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[New York Rangers]

New York Rangers trade grades: Carson Soucy shipped to Islanders

The New York Rangers traded Carson Soucy to the their biggest rival, the New York Islanders, on Monday in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.

Soucy was held out of the lineup for roster management when the Rangers rallied past the Boston Bruins for a 4-3 overtime victory, and the trade was officially announced after the final buzzer at Madison Square Garden.

Soucy is the first player moved after Rangers general manager Chris Drury released a letter on Jan. 16 announcing the team’s decision to embrace a retool.

It’s only the fourth trade ever made between the Rangers and Islanders, and first since May 2010.

The Rangers acquired Soucy from the Vancouver Canucks last March in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick. New York acquired the pick earlier that same day in a trade with the Vegas Golden Knights; it became the first pick of the third round (No. 65 overall) in last year’s draft.

Soucy recorded 11 points (four goals, seven assists) with a plus-six rating in 62 games with the Rangers, spanning the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons. He’ll have a chance to make an immediate impact against his former squad when the Rangers and Islanders play a home-and-home set Wednesday and Thursday.

Grading Carson Soucy trade between Rangers and Islanders​

Rob Gray-Imagn Images

New York Rangers: B-​

The Rangers didn’t get a haul — nor should they have expected one for a 31-year-old physical defensive defenseman who becomes an unrestricted free agent (UFA) this summer. All things considered, recouping a third-round pick is the best-case return for Soucy.

The Islanders (28-19-5) sit third in the Metropolitan Division and 13th overall in the NHL. As things currently stand, that third-round draft pick would be No. 84 overall.

That’s a drop of nearly 20 spots from the third-rounder the Blueshirts flipped to the Canucks to get Soucy in the first place. Of course, it’s worth remembering Soucy came at a higher price last season, when he still had a year and a half of term left on his contract. In the grand scheme of things, the Rangers got a one-year rental of Soucy for a third-round pick swap.

Soucy enjoyed a lively start to the 2025-26 season, but his play at both ends of the ice tapered over the last month. With New York’s mission reframed from playoff contention to a roster reset, it was a no-brainer to recoup any possible value for a veteran defenseman on an expiring contract.

The return won’t warrant much excitement, and rightfully so. It’s a short list of third-round picks in the last decade who’ve enjoyed notable NHL success. And even then, the likes of Adam Fox (No. 66 overall 2016), Morgan Geekie (No. 67 overall 2017), and Fabian Zetterlund (No. 63 overall 2017) were each selected early in the third round, much too early for the pick the Rangers received from the Islanders.

That’s not to say hitting on the pick is impossible. The Washington Capitals drafted power forward Aliaksei Protas No. 91 overall in 2019. The Vegas Golden Knights selected talented scoring winger Pavel Dorofeyev No. 71 overall that same year. In 2018, the Anaheim Ducks nabbed starting goalie Lukas Dostal with the No. 85 overall pick. It’s possible to find a gem — albeit not very probable.

At worst, it’s another asset the Rangers can use, either in the draft or in a trade. It’s far from a home run, but that’s to be expected given the circumstances.

New York Islanders: B​

Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

File this one as a low-risk upgrade for the Islanders.

Barring a complete second-half collapse, they shouldn’t mourn the loss of a third-round pick. As previously mentioned, the odds of that player becoming an NHL-caliber talent aren’t particularly high.

Soucy may not have a high ceiling — particularly offensively — but he’s a clear upgrade over Adam Boqvist, and he’s more seasoned than the 21-year-old Isaiah George. With Ryan Pulock nursing an upper-body injury, the Islanders need another option to plug into their defensive corps, especially with left-shot defenseman Alexander Romanov possibly out until May after shoulder surgery in late November.

To fit Soucy onto the roster, #Isles have to create a roster spot.

Expecting RHD Ryan Pulock (upper body) to be placed on IR, retroactively to Jan. 21 vs. SEA.

Would have to miss 7 days, making him eligible to return on Thursday, the 2nd of B2B vs. #NYR, if ready.

— Stefen Rosner (@stefen_rosner) January 27, 2026

It hasn’t always been pretty this season. Soucy sports a 46.37 expected-goals-for percentage at 5-on-5, per Natural Stat Trick. Then again, that would rank fourth among qualified Islanders defensemen, trailing only Matthew Schaefer, Adam Pelech, and Pulock.

Other models spin a more favorable tale. Soucy, who averaged more than 17 minutes TOI mainly skating on the second defense pair with Will Borgen, ranks in the 83rd percentile defensively on Evolving Hockey. Hockey Stat Cards slots him third in defensive rating among Rangers blue liners. It’s not outlandish to think he’ll be a serviceable bottom-pair defenseman on Long Island.

Carson Soucy, acquired by NYI, is a veteran defensive defenceman. Provides physicality and net-front battling as well as some solid rush defence, but generally a real drag on offence who doesn't handle the puck much and tends to turn it over when he does. #Isles pic.twitter.com/jCpFKXK3UI

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) January 27, 2026

The Islanders have the makings of a playoff contender, and it never hurts to have a player like Soucy who’s capable of matching that postseason physicality.

In an ideal world for the Islanders, Soucy becomes a fixture on the backend ahead of a potential playoff run. If it doesn’t click, it’s not like general manager Mathieu Darche paid a hefty price. It’s not a flashy move by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s not much of a gamble on the Islanders’ part.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/trade-grades-carson-soucy-shipped-islanders

 

[New York Rangers]

Hartford Wolf Pack Weekly: Juuso Parssinen injured again in AHL return

Winners in six of their past 10 games (6-4-0-0), the Hartford Wolf Pack are chugging along. biut remain on the outside of the American Hockey League playoff picture.

Last week featured a pair of wins fir the Wolf Pack, followed by a 4-1 loss to the Toronto Marlies on Saturday.

The Wolf Pack defeated the Hershey Bears 5-4 in overtime on Tuesday, and followed up with a 3-2 win against the Bridgeport Islanders on Friday. Their loss to Toronto was Hartford’s 19th regulation defeat of the season.

The seventh-place Wolf Pack (16-19-4-1, 37 points) are one point out of the final playoff spot in the Atlantic Division. The New York Rangers AHL affiliate plays three games this week to continue their push, and inch closer returning to .500, and a possible playoff spot.

Defenseman Connor Mackey was called up by the Rangers on Monday, when they traded defenseman Carson Soucy to the Islanders for a 2026 third-round pick. Anton Blidh returned to Hartford after the forward’s brief NHL stint with New York.

Hartford Wolf Pack news-n-notes​

Photo courtesy Hartford Wolf Pack

Juuso Pärssinen is back, sort of​

There was good news and bad news for Juuso Parssinen, when he returned from an extended injury absence Friday. The 24-year-old forward scored a goal to help Hartford edge Bridgeport. But he didn’t make it out of the second period because of an upper-body issue. He’s considered day to day, and didn’t play Saturday.

Parssinen missed 19 games after he was he was hurt in his Hartford debut Nov. 28. That was two days after the Rangers placed Parssinen on waivers, following a dismal start to the 2025-26 season, when he had two goals and one assist over 14 games with New York.

Juuso's first as a member of the Pack pic.twitter.com/bJtcDJWQru

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) January 24, 2026

Parssinen skated with Trey Fix-Wolansky and Brendan Brisson on the second line Friday, giving Hartford a veteran trio each with NHL experience. In his most recent spin in the AHL, Parssinen had 25 points (seven goals, 18 assists) in 36 games with Milwaukee during the 2023-24 season.

Bryce McConnell-Barker sets career high with eighth goal​

Bryce McConnell-Barker — photo courtesy Hartford Wolf Pack

Second-year pro Bryce McConnell-Barker is developing nicely with Hartford. A third-round pick (No. 97 overall) in the 2022 NHL Draft by the Rangers, McConnell-Barker is tied for fourth on the Wolf Pack with eight goals in 37 games this season, already one more than his total last season as a rookie pro. His three power play goals are tied for third most on the team with Fix-Wolansky, just two behind Brisson, the team leader with five.

McConnell-Barker is also tied for the Hartford lead with three game-winning goals. The 21-year-old forward pulled even with veteran Justin Dowling in that department, when he netted the game-winner in overtime, part of a two-goal-effort, against Hershey on Jan. 20.

BMB on the power play to win it in Chocolatetown pic.twitter.com/9pN6OVEAje

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) January 21, 2026

Sitting on 14 points, McConnell-Barker is two shy of passing his total of 15 last season. He’s averaging 1.72 shots per game, after averaging 0.82 per game a year ago, part of the reason for his uptick in production.

Given the Rangers retooling, McConnell-Barker could be another option in New York for the bottom-six forward group at some point down the road.

Trey Fix-Wolansky paces Wolf Pack offense​

Fix-Wolansky is pulling away from the pack — no pun intended — as Hartford’s top offensive threat. The diminutive (5-foot-6) forward leads the Wolf Pack with 15 goals and 27 points in 40 games. The 26-year-old is on a bit of a heater with a four-game point streak (four goals, three assists), including a hat-trick against Hershey on Jan. 20, and two primary assists against Bridgeport on Jan. 23.

Fixer with a BEAUTY to light the lamp for the third time tonight pic.twitter.com/WKFXX2uiRB

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) January 21, 2026

Signed by the Rangers to a one-year, two-way contract last July, Fix-Wolansky registered a point in 22 of 40 games with Hartford, and recorded multiple points four times. His previous three seasons with Cleveland in the AHL, Fix-Wolansky scored 29 goals once and 26 goals twice.

He has four goals and six points in 26 career NHL games, most recently with the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2023-24 season. So, depending on how many players depart and are brought in during the Rangers retool, Fix-Wolansky might get back to the NHL at some point this season.

Upcoming Games​

All games can be viewed on AHLTVand heard on Mixlr.

Wednesday, January 28 vs Charlotte Checkers (Panthers) at 6:30pm, PeoplesBank Arena​

• This is the second of eight meetings in the season series. Hartford won the first contest 4-1 on Oct. 29.
• Charlotte is 24-12-3-0 (51 points), third in the Atlantic Division and fourth in the Eastern Conference.
• Jack Devine leads the Checkers with 29 points (12 goals, 17 assists). Wilmer Skoog and Ben Steeves are tied second for scoring with 27 points apiece (15 goals, 12 assists each).

Friday, January 30 vs Bridgeport Islanders (New York) at 7:00pm, PeoplesBank Arena​

• This is the eighth of 12 meetings in the season series. Hartford is 3-4-0-0 against Bridgeport.
• Bridgeport is 17-18-2-2 (38 points), sixth in the Atlantic Division and 12th in the Eastern Conference.
• Adam Beckman leads the Islanders with 25 points (16 goals, nine assists). Joey Larson (13 goals, 11 assist) and Alex Jefferies (seven goals, 17 assists) are tied for second in scoring with 24 points apiece.

Saturday, January 31 vs Springfield Thunderbirds (Blues) at 6:05pm, MassMutual Center​

• This is the seventh of 10 meetings in the season series. Hartford is 4-2-0-0 against Springfield.
• Springfield is 14-20-4-2 (34 points), eighth in the Atlantic Division and 14th in the Eastern Conference.
• Matt Luff leads the Thunderbirds with 33 points (13 goals, 20 assists). Next is Matthew Peca with 27 points (eight goals, 19 assists).

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...d-wolf-pack-juuso-parssinen-injured-again-ahl

 

[New York Rangers]

Without Artemi Panarin, Rangers no match for Islanders in 5-2 loss: Takeaways

The New York Rangers got a taste of what life without Artemi Panarin is like Wednesday night, and it wasn’t exactly pretty. With Panarin scratched for “roster management purposes,” the Rangers dropped a 5-2 decision in the front end of a back-to-back set against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena.

The New York hockey rivals meet again Thursday at Madison Square Garden. Panarin won’t dress for that one either. And it’s unknown if he’ll still be a member of the Rangers organization by time the puck is dropped at MSG.

“‘Bread’s’ a terrific player and a great teammate,” Rangers coach Mike Sullivan explained after the loss. “He’s good friends with a lot of guys that are in that dressing room. That has an impact on guys. He’s one of the best Rangers of his generation. He’s not an easy guy to replace.”

The Rangers (22-26-6) were thoroughly outplayed by the Islanders (29-19-5), who could’ve scored a lot more than five goals if not for the strong play of Spencer Martin in the visitors’ net. The Islanders outshot the Rangers 36-15, hit the post three times, and had an expected goal share of 61.15 percent, per Natural Stat Trick.

David Rittich improved to 5-0-0 in five career starts against the Rangers. He allowed a first period goal to Mika Zibanejad and one in the second period by Taylor Raddysh.

Five different skaters scored for the Islanders, including Ondrej Palat, who had a goal and an assist 24 hours after he landed on Long Island in a trade with the New Jersey Devils. Simon Holmstrom had a goal and two assists, and Mathew Barzal, Emil Heineman, and J.G. Pageau, also added goals for the home team.

The Islanders were all over the Rangers in the opening period, but only had a 2-1 lead when they skated off the ice into the first intermission.

Palat scored a power-play goal in his Islanders debut at 14:59 to make it 1-0. Holmstrom found his new teammate alone between the circles, and Palat blasted a shot over Martin’s shoulder for his fifth goal of the season.

Holmstrom then guided a pretty pass from Tony DeAngelo past Martin at 16:10 to double the home team’s lead. On the next shift, Rittich robbed Gabe Perreault, stuffing the rookie’s in-close chance with his left pad. That was only the second shot on goal to that point for the Rangers.

But they eventually answered back on the scoreboard with a power-play goal of their own after Vincent Trocheck was high-sticked in the face by Jonathan Drouin at 17:33. Zibanejad scored his team-leading 22nd goal at 18:09, burying a slick cross-crease pass from J.T. Miller to make it 2-1.

It's a power play goal for Mika Zibanejad! pic.twitter.com/BFbGEflZO9

— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) January 29, 2026

It stayed that way for more than half of the second period, and most of a crazy short-handed stretch for the Rangers that began at 9:41 when they were assessed three minor penalties at once. Sam Carrick took the original penalty, a trip, and then added a cross-checking minor after the Islanders controlled the puck and skated 6-on-5 with Rittich on the bench for an extra attacker. At the very end of the sequence, Matt Rempe was assessed a boarding penalty.

The Rangers killed off the full two-minute 5-on-3 and were 29 seconds away from escaping the following 5-on-4, but Barzal finished off a gorgeous tic-tac-toe passing sequence for his 13th goal at 13:12 to put the Islanders up 3-1.

Forty-seven seconds later, Pageau collected a loose puck and beat Martin from the slot after the Rangers goalie turned away Marc Gatcomb on a clear look, and it was 4-1.

Again, despite being considerably outplayed, the Rangers answered back. Raddysh came out from beneath the goal line and snuck a shot past Rittich at 15:42 for his eighth goal, to cut the deficit to 4-2.

Taylor Raddysh gets one back for the Rangers pic.twitter.com/E9osVEsN3h

— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) January 29, 2026

But with under a minute to play in the second period, Will Cuylle failed to push the puck over the blue line and out of the defensive zone. The Islanders capitalized, getting the puck down low, before Heineman zipped a shot over Martin’s shoulder to make it 5-1 with 47.7 seconds remaining.

The Rangers had no pushback in the third period, when they managed just two shots on goal. The loss was their fourth in five games, and ninth in 11 (2-8-1).

Key takeaways after Rangers lose 5-2 to Islanders​

Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

Rangers face ‘different type of challenge without Artemi Panarin​

Let’s be honest, even with Panarin in the lineup, it’s been a massively disappointing season for the Rangers. But even during their worst scoring droughts, there was always the hope that some Panarin magic could jolt the Rangers offense, not only because he leads them in scoring (57 points in 52 games), but that he did so each of the past six seasons, as well. Without him in the lineup Wednesday, it just wasn’t pretty, and it sure felt hopeless, even when down by just one goal for more than half of that second period.

“It’s weird when you play with someone for so long and they’re not in the lineup for whatever reason it might be. It’s different, but we have to keep playing,” Zibanejad reasoned postgame.

It’s time to get used to playing without the Breadman, though. The Rangers will trade the pending unrestricted free agent sooner rather than later. For this current crop of Blueshirts, hopefully there’s a decent NHL player or two that comes back in the return package. We’ll know when we know.

But it doesn’t mean this is an easy process.

“It’s just a different type of challenge,” Sullivan explained. “But when you go through these types of challenges, I think it forces all of us to look in the mirror and try to figure out how we can all do a better job. I’m certainly doing that myself. I’m going to try to do the best job I can for this team as their coach, and it starts with bringing the right attitude every day and making sure that we bring a certain level of enthusiasm to what we do.”

Clear ‘turning point in the game’​

Perhaps the turning point in the game was Panarin being a late scratch and the reality setting in that he’s likely played his final game with the Rangers. But as far as the game itself is concerned, what happened at 9:41 of the second period was the “turning point in the game,” per Sullivan.

” … you get three penalties in one shift. I’ve never seen that before.”

Carrick took two penalties and then Rempe was whistled for the third penalty, each in the Rangers end of the ice. Probably each one was justified, though the Rangers had reason to complain that the Islanders weren’t assessed a single penalty after multiple players jumped on Rempe, after the towering forward’s boarding minor.

Something you don't see every day:

The Rangers committed THREE (3) minor penalties on the same play https://t.co/Wcl4mZq61m pic.twitter.com/VjA6w4p4Bv

— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) January 29, 2026

Had the Rangers killed off the 5-on-3 and following 5-on-4 — which they very nearly did — this could’ve been the turning point in a positive way for the Rangers. As Trocheck pointed out postgame, it was a chance for the Rangers to absolutely swing momentum in their favor if they escaped still trailing by one goal.

Instead, Barzal scored a power-play goal. And then the Islanders quickly followed with an even strength tally. And it was 4-1. That was that.

Captain’s anguish​

Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

It’s been a brutally tough and disappointing season for Miller, his first as Rangers captain. Though he had that pretty assist on Zibanejad’s goal, there were three plays that summed up Miller’s season — and his anguish — so far.

Right off the hop, Miller zipped a shot off the post. A goal there and who knows? Maybe this game plays out differently with the Rangers up 1-0 early.

Then roughly 14 minutes into the first period, with the game scoreless, Martin flubbed a pass from Cuylle on a 2-on-1 short-handed rush. How many times have we seen Miller mishandle the puck this season, or miss a prime scoring opportunity in this fashion? Too numerous to count.

To make matters worse, the Islanders scored 50 seconds or so later on the same power play to take a 1-0 lead. Of course they did.

Finally, the absolute pained look on the captain’s face when he skated off the ice after this 5-2 defeat. None of this is what he expected. It’s been a true nightmare season for him.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/recap-lose-islanders-without-artemi-panarin

 

[New York Rangers]

Rangers vs. Islanders: Lineups, storylines trying to avoid season sweep

For the second time in as many nights, albeit in a different building, the New York Rangers face off against the New York Islanders on Thursday. This back end of a home-and-home set takes place at Madison Square Garden after the Rangers lost 5-2 on the road at UBS Arena on Wednesday.

Losing to the Islanders is nothing new for the Rangers this season. In fact, they’re trying to avoid a season-series sweep Thursday. They lost the first three games by a combined 12-2 score, and were shut out twice.

That’s a reversal of last season, when the Rangers swept the season series against the Islanders, which may have cost them a shot at winning the NHL Draft Lottery. Instead, the Islanders finished with a worse record and then selected defenseman Matthew Schaefer with the No. 1 overall pick after winning the lottery.

Schaefer has one point — an assist — in three games against the Rangers this season. But the 18-year-old defenseman averages more than 24 minutes TOI, is second on the Islanders with 35 points (13 goals, 22 assists) in 53 games, and ranks third among all NHL rookies in scoring.

The wonderkid helped spark the Islanders (29-19-5) this season to be one of the League’s biggest surprises. They are third in the Metropolitan Division in points percentage, though tied in points with the second-place Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Rangers (22-26-6) are also a surprise team this season, though for all the wrong reasons. They sit last in the Eastern Conference, their six home wins are second-fewest in the NHL, and they rank 27th in the NHL averaging 2.65 goals-for per game. The loss Wednesday was their ninth in the past 11 games (2-8-1).

Once again, the Rangers are without Artemi Panarin, who’s likely played his final game on Broadway. Their leading scorer was a healthy scratch Wednesday for “roster management purposes” and won’t play in any game before the Feb. 4 roster freeze for the Olympic break takes effect. It’s unknown if the Rangers are close to trading Panarin, or whether they’re just being cautious with a valuable asset.

3 storylines when Rangers host Islanders​

Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

1. Sully’s outlook​

A retool roughly eight months after being named coach of the Rangers can’t be what Mike Sullivan envisioned last spring, when he arrived on Broadway. But he’s a veteran of coaching in the NHL and maintains a steady hand and messaging guiding the Rangers during this tumultuous and upsetting time, especially now with Panarin’s days numbered with the organization.

“We’re going to handle it like we always try and handle it. We’re going to try and win the game in front of us. We’re going to try and learn and get better every day, regardless of who’s in our lineup. It’s opportunities for us to get better, and we’re going to try and do that,” Sullivan said Thursday morning.

And how does this affect him as a coach?

“I’m going to try to do the best job I can for this team as their coach, and it starts with bringing the right attitude every day and making sure that we bring a certain level of enthusiasm to what we do,” Sullivan said Wednesday. “We’re going to learn through the experiences. We’re going to try to win the one game right in front of us.”

2. Brett’s back​

Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

The Rangers recalled Brett Berard from Hartford of the American Hockey League on Thursday morning. The 23-year-old is expected to be in the lineup against the Islanders, likely at the expense of veteran Jonny Brodzinski in the bottom-six forward group.

“He’s a real good energy guy,” Sullivan said about Berard, who’s scoreless in 12 games with the Rangers this season. “He’s great in the puck pursuit game. He can really skate. He’s got a little bit of physicality to him. You know, he brings a lot of juice, energy, enthusiasm.”

This retool is a major opportunity for Berard, who did score six goals and total 10 points with the Rangers in 35 games last season, and led Hartford with 25 goals as a rookie pro in 2023-24. He’s yet to show that offensive skill set to Sullivan and the new coaching staff in New York. But Berard did have nine points (four goals, five assists) in his previous nine games with Hartford, so perhaps there will be some carryover at the next level for him.

Last season, Berard recorded the first two-goal game in the NHL against the Islanders on April 10 at UBS Arena.

3. Goalie challenge​

Danny Wild-Imagn Images

Spencer Martin allowed five goals in the loss Wednesday, but actually was pretty good between the pipes for the Rangers, considering he didn’t get much help defensively from his teammates. Let’s see if they are more engaged Thursday, when Jonathan Quick makes the start.

His last time out, Quick backstopped his first win since Nov. 7, ending a dismal 0-10-2 personal run, in the exciting 4-3 overtime victory over the Boston Bruins at MSG on Monday.

Ilya Sorokin, a leading contender for the Vezina Trophy as top NHL goalie this season, starts for the Islanders after David Rittich picked up the win Wednesday. Sorokin leads the League with six shutouts, including three in his past seven starts — and one against the Rangers back on Nov. 8 at The Garden. The 30-year-old is just 4-6-2, though, in his career against the Rangers with a 3.17 goals-against average.

New York Rangers projected lineup​

Gabe Perreault — J.T. Miller — Mika Zibanejad

Will Cuylle — Vincent Trocheck — Alexis Lafreniere

Brennan Othmann — Noah Laba — Taylor Raddysh

Brett Berard — Sam Carrick — Matt Rempe

Vladislav Gavrikov — Braden Schneider

Matthew Robertson — Will Borgen

Urho Vaakanainen — Scott Morrow

Jonathan Quick

Spencer Martin

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

Who: New York Rangers vs. New York Islanders

When: Thursday, Jan. 29 at 7 p.m. ET

Where: Madison Square Garden

How to watch: MSG

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...-islanders-preview-storylines-try-avoid-sweep

 

[New York Rangers]

No. 1 pick keeps promise, Islanders sweep Rangers with 2-1 win: Takeaways

Matthew Schaefer talked the talk, and then walked the walk. And as such, the New York Islanders finished a season series sweep of the New York Rangers with a 2-1 victory Thursday night at Madison Square Garden.

Shortly after the Islanders selected Schaefer with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft last June, the precocious defenseman stated, “We’re going to beat the Rangers every time we play them.”

Well, at least for his first season in the NHL, Schaefer is right. And he backed up those words by scoring the game-winner Thursday. The Rangers lost all four games against the Islanders this season by an aggregate 14-3 score, including 5-2 at UBS Arena on Wednesday night in the first of a home-and-home set this week.

The goal was Schaefer’s first against the Rangers, and his second point in four games vs. the Blueshirts. Carson Soucy, who was traded to the Islanders by the Rangers on Monday, also scored for the visitors, and goalie Ilya Sorokin finished with 20 saves.

Schaefer RIPS IT home for his FOURTEENTH of the season pic.twitter.com/6IhR37njh1

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) January 30, 2026

Mika Zibanejad scored his team-leading 23rd goal for the Rangers (22-27-6), who’ve lost 10 of their past 12 games (2-9-1). Jonathan Quick stopped 19 of 21 shots, including all 10 in the third period.

Outside of a handful of one-and-done opportunities, this one was largely a low-energy, low-event snoozefest. That is until out of nowhere the Islanders struck for a pair of goals late in the second period to take a 2-0 lead.

Soucy somehow snuck a slapper from the bottom of the left circle past Quick at 17:18, scoring on just the third shot of the period and ninth of the game for the Islanders. Simply, it was a bad goal allowed by Quick. And it came off the stick of a player who was a Rangers teammate just 72 hours prior, because of course it did. That’s just how this season’s gone for the Rangers.

Soucin’ Soucin’ I’m Soucin’ on youuuu pic.twitter.com/wbDsiyJo25

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) January 30, 2026

You can further add salt to the wound by pointing out that shortly before Quick gave up that softie, Sorokin made a terrific blocker save to deny J.T. Miller after a slick give and go with Zibanejad.

Because, of course.

Just 1:35 after Soucy opened the scoring, Schaefer fired a tracer through a Simon Holmstrom screen to make it 2-0 Islanders at 18:53. With his 14th goal, Schaefer moved past the legendary Bobby Orr for the second most goals scored by an 18-year-old defenseman in NHL history. Hall-of-Famer Phil Housley holds the record with 17.

It was a deflating way to end the period after the Rangers held the Islanders to only five shots. But they regrouped in the intermission, and quickly took advantage of a power-play opportunity early in the third period to get right back in the game.

With Ryan Pulock in the penalty box for boarding Gabe Perreault, Zibanejad unloaded an absolute missile from the left circle that whistled past Sorokin to make it 2-1 at 2:48 of the third. It was that patented old-school power-play shot by Zibanejad, who buried a pass right into his wheelhouse by Vladisalv Gavrikov.

A round of applause for this clapper from Mika Zibanejad pic.twitter.com/9ypLQo61d6

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 30, 2026

However, the Rangers couldn’t carry that positive mojo into their next power-play opportunity, when the Islanders were assessed a bench minor penalty for abuse of officials at 6:59. The Islanders regrouped and easily killed off the penalty and maintained their one-goal lead.

There were a couple decent looks for each side the rest of the way, but no sustained pressure, and the Rangers went quietly down to defeat yet again.

Key takeaways after Rangers lose 2-1 to Islanders​

Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

1. Mika Mojo​

It wasn’t just that power-play one-time bomb from the left circle, though that sure brought back some memories. But let’s face it, Zibanejad has that old swag back. He ditched the mopey disposition from last season and continues to be the Rangers best player game-in and game-out this season.

Even without Artemi Panarin in the lineup again — scratched for “roster management purposes” ahead of a trade before the March 6 deadline — Zibanejad continued to produce and generate most of the Rangers offense Thursday. He scored a goal for the second straight night, led the Rangers with five shots on goal and 10 attempts, and now has points in 13 of 14 games since Dec. 31.

His 51 points are second to Panarin’s 57 for most on the Rangers, and just 11 shy of his total from all of last season. And that goal he scored Thursday? It was his 273rd with the Rangers, moving him past Andy Bathgate into sole possession of fifth place in franchise history — behind Rod Gilbert, Jean Ratelle, Chris Kreider, and Adam Graves.

2. Get used to it​

Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

The Islanders aren’t going to win every game they play against the Rangers just because Schaefer said so on his draft day. However, the Rangers better get used to trying to stop this kid because he’s a handful now, and just may become a generational talent moving forward. In other words, he’s the new face of this rivalry on the Islanders side. It’s still too early to draw Denis Potvin comparisons, but, well, it’s starting to feel that he’s already worthy.

Schaefer’s averaging more than 24 minutes TOI, and coach Patrick Roy doesn’t shelter him one bit. The kid’s 36 points are third most among all NHL rookies, and second on the Islanders. And he’s sure not shy about stoking the flames of this fairly dormant rivalry.

“It’s so fun. You want to beat them every time,” Schafer said postgame. “It’s a playoff game from here on out. Especially against the Rangers, you want to get those two points. It’s fun when you’re beating them.”

3. Checking in on the Rangers kids​

Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

More than wins and losses the rest of this season, it’s the development of the young players in the lineup, and assessing where each stands in the retool, that’s most important to the Rangers. To that end, it was mostly a quiet night for the kids in this overall sleepy affair against the Islanders.

Brennan Othmann didn’t generate much if any offense on the third line, but he did record five hits, second most on the Rangers behind Will Cuylle (six), who likewise failed to post a shot on goal. Speaking of posts, rookie defenseman Scott Morrow rang a shot off the iron roughly five minutes into the game and remains without a goal with the Rangers.

Brett Berard received 10 shifts and logged 8:45 TOI without a shot on goal playing on the fourth line after his recall from Hartford of the American Hockey League. He’s pointless in 13 games with the Rangers this season. Noah Laba also didn’t record a shot on goal, but he did win five of seven face-offs (71 percent).

Perreault did stand out with five shots on goal, again fitting in well with his veteran linemates Zibanejad and Miller.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/schaefer-leads-islanders-past-rangers

 

[New York Rangers]

Artemi Panarin, agent seek $50 million ‘home run’ in Rangers trade: report

Though Elliotte Friedman concedes he’s hearing “a lot of conflicting information” about the New York Rangers’ efforts to trade Artemi Panarin, there are some important details that are becoming clear to the respected NHL insider.

Most importantly, Friedman reported that Panarin not only wants a contract extension in place with an acquiring team before waiving his no-move clause, but has a very definite, round number in mind for that extension.

Fifty million dollars.

“If you’re going to get Panarin, he is going to try and hit a contract home run even though he’s 34 years old. And the number I was hearing, and a few teams backed me on this, was 50 million,” Friedman stated Friday on his 32 Thoughts podcast. “That’s the number Panarin hopes to get to, and the teams could break it down as much as they did. Do you want to make it 4 x 12.5, do you want to make it 5 x 10?

“Obviously, that doesn’t mean it’s going to happen. Maybe there’s some situations that he likes that say we can’t go there and this is what we can do. But I think that’s the target … and we’ll see if he gets there.”

"Bread's a terrific player and a great teammate. He's good friends with a lot of guys that are in that dressing room. That has an impact on guys. He's one of the best Rangers of his generation. He's not an easy guy to replace"

– Mike Sullivan on Artemi Panarin pic.twitter.com/wajqh9ReRg

— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) January 29, 2026

The Rangers are working closely with Panarin’s agent, Paul Theofanous, to move the star forward to a destination of his choosing. That in itself requires some heavy lifting. The contract extension — and this hefty price tag — makes it even more difficult. And it’s unknown which teams Panarin is considering, and how many of those are willing to trade for him, especially with an extension on top of it all.

In essence, this is the trade deadline and free agency all rolled into one for Panarin.

“The agent … is driving a lot of this bus,” Friedman said. “This is a player and agent out to hit a home run.”

Earlier this season, Panarin reportedly rebuffed a team-friendly extension offer from the Rangers. After their season unraveled, the Rangers informed Panarin in mid-January that no contract extension was forthcoming and that they would trade him instead.

That apparently surprised Panarin, who led the Rangers in scoring each of his first six seasons with them after signing a whopping seven-year, $81.5 million contract on July 1, 2019. Earlier this week, the Rangers decided to scratch Panarin for “roster management purposes” as they pursued making a trade.

The NHL roster freeze begins Feb. 4 and runs through the Winter Olympics. So either the Rangers move Panarin before then or wait until the window between Feb 22 – March 6, the day of the NHL Trade Deadline.

Which teams are in on a possible Artemi Panarin trade with Rangers?​

Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Friedman listed 15 teams that he’s heard have varying levels of interest in Panarin. However, only a handful have interest in a contract extension. And who knows which ones, or how many, Panarin actually would waive his no-move clause for?

The Sportsnet hockey insider stated that the Washington Capitals “only do this with an extension.” So, if Panarin has interest in them, the Capitals could be near the top of the list of trade options.

Per Friedman, Panarin “really wants to go” to the Florida Panthers. But that’s a major long shot considering the Panthers’ salary-cap situation and dearth of prospects and draft capital. As important, Friedman stated “I don’t see [Panthers GM Bill Zito} extending Panarin at that number.”

The Colorado Avalanche are interested “but can’t do it as an extension.” The Anaheim Ducks are “willing” to make a deal if Panarin’s a rental “and then make that call” after the fact on an extension.

Friedman also listed the Dallas Stars, Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks, Seattle Kraken, Carolina Hurricanes, Detroit Red Wings, Minnesota Wild, Utah Mammoth, New York Islanders, Vegas Golden Knights, and Philadelphia Flyers as teams with varying levels of interest in Panarin.

And there’s no expectation that any Panarin deal gets done today, or this weekend. It could happen. But it’s more likely to take a while.

“The Rangers probably have to figure out where he wants to go, and he has to figure out where he wants to go,” Friedman concluded. “Like, what’s most important to him? Who can give him the biggest contract? Or a fit or a location? It sounds like this is going to take a couple of days.”

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...eeks-home-run-contract-extension-trade-rumors

 

[New York Rangers]

Rangers face grim future after sweep by Isles: ‘It’s frustrating, for sure’

The New York Rangers are sinking not-so-slowly in the East. Unlike 2024-25, when they were in the hunt for a berth in the Stanley Cup Playoffs until the final days of the season, their postseason hopes are all but over.

They dropped to 22-27-6 after losing 2-1 to the New York Islanders on Thursday night at Madison Square Garden, leaving them 15 points behind the third-place Islanders in the Metropolitan Division and 17 behind the Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins, who own the two wild-card berths in the Eastern Conference.

To see the Rangers skate off the ice at MSG after losing to the Islanders on back-to-back nights to complete an 0-4-0 season series against their suburban rivals was to watch a team that knows it’s going to spend the next two-plus months playing out the string.

Mika Zibanejad gets one back pic.twitter.com/4rRRXEegT5

— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) January 30, 2026

“We had enough chances to score a few more and get a better result, but that wasn’t the case,” said center Mika Zibanejad, whose power-play goal early in the third period accounted for the Rangers only scoring. “As positive as we try to be, or try to look for the positives, it’s hard to be when you lose another game.

“Just in general I thought we were better in the O-zone. I thought 5-on-5 we played a pretty decent game. I guess it wasn’t enough.”

The Isles outscored the Rangers 14-3 in the four victories — and for the first time ever, the Blueshirts didn’t hold a lead against the Islanders at any point in a season series. Defenseman Carson Soucy, traded by the Rangers to the Islanders on Monday, scored at 17:18 of the second period to open the scoring, and rookie D-man Matthew Schaefer beat Jonathan Quick 1:35 later for what proved to be the game-winner.

Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

“It’s frustrating, for sure,” captain J.T. Miller said postgame. “I think that at some point it’s hard to come up with answers other than put the puck in the net more often. I really believe, I think we all believe, if you do the same thing a lot more times than you don’t, you’re going to get the results. This year, pucks aren’t finding the mark as much as we would like as a team, obviously.

“I thought we played well enough to win the game today. It was one of those tight-checking games. Seems to kind of always be like that against the Islanders, just didn’t come out on the right side of it.”

Rangers try to ‘compartmentalize’ decision to trade Artemi Panarin​

The biggest near-term question is where team scoring leader Artemi Panarin is headed. The Rangers announced before the 5-2 loss to the Islanders on Wednesday that Panarin is being held out of the lineup before the Olympic roster freeze begins at 3 p.m. ET on Feb. 4 for “roster management” – meaning that he’s all but certainly played his last game with the Blueshirts.

“I think that’s just the human element of sports,” coach Mike Sullivan said Thursday when asked about the emotional impact of Panarin’s situation on his players. “Does it weigh on these guys? Of course — they’re human beings.

“I think they’re doing a great job of compartmentalizing it, and when we walk through the doors and are getting ready to play, we compete. We play hard for each other, and that’s what we’ll continue to do.”

Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

Panarin’s agent has permission to negotiate an extension with any team the Breadman would waive his no-movement clause for, sources told ESPN. Panarin’s preference reportedly is to switch teams with a new deal in place. The Rangers would be willing to retain part of Panarin’s $11.64 million salary-cap hit, but they are seeking a hefty return and hope to get a first-round pick and top prospect or young roster player. Several teams remained in the mix as of Thursday.

Meanwhile, the Rangers are without the player who’s led them in scoring in each of the previous six seasons, as well as No. 1 goaltender (Igor Shesterkin) and top defenseman (Adam Fox), both due to lower-body injuries.

“Obviously a big part of the team,” Miller said of Panarin. “I know he’s been here with a lot of the guys. Stuff like that is emotional. It’s part of the business, and it sucks. He’s a driver of the team; he’s a great guy.”

The Rangers face the top two teams in the Metropolitan Division in their final games before the Olympic break. They visit the second-place Pittsburgh Penguins, who’ve won five in a row after defeating the Chicago Blackhawks 6-2 on Thursday, in a nationally televised game Saturday afternoon, then get four days off before hosting the division-leading Carolina Hurricanes on Feb. 4.

Where do Rangers go from here?​

Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

One key will be to give development time to young players, most notably forward Gabe Perreault and defenseman Scott Morrow.

Perreault, the best prospect in a relatively barren talent pipeline, showed flashes of the skill that led the Rangers to take him in the first round (No. 23 overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft. His setup pass to Miller for the Rangers’ second goal in the loss on Wednesday was an indication of what he can do on the ice, as were the two Grade A chances he had in the third period Thursday.

His lack of size and footspeed are drawbacks the Rangers hope his skills and high hockey IQ can overcome. Given their circumstances, there’s no reason Perreault shouldn’t remain in the top six, including power-play time, so the Rangers can get a better idea of what they have.

Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

Morrow, who came to the Rangers as part of the package in the deal that sent defenseman K’Andre Miller to Carolina on July 1, is going through growing pains, but he’s played better in the past couple of weeks.

“I think Scotty’s making progress,” Sullivan said. “He’s more decisive with his decision making; there’s not as much hesitation. I think he’s playing the game with more conviction, and that’s something we’re trying to encourage him to do — trust his instincts, play with conviction and go with it.

“I think he’s trying to be harder at the net front. I think he’s trying to close on people and kill plays down low in the defensive zone. I think one of his better qualities is along the offensive blue line — just his ability to get pucks through. We think he’s making progress.”

The progress by those two figures to be a key barometer of the Rangers future success after what’s shaping up as another lost season.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/grim-immediate-future-trade-rumors-panarin

 

[Zedster]

Rough stretch for the Rangers, no doubt about it. Getting swept by the Islanders 4-0 on the season is tough to swallow, especially with Schaefer backing up his draft day trash talk with that game-winner. Kid's the real deal - 14 goals as an 18-year-old defenseman is pretty remarkable.

The Panarin situation is interesting. Asking for $50 million at 34 is bold, but the guy has consistently produced. Leading the team in scoring six straight years isn't nothing. Still, that's a lot of leverage to try to maintain when you're the one with the no-move clause and your current team has already said they're moving on.

Zibanejad continues to be a bright spot though. Moving past Bathgate into fifth on the franchise goals list, points in 13 of 14 games - he's playing like the guy they signed to that big contract. If they can get a decent return for Panarin and let the young guys develop around Mika, there might be something to build on.

Speaking of the kids, Perreault looks like he belongs in the top six. The vision is there even if the skating needs work. Morrow's still finding his way but Sullivan seems to think he's trending in the right direction.

Two tough games left before the break against Pittsburgh and Carolina. At this point it's really about seeing what the young players can do and positioning for the draft. Not the season anyone expected, but that's where they are.

 

[New York Rangers]

Furious Rangers rally falls short in 6-5 loss to Penguins: takeaways

Four third-period goals wasn’t quite enough for the New York Rangers, who closed out a miserable month of January with a 6-5 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday afternoon at PPG Paints Arena.

Once down 5-1 early in the third-period, the Rangers closed to within a goal with 11 seconds to play and had one last chance at a miracle comeback with a face-off in the offensive zone and 3.6 seconds on the clock. But the Penguins won the draw to close out their sixth straight victory, albeit one that nearly slipped away in inexcusable fashion.

Despite battling back in the third period, the Rangers (22-28-6) lost their third straight game, and sixth in the past seven. They finished 3-10-1 in January, even though the month began with an exciting 5-1 win over the Florida Panthers in the outdoor Winter Classic in Miami.

Alexis Lafreniere (two goals, one assist) and Vincent Trocheck (one goal, two assists) led the way for the Rangers, who generated almost no offensive pressure in the first two periods of this game. Vladislav Gavrikov and Will Cuylle also scored, and Jonathan Quick finished with 29 saves.

Hometown Troch on the breakaway pic.twitter.com/dxOpjkQUfl

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 31, 2026

Anthony Mantha scored twice for the Penguins, giving him five goals and three assists in a four-game point streak. Noel Acciari also had two goals, and Rickard Rakell and Ben Kindel had one apiece. Stuart Skinner finished with 15 saves, but stopped only five of nine shots in the wild third period.

The Penguins raced to a quick 2-0 lead before the game was barely six minutes old. They capitalized on a Scott Morrow turnover to open the scoring at 2:37. Rutger McGroarty picked off Morrow’s clearing attempt, and in one motion fired a shot toward the net that was deflected between Quick’s pad by Mantha.

The goal was Pittsburgh’s first shot of the game. Three shots and 3:28 later, the Penguins scored again.

A wide open Acciari buried a one-timer from left wing after the Rangers again failed to clear the puck out of their defensive zone. His fifth goal of the season, and first in 11 games, made it 2-0 Penguins at 6:05 of the first period.

To their credit, the Rangers largely settled things down the rest of the period, and even out-chanced the Penguins 13-9 in the first 20 minutes. But there was very little sustained pressure, and their one Grade A chance was turned aside by Skinner, who robbed J.T. Miller point blank after a slick feed from Mika Zibanejad.

However, in the second period, the Rangers couldn’t out of their own way at even strength, and did not record a 5v5 shot on goal until Lafreniere’s wrist shot with 10 seconds to go in the period. Somehow, though, despite having an unsightly 16.67 percent goal share 5v5, per Natural Sta Trick, the Rangers only trailed 3-1 at the second intermission.

Two more successful penalty kills — after one in the first period — and a power-play goal of their own kept the Rangers in this game. The Penguins did push their lead to 3-0 at 12:59, when Mantha was all alone in front to score his second of the afternoon, following a sensational save by Quick, who was pulled out of position after stoning Rakell.

That goal came three seconds after the Rangers killed off a Jonny Brodzinski high-sticking minor.

Incredibly, the Rangers were still without a shot on goal of any kind in the period, when the Penguins were caught with too many men on the ice at 18:15. Thirteen seconds later, they had their first shot of the period and first goal of the game, when Lafreniere squeezed a right-wing shot through Skinner for his third power-play goal of the season.

Laffy sneaks it in on the power play pic.twitter.com/1XAwyZKxZU

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 31, 2026

The Penguins appeared to put this one away quickly in the third period, scoring two goals 20 seconds apart before two minutes elapsed off the game clock. Rakell scored a power-play goal off a scramble at 1:20, and Acciari netted his second of the afternoon at 1:40 to make it 5-1.

But Trocheck scored a beauty on a short-handed breakaway at 9:12, and Gavrikov wired a shot through Matt Rempe’s screen past Skinner at 15:13 to make it interesting.

Gavi with the one-timer pic.twitter.com/cKrbYsJt17

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 31, 2026

Kindel scored into an empty net at 17:26to restore Pittsburgh’s two-goal lead, but Lafreniere netted his second of the game with 1:07 remaining. Cuylle pushed a loose puck over the goal line with 11 seconds left, but the Rangers ran out of time to compete the incredible comeback.

Key takeaways after Rangers lose 6-5 to Penguins​

Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Another brutal start​

Listen, kudos to the Rangers for not quitting on this one, and taking advantage of the sloppy Penguins in the third period after the home team appeared to think this none was in the bag. Yes, that comeback says something about these Rangers.

But so does the fact that, yet again, they didn’t start on time. For the 18th time this season, the Rangers allowed a goal in the first five minutes of a game. That’s the second most in the NHL, not exactly a category you want to be the near the League lead.

MAN O-MANTHA.

Anthony Mantha is riding a four-game point streak pic.twitter.com/zcjzsXzb8q

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) January 31, 2026

Down 2-0 just 6:05 in, the Rangers were again chasing a game. That’s not a recipe for success, especially with Artemi Panarin again out of the lineup for “roster management.” The Rangers are now 5-23-4 when allowing the first goal, and 4-14-3 when trailing after the first period.

And you can add this, too. The Rangers didn’t start on time in the third period either. Allowing two more goals in the first 1:40 was an absolute crusher after they somehow were only down two after 40 minutes of play.

Noah Laba injury​

Stan Szeto-Imagn Images

Really, the worst news for the Rangers to come out of this latest loss is that Noah Laba sustained an upper-body injury and couldn’t finish the game. The rookie center slammed into the boards and favored his left shoulder at 7:42 of the first period. He took a twirl on the ice during the next TV timeout, and then headed down the tunnel to the Rangers dressing room.

Laba was on the bench to start the second period, but called it a day after one 32-second shift early in the period. He finished with 2:34 TOI over four shifts, and was on ice for Pittsburgh’s game-opening goal.

A big part of this Rangers retool the rest of the season is to get the kids as much game experience as possible. And Laba’s a big part of that, as well a key core piece moving forward. So, any injury absence is suboptimal, to say the least, especially from a young player who’s one of the few bright spots in this dark season.

Special teams nearly save the day​

Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Let’s face it, the Rangers were pretty terrible at even strength Saturday. They spent so much time exhausting themselves defending in their own end of the ice 5v5. Don’t let the comeback fool you, when it mattered most, the Rangers had no answers 5v5.

But they somehow stayed in this game and had chance through two periods — and even until the final buzzer — because of their special teams. The Rangers killed off four of five Penguins’ power plays — though they were burned by Cuylle’s senseless holding penalty at the 20-minute mark of the second period, when the Penguins scored early in the third.

The PK evened things out with Trocheck’s shorty, New York’s fourth this season. And their own power play gave the Rangers a chance when Lafreniere scored on their first shot of the second period.

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

 

[New York Rangers]

Rangers claim defenseman Vincent Iorio from Sharks: ‘solid waiver pickup’

Less than a week after trading one defenseman, the New York Rangers added another Saturday afternoon. The Rangers claimed Vincent Iorio off waivers from the San Jose Sharks, five days after trading Carson Soucy to the Islanders for a third-round pick in this year’s NHL Draft.

Iorio is a big (6-foot-4, 220 pounds) right-shot defenseman, who was claimed by the Sharks off waivers from the Washington Capitals on Oct. 16. Ironically, the 23-year-old’s last game with the Sharks was a 3-2 win over the Capitals on Jan. 15.

Welcome to New York, Vincent!

The #NYR have claimed defenseman Vincent Iorio off waivers from SJS. Details → https://t.co/6YgtST6jQo pic.twitter.com/0sbGmDlr13

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 31, 2026

In 21 games with the Sharks, Iorio had three assists and 12 penalty minutes, and averaged 16:30 TOI. He had seven assists in six AHL games during a conditioning stint with the San Jose Barracuda earlier this season.

“Solid waiver pickup. Needs to get stronger, but efficient puck play, long and mobile. Really like his transition game,” an NHL scout, not with the Sharks, recently told San Jose Hockey Now. “Potential to be a steady third-pairing type.”

The Capitals selected Iorio in the second round (No. 55 overall) of the 2021 NHL Draft. He helped their AHL affiliate in Hershey win back-to-back Calder Cup championships in 2023 and 2024, and appeared in one Stanley Cup Playoff game in the 2024 first round against the Rangers.

Iorio had one assist in nine games with the Capitals from 2022-24, then spent all of last season with Hershey.

He appeared to be a good fit in San Jose, and not only because he grew up in the Vancouver area, where he was friendly with Sharks wonderkid Macklin Celebrini and his brothers. With a string of veteran defensemen on expiring contracts, Iorio looked to have a future with the Sharks as a young up-and-coming blueliner.

“It takes time. Right-shot D are obviously hard to find,” Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky said recently about Iorio. “We like the toolset. We like the makeup of the player.”

Iorio fits the Rangers’ youth movement right now as a bottom-pair defender or extra defenseman. He also provides right-handed insurance should the Rangers trade Braden Schneider as part of their retool. When Adam Fox, returns from his lower-body injury, coach Mike Sullivan has decisions to make regarding the playing time for Iorio, Scott Morrow, and Urho Vaakanainen.

To make room on the roster, the Rangers sent forward Brett Berard back to Hartford of the American Hockey League on Saturday. That leaves Connor Mackey as the extra defenseman for their game Saturday against the Pittsburgh Penguins, since Iorio didn’t join the team yet.

After the Penguins tilt, the Rangers play one more game before the NHL Olympic break. They host the Carolina Hurricanes at Madison Square Garden next Thursday.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/claim-defenseman-vincent-iorio-from-sharks

 

[New York Rangers]

Why Scott Morrow faces big challenge after Rangers add prep school teammate

It’s fair to say that Scott Morrow hasn’t had the smoothest transition to the New York Rangers this season. And now he’s got some new challenges ahead of him on the near horizon.

First, Adam Fox is eligible to be activated from long term injured reserve after missing most of January with a lower-body issue. Second, the Rangers claimed Vincent Iorio off waivers from the San Jose Sharks on Saturday.

Even just one of those things presents a likely obstacle for Morrow. But taken together, it appears that the rookie defenseman could be on shaky ground in New York.

Welcome to New York, Vincent!

The #NYR have claimed defenseman Vincent Iorio off waivers from SJS. Details → https://t.co/6YgtST6jQo pic.twitter.com/0sbGmDlr13

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 31, 2026

Let’s start with Fox. Obviously, as soon as he returns to the lineup, perhaps as soon as Thursday against the Carolina Hurricanes in the Rangers’ final game before the Olympic break, Fox slides right back into his spot on the top defense pair and as New York’s power-play quarterback. That means Braden Schneider either bumps down to his usual spot on the right side of the third pair, or could land on his off (left) side on the second pair, since the Rangers traded Carson Soucy last week to the Islanders.

Since Morrow is the right-shot d-man on the third pair right now, we know which Schneider plan he’s hoping for.

But the acquisition of Iorio no longer means Morrow is guaranteed to hold on to his third-pair role even if Schneider lands on the second pair after Fox’s return. And even if rumors prove to be true and Schneider is traded, Morrow and Iorio will compete for that a spot on the third pair.

That’d create an interesting dynamic and competition considering that they were prep school teammates at Shattuck St. Mary’s for two years from 2016-18.

Scott Morrow, Vincent Iorio could compete for same Rangers role​

Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

However, this comment from Rangers coach Mike Sullivan, when asked about Iorio on Saturday, can’t make Morrow feels so great.

“I don’t know a lot about him. I know a little bit about him. I know he’s going to bring good size. He’s a young kid. I think he could potentially help us with our puck-moving ability back there,” Sullivan said.

Remember, puck-moving ability is supposed to be Morrow’s calling card and entree to regular playing time in the NHL. But as evidenced by his crucial turnover that led directly to a goal-against in the opening minutes of New York’s latest loss in Pittsburgh on Saturday, Morrow’s had major issues getting the puck out of his own end.

MAN O-MANTHA.

Anthony Mantha is riding a four-game point streak pic.twitter.com/zcjzsXzb8q

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) January 31, 2026

Since he’s also not generated a whole heck of a lot of offense — with six assists in 28 games — and Sullivan’s lack of confidence in the rookie running the power play in Fox’s absence, it’s fair to say Morrow’s skating on thin ice. That’s even with the Rangers looking to play the kids a lot now that they’re committed to a retooling phase.

That the Rangers claimed Iorio off waivers adds to that narrative with Morrow. Each of these right-shot defensemen is 23 years old, and trying to establish himself with a new organization after being selected in the second round of the 2021 NHL Draft. Morrow was the No. 40 overall selection by the Carolina Hurricanes, and came over to the Rangers in the K’Andre Miller trade last summer. Iorio was chosen No. 55 overall by the Washington Capitals, and is on his third team after the Sharks claimed him off waivers earlier this season.

Morrow stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 210 pounds. Iorio is 6-foot-4, 220 pounds. Neither is overly physical. But each has a history of being a better than average distributor and puck mover. Morrow was an AHL All-Star last season; Iorio helped Hershey of the American Hockey League win the Calder Cup in consecutive years (2013, 2014).

Each defenseman is in the final year of his entry-level contract and can be a restricted free agent at season’s end. Relevant to the here and now, Morrow doesn’t require waivers to be sent back to the AHL, but Iorio, obviously, does.

Morrow, who struggled to begin the season down in the minors with Hartford and has 44 games of NHL experience, was — and likely still is — New York’s top defenseman prospect currently playing pro. Iorio, who has 30 games played in the NHL, could wind up being the shiny new toy on the back end, though.

“I think he defends pretty well with his size. I know our hockey operations department obviously thinks highly of him, and that’s why they claimed him,” Sullivan explained. “I look forward to seeing him in person and getting to know him and working with him. We’ll see where it goes.”

We’ll see where it goes with Iorio, and Morrow, who faces even more obstacles in his path the rest of this season.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...enge-vincent-iorio-teammate-shattuck-st-marys

 

[New York Rangers]

Do Rangers need to retool, rebuild … or blow it up, start over?

New York Rangers general manager Chris Drury made it clear in his letter to fans on Jan. 16 that the team was about to enter a retooling — but added that “this will not be a rebuild.” However, with the Rangers plummeting like a stone to the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, losing their past three games, six of seven and 14 of 17, it’s fair to ask if there’s really a difference between the two processes.

A Message from Chris Drury to Our Fans pic.twitter.com/JVimBJ59B7

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 16, 2026

The Rangers made a minor trade this week, sending defenseman Carson Soucy to the Islanders for a third-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. Big deal – they bought another lottery ticket. Similarly, they claimed Vincent Iorio off waivers from the San Jose Sharks on Saturday. A former second-round pick (No. 55 overall) in the 2021 draft by the Washington Capitals, the big (6-foot-4, 220 pounds) 23-year-old defenseman is worth a shot, but, yes, is another lottery ticket.

They’re holding team scoring leader Artemi Panarin of the lineup for what’s euphemistically known as “roster management” – in other words, the Rangers want to make sure he won’t get hurt before they can trade him.

But the market for “Bread” figures to be limited by his no-movement clause, the Rangers’ decision not to offer the pending free agent a new contract, and the fact that the 34-year-old and his agent reportedly want a “home run” contract extension in place before they OK a deal. That could come today, before the Olympic trade freeze that begins Thursday, before the NHL Trade Deadline on March 6 – or not at all.

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

With a few exceptions (center Mika Zibanejad being the most obvious), the Rangers play like a team that needs to be stripped down to the studs for a complete overhaul – exactly what Drury indicated he wasn’t going to do. He wrote of focusing on obtaining “young players, draft picks and cap space that allow us flexibility moving forward.”

Left unsaid is who he would use this cap space on. Panarin would arguably be the best free agent available on July 1, and Drury already ruled out bringing him back. All the potential big names re-upped with their current teams.

Yes, injuries to cornerstones like goaltender Igor Shesterkin and Adam Fox helped sink this season – but the Rangers aren’t the only team that’s had to contend with serious injuries to key players. More important is that they are an older, slower team that keeps making the same mistakes game after game and shows no signs that anything will change.

Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Their 6-5 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday was a perfect example.

As has been the case too often this season, the Rangers chased the game before they knew what hit them. Their inability to break the puck out of their own zone, with turnovers leading directly to goals, is a go-to for the Rangers and allowed the Penguins to go up 2-0 before the first media timeout.

“It’s a bit of a s***storm in the D-zone,” center Vincent Trocheck said. “Whenever you’re trying to break pucks out, we’ve got to be a lot tighter and try to support guys from a closer spot, just to make it even that much easier to come out as a group of five. That’s the only way you can really fix that.”

That’s a broken record Blueshirts fans are tired of listening to. This was the third time in the past six games — and 18th time this season — that the Rangers allowed the opponent to score in the first five minutes of a game.

Retool, rebuild or more? What’s next for Rangers?​

Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

“I’d like to think we’re very prepared and motivated and ready to start the game,” Miller said in a postgame speech he should have on an audio loop. “We talk about it all the time, but we’re not really executing that game plan. Other teams are getting out to better starts, so obviously, it’s an issue for us. But I’m just trying not to be negative. I don’t know what to say. I feel like we’re ready to go. When we go on the ice, we’re ready to play the game. Then we get out there, and they jump out to the lead, it seems like a lot of nights. So, it’s definitely something we’ve got to try to shore up.”

Stop me if you’ve heard this before. Oh, and don’t be fooled by the final score — the Penguins led 5-1 with less than 11 minutes remaining. Turning a big loss into a one-goal loss means nothing. Moral victories aren’t the end goal here.

The Rangers counted on rookie defenseman Scott Morrow, the key piece they received from the Carolina Hurricanes in the K’Andre Miller trade on July 1, to pick up some of the slack after Fox was injured on Jan. 5. Instead, he continues to show that he’s not ready for the NHL. The 23-year-old committed one turnover that led to a first-period goal, took a hooking penalty later in the period and finished minus-2 while logging 14:50 TOI.

His underlying metrics, per Natural Stat Trick, aren’t terrible 5v5 for a third-par rookie defenseman. But the eye test isn’t great, nor are his six assists in 28 games.

MAN O-MANTHA.

Anthony Mantha is riding a four-game point streak pic.twitter.com/zcjzsXzb8q

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) January 31, 2026

Meanwhile, the Penguins are on track to end a three-year absence from the Stanley Cup Playoffs because they’ve finally found some young talent to augment future Hall of Famers Sidney Crosby (38 years old), Evgeni Malkin (39), Kris Letang (39) and Erik Karlsson (35). One of those players is Ben Kindel, an 18-year-old forward who scored his 12th goal Saturday and was a shrewd first-round pick at No. 11 overall last June.

The Rangers have plenty of thirty-somethings skaters on the roster, but none anywhere near the level of the Penguins’ senior quartet: Zibanejad, Miller and Trocheck, the three highest-scoring forwards who dressed Saturday, are all 32. Each has a long-term contract that includes some form of trade protection.

So, where’s all the Rangers’ young talent? Good question.

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Drury sacrificed their 2025 first-round pick in the trade that brought Miller from the Vancouver Canucks last Jan. 31; the Canucks quickly wheeled it to the Penguins for defenseman Marcus Pettersson. The Rangers look like they’ll get a top-five (if not No. 1 overall) pick in the 2026 draft, as well as the Dallas Stars’ pick, which should come late in the opening round.

They better hope this high pick works out better than No. 1 overall selection they got six years ago, when they chose forward Alexis Lafreniere. Despite his two-goal, three-point outing against the Penguins, the 24-year-old has yet to develop into an impact player and is in the first season of a seven-year contract.

The Rangers also had picks within the top nine in each of the three drafts before 2020; none of those players is still with the team.

Brennan Othmann, taken with the No. 16 pick in 2021, has yet to show he can play at the NHL level. Forward Gabe Perreault, selected No. 23 in 2023, shows flashes of skill and looks like an NHL player, but the 20-year-old needs more size and speed to augment his smarts and skill. Noah Laba, a 2022 fourth-rounder, is a bright spot this season, regularly centering the third line as a rookie – but that looks like his ceiling (and he left the game Saturday with an injury).

Not exactly a rosy outlook.

Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

In another world, a GM whose team went from Presidents’ Trophy winners to bottom feeders in two years would be a logical candidate to be fired as the first part of a retool/rebuild/whatever you want to call it. But Rangers owner James Dolan went on WFAN radio early last month to tell the world that Drury was his guy. Dolan’s reward was watching the Rangers do their best Wile E. Coyote imitation and run right off a cliff.

The Rangers had some dreary stretches in their history. Most of the past 25 years of the Original Six Era were dreadful, as were the late 1970s, the late 1990s through 2004 and the “Letter 1.0” stretch from 2017-21. The 2024-to-whenever span has the potential to join this Forgettable Foursome.

The question isn’t whether the Blueshirts need to rebuild or “just retool.” It’s whether they can pull a rabbit out of a hat, inject young talent into a system that has very little of it, and figure out how to get the most out of the players they keep while getting the most value for the ones they don’t.

For that, they might need a magician rather than a general manager.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/rangers-retool-rebuild-future-analysis

 

[New York Rangers]

Here’s what the Rangers have with ‘happy-go-lucky’ Vincent Iorio

Two days after he was claimed off waivers by the New York Rangers, Vincent Iorio closed his first practice with his new team Monday by skating through a gauntlet of players slapping their sticks on the ice to welcome him to Broadway, or more specifically, Tarrytown, where the training facility is.

It was a fitting moment for the affable newest Rangers defenseman.

“It was cool. I don’t know who started that. They all started tapping their sticks and asked if I wanted to do a gauntlet, so I really can’t say no,” Iorio told reporters with a smile on his face.

An initiation for Vincent Iorio. #NYR pic.twitter.com/W3pnmMwdaP

— Remy Mastey (@MasteyRemy) February 2, 2026

Get used to that smile. The 23-year-old maintains it as best he can, even during a season when he’s now on his third team and claimed twice on waivers.

“For me, it’s just to continue having that positive mindset and just be the happy-go-lucky kid that I am,” he explained. “I pride myself on smiling coming to the rink every day and just being happy, and I’m going to continue doing the same thing here.”

A 2021 second-round pick (No. 55 overall) by the Washington Capitals, Iorio was snatched up the San Jose Sharks in October and played 21 games with them before they lost him on waivers to the Rangers this past weekend. Not surprisingly, Iorio only had good things to say about his time with the Sharks, for whom he registered three assists and averaged 16:30 TOI

However, he’s clearly happy to be with the Rangers now.

“I was obviously really excited. This is such a storied franchise. So, I’m just excited,” he said. “First practice was good. I know a couple of the guys, so that it made it a little bit easier. … It’s just nice to have a couple familiar faces.”

New #NYR Vincent Iorio is here wearing No. 6 pic.twitter.com/3imN9iko0P

— Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) February 2, 2026

Interestingly, two of the players he knows are fellow defensemen Braden Schneider and Scott Morrow. Iorio was teammates with Schneider in junior at Brandon in the Western Hockey League, and in prep school with Morrow at Shattuck St. Mary’s.

Each is a right-shot defenseman, ahead of Iorio on the depth chart. But Schneider’s name is attached to a bunch of trade rumors what with the Rangers beginning to retool their roster. Morrow’s had an uneven rookie season, so the Rangers could pivot to Iorio to play ahead of him on the right side of the third defense pair.

There’s time to let this play out, though. The Rangers have three days of practice this week before their next game, Thursday at home against the Carolina Hurricanes. After that comes the three-week Olympic break.

What Rangers can expect from Vincent Iorio​

Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Iorio brings 30 games of NHL regular-season experience to the Rangers. He also played in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference First Round playoff series against them in 2024, and helped Hershey of the American Hockey League win consecutive Calder Trophy championships in 2023 and 2024.

“I thought he looked good today. First time seeing him up close, he looks like he has decent puck skills, he’s got good size (6-foot-4, 220 pounds). So, I thought for a first practice, it’s not an easy thing just jumping into a brand-new team like that, I thought he executed pretty well in some of the drills we were doing,” Rangers coach Mike Sullivan said Monday. “Maybe the biggest thing that jumped out at me was his ability to move the puck. That skillset certainly will help us.”

Indeed. The Rangers struggled mightily in that area without the injured Adam Fox in the lineup most of the past two months. It’s worth noting that Fox skated in a no-contact sweater Monday, but the Rangers don’t expect him to play until after the Milan-Cortina Olympics. Fox missed 12 games so far with a lower-body injury — after missing 14 games in December with an upper-body issue.

So, what does Iorio believe he brings to the Blueshirts?

“Solid two-way defenseman,” he explained. “I just want to break pucks out, play hard defensively, try and contribute and join the rush as much as I can. … I try and pride myself trying to close as hard as I can in the D-zone. Obviously, you want to be as physical as possible and I want to continue to build on that.”

This is partly what this retooling phase the rest of the season is about for the Rangers. Identifying young players with upside, giving them an opportunity, and deciding whether they’re part of the answer moving forward. It’s a big opportunity for Iorio, who fits that mold.

“He’s a young guy that’s been fairly sought after. I know his name has come up in a few discussions throughout the course of this season with our hockey operations, and so we’re looking forward to getting to know him and watching him up close,” Sullivan concluded.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...nt-iorio-analysis-role-claimed-waivers-sharks

 

[New York Rangers]

Ex-Rangers star recalls trade to Coyotes: ‘heart ripped out of your chest’

Not all trades are created equal in the NHL. And there’s no question few if any trades in New York Rangers history mirror the circumstances of the one they’re attempting to make this season involving Artemi Panarin.

Simply, it’s not every day a team ships out one of its all-time greatest offensive players. But that’s the case with retooling Rangers, who opted to re-stock their pipeline and re-set their roster by trading Panarin, an unrestricted free agent at season’s end. Though no trade’s been completed just yet, Panarin played his final game with the Rangers and is now focused on leveraging where his next NHL destination will be, considering he owns a full no-movement clause in his contract.

Panarin reportedly was surprised by the Rangers’ decision to publicly announce a retool and move on without offering him a contract extension a few weeks ago. But any angst or sad feelings likely are tempered by the fact that he has control over what happens next and there’ll be no surprises ahead of the March 6 NHL Trade Deadline.

That wasn’t exactly the case for Derek Stepan nine years ago.

Stepan is the first to tell you he’s not in the same league as Panarin. But make no mistake, Stepan was a very important — and popular — member of the Rangers’ core for seven seasons. So, when the homegrown Blueshirt got the call from general manager Jeff Gorton on June 23, 2017, that the Rangers traded him to the Arizona Coyotes, he was, shall we say, less than thrilled.

“I got the call from ‘Gorts,’ and as soon as I saw it, I was kind of like ‘He’s never called me before.’ It was kind of a sick feeling. There’s no way this is a good call. This isn’t a ‘Hey, just wanted to check in and see how your summer was going,'” Stepan told Forever Blueshirts on the RINK RAP podcast. “Then I picked up the phone and your heart kind of sinks, and there’s a lot of emotions with it, and kind of like your heart ripped out your chest type feeling.”

Where Panarin is one of the few star players to have time to adjust to the idea of being traded well before it actually happens, Stepan received no such heads up from the Rangers.

“From a standpoint of if I knew it was coming, there was … a lot of chatter (rumors) about me, but I was kind of like ‘No way, this is my home, I’m going to be here forever,’ which, I still was young at the time (27), maybe a little naive,” Stepan explained. “But yeah, I had an inkling, I knew there was a probability, but I was like ‘man, there’s no way,’ in my own head.”

Stepan was able to draw some similarity between his trade out of New York and Panarin’s current situation. Each occurred after a Rangers downturn following several years of success. The Stepan trade — for defenseman Tony DeAngelo and a first-round pick (No. 7 overall, which ended up being bust Lias Andersson), with goalie Antti Raanta also heading to the Coyotes — really set up what happened next, when the Rangers announced a full-on rebuild in February 2018. Panarin’s upcoming trade is the next big move in the latest organizational retool following a string of deals in the past year.

“Now, if I sit back and really take a look at it, the group we had when I was there was pretty much gone a few years later after I left. Maybe I was one of the first dominoes,” Stepan shared.

Derek Stepan ‘wanted to stay in New York’ when traded by Rangers in 2017​

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Stepan never missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs in his sevens seasons on Broadway. He helped the Rangers reach the Eastern Conference Final three times (2012, 2014, 2015) and the 2014 Stanley Cup Final, when Jonathan Quick and the Los Angeles Kings defeated them in five games.

The 97 postseason games Stepan played with the Rangers are fourth-most in their history. His 49 playoff points (19 goals, 30 assists) are ninth all-time — and his Game 7 series-winning goal in overtime against the Washington Capitals in the 2015 second round is one of the most iconic postseason moments in Rangers history.

“No disrespect to the other organizations that I played for, but, hell no, I wanted to stay in New York,” Stepan stated firmly.

Still, he played six more seasons in the NHL, including the final four remaining on a $6.5 million AAV contract he originally signed with the Rangers in July 2015. Stepan retired after the 2022-23 season and now works for the Minnesota Wild in a player development role.

In 890 regular-season games as a solid two-way center with the Rangers, Coyotes, Ottawa Senators, and Carolina Hurricanes, Stepan totaled 515 points (182 goals, 333 assists).

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/derek-stepan-trade-reflection

 

[New York Rangers]

Rangers coach provides brief Artemi Panarin update, waiting for trade

Artemi Panarin once again didn’t practice with the New York Rangers on Tuesday. And that had nothing to do with the fact that coach Mike Sullivan allowed the veterans to skip the on-ice session, kind of a group maintenance day.

Panarin remains in limbo, if you will, awaiting a trade that’s either hours or weeks away from happening. One of the most exciting players in franchise history won’t practice with the Rangers again, much less play in another game wearing the Blueshirt. The Rangers made that clear last week, scratching him in three straight games for “roster management” purposes.

And even if the Rangers don’t manage to trade Panarin before the NHL roster freeze for the Winter Olympics on Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET, The Breadman won’t be in the lineup Thursday against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Sullivan did acknowledge he’s been in contact with Panarin, though. It’s not as simple as out of sight, out of mind.

“I talked to him yesterday, yeah, he’s good,” Sullivan said Tuesday after practice. “He is continuing to skate on his own schedule. But I spoke to him yesterday and we’ll continue to control what we can until the business side of the game resolves itself.”

When that resolution arrives is anyone’s guess. There’s no doubt that the Rangers, Panarin, and an acquiring team each prefers this trade to happen sooner rather than later. But no one’s going to force the issue just to get it done by the roster freeze Wednesday. Trades can happen again after Feb. 22 and up until the NHL Trade Deadline on March 6. So, there is time to work through a very complicated process.

“I do think we are getting to this pressure point, because of [Wednesday’s] 3 p.m. deadline and something should happen because now there is enough momentum, but we’re sitting here today and I’ve heard nothing concrete, just a lot of conflicting information, and I cannot guarantee to you that it will happen,” ESPN hockey reporter Emily Kaplan said Tuesday on The Sheet with Jeff Marek.

Artemi Panarin trade limbo has ‘impact’ on Rangers ​

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

In the meantime, the Rangers make do without Panarin on the ice. Replacing their leading scorer isn’t exactly easy, they’ve lost all three games without him, though it’s not like the Rangers were a well-oiled machine with Panarin in the lineup this season. After all, they’re 22-28-6, last place in the Eastern Conference, and careening toward a second straight season missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs. And that’s with Panarin playing 52 of their 56 games.

So, how does Sullivan think the Rangers are handling things these days?

“I’d probably be lying to you if I said it doesn’t have an impact. These guys are human beings, and of course it does. The uncertainty is not easy, and the other aspect is these guys build relationships with one another, they care about each other, they’re friends,” Sullivan explained, “The business side of the game can be the most difficult. We all understand it, it’s what we all signed up for me. But it doesn’t make it easy. That’s just the reality of it.”

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/artemi-panarin-trade-limbo-analysis

 

[New York Rangers]

Did former Rangers center sustain another head injury?: ‘I hope not’

Filip Chytil left the ice late in the second period of the Vancouver Canucks’ 6-2 loss to the Utah Mammoth on Monday night and didn’t finish the game. Whether or not the former New York Rangers center sustained yet another head injury wasn’t exactly clear after Canucks coach Adam Foote met with reporters postgame.

“He tweaked something. They [medical personnel] said he tweaked something and we’re going to evaluate it. Should know more [Tuesday],” Foote said after the game.

Then Foote was asked specifically if Chytil left the game due to a head injury.

“I hope not,” was the coach’s repsonse.

Oy. Not exactly the type response that will quell rumors or concerns about Chytil’s latest injury.

However, on Tuesday Foote said that Chytil has migraines and likely won’t play Wednesday when the Canucks visit the Vegas Golden Knights in the final game before the three-week Olympic break.

The 26-year-old already missed most of this season with a head injury, sustained on a bruising open-ice hit by Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson on Oct. 19. Chytil was out three months, finally returning Jan. 23 against the New Jersey Devils.

In six games back in the Canucks lineup, Chytil hasn’t looked like himself on the ice. He is pointless with just nine shots on goal, and is minus-seven. On Monday, Chytil was on ice for Utah’s two first-period goals; and his final shift with 3:55 remaining in the second period resulted in a goal by Mammoth forward J.J. Peterka.

Chytil spoke out a couple weeks ago about “people who don’t know” the truth about his injury history, and specifically how many concussion he’s had. He clearly was annoyed about speculative stories and chatter “on the internet.”

But there’s no running from the fact that Chytil’s missed significant time over the course of his nine-season NHL career because of head injuries. Whether that’s concussions, neck issues, or other injuries, Chytil just can’t seem to stay on the ice, unfortunately.

A year ago, his season came to a premature end after the Rangers traded Chytil to the Canucks in December of 2024. Just three months later he was knocked out of a game against the Chicago Blackhawks and didn’t play again the rest of the 2024-25 campaign.

Of course, Chytil missed all but 10 regular-season games with the Rangers in 2023-24 following a concussion in November and ensuing setback in January of that season.

The history is not good. Hopefully, these migraines are not concussion related, nor a long-term issue for Chytil.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/filip-chytil-possible-head-injury-canucks

 

[New York Rangers]

Artemi Panarin: 10 Greatest Rangers Moments Ranked

Artemi Panarin’s run on Broadway is over. After seven memorable seasons with the New York Rangers, Panarin’s off to Hollywood following a trade to the Los Angeles Kings.

Panarin had 607 points (205 goals, 402 assists) in 482 regular-season games over seven seasons with the Rangers, and his 1.26 points-per-game average is best in franchise history. He ranks eighth all-time for the Rangers in assists, ninth in points, and 14th in goals.

He left behind a treasure trove of memorable highlights in New York, and will be remembered as one of the most exciting players ever to wear the Blueshirts sweater.

Let’s break down the 10 greatest moments for Panarin during his tenure with the Rangers.

10. The Dangle Around Bob​

When: Dec. 29, 2021

Why it was great: Panarin and former Blue Jackets teammate Sergei Bobrovsky are dear friends, but the Breadman made his countryman — and star defenseman Aaron Ekblad — look silly when he dangled around both and snuck a back-hand shot past the Florida Panthers goalie for a highlight-reel goal in the first period in Sunrise, Florida.

9. The First Rangers Hat Trick​

When: Dec. 12, 2019

Why it was great: Before arriving in New York, Panarin owned the Rangers, with 12 goals and 18 points in 12 career games. So it was a relief to see Panarin register his first three-goal game in a Blueshirts sweater in Game 31 of his first season. Panarin had an assist on Mika Zibanejad‘s power-play goal that tied the game, then sealed the hat trick with a pair of goals late in the third period of the Rangers’ 6-3 win over the San Jose Sharks.

8. The 4-Goal Game In Raleigh​

James Guillory-Imagn Images

When: Feb. 11, 2023

Why it was great: Panarin scored a career-high four goals against the Carolina Hurricanes, helping the Rangers turn a 2-1 second-period deficit into a 6-2 laugher. He also had an assist to record points on five of New York’s six goals.

7. The Winter Classic GWG​

Rhona Wise-Imagn Images

When: Jan. 2, 2026

Why it was great: Maybe the last memorable moment for Panarin in a Rangers sweater. With New York up 1-0 late in the first period, Panarin floated a seeing-eye shot past Bobrovsky in the outdoor contest played in Miami. It ended up being the game-winning goal, and Panarin also added an assist in the Rangers’ 5-1 win over the Panthers.

6. Signing in New York​

When: July 1, 2019

Why it was great: It’s easy to forget how far the Rangers had fallen and how quickly that drop off was after so much success for most of the 2010s. But the Letter 1.0, authored in February 2018 by then-GM Jeff Gorton and team president Glen Sather, ushered in a rebuild that climaxed earlier than expected when Panarin signed a mammoth seven-year, $81.5 million contract. The Rangers outbid the Islanders and Blues Jackets for his services, and Panarin was worth every penny. He led the Rangers in scoring six straight seasons before traded to the Kings, and the Blueshirts reached the Eastern Conference Final in 2022 and 2024, and won the Presidents’ Trophy in 2023-24 with Panarin a vital member of their core.

5. The 15-Game Point Streak​

Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

When: Oct. 12, 2023-Nov. 18, 2023

Why it was great: The 2023-24 season was undoubtedly Panarin’s best ever, and he started it with a bang by setting the Rangers record for longest season-opening point streak. Panarin had 10 goals and 16 assists, and the Rangers were 12-2-1 in that stretch. That streak set New York on the path toward its Metropolitan Division championship and the franchise’s fourth Presidents’ Trophy. It also started Panarin on the way to 120 points, second most in Rangers history.

4. The Broadway Kick​

When: Jan. 31, 2020

Why it was great: Panarin often showed off his Rockettes-style leg kick after big goals, but it all started with this highlight-reel tally against the Detroit Red Wings early in 2020. Panarin dangled around Detroit defenseman Alex Biega then snuck a back-hand shot past Jimmy Howard to put the Rangers up 3-0. He sealed the goal with a kick, which became his signature celebration.

3. The Stadium Series OT Goal​

When: Feb. 18, 2024

Why it was great: Playing outside at MetLife Stadium in front of a pro-Rangers crowd crowd of roughly 80,000, the Blueshirts fell behind 4-1 in the second period then trailed 5-3 in the late stages of the third period against the rival Islanders. Yet, Chris Kreider deflected Panarin’s point shot on the power play past Ilya Sorokin to make it 5-4. After Zibanejad tied it with another power-play tally, Panarin sent the Rangers fans into delirium by stealing Noah Dobson’s pass on the opening shift of overtime and beating Sorokin for an emotional 6-5 comeback win, though only after video review upheld his OT winner.

2. The OT Tip in Carolina​

When: May 9, 2024

Why it was great: Panarin scored the game-winning goal in Game 1 of the Rangers’ second-round playoff series against the Hurricanes, then had three assists in a 4-3 win in Game 2. But the Rangers coughed up a late 2-1 lead in Game 3 on the road when Andrei Svechnikov tied the score with the net empty at the other end. But Panarin’s hard work paid off early in OT, when he got inside position on Carolina’s Jalen Chatfield and redirected Vincent Trocheck‘s pass by Pyotr Kochetkov for the game-winning goal at 1:43 of the extra session, giving the Rangers a commanding 3-0 lead in the series. The Rangers ultimately claimed the series in six games.

1. The Series Clincher vs Penguins​

When: May 15, 2022

Why it was great: It had been five years since the Rangers won a series in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and they looked destined for another early exit after losing a three-overtime classic in Game 1 and fell behind 3-1 to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the best-of-7 first round — especially after they allowed seven goals apiece in Games 3 and 4. But after the Rangers won Games 5 and 6, sending the series to MSG for Game 7, Panarin authored his signature Rangers moment, fittingly on the power play in overtime of the do-or-die game. He dusted off a pass from Adam Fox twice then wristed the game-winner through traffic and past Tristan Jarry, sending the Rangers to the second round.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...mi-panarin-10-greatest-rangers-moments-ranked

 

[New York Rangers]

Rangers GM Chris Drury opens up after Artemi Panarin trade: key takeaways

If there’s one thing Chris Drury dislikes more than having to trade away his best player, it’s likely answering questions from reporters. But the New York Rangers general manager actually did each of those things in the same day on Wednesday.

First, Drury traded Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for forward prospect Liam Greentree and a pair of mid-round conditional draft picks — a third-rounder in 2026 and a fourth-round selection in 2028.

Less than five hours after finishing that unpleasant task, Drury spoke with the media to discuss details of the Panarin trade — and a whole lot more.

The #NYR have acquired forward Liam Greentree, a conditional 3rd-round pick in 2026 and conditional 4th-round pick in 2028 in exchange for Artemi Panarin

Details → https://t.co/ROtQfVw2MR pic.twitter.com/oNHczAU6MM

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 4, 2026

The overriding theme of his press conference was that there’s a plan in place for this Rangers retool.

“Our fans deserve a Stanley Cup, not a team just hoping to get in as the last wild card. So we felt it was best to start this organizational shift sooner than later,” Drury explained. “That will be the guiding principle of every decision we make as an organization. How does this help us return to a Stanley Cup contender? We are going to work tirelessly at this every day to continue to improve and push towards that goal.”

Drury accepted blame for the Rangers’ nosedive into the cellar of the Eastern Conference this season, which will be their second straight missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The massively disappointing season prompted Drury to send a letter to the fans a few weeks ago signaling a pivot into a retool phase.

“As I stated in the letter to our fans, no one is happy with the way we have performed this year. As the president and GM, this is ultimately my responsibility,” he stated Wednesday. “Coming into this year, we were viewed collectively, internally and externally, as a playoff-caliber team, and we have underachieved. I have great faith in ‘Sully’ [Mike Sullivan], he is one of the premiere coaches in this League, also a very accomplished group of assistants. It’s my job to work with them to fully understand why we have underachieved and how we all improve moving forward.”

Key takeaways from Chris Drury’s comments after Rangers trade Artemi Panarin​

Peter Carr/The Journal News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Rangers basically had no leverage in Artemi Panarin trade​

Panarin’s no-movement clause in his current contract — and his desire to have an extension in place with the team he chose to be traded to — pretty much wiped out any leverage the Rangers had when dealing away one of the most dynamic offensive players in franchise history.

Faced with an NHL roster freeze for the Olympic break at 3 p.m. ET Wednesday, Drury faced another obstacle in prying away a respectable package in return for Panarin. He explained that waiting until before the NHL Trade Deadline on March 6 wouldn’t help land a sexier package for the Breadman.

“With that no-move [clause], he’s got a lot of control over the situation. As I said, he earned it and deserved it. Late this morning, I was informed the only place he was willing to sign and willing to move to — as he had an extension done with L.A. — was L.A.,” Drury stated. “Whether that was at today’s 3 p.m. deadline, or on March 6. After a long few weeks of trying to figure out the best spot for him and where he wanted to go, like I said, I was alerted this morning, and excited with the return we got with Liam and a draft pick.”

For all the highlight-reel plays, countless smiles and unforgettable moments – thank you, Bread, for seven outstanding seasons as a New York Ranger. pic.twitter.com/ca8A0MvVta

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 4, 2026

Whether the GM is pissed off with Panarin about his lack of control or lack of trade options, he said all the right things about the star forward afterward.

“Artemi’s an incredible player, arguably the best free agent signing in the 100-year history of the franchise. He deserves a chance to win and we wanted to give him that chance as we retool the team,” he said. “It’s never easy to move a player of Artemi’s caliber, but it’s provided us an opportunity to accumulate valuable assets for the future.”

What did the Rangers get in Liam Greentree?​

Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Greentree fits the mold of the type player the Rangers are hungry to add more of to the organization. He’s 20 years old, has the pedigree of being a first-round pick (No. 26 overall) in the 2024 NHL Draft, is a skilled forward who scored 49 goals in the OHL last season, and appears to be on the cusp of being NHL-ready as soon as next season.

He also has good size (6-foot-2, 207 pounds) and is captain of the Windsor Spitfires in the OHL. His upside is intriguing, even if his scouting profile projects him to be a top-nine forward as opposed to a top-line one.

“We valued him, a prospect like him, higher than a ’26 or ’27 first-round pick. He’s an ’06 birth year and ready to turn pro and wrapping up on his junior career,” Drury explained.

Welcome to the Rangers organization, Liam! pic.twitter.com/VnRcLiIqFw

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 4, 2026

In a barren prospect pool, it’s likely Greentree is now No. 1 in the Rangers pipeline. That makes him more valuable to the Rangers right away, best fitting the plan for a quicker retool more than a future first-round pick.

Remember, it’s a retool, not a rebuild​

Drury emphasized that point several times. There’s a distinct difference in this being a retool, and not a rebuild. Like trading Panarin ahead of this roster freeze as opposed to waiting another month, sooner rather than later is a big part of the Rangers’ overall game plan. That’s what makes Greentree so attractive to the Rangers.

“I think there’s a difference in a retool and a rebuild. As we said in the letter, it is a retool,” Drury explained. “We’re certainly not going to sit here and put a timeline on it right now. We’re going to try to do everything we can to get back to being a contending team as quickly as we can. We have identified and continue to identity players that we want here and want to stay here and go forward and build around and move forward with.”

What’s next, and are Braden Schneider & Alexis Lafreniere part of Rangers core moving forward?​

Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

As expected, Drury didn’t get into specifics about who might get traded next, or even how many more moves could be on the horizon as part of the first phase of the retool ahead of this year’s trade deadline. Veterans like Vincent Trocheck, Sam Carrick, and Taylor Raddysh sure feel like options to be traded. Then there are all those trade rumors swirling around younger players like Braden Schneider, Alexis Lafreniere and Brennan Othmann.

Drury actually sounded pretty upbeat about the Rangers roster.

“I’m not going to go player by player on our team, or players we’re going to target in the League, obviously. Again, I think we have a lot of really good players at key positions. It has not worked out the way we had hoped. We’re going to continue to look back at decisions we made and choices we make and try to make better ones,” Drury said. “But I can tell you, I still believe in a lot of players in that room. We’re going to try to build around some of them and try keep pushing this thing forward. As I said in the letter, try to be a contender as soon as we can.”

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Asked specifically about Schneider and Lafreniere, the GM also spun positive. Whether that’s because he views each as a core piece moving forward, or to maintain whatever trade value each has, is open for debate.

“I still believe in them as players and as people. As I said, I’m not singling them out. I think there’s been a number of areas and different spots where we’ve underachieved this year. I know they’re continually working on their individual games, those two individual players, and trying to find ways to be more impactful,” he explained. “They’re still young players even though it feels like they’ve been around for a number of years now, but we’re going to continue to work with them.

“We think they both have bright futures in this League, and I know Sully and his staff and me and my management staff are excited to have them here and keep trying to help them reach their potential.”

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...opens-up-after-artemi-panarin-trade-takeaways

 

[New York Rangers]

Mike Sullivan hopes Rangers can ‘move on’ after Artemi Panarin trade

Now that the New York Rangers traded Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings, Mike Sullivan hopes a cloud of uncertainty’s been lifted from the team he coaches.

Panarin was held out of New York’s previous three games — all losses — for “roster management purposes” and didn’t practice with his teammates as his agent and Rangers general manager Chris Drury worked together to finalize a trade before the NHL roster freeze Wednesday.

They accomplished that when the Rangers traded Panarin to the Kings for forward prospect Liam Greentree and a pair of conditional draft picks. The Rangers coach believes the current group of Blueshirts is better for it.

“Sometimes just the anxiety and uncertainty is more difficult to deal with than the finality of it,” Sullivan said Thursday. “Everybody can move on.”

That doesn’t mean the Rangers are better off without their leading scorer and most dynamic player, of course — just that the uncertainty of when and where Panarin was going to be traded was the issue.

Panarin still leads the Rangers with 57 points (19 goals, 38 assists) in 52 games this season. But even with him, the Rangers season went off the rails long ago. They are last in the Eastern Conference with a 22-28-6 record, and lost 11 of 13 (2-10-1) heading into their final game before the Milan-Cortina Olympic break against the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday.

Mike Sullivan and Artemi Panarin had ‘great relationship’ with Rangers​

Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Panarin ranks ninth in Rangers history with 607 points and is the franchise leader in points per game (1.26). So even though Sullivan spent nearly Panarin’s entire Rangers tenure coaching against him with the Pittsburgh Penguins, he appreciates all that the Breadman brought to the organization.

“We’ve had a great relationship, and he is a terrific hockey player — one of the Rangers’ very best of his generation,” Sullivan said. “His body of work here speaks for itself.”

Panarin infused life into the Rangers’ organization upon signing a seven-year, $81.5 million contract on July 1, 2019. He helped lead the Rangers to a pair of appearances in the Eastern Conference Final, including in 2022 when he knocked Sullivan’s Penguins out of the playoffs with a series-deciding overtime goal in Game 7 of the first round.

“He’s a guy that is unique in the way he plays the game,” Sullivan said. “He certainly can drive an awful lot of offense, and he’s one of those game-breaking-type players. We wish him the very best.”

Named Rangers coach last spring, Sullivan only worked directly with Panarin for a bit more than a half season. Not nearly long enough, for sure. The ending of their working relationship was certainly frustrating.

“When you don’t have the ability to put one of your very best players in the lineup, it doesn’t help your chances,” Sullivan said. “But I also understand it. It’s just the reality of the circumstance and its part of where we are right now.”

The reality is a retool. One that may see plenty more roster upheaval before it’s complete. Also one that won’t sway Sullivan from the task at hand.

“It’s my job to coach the group that I have available each and every night, and that’s what we’re going to do,” Sullivan said. “Chris and I have had a lot of conversations around this and what the game plan is moving forward to try and reshape the organization to be as competitive as it can be in the most expeditious fashion. This is part of the process.”

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...e-sullivan-move-on-after-artemi-panarin-trade

 

[New York Rangers]

Jonathan Quick gem not enough, Rangers blanked by Hurricanes 2-0: takeaways

On a night when the New York Rangers saluted some of the greatest goaltenders in franchise history as part of their centennial celebration, it was only fitting that future Hall of Famer Jonathan Quick played his best game in quite some time.

However, in a season where nothing seems to go right for the Rangers, they wasted Quick’s gem and lost to the Carolina Hurricanes 2-0 Thursday night at Madison Square Garden.

With Henrik Lundqvist, Mike Richter, John Vanbiesbrouck, John Davidson, and Gilles Villemure looking on, Quick made 41 saves and allowed only one goal before the Hurricanes iced their road victory with an empty-net tally in the final minute.

Once a Ranger, always a Ranger. pic.twitter.com/z0pI9pUPaH

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

“He brings it no matter what. He’s a guy that we lean on a lot,” defenseman Braden Schneider said about Quick. “We need to put a better effort in front of him because that’s not fair. He’s doing everything he can, and we need to make sure that we’re doing our job a bit better.”

It was the fourth straight defeat for the Rangers (22-29-6), who arrive at the NHL’s Winter Olympics break dead last in the Eastern Conference and tied for the fewest home wins (6) in the entire League. It was the ninth time the Rangers were shut out this season, and seventh time on home ice. Two of those shutout losses at MSG came at the hands of the Hurricanes.

Rookie goaltender Brandon Bussi stopped all 16 Rangers shots for his second NHL shutout, improving to 23-3-1 on the season. The Long Island native, who grew up a Rangers fans and idolized Lundqvist, had 40 friends and family in attendance for his first-ever start at The Garden.

Andrei Svechnikov scored the only goal of the first two periods, despite the Hurricanes holding a massive territorial edge and dominating play, especially at even strength. The Hurricanes limited the Rangers to just 10 shots on goal through 40 minutes of play, only six at 5v5.

Carolina had an insane expected goal share of 85.68 percent in the first two periods, including 90.71 percent in the opening 20 minutes, per Natural Stat Trick. The only thing the Rangers had going for them was Quick, who stopped 28 of 29 shots in that stretch to keep it a one-goal game.

The one shot that got by him was Svechnikov’s wrister to the glove side 6:26 into the first period. The Hurricanes forward jumped off the bench, hustled to collect a loose puck before it crossed the blue line, danced around Matt Rempe, and beat Quick one-on-one for his 21st goal of the season and ninth in the past 10 games.

Andrei Svechnikov is SCORCHING hot

He now has 9 goals in his last 10 games! pic.twitter.com/uI83PM0kmo

— NHL (@NHL) February 6, 2026

The Rangers stabilized things after Svechnikov’s goal, due in large part to a pair of power plays on consecutive Carolina penalties at 7:28 and 12:50. Mika Zibanejad nearly tied the game at 13:40, but his point-blank look on the power was denied by Bussi, and his follow-up rebound attempt hit the post.

Without the benefit of a single power play in the second period, the Rangers simply couldn’t get anything going. They exhausted themselves trying to defend against the tenacious Hurricanes attack. Quick stopped all 19 shots he faced — and caught a break when Shayne Gostisbehere’s power-play blast caught iron with 90 seconds to go in the period.

The Rangers managed only four shots in the second, but Bussi came up big with a sharp pad save on J.T. Miller’s deflection midway through. The Carolina netminder was a bit busier in the third period, and preserved Carolina’s lead by denying Will Cuylle flying in off the rush at 6:17 and then stopping Alexis Lafreniere’s point-blank snap shot at 12:15.

Jordan Staal buried a Nikolaj Ehlers feed into an empty net with Quick on the bench for a sixth attacker at 19:06 to finish off the Rangers.

Key takeaways after Rangers lose 2-0 to Hurricanes​

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Angry heading to Milan​

The Rangers will be represented by three players (Zibanejad with Sweden; Miller and Vincent Trocheck with the United States) and two coaches (Mike Sullivan and his assistant David Quinn for the United States) at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics. Not one of them left MSG with a a good taste in their mouth after an extremely subpar team effort Thursday night.

Sullivan was dour in the aftermath of New York’s 15th loss in its past 18 games (3-13-2). He said the Rangers were outplayed in the first two periods, not exactly a shocking assessment.

Miller displayed more emotion.

“We got outplayed the whole night. Wasn’t good enough,” the Rangers captain said postgame. “Wanted to go into the break feeling good about ourselves, but it’s quite the opposite right now. It sucks.”

Gonna be a long flight to Italy.

Setting record straight about Brennan Othmann​

Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Rookie forward Brennan Othmann was a healthy scratch against the Hurricanes, and Anton Blidh took his spot on the fourth line. There was an assumption by some media members that the Rangers scratched their 2021 first-round draft pick because of a rule stating that if a player dressed for 16 of 20 games heading into the Olympic break, he couldn’t be assigned to the minors and play over the three-week break. And Othmann would’ve hit that 16-game mark if he played Thursday.

However, Sullivan shot down that notion postgame.

“‘Otter’ and I had a number of conversations. We had a conversation today on why I made the decision I made,” Sullivan explained. “I think there are elements of his game that have to continue to improve in order for him to establish himself as an NHL player.”

The 23-year-old has one goal in 16 games this season, and averages 9:51 TOI in a very limited role. That goal is the only one he’s scored in 41 career games in the NHL, and he hasn’t come close to earning the trust of this coaching staff.

Vincent Iorio makes Rangers debut​

Vincent Iorio made his Rangers debut Thursday, and Sullivan thought the 23-year-old defenseman was “OK” but that he needed to see him play more games before really making a fair judgement on him.

The Rangers claimed Iorio off waivers from the San Jose Sharks this past weekend. Iorio replaced Scott Morrow on the right side of the third pairing with Urho Vaakanainen; he blocked three shots and was credited with one hit in 14:15 TOI. He made a nice recovery to come back and break up a 2-on-1 down low in the second period by blocking a Logan Stankoven shot with his long reach.

Iorio was on ice for a team-high 10 scoring chances, though the Rangers were outshot 12-8 with him out there 5v5.

Rangers remain hungry without Bread​

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

It’s not like the Rangers had much success or produced a lot offensively when Artemi Panarin was in the lineup this season. Even though he led them in scoring with 57 points (19 goals, 38 assists) in 52 games, there’s a reason why the Rangers didn’t offer Panarin a contract extension and instead traded him to the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday.

But the Rangers really are hard to watch without Panarin. Including this first game since he was traded, the Rangers are winless in all five games they played without him this season. The Rangers appear lifeless. And it could get much worse, with the possibility more players — like Trocheck, for example — will be traded as part of this latest retool.

“I will acknowledge that we’re in a little bit of a difficult circumstance,” Sullivan stated. “None of us really want to be in this position. The reality is we are where we are.”

The reality sure isn’t pretty right about now.

One bright spot: The Rangers don’t play again until Feb. 26, when they host the Philadelphia Flyers.

Enjoy the Olympics everyone.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/recap-jonathan-quick-gem-lose-hurricanes