The New York Rangers placed Connor Mackey on waivers as the team continues to make their final roster cuts.
While Mackey is expected to be back with the Hartford Wolf Pack, this move now leaves three potential candidates to fill that last defensive spot on the Rangers’ opening night roster.
The three candidates are Victor Mancini, Matthew Robertson and Chad Ruhwedel.
Mancini has arguably been the most impressive out of these three defensemen. Through training camp the 22-year-old showed off his impressive speed and was one of New York’s top offensively minded defensemen over the past couple of weeks.
He wasn’t supposed to be in this position, but Mancini has worked his way up the depth chart until now where he has an opportunity to make the NHL.
Robertson shined through rookie camp in what should have led to getting a log extensive look.
However, a lower-body injury kept him out for the majority of training camp. He returned for the final preseason game as he tried to seize the little opportunity he had to showcase his skills.
Despite missing a substantial amount of time, Robertson has still not been sent down to the AHL, which shows that Peter Laviolette trusts him and believes in his potential.
The Rangers traded for Ruhwedel at the trade deadline this past season from the Pittsburgh Penguins.
After playing just five games for the Rangers, the 34-year-old signed a one-year deal to stay in New York.
Ruhwedel is a safe pick for the Rangers if they want someone to hold the fort until Ryan Lindgren returns from his upper-body injury.
With just a few days before opening night, the Rangers will make their final roster cuts within the next couple of days.
