2026 Hartford Wolf Pack Report Cards: Defense and Goalies

Welcome to part two of my 2025-26 Wolf Pack report card series. This time, we'll be handing out grades to defensemen and goaltenders. You can check out part one, focusing on the forwards, here.

Like part one, defensemen will still need ten games played to qualify for a grade. For goalies, we're cutting that in half to five. Players who fall below these thresholds will get a mention, but will automatically earn a grade of incomplete.

Onto the grades!

Casey Fitzgerald

2025-26 stats: 71 GP, 4 G, 19 A, 23 Pts, -5, 85 PIMs

Named the 15th captain in franchise history in November 2024, Casey Fitzgerald returned for his second season in Hartford and his first full campaign wearing the C for the Wolf Pack. Fitzgerald aimed to turn a strong training camp into a good season and a playoff run for the Wolf Pack.

Hartford would fail to make the playoffs, but that didn't prevent Fitzgerald from turning in a quality season. Appearing in all but one of Hartford's games, Fitzgerald posted four goals and 19 assists, reaching a new career high in both assists and points.

Fitzgerald also had a knack for timely goals this season. He scored a pair of game-winning tallies after recording just two through his first 214 AHL contests. Fitzgerald also notched the pivotal tying goal in Hartford's thrilling comeback win over the Springfield Thunderbirds on April 17.

Fitzgerald is set to become an unrestricted free agent, and his time in the Connecticut capital could be coming to an end. If so, he went out with one of his best seasons to date. Fitzgerald earns an A- grade from me.

Connor Mackey

2025-26 stats: 62 GP, 5 G, 13 A, 18 Pts, -13, 87 PIMs

One of three Wolf Pack players named an alternate captain this season, Connor Mackey suited up for his third campaign in the Connecticut capital. Mackey was expected to provide stability and experience to a reformed Wolf Pack blue line group.

Mackey appeared in 62 games with the Wolf Pack this season, tallying five goals and 13 assists. He also appeared in three games with the parent New York Rangers, going pointless.

Mackey also retained his role as one of the Wolf Pack's main fighters this season. He led defensemen with 87 penalty minutes on the campaign, which included five fighting majors. If the Wolf Pack needed someone to step up and drop the gloves, it was likely that Mackey was the man to do so.

Mackey will also hit unrestricted free agency this summer, so the Hartford defensive corps could look quite different next season. For this season, I'm giving Mackey a B-.

Jackson Dorrington

2025-26 stats: 70 GP, 2 G, 9 A, 11 Pts, -11, 69 PIMs

Acquired from the Vancouver Canucks last January in the J.T. Miller trade, Jackson Dorrington played his first full season in Hartford. The Northeastern product appeared in nine games with the Wolf Pack at the end of the 2024-25 season.

A defensive defenseman by trade, Dorrington provided a steady presence to the Wolf Pack blue line in his rookie season. He chipped in on offense, tallying two goals and nine assists through 70 games. Dorrington's 70 games played was the second highest figure among Wolf Pack defensemen, with only fellow North Reading, MA native Fitzgerald appearing in more.

Dorrington put together a quality rookie season. He played a heavy game in his own end and wasn't afraid to drop the gloves, recording five fighting majors on the season. Dorrington is also one of the only defensive prospects the Rangers currently have signed - only Drew Fortescue is also on an entry-level contract - so he could get an opportunity to play up in the lineup next season.

Dorrington is a player that you should be paying attention to next season. For his rookie campaign, Dorrington gets a B from me.

Derrick Pouliot

2025-26 stats: 52 GP, 2 G, 26 A, 28 Pts, -13, 34 PIMs

Signed to a two-year contract over the summer to fill the role of puck-moving defenseman, Derrick Pouliot brought plenty of experience to the Wolf Pack's defensive corps. Pouliot joined the Wolf Pack following a torrid season with the Syracuse Crunch in 2024-25 that saw him named to the AHL First All-Star team at the end of the campaign.

However, Pouliot just never seemed to get going with his new club. He tallied two goals and 26 assists across 52 games in Hartford, with his 26 assists being the best figure on the team.

For whatever reason, it seemed like Pouliot just didn't fit in Hartford. He had his moments, and he retained his ability to rack up assists, but his numbers took a step back from last season. He was ultimately traded to the Chicago Blackhawks at the NHL trade deadline in exchange for Aidan Thompson.

It didn't work out in Hartford, and I hope Pouliot can rediscover his game with the Blackhawks organization. I'm giving Pouliot a C for his time in the Connecticut capital.

Brandon Scanlin

2025-26 stats: 49 GP, 4 G, 7 A, 11 Pts, -5, 54 PIMs

After an injury delayed him from getting into a game until December, Brandon Scanlin finally returned to the Connecticut capital for his fourth professional season. Scanlin aimed to return to the form he displayed during his breakout 2023-24 campaign.

Scanlin played 49 games with the Wolf Pack this season, tallying four goals and seven assists. Despite playing an abbreviated season, Scanlin managed to hit new career highs in penalty minutes, with 54, and game-winning goals, with two.

This season represented a bit of a bounce back for Scanlin. Last season, Scanlin showed some offensive flashes, but his defense took a bit of a step back. This season, he was a more well rounded player who was able to defend, hit, fight, and score occasionally.

Scanlin has played 255 AHL games, all with the Wolf Pack, and will now head to unrestricted free agency. It remains to be seen if he will return, but for this season, I'm giving Scanlin a B+.

Blake Hillman

2025-26 stats: 40 GP, 2 G, 6 A, 8 Pts, -6, 2 PIMs

A fan favorite among the Hartford faithful, Blake Hillman suited up for his fourth season with the Wolf Pack. The veteran has carved out a reputation as a do-it-all player during his time in the Connecticut capital, and his performance had earned him a one-year contract extension heading into the 2025-26 campaign.

Hillman appeared in 40 games for the Wolf Pack, registering two goals and six assists. For the second straight year, Hillman lined up at both his natural position on defense and at forward, playing on the wing when needed.

Hillman has been a very popular player during his tenure with the Wolf Pack. His willingness to take on any role made him beloved among both fans and teammates. This year was no different, with Hillman doing anything the team required. He's shown the love back as well, crediting teammates before himself and calling Hartford a home.

Hillman's season ended prematurely due to an injury, but it doesn't discount the impact he's made during his time in the Connecticut capital. Hillman earns a B grade from me.

Cooper Moore

2025-26 stats: 38 GP, 1 G, 6 A, 7 Pts, -4, 30 PIMs

One of three Connecticut natives to suit up for the Wolf Pack this season, Cooper Moore inked his first professional contract with Hartford over the summer. Moore had previously played five seasons of college hockey, with three coming at the University of North Dakota and two coming at Quinnipiac University.

Moore appeared in 38 games with the Wolf Pack, notching a goal and six assists. He also suited up in five regular season games and six playoff contests for the ECHL's Bloomington Bison, where he recorded the first playoff goal in Bison history.

Moore was an excellent addition to the Wolf Pack's defensive corps this season. He made the most of his opportunities, providing steady play in his own zone and chipping in on offense when needed. That, combined with his status as a Connecticut native, makes Moore an easy player to root for.

I was impressed with Moore this season and could easily see him carving out a regular AHL role. For this season, I'm giving Moore a B+.

Scott Morrow

2025-26 stats: 34 GP, 5 G, 14 A, 19 Pts, -16, 69 PIMs

Acquired in July in the trade that sent K'Andre Miller to the Carolina Hurricanes, Connecticut native Scott Morrow was anticipated to be a major addition for the Wolf Pack. Morrow possessed impressive puck-moving and scoring abilities, things the Wolf Pack had lacked from defensemen a year prior.

Morrow bounced between Hartford and New York, ultimately recording five goals and 14 assists in 34 games with the Wolf Pack. He also appeared in 29 games with the Rangers, notching six assists.

Morrow's numbers don't tell the full story of his season. He was snakebitten offensively, especially early in the season, which is something I mentioned on Episode #83 of Blueshirt Bandwidth. Defensively, I thought Morrow was better than his plus/minus figure suggests, though I do believe there is room for growth. If Morrow can develop into an average defenseman at the NHL level while retaining his impressive offensive abilities, he'll be a regular NHLer.

Training camp is going to be extremely important for Morrow. A strong performance can help him earn a spot on the NHL roster. For his time in Hartford this season, Morrow earns a B grade from me.

Chris Ortiz

2025-26 stats: 24 GP, 0 G, 1 A, 1 Pts, EV, 6 PIMs

Chris Ortiz cashed in on an impressive stint with the Providence Bruins at the end of the 2024-25 season, inking a one year contract with the Wolf Pack over the summer. Ortiz aimed to establish himself as an AHL regular after spending the bulk of his professional career in the ECHL.

However, Ortiz would once again play a depth role. He appeared in 24 games with the Wolf Pack, notching an assist. Ortiz also appeared in 20 games with ECHL Bloomington, recording two goals and 10 assists.

While Ortiz's offensive production failed to flourish in Hartford, he was a steady presence on the back end. He was one of just three Wolf Pack skaters to play at least 20 games and not have a negative plus/minus, joining Gabe Perreault (+5) and Adam Sýkora (even). That's a huge positive for a Wolf Pack team that was heavily in the red in goal differential.

Whenever Ortiz was in the lineup, the Wolf Pack could expect quality defensive play. I'm giving Ortiz a C grade.

Dylan Garand

2025-26 stats: 36 GP, 16-15-2, 2.83 GAA, .896 SV%, 1 SO, 3 A

With his three-year tandem partner Louis Domingue departing for the KHL, Dylan Garand finally stepped into the starter's crease in Hartford. Garand aimed to build upon a phenomenal 2024-25 campaign that saw him reach the 20 win plateau and earn a nod to the AHL All-Star Classic.

Garand's numbers did take a small step back during his time in Hartford. In 36 games, he posted a 16-15-2 record with a 2.83 goals against average and an .896 save percentage. He also recorded one shutout and notched three assists. Late in the season, Garand would make his long-awaited NHL debut, appearing in three games with the Rangers with a 2-0-1 record, a 1.62 GAA, and a .948 SV%.

On paper, Garand's numbers are less pretty than last season. But the game isn't played on paper. Garand, more often than not, gave his team a chance to win, but didn't get much support. For example, in a 12 game stretch from January 31 to March 18, Garand didn't allow more than three goals in a game. However, he took a loss in five of them. Those games aren't on your goaltender.

Overall, Garand put together another strong campaign and should be the leading candidate to win the backup job to Igor Shesterkin next season. For his time in the Connecticut capital this year, Garand earns an A from me.

Spencer Martin

2025-26 stats: 22 GP, 3-13-3, 3.51 GAA, .873 SV%, 2 SO, 1 A

An in-season addition by the Rangers, Spencer Martin added experience to the Wolf Pack's young netminder corps. Martin signed a two-year contract with the Blueshirts in November after terminating the contract he signed with the KHL's CSKA Moscow over the summer.

Martin had a tumultuous season overall, especially during his time in Hartford. In 22 games, Martin posted a 3-13-3 record with a 3.51 goals against average and an .873 save percentage. He added a pair of shutouts and an assist across that span. In six appearances with the Rangers, Martin went 1-3-0 with a 4.13 GAA and an .864 SV%.

While the numbers certainly aren't pretty, I do want to cut Martin some slack. Going from Russia back to North America mid-season is a major adjustment, and like Garand, there were times where he wasn't getting much help from the team in front of him. Martin is someone who found success in the AHL previously, and with a full offseason to prepare, he can return to form.

The Wolf Pack will need Martin to be a key contributor in net for them next season. For this year, I'm giving Martin a C- grade.

Callum Tung

2025-26 stats: 16 GP, 7-8-1, 3.94 GAA, .895 SV%

After signing with the Rangers as an undrafted free agent out of UConn last spring, Callum Tung suited up for his first professional season. Tung was the Wolf Pack's third goaltender for most of the season, shuttling between Hartford and ECHL Bloomington.

In 16 games with the Wolf Pack, Tung went 7-8-1 with a 3.94 goals against average and an .895 save percentage. In an additional 19 games with the Bison he posted an 8-9-2 record with a 3.10 GAA and a .907 SV%.

Tung turned in some impressive performances in his rookie season and was a big part of some fun wins. However, there were also times where he looked a bit outmatched, which is to be expected from a rookie. There are plenty of positives for Tung to build on this offseason in hopes of securing a regular AHL role next season.

Tung has the chance to take a big step forward in his development next season. For this year, I'm giving Tung a C.

Talyn Boyko

2025-26 stats: 5 GP, 0-2-2, 3.10 GAA, .894 SV%, 1 A

Thanks to a strong season in the ECHL and a solid showing through five games with the Wolf Pack last season, Talyn Boyko earned a spot on the Wolf Pack's opening night roster to start the season. Boyko spent the early part of the campaign as the backup to Garand.

Boyko appeared in five games with the Wolf Pack this season, posting an 0-2-2 record with a 3.10 goals against average and an .894 save percentage. Boyko also notched an assist, making him one of three Wolf Pack goalies with a point on the season.

However, Boyko's time with the Wolf Pack would come to an end in late November. With Garand, Martin, and Tung all in the Hartford net, the Rangers opted to loan Boyko overseas, sending him to KalPa of the Finnish Liiga. There, he recorded a 9-4-3 record, a 2.96 GAA, and an .876 SV% in 16 games. Now, as a pending restricted free agent, it remains to be seen if Boyko will return to North America or continue his career in Europe.

Regardless of where it takes him, Boyko's hockey journey isn't over. For his time with the Wolf Pack, Boyko earns a C from me.

Incompletes

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

Case McCarthy

2025-26 stats: 9 GP, 0 G, 1 A, 1 Pts, +4, 0 PIMs

Playing on the second year of a two-year AHL contract, Case McCarthy appeared in nine games for the Wolf Pack, registering an assist. In 18 games with the ECHL's Worcester Railers, McCarthy added four goals and six assists. He's already signed to play with the Stavanger Oilers of the Norwegian EHL next season.

Travis Dermott

2025-26 stats: 5 GP, 0 G, 3 A, 3 Pts, -2, 2 PIMs

After recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, Travis Dermott inked a belated professional tryout contract with the Wolf Pack on February 7. Dermott drew into five games for Hartford, registering three assists and playing some great hockey in the process. However, an upper-body injury sustained in early March put him back on the shelf for the remainder of the season.

Phip Waugh

2025-26 stats: 1 GP, 0 G, 1 A, 1 Pts, +2, 0 PIMs

Signed to a PTO in late March to bolster a depleted Wolf Pack blueline, Phip Waugh appeared in one game with the club, notching an assist. Waugh was released just before the end of the season and returned to the ECHL's Savannah Ghost Pirates, where he made a pair of incredible plays to save goals in their Kelly Cup Playoff series against the Florida Everblades.

Hugo Ollas

2025-26 stats: 0 GP, 0-0-0, 0.00 GAA, .000 SV%

For the second straight season, Hugo Ollas spent time on the Wolf Pack roster, but didn't appear in a game. In 18 appearances with ECHL Bloomington, Ollas recorded a 5-4-2 record with a 3.01 GAA and an .896 SV%. He's already signed with the Nybro Vikings of the Swedish HockeyAllsvenskan for next season.