” Potulny pointed out. “Looking forward to getting to know him more.”

Aidan Thompson with his 5th goal of the season to lift the IceHogs to victory in overtime!#Blackhawkspic.twitter.com/fft0w3D0zR

— Talkin’ Hawkey (@TalkinHawkey) November 22, 2025

A third-round pick (No. 90 overall) by the Blackhawks in the 2022 NHL Draft, Thompson clearly struggled offensively with Rockford this season. So, Chicago moved him to New York on Friday in exchange for veteran defenseman Derrick Pouliot, who spent all of the season in Hartford prior to the deal.

“Take a swing at a young guy like that who’s had offensive upside in his past,” Rangers general manager Chris Drury explained Friday.

So far, so good on the experiment.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...n-prospect-strong-wolf-pack-debut-after-trade