2025 Hartford Wolf Pack Report Card: The Forwards

As the staff at Blueshirt Banter roll out report cards for the Rangers, yours truly is beginning a sister series - report cards for the 2024-25 Hartford Wolf Pack. This is the first in a three-part series giving out grades to the Wolf Pack. First, we focus on the forwards.

Note: in the interest of saving you time and me from developing carpal tunnel syndrome at age 25, I'll only be giving out grades to players who appeared in 10 or more games for the Wolf Pack this season. Players who fell below this threshold will get a mention, but will automatically earn a grade of "incomplete."

With the ground rules set, let's dive in!

Alex Belzile

2024-25 stats: 66 GP, 19 G, 37 A, 56 Pts, +10, 119 PIMs

Alternate captain Alex Belzile was the Wolf Pack's best overall forward this season. A veteran of 446 AHL contests, Belzile either led the team or finished in second in almost all major stat categories. His 56 points, 37 assists, and 119 penalty minutes were all good for the team lead. His 19 goals tied for second on the team, while his +10 plus/minus stood alone as second best.

Belzile also recorded a pair of hat tricks on the season. His first came on November 19th, where he potted three goals and the shootout game-winner in a 5-4 win over the Charlotte Checkers. The second hatty came two weeks later, when Belzile registered a trio of goals in a 6-1 drubbing of the Bridgeport Islanders. Belzile became the first Wolf Pack player with multiple hat tricks in a single season since P.A. Parenteau recorded two during the 2009-10 season.

Belzile was selected to represent the Wolf Pack at the 2025 AHL All-Star Game alongside goaltender Dylan Garand. The veteran finished the year by notching his 300th point in the AHL - he's got 120 goals and 180 assists in his career.

For a phenomenal season, Belzile gets an A+.

Anton Blidh

2024-25 stats: 71 GP, 19 G, 17 A, 36 Pts, +8, 109 PIMs

Hartford's other alternate captain, gritty veteran Anton Blidh enjoyed a career year in the Connecticut capital. Blidh's 19 goals, 17 assists, and 36 points were all career-best totals. Blidh also finished the season on a five-game point streak, tallying six points (2 G, 4 A) over that span. Blidh was rewarded for his efforts with a two-year, tw0-way contract extension.

Blidh has been a favorite in both the Wolf Pack locker room and the Hartford fanbase ever since he was dealt to the Rangers organization by the Avalanche for Gustav Rydahl at the 2023 trade deadline. He's a vocal leader in the locker room, and he's embraced the Hartford faithful throughout his tenure. He'll once again play a major role for the Wolf Pack next year, but for this season, Blidh also gets an A+.

Dylan Roobroeck

2024-25 stats: 72 GP, 20 G, 14 A, 34 Pts, +2, 44 PIMs

If you asked me to predict who would lead the Wolf Pack in goals before the season, I probably would've guessed seven or eight players before Dylan Roobroeck. However, the 2023 6th rounder (#178) caught absolute fire down the stretch, scoring nine goals in his final twelve games to cement a 20-goal campaign. His 20th tally of the season came in the Wolf Pack's final game of the year.

Roobroeck showed a little of everything in his rookie campaign. He scored goals both pretty and greasy. He was solid on faceoffs. He showed some physicality as well, recording four fights on the year. I liked Roobroeck coming out of OHL Oshawa, but I certainly didn't expect him to look like such a well-rounded player after just one year in pro hockey.

In my opinion, Roobroeck is the Wolf Pack prospect whose stock rose most this season. I think he could have a legit NHL career as a solid bottom-six center. We'll see how he performs in year two, but Roobroeck gets an A+ for year one.

Adam Sýkora

2024-25 stats: 71 GP, 9 G, 21 A, 30 Pts, -23, 8 PIMs

Can you believe Adam Sýkora is still just 20 years old? Sýkora completed his second professional season in North America hitting new career bests in goals, assists, and points. That said, some of the steps forward Sýkora was expected to take weren't as large as anticipated.

Sýkora's goal number improved by just one, and he once again had a long stretch without scoring - he went over three months between his eighth and ninth goals of the season. Sýkora also saw his plus/minus drop from -2 last year to -23 this year. Even as someone who isn't a fan of the stat, especially at the AHL level, that's a bit of a concern.

However, I wouldn't ring too many alarm bells yet. Again, Sýkora is only 20 and he's carved out a role as an elite penalty killer. Plus, he showed flashes of his scoring touch - he just needs a bit more consistency.

There's a lot to like about Sýkora even if the points aren't quite there. Overall, Sýkora gets a B- for this season.

Jaroslav Chmelař

2024-25 stats: 71 GP, 12 G, 17 A, 29 Pts, -37, 48 PIMs

Much of what applied to Sýkora can also apply to Jaroslav Chmelař. There was a lot to like from Chmelař, who tallied 29 points while showcasing his speed, offensive ability, and physicality. His fight with Bridgeport captain Cole Bardreau showed that he's not one to take lightly.

However, Chmelař also had defensive issues. His -37 was one of the worst ratings league-wide this season. Chmelař was on the ice for a goal against in seven of his last eight games to end the season. That's something he'll need to work on.

Offensively, Chmelař was snakebit this year. He looked strong in the offensive zone, yet his puck luck was just brutal. The puck would roll off his stick on breakaways, and his shots on the power play would clip the post and go out. If even half of those unlucky attempts fall, Chmelař would probably be around 20 goals, much like Roobroeck.

Overall, there was a lot to like about Chmelař. With a full season now under his belt, it's safe to assume he'll take steps forward in the coming seasons. He also gets a B- for this season.

Jake Leschyshyn

2024-25 stats: 69 GP, 13 G, 11 A, 24 Pts, -35, 34 PIMs

One of the coolest conversations I was able to have this season was with Jake Leschyshyn during training camp. Leschyshyn's father, longtime NHLer Curtis Leschyshyn, played for the Hartford Whalers during their final season in the Connecticut capital. Jake, meanwhile, got to represent the Wolf Pack during the 50th season of pro hockey in Hartford. Leschyshyn called it a "very cool little historic moment" during our conversation, and I have to agree.

On the ice, Leschyshyn improved his goal and point totals from last season. He also carved out a role as a force on the power play, leading the team with seven goals on the man advantage.

However, like Chmelař, he was near the bottom of the league in plus/minus with a -35 rating. For a rookie like Chmelař, you can at least acknowledge that he's adapting to a full season of pro hockey. For a veteran like Leschyshyn, however, that number looks worse.

Overall, Leschyshyn stepped up in certain areas but lacked in others. We'll give him a C- for this season.

Bryce McConnell-Barker

2024-25 stats: 68 GP, 7 G, 8 A, 15 Pts, +3, 34 PIMs

At first glance, the stat line for Bryce McConnell-Barker doesn't look like much. However, when you look beyond the numbers, you'll see a solid overall campaign for the rookie forward.

McConnell-Barker spent the majority of the season on the wing, away from his natural position at center. The former Soo Greyhound adjusted to the change well, playing a key defensive and checking fourth-line role throughout the season. McConnell-Barker chipped in on offense - his most notable moment came in December, when he scored the Wolf Pack's first goal in their annual Teddy Bear Toss game.

Overall, I liked McConnell-Barker's season. Despite playing with various different linemates throughout the year, he played sound hockey every time he stepped onto the ice. I hope he can take a step forward next year, but for this season, I'm giving McConnell-Barker a C+.

Nathan Sucese

2024-25 stats: 56 GP, 8 G, 20 A, 28 Pts, +8, 12 PIMs

The first AHL-contracted player to appear in this article, Nathan Sucese had a tale of two halves. Sucese suffered an injury in the first game of the season, and spent much of the first half drawing in and out of the lineup. The lack of consistent playing time hurt his overall production early in the year.

However, after callups and injuries challenged the Wolf Pack's attack, Sucese got the opportunity to play up in the lineup. He rose to the challenge with 18 points (6 G, 12 A) in his final 23 games. His crowning achievement of the season came on February 22nd, where he scored a pair of goals against Providence, including the game winner, in a thrilling 6-5 win for the Wolf Pack.

After the tough start to the season, it was nice to see Sucese get rewarded in the second half of the season. He ended up posting career best marks in assists and plus/minus. The strong second half gets Sucese a B grade for the season.

Blade Jenkins

2024-25 stats: 50 GP, 3 G, 10 A, 13 Pts, EV, 20 PIMs

The man with the best name in hockey, Blade Jenkins, inked a one-year contract with the Wolf Pack back in February 2024. The Wolf Pack were challenged by injuries and desperately needed depth. Jenkins came in and played sound hockey, leading to a second one-year agreement this season.

Jenkins was a consistent, steady presence in the Wolf Pack's bottom six this year. He lined up at both center and wing and brought energy to the Wolf Pack forecheck. Jenkins matched his career highs in games played and points, while his 10 assists represented a new career best.

For an AHL depth player, it's hard to ask for much more than a guy like Jenkins, who can draw in wherever needed and play solid hockey. Overall, Jenkins receives a B- grade from me.

Bo Groulx

2024-25 stats: 47 GP, 15 G, 22 A, 37 Pts, +2 42 PIMs

What a signing Bo Groulx turned out to be.

The French native, added on a two-way contract from Anaheim in the offseason, was the Wolf Pack's top center for a majority of the season. Groulx was at or near the top of the leaderboard in most offensive categories for a majority of the season. The strong play, plus some early-season heroics, made Groulx an instant fan favorite.

Unfortunately, Groulx's season took a turn when he suffered an upper-body injury in mid-February. Groulx attempted a comeback about a month later, but he reaggravated the ailment, ending his season prematurely.

When Groulx was on the ice, he was by far one of Hartford's best players. However, the premature end to the season knocks him down a couple points. Groulx gets an A- for the season.

Ryder Korczak

2024-25 stats: 35 GP, 3 G, 8 A, 11 Pts, +4, 14 PIMs

Second-year forward Ryder Korczak is the first traded player to appear in this article. The 2021 third rounder (#75) started the season with the Wolf Pack and carved out a role as a defensive-minded bottom six forward. Offensively, Korczak had his moments, including his first overtime game-winner in a thrilling 3-2 Wolf Pack win over Grand Rapids on October 30th.

However, Korczak's time with the Wolf Pack would come to an end in January, as the Rangers opted to deal him to the Tampa Bay Lightning organization for forward Lucas Edmonds (who you'll read about later in this piece!). He played in 107 regular season games for the Wolf Pack from 2022 to 2025, totaling 31 points (12 G, 19 A).

For his time in Hartford this season, Korczak receives a C grade.

Brett Berard

2024-25 stats: 30 GP, 9 G, 14 A, 23 Pts, -6, 43 PIMs

After placing second in goals and fifth in points among AHL rookies last season, Brett Berard opened his second season as a pro back in Hartford. Berard got off to a torrid start, notching six points (4 G, 2 A) in his first three games. Berard even scored the Wolf Pack's first goal of the season.

After posting 13 points through his first 16 games, Berard earned his first NHL recall on November 24th. The fifth round pick (#134) in 2020 scored his first NHL goal just three days later.

Berard would find his way back to Hartford in January, spending another six weeks in a Wolf Pack uniform. After the Blueshirts dealt Jimmy Vesey to Colorado, Berard headed back up to Broadway, where he remained for the rest of the season.

Berard's time in Hartford was short-lived this season, but it was impactful. His 0.77 Pt/G was good for third among forwards, only trailing Belzile (0.85) and Groulx (0.79). His combination of speed, intensity, and scoring ability made him a key contributor in Hartford, and will continue to help him as he rises to the NHL. Berard will once again compete for a spot on the Rangers in training camp, but for his time in the AHL this year, Berard earns an A- for a grade.

Brennan Othmann

2024-25 stats: 27 GP, 12 G, 8 A, 20 Pts, -1, 35 PIMs

Bad luck was the theme for Brennan Othmann this season.

After posting five points in his first two games, Othmann suffered an upper-body injury during a net-front scrum in the third game of the season. He went on the shelf for over two months, not returning to the ice until late December. The injury likely cost him an early look at the NHL level.

Once he returned to the ice, Othmann took a while to find his game again. However, he soon caught fire with a four-game goal-scoring streak. Othmann also displayed a clutch factor, scoring some key goals for the Wolf Pack.

Othmann eventually earned a recall in late February and stayed with the Rangers for the rest of the season. Despite posting good underlying metrics - his 52.9% xGF ranked best among Rangers forwards, per Natural Stat Trick (h/t to Vince Mercogliano for pointing that out in this piece) - he registered just two assists in 22 NHL games.

Hopefully, Othmann's luck turns around next season and he's able to cement his place at the NHL level. For his AHL production this year, Othmann earns an A-.

Matt Rempe

2024-25 stats: 18 GP, 3 G, 2 A, 5 Pts, -3, 22 PIMs

Yeah, that's right - Matt Rempe played AHL games this year. I know, it's been a long season.

After appearing in just two of the Rangers' first seven contests, the Blueshirts opted to assign Rempe to the Wolf Pack in order to get playing time. Rempe drew right into the Wolf Pack's top six, spending time at both center and wing before settling into a key role on a line with Sýkora and Leschyshyn. The hardworking trio was a force on the Wolf Pack forecheck, combining for some key tallies.

After playing 18 games in Hartford over roughly two months, Rempe went back up to Broadway just before Christmas. He's credited the time in Hartford this year with improving his play in the NHL. It was noticeable throughout the second half of the season, where Rempe became a key contributor to the Blueshirts' fourth line.

Rempe was assigned to Hartford to get playing time, play in all situations, and generally work on his skills. It took him a bit to get back up to speed, but he ended up accomplishing that in Hartford. We'll give him a B+ grade for his time with the Wolf Pack.

Brendan Brisson

2024-25 stats: 16 GP, 2 G, 4 A, 6 Pts, -9, 12 PIMs

Brendan Brisson is the first mid-season acquisition to appear in this article. The Rangers acquired Brisson from the Vegas Golden Knights at the trade deadline in exchange for Reilly Smith. Brisson spent the remainder of the season in Hartford, playing top-six minutes and getting plenty of special teams action.

It's tough to judge Brisson's season. The numbers certainly aren't pretty. That said, he spent much of the season on a bad Henderson team, then joined the Wolf Pack during their most difficult stretch of the season. I think there's a lot to like about him moving forward.

Brisson is just one year removed from registering eight points (2 G, 6 A) in 15 NHL games with Vegas. With a full season in a new system, Brisson may be able to rediscover that success he had last season. For his time with the Wolf Pack this year, we'll give Brisson a C+ grade.

Blake McLaughlin

2024-25 stats: 15 GP, 1 G, 5 A, 6 Pts, +3, 0 PIMs

Signed in August as a depth piece, Blake McLaughlin spent most of the season playing for the Wolf Pack's ECHL affiliate, the Bloomington Bison. In 15 games of AHL action, McLaughlin played a sound game in a fourth-line role. He jumped in on offense a decent amount, notching six points on the season. McLaughlin hit new highs in both assists and points, despite playing in less than a quarter of the Wolf Pack's games.

McLaughlin didn't play a large role for the Wolf Pack, but he filled the plug-and-play depth role quite well. He was capable whenever his number was called upon, and you can't ask for much more from a guy playing that role. We'll give McLaughlin a C grade.

Lucas Edmonds

2024-25 stats: 14 GP, 4 G, 2 A, 6 Pts, EV, 10 PIMs

A midseason trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning brought Lucas Edmonds to the Connecticut capital. Edmonds, acquired in January for Ryder Korczak, drew in and out of the Wolf Pack lineup. He made the most of his time on the ice for the Wolf Pack, notching four goals after scoring just one through 26 games with the Syracuse Crunch.

Edmonds served as a scratch for much of the Wolf Pack's last month of the season, playing in just one game after March 15th. That said, I really liked Edmonds' game in the limited sample size I saw. I'd love to see him carve out a role in Hartford next year, but for this year, Edmonds earns a C+ from me.

Noah Laba

2024-25 stats: 11 GP, 3 G, 2 A, 5 Pts, -2, 6 PIMs

Noah Laba became the first Rangers prospect to ink his entry-level contract this year. After wrapping up his third season at Colorado College, Laba turned pro, reporting to Hartford on an amateur tryout agreement. Laba got off to a quick start, scoring a shorthanded goal in his first game with the Wolf Pack.

After a seven-game scoring drought, Laba finished the season with four points in his last three games, including two multi-point games.

The fourth round pick (#111) in 2022 had a strong first showing in the AHL. Expect him to play a major role in Hartford next season, especially since he's a natural center. Laba's initial stint has me excited to watch him play next season; for this year, Laba gets a B grade.

Brett Budgell

2024-25 stats: 11 GP, 0 G, 4 A, 4 Pts, +1, 19 PIMs

After attending Wolf Pack training camp, Brett Budgell inked an AHL contract with the Wolf Pack in October. Like McLaughlin, Budgell spent most of the season with ECHL Bloomington, where he posted 37 points in 47 games. In his eleven games in a Wolf Pack uniform, Budgell notched four assists. His most notable Wolf Pack moment came on February 19th, fighting Springfield's Corey Andonovski after a dangerous hit to the head of Jenkins.

Budgell didn't do anything spectacular for the Wolf Pack, but he brought energy to the fourth line whenever his number was called upon. For that, we'll give Budgell a C grade.

Adam Erne

2024-25 stats: 10 GP, 0 G, 1 A, 1 Pts, -5, 8 PIMs

I really wanted Adam Erne to find success with the Wolf Pack this year.

The New Haven, Connecticut native inked a PTO with the Wolf Pack after being released from his PTO with the Rangers during training camp. Erne made the Wolf Pack out of camp, but managed just one assist in ten games before suffering a lower-body injury. With the injury keeping him out week-to-week, and AHL PTOs only lasting for 25 team games, Erne was released. He did not play anywhere else this season.

It would've been really cool to have a Connecticut native representing the Wolf Pack during the 50th season of Hartford hockey. However, ineffectiveness and an unfortunate injury quickly ended Erne's time in the Connecticut capital. We'll give him a D grade.

Incompletes

The following players did not meet the 10-game threshold to receive a letter grade and have automatically received a grade of incomplete. However, we'll still mention them here!

Maxim Barbashev

2024-25 stats: 6 GP, 1 G, 1 A, 2 Pts, +1, 8 PIMs

After the Rangers let his draft rights lapse, the Wolf Pack signed Maxim Barbashev to a one-year AHL contract. He spent most of the season in ECHL Bloomington, but drew into six games for the Wolf Pack over the course of the year. He scored his first AHL goal on February 21st.

I liked what I saw out of Barbashev in the small sample size, and I could see him carving out a more regular AHL role.

Nathan Aspinall

2024-25 stats: 5 GP, 0 G, 0 A, 0 Pts, -2, 0 PIMs

The Wolf Pack added Nathan Aspinall on an ATO after his season with the Flint Firebirds of the OHL wrapped up. Aspinall appeared in five games for the Wolf Pack, going scoreless and posting a -2. Aspinall will return to Flint next season, as he's just 19 and the NHL-CHL agreement prevents players under 20 drafted out of juniors from playing in the AHL.

Nicolas Aubé-Kubel

2024-25 stats: 3 GP, 1 G, 0 A, 1 Pts, +1, 0 PIMs

The Rangers acquired Nicolas Aubé-Kubel from the Buffalo Sabres at the trade deadline to help boost the Wolf Pack's forward core. However, he ended up playing just three games in the Connecticut capital. Aubé-Kubel suffered an injury in his first game as a member of the Wolf Pack that kept him out for about two weeks. He returned and played two more games before being recalled by the Rangers. Aubé-Kubel wouldn't return to Hartford this season, but his overtime game-winning goal against Milwaukee was one of the highlights of the season!

Sullivan Mack

2024-25 stats: 1 GP, 0 G, 0 A, 0 Pts, EV, 0 PIMs

Sullivan Mack, an undrafted free agent out of Cornell University, signed a one-year AHL contract for 205-26 with the Wolf Pack in April. Mack appeared in one game this season on an ATO. He'll be a depth option for the Wolf Pack next year.

Riley Nash

2024-25 stats: 0 GP, 0 G, 0 A, 0 Pts, EV, 0 PIMs

Riley Nash spent the entire 2024-25 season on the shelf after suffering an injury in May 2024. It's a (likely) disappointing end to his Wolf Pack tenure. Nash was a key figure on the ice and in the locker room last year, and you could tell that the team was missing his leadership in both areas this season. Here's to hoping he can make a full recovery and return to the ice eventually.