Battle Of Hudson

The Rangers got disappointing news on forward Adam Sykora today. They learned that Sykora will be out four to five months due to the lower-body injury he sustained in a preseason game versus the Devils on Monday.

“It’s real disappointing. I feel for him. He’s such a great kid. He brings so much energy and enthusiasm to the rink. I thought he was having a real strong camp to this point. It’s disappointing, but he’ll get better, and we’ll do everything we can to help him get back in the most timely fashion. He’ll be back in the mix,” Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan told reporters.

Taken with the 63rd pick in the second round in 2022, Sykora showed some promise after coming up from Hartford last season. He fit in well on both the third and fourth line with Noah Laba as his center. In 11 games, he had three goals and an assist for four points. Aside from showing that he was capable of contributing, Sykora brought a lot of energy due to his skating and willingness to win puck battles in the corners. He didn’t shy away from finishing checks, recording 20 hits on a grind line with Laba and Jaroslav Chmelar.

Unfortunately, he has a long rehab ahead of him. Instead of possibly being one of the final roster cuts, the 22-year-old Sykora will hopefully be able to recover in time for a return at some point next year. If he progresses well, perhaps he can return by February. It’s too bad he’ll miss plenty of action due to the injury. He’ll have to work extra hard to get back. Hopefully, the organization makes sure he’s fully ready before having him play games.

Opportunity Knocks for Another Promising Player

With Sykora out for quite some time, that could open the door for another promising player to knock on the door in Hartford. Considering how Dylan Roobroeck, Liam Greentree, and Cole Beaudoin have looked so far in training camp,the Rangers have to like what they’ve seen from all three forwards.

Roobroeck projects as a fourth line pivot while Greentree has the highest upside. Beaudoin could one day become a gritty two-way center. We’ll learn a lot more about both Greentree and Beaudoin when they’re sent down to the Wolf Pack for their first pro season.

What to Expect Ahead

With only a few days left before camp concludes, here’s what to expect ahead. The early indication is that Alberts Smits will start the season with the Rangers. Assuming he does, that likely means Matthew Robertson is the only extra defenseman they carry.

The fourth line looks like it’ll consist of Joe Veleno, Tye Kartye and a rotation of Chmelar and Matt Rempe. If that’s what Sullivan decides, they’re very likely to keep three goalies for the beginning of the season. With Dylan Garand no longer waivers exempt, he’ll probably be kept along with veteran backup Joonas Korpisalo. Unless Korpisalo struggles when he appears either tomorrow or Friday, it’s going to be two goalies battling for playing time behind Igor Shesterkin.

Considering that the Sabres had some success doing it, at least there’s a precedent. The Devils seem to be taking the same approach with their three goalies on the opposite side of the Hudson. However, the biggest difference is that the Rangers boast one of the game’s best starters in Shesterkin. He’ll get most of the starts when there aren’t back-to-backs.

Having insurance in net isn’t the worst thing. By trading for Korpisalo, it allowed the Rangers to put Spencer Martin on waivers earlier today.

Sullivan Works With Penalty Killers

Unsurprisingly, a big focus at Wednesday’s practice was Sullivan working with the penalty killers. After giving up three power-play goals in a 4-3 loss to the Islanders, the Rangers could use some extra reps in that department. They gave the Islanders too much time and space to operate. Matthew Schaefer killed them with a power-play goal and two assists. His top heavy shot opened it up for Matias Maccelli to score twice, including a way too easy game-winner on a rebound with nobody even close.

With Mika Zibanejad and J.T. Miller taking power play reps, Sullivan went with a trio of penalty killing tandems. That included Laba and Will Cuylle working with Marcus Pettersson and Sean Durzi. Laba and Cuylle were fixtures last season while shorthanded. Tye Kartye teamed with Veleno and the defense pair was Vladislav Gavrikov and Braden Schneider. Taylor Raddysh and Eeli Tolvanen worked with Smits and Robertson.

Sullivan indicated that he wants to lessen the load on both Zibanejad and Miller. Considering all the other responsibilities they have, it makes sense. Both are in their thirties. With a longer 84-game schedule, it’s important for Sullivan to manage their minutes. It’s no secret that the Rangers need both centers to stay healthy and productive. We saw what happened to Miller last year when he played through a pair of injuries. It took him until March to resemble the player he was the previous season with both the Canucks and Rangers.

Much of what happens this season also depends on Gabe Perreault and Alexis Lafreniere. They’re being counted on for consistent production. Perhaps that explains why the organization decided to wait before giving Perreault a contract extension. They want him to earn it. If he performs up to expectations, it’ll get done soon.

If you want to be negative following the Rangers blowing a three-goal lead in a 4-3 preseason loss to the Islanders at Madison Square Garden, you sure could be.

After building a 3-0 lead thanks to goals from Cole Beaudoin, Pavel Dorofeyev, and Taylor Raddysh, the Rangers shot themselves in the foot by taking five straight penalties. The Islanders took full advantage by capitalizing with three power-play goals to come from behind and earn the victory.

Instead of going overboard on the Rangers’ loss of discipline in a meaningless exhibition match, the biggest takeaway was how poised 2026 first round pick Alberts Smits looked in his MSG debut. Sporting number 63 in the home Blueshirts, he was impressive for a teenager while handling third pair duties with Braden Schneider.

The 18-year-old looked the part by making smart reads in the defensive zone without any glaring mistakes in 15:29 of ice time. As expected, his skating was smooth and so were his instincts. Following Oliver Bjorkstrand setting up a Dorofeyev rip from the slot for a power-play goal, Smits took a Schneider feed and made a perfect shot pass for a Raddysh tip-in past Ilya Sorokin to make it 3-0. It was a terrific read, which led to the goal.

In a game that mirrored the rivalry due to some edgy play causing some scrums, Smits handled himself well. There was a lot to like about his game. Something head coach Mike Sullivan alluded to afterward.

“I thought he played well. One of the biggest challenges for young players is just the physical size and strength of the guys in this league, and I mean you guys can see it, he’s a man as an 18-year-old. His physical stature. He’s big and strong. He has the ability to battle on pucks. He’s big enough and strong enough to compete in this league, that’s one challenge I think he’s already met…I thought his gaps were really good.”

If Smits has one more strong game, there’s little doubt that he’ll make the roster in his first training camp. With Matthew Robertson the likely seventh defenseman, it looks like Smits could make his NHL debut in six days when the Rangers visit Boston on Sept. 29. We’ll see if he’s back in the lineup on Thursday for the Devils.

Another bright spot was Beaudoin. Acquired with Sean Durzi from the Mammoth for Vincent Trocheck in the off-season, the 20-year-old center was noticeable during most of his shifts while playing with Liam Greentree and Eeli Tolvanen. Beaudoin scored the first goal by going to the net and digging out a Tolvanen rebound on a delayed penalty. It was the kind of effort that he’s known for. Later in the game, he also got involved during a scrum. In 14:02, Beaudoin had a goal and went 5-for-12 on faceoffs. He should be fun to keep track of in Hartford.

Speaking of the third line, Tolvanen’s hard work drew the penalty that led directly to Beaudoin’s tally. Signed late in the summer, it looks like Tolvanen should be a key contributor.

A night after he picked up a primary assist on a goal, Greentree didn’t back down from Scott Mayfield when he challenged him with less than six minutes left in the second period. Mayfield didn’t like a hard check Greentree delivered and gave him a shove. Greentree responded with a crosscheck, which resulted in the two squaring off. Even though he gave up size and 13 years of experience against the Islanders veteran, the younger Greentree held his own in the scrap. A skilled player with high character that the Rangers acquired from the Kings for Artemi Panarin, it won’t be the last time we hear from him.

The Islanders used a late power-play goal from Matthew Schaefer in the second period to finish off the comeback in the third period. Mattias Maccelli scored a pair on the man-advantage. That included a fortunate bounce when his centering pass banked in off the skate of Durzi to tie the score. He later benefited from a Schaefer shot that journeyman Spencer Martin mishandled, allowing Maccelli to steer home the rebound.

Needless to say, the Rangers didn’t get the job done on the penalty kill. That’s an area they’ll want to clean up before the start of the season. Neither Noah Laba nor Tye Kartye played. Both are key players on the penalty kill.

Before Maccelli put the Isles ahead, Gabe Perreault hit Alexis Lafreniere with a stretch pass to send him in on a breakaway. However, Semyon Varlamov stayed right with Lafreniere on his forehand deke to deny the bid. It was Varlamov’s first appearance since having two knee replacement surgeries. He made 10 saves in relief of Sorokin.

If there was a turning point, it happened in the second due to the barrage of penalties. The Rangers lost the momentum by having to continue to play shorthanded. When they returned to even strength, they didn’t establish anything.

The Islanders were more aggressive, turning it into their grinding style. They took liberties with players. On one instance, they outnumbered the Rangers while Schneider stood back and watched with Smits. Schneider is supposed to jump in to even it up. He was called out by Dave Maloney on MSG Network. That can’t happen during the season.

With camp wrapping up soon, the Rangers have two preseason games remaining. They’ll host the Devils tomorrow night and visit the Islanders on Friday.

On Tuesday, the Rangers placed four players on waivers. As expected, Urho Vaakanainen was among the roster cuts. With 2026 first round pick Alberts Smits in direct competition with Matthew Robertson for a starting spot on the third pair, there was simply no room for Vaakanainen on the roster.

A former Bruins 2017 first round pick, the 27-year-old defenseman was acquired from the Ducks for Jacob Trouba on Dec. 6, 2024. After appearing in 46 games while tallying two goals and 13 assists for 15 points with the Rangers in 2024-25, Vaakanainen fell out of favor under head coach Mike Sullivan last season. In 34 games, he had six assists while averaging 13:51 of ice time.

Since the start of training camp, he was practicing with the AHL group. Considering that he has a year remaining with a $1.55 million cap hit, it’s a no brainer for the Rangers. With $325,000 buried, that equals $1.3 million in cap savings. In the unlikely event that another team claims him, Vaakanainen should clear waivers and be assigned to Hartford.

Juuso Parssinen should be joining him. He was also on waivers, along with Justin Dowling and Dennis Cholowski. All four played in yesterday’s game against the Devils. Assuming he clears, Parssinen will play for Hartford.

Smits Makes MSG Debut

When the Rangers host the Islanders later tonight, Smits will make his MSG debut. The Latvian teenager will be teamed up with Braden Schneider on the third pair. This will be his first introduction to the NHL. There’ll be a lot of attention on him. We’ll see how he handles it.

The lineup includes the revamped top six on the blue line, with Marcus Pettersson and Sean Durzi on the second pair. Adam Fox remains with Vladislav Gavrikov on the number one pair.

The Rangers will get a closer look at their expected top two lines. At least for now, Sullivan wants to start out with Gabe Perreault and Alexis Lafreniere staying together with Mika Zibanejad.

It’ll be interesting to see what develops with newcomer Pavel Dorofeyev, who’s playing his off side on a line with J.T. Miller and Oliver Bjorkstrand. How long will that last? Dorofeyev would be better off on his natural side for one-timers.

It’s wise for the coaching staff to take a glimpse at first-year pros Cole Beaudoin and Liam Greentree. They’ll be playing together on the third line with Eeli Tolvanen.

Dylan Roobroeck gets a second straight game between Jaroslav Chmelar and Taylor Raddysh. Roobroeck could one day become the Rangers’ fourth line center. Let’s see if he can make a good impression.

Sykora Still Being Evaluated

There was nothing new to report on Adam Sykora. He exited last night’s game after suffering a lower-body injury. He’s still being evaluated.

On Yom Kippur, the Rangers begin their preseason schedule tonight when they visit the Devils in Newark. It’s the first of four games over the next five days. That includes hosting the Islanders on Tuesday followed by the Devils visiting Madison Square Garden this Thursday. The final game is on Friday at the Islanders.

A week from now, the Rangers must submit their official roster. With a shortened training camp due to the NHL starting up on Sept. 29, that means the organization will have to make quick decisions on younger players competing for spots. Realistically speaking, it’s highly unlikely that promising prospects will make the roster. Especially up front due to the team’s improved depth, thanks in large part to Chris Drury signing Eeli Tolvanen in addition to Pavel Dorofeyev and Oliver Bjorkstrand.

So far, Tolvanen has fit in well on a projected third line while playing with Noah Laba and Will Cuylle. During a few scrimmages, they were effective on the forecheck and noticeable. Given that all three forwards have a strong work ethic, it isn’t surprising that they stood out. If Mike Sullivan decides to use them together to begin the season, they could become a solid checking unit capable of contributing. At least, that’s the hope coming in. We’ll see how they progress.

The fourth line has included a battle between Matt Rempe, Jaroslav Chmelar, and Adam Sykora for a spot. If it’s any indication on how they’ve lined up in camp, Sullivan has been rotating Chmelar and Rempe on the right side. Joe Veleno and Tye Kartye are locks. There’s also Dylan Roobroeck, who’s looking to make a case to stay. Considering the amount of depth at Sullivan’s disposal, he’ll likely choose between Chmelar and Sykora. Both had success after coming up from Hartford late last season. Each can be assigned to Hartford and are waiver exempt.

On the blue line, Sullivan is giving 2026 first round pick Alberts Smits every chance to make the team. Smits has played alongside Braden Schneider on the third pair. The 18-year-old impressed during the scrimmages by showing poise defensively while scoring a goal on a backhand. He isn’t part of the group who’ll play against the Devils A squad later tonight. Smits will likely make his MSG debut tomorrow night.

Matthew Robertson will pair up with Scott Morrow on a B squad made up of mostly players who could be ticketed for Hartford. If Smits does enough to debut on Opening Night next week against the Bruins, Robertson would be the seventh defenseman. A solid defensive player who opened some eyes in his rookie year, he should still get wind up in the lineup. Especially with Smits being new. The organization will do what’s best for his development.

Drew Fortescue and Vincent Iorio will comprise the second pair in Newark. Each appeared in action last season. Iorio is hoping to do enough to avoid being placed on waivers once camp concludes. He would have to pass through waivers to be reassigned. Fortescue is in the second year of an entry level contract he signed. A 2023 third round pick, the former Boston College standout didn’t look out of place. However, he’ll likely spend his first full pro year with the Wolf Pack.

Urho Vaakanainen appears destined to be put on waivers. Once acquired for Jacob Trouba from Anaheim, he has been skating with the AHL squad in camp. Assuming he clears, Vaakanainen will be reassigned to Hartford. If a team claims him, getting the $1.55 million off the cap will help create some room on the roster.

As for the forwards lining up tonight, Roobroeck is centering the third line, which includes first-year pros Nathan Aspinall and Brody Lamb. They could wind up playing together when the Wolf Pack start up in October. Sykora will also make his season debut on a second line with Justin Dowling and Juuso Parssinen. Top prospect Liam Greentree will be featured on the top line.

Dylan Garand will split duties with Callum Tung in net.

As for the Devils, they decided to load up their lineup after going with mostly an AHL group in a 2-1 win over the Islanders on Sunday. Newcomer Amadeus Lombardi had a strong showing. He’s looking to crack a roster that has plenty of competition coming from established veterans. He could overtake Jesper Boqvist if they decide to keep him.

With the Devils basically playing their top two lines, including Anthony Mantha with Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt, it could be a tough night for the Wolf Pack. We’ll see how they do against the Devils A squad.