2026 Hartford Wolf Pack Report Cards: The Forwards

The staff at Blueshirt Banter is well into the rollout of report cards for the members of the 2026 New York Rangers. That means it's time to bring back my sister series—report cards for the 2025-26 Hartford Wolf Pack. This will be a two-part series, starting with the forwards.

Just like last season's piece, only players who appeared in 10 or more games for the Wolf Pack this season will get a grade. Players who fall below that threshold will get a mention, but will automatically receive a grade of incomplete.

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

Anton Blidh

2025-26 stats: 64 GP, 8 G, 8 A, 16 Pts, -19, 56 PIMs

Fresh off a career season that saw him pot 19 goals and with a two-year extension in hand, veteran winger Anton Blidh returned for his fourth season in the Connecticut capital. The fan favorite and alternate captain became the 28th player in franchise history to suit up in 200 games for the Wolf Pack.

Blidh's production fell back within his career average, posting 16 points across 64 games with the Wolf Pack. He also appeared in four games with the Rangers this season, notching an assist in the Blueshirts' 3-1 loss to the San Jose Sharks on January 23rd.

Blidh's numbers may have slipped, but his value goes far beyond points. He's been a key penalty killer throughout his time in Hartford, and he's become a leader in the Wolf Pack locker room. Multiple coaches have mentioned to me how Blidh takes younger players under his wing and helps them transition to pro hockey in North America. That's an extremely admirable quality, regardless of on-ice performance.

Blidh is under contract for next season and figures to be a featured player for the Wolf Pack again. For this season, Blidh earns a B grade.

Justin Dowling

2025-26 stats: 46 GP, 9 G, 20 A, 29 Pts, -10, 4 PIMs

The other forward to wear an A for the Wolf Pack this season, veteran center Justin Dowling joined the team after signing a two-year contract with the Rangers last summer. A veteran of over 600 AHL games and more than 800 professional contests, Dowling brought leadership and experience to his new club.

Dowling appeared in 46 games in his first season in Hartford, notching 29 points. He also suited up in a pair of games for the Rangers this season, including the team's 5-1 win over the Florida Panthers in the 2026 Winter Classic.

When he was on the ice, Dowling was one of the Wolf Pack's best players. However, staying on the ice was a difficulty for him this season. Dowling dealt with a number of injuries throughout the season, limiting him to just 46 games. With a long offseason to rest and recover, Dowling should be ready come October, and the Wolf Pack will need him to be a key player once again.

Injuries may have limited Dowling, but Hartford was a better team with him on the ice. Dowling earns a B+ for his first season with the Wolf Pack.

Trey Fix-Wolansky

2025-26 stats: 72 GP, 31 G, 24 A, 55 Pts, -9, 121 PIMs

No offseason signing was more exciting for the Wolf Pack than veteran forward Trey Fix-Wolansky. A longtime offensive force for the Cleveland Monsters, Fix-Wolansky took his talents to the Connecticut capital in search of a career shakeup.

Fix-Wolansky's status as a point producer didn't change with his new team. He appeared in all 72 of Hartford's contests, scoring 31 goals and 24 assists along the way. Fix-Wolansky became the first Wolf Pack player to score at least 30 goals in a season since Nicklas Jensen found the net 32 times during the 2016-17 season.

Fix-Wolansky also notched a pair of hat tricks on the season, the first Wolf Pack player to do so since Alex Belzile did so last season. His first came on the road, scoring a trio of goals in a 5-4 overtime win against the Hershey Bears on January 20th. Fix-Wolansky followed up with three more goals in the Wolf Pack's last home game of the season, a 7-5 comeback win over the Springfield Thunderbirds on April 17th.

There's not enough good things I can say about Fix-Wolansky's first season in Hartford. It was a joy to watch him play this season, and Fix-Wolansky earns an A+ grade.

Dylan Roobroeck

2025-26 stats: 72 GP, 11 G, 15 A, 26 Pts, -17, 90 PIMs

After leading the team with 20 goals in his rookie season and winning the Wolf Pack's Rookie of the Year award, Dylan Roobroeck returned for his sophomore season in downtown Hartford. Roobroeck figured to be a key contributor down the middle for the Wolf Pack.

Roobroeck's production took a bit of a step back this season. He notched 11 goals and 15 assists while appearing in all 72 of the Wolf Pack's games. It was the second straight season in which Roobroeck appeared in all 72 of Hartford's contests.

That said, Roobroeck did a lot of things well this season, even if the production declined slightly. He was leaned on heavily this season thanks to injuries, and played big minutes for the Wolf Pack in all situations. There are growing pains associated with taking that increased responsibility, which can help explain the production slipping slightly.

I still think Roobroeck is someone who could have an NHL future, but he still needs a bit more tuning before he gets that call. For this season, Roobroeck earns a C+ grade from me.

Bryce McConnell-Barker

2025-26 stats: 69 GP, 14 G, 11 A, 25 Pts, -15, 22 PIMs

Second-year forward Bryce McConnell-Barker entered the 2025-26 season as one of the Wolf Pack's more intriguing players. The former Soo Greyhound spent most of his rookie season as a defensive bottom-six forward, and it remained to be seen what steps forward he could take in his sophomore campaign.

McConnell-Barker picked up the production in his second season in the Connecticut capital. He posted career highs in goals, assists, and points, and even shared part of the team lead in game-winning goals, with three.

The numbers may not jump off the page, but McConnell-Barker put together a quality season, highlighted by a strong finish. After getting the chance to play up in the lineup thanks to recalls and injuries, McConnell-Barker recorded four goals and six assists for 10 points across his final 13 games. Opportunity called, and McConnell-Barker emphatically answered.

Look for McConnell-Barker to build off that strong finish and take another step forward next season. For the 2025-26 campaign, I'm giving McConnell-Barker a B- grade.

Carey Terrance

2025-26 stats: 68 GP, 8 G, 9 A, 17 Pts, -9, 44 PIMs

Acquired by the Rangers in an offseason deal that sent Chris Kreider to the Anaheim Ducks, rookie forward Carey Terrance reported to Hartford for the first season of his professional career. Terrance aimed to make his mark on pro hockey as one of the only rookies on the Wolf Pack's roster.

The 59th overall pick in 2023 had a rollercoaster of a rookie season. He spent much of the season in a depth role, but still managed to notch eight goals and nine assists across 68 contests.

For a majority of the season, Terrance skated as Hartford's fourth-line center and developed into a quality penalty killer. However, like McConnell-Barker, the rookie forward got the opportunity to play up in the lineup late in the season. He also made the most of it, playing at a point-per-game pace with eight points (2 G, 6 A) across his final eight games.

Terrance is another player worth paying attention to next season. If he, like McConnell-Barker, can build off his strong finish, he could be an important player for the Wolf Pack. Terrance earns a C+ from me for this season.

Brendan Brisson

2025-26 stats: 66 GP, 19 G, 18 A, 37 Pts, -32, 63 PIMs

After being acquired by the Rangers at the 2025 NHL trade deadline and signing a one-year extension over the summer, Brendan Brisson returned to Hartford for his first full season with the Wolf Pack. Brisson aimed to re-discover his game after a challenging 2024-25 campaign.

Brisson was one of the Wolf Pack's strongest offensive contributors. His 19 goals and 37 points were both good for second on the team, and he led the team with eight power play goals on the season. Brisson also appeared in three games with the Rangers, notching an assist in the Blueshirts' 3-2 shootout win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on February 28th.

Brisson's numbers bounced back to career averages, thanks in part to playing with Fix-Wolansky for much of the season. The two had serious chemistry, no matter who the third man on their line was. That chemistry helped Brisson regain form and represent the Wolf Pack at the 2026 AHL All-Star Classic.

Brisson is a restricted free agent, so it remains to be seen if he'll return to the organization. For this season, Brisson gets an A- from me.

Adam Sýkora

2025-26 stats: 62 GP, 12 G, 17 A, 29 Pts, EV, 28 PIMs

Forever a fan favorite thanks to his upbeat attitude and hard-nosed play, Adam Sýkora and his signature smile returned to the Connecticut capital for his third campaign in Wolf Pack colors this season. Sýkora aimed to build off a sophomore season that saw him set a new career high in points.

Sýkora ended up being one of the Wolf Pack's best all-around players this season. He reached a new career high in goals, with 12, and also led the team with three shorthanded markers on the campaign, including a memorable shorty that sent over 8,000 stuffed animals flying onto the ice at the PeoplesBank Arena.

Sýkora's quality campaign in Hartford led to him making his long-awaited NHL debut at the tail end of the season. He played 11 games with the Rangers, tallying three goals and an assist over that span. Sýkora quickly went from a guy buried in the depth chart to a guy who has the inside track to win an NHL job out of training camp this fall.

Sýkora has been an absolute joy to watch over his tenure in Hartford, and I couldn't be happier to see him find a role in the NHL. For his AHL stint this year, Sýkora gets an A grade from me.

Kalle Väisänen

2025-26 stats: 51 GP, 3 G, 1 A, 4 Pts, -12, 0 PIMs

After spending the entire 2024-25 season on loan with Ilves of the Finnish Liiga, Kalle Väisänen returned to Hartford for his first full season in the AHL. He had previously appeared in three games with the Wolf Pack at the end of the 2023-24 season, plus one Calder Cup Playoff game.

Väisänen never really found his groove during his first AHL campaign. He shuffled in and out of the lineup over the course of the season, ultimately recording just three goals and an assist through 51 games.

To be fair to Väisänen, he's never been a major point producer; his highest point total as a pro came in the 2023-24 season, when he tallied 14 points (9 G, 5 A) in 58 games with Liiga's TPS Turku. That said, four points on the year - with none of them coming after January 16th - is a tough season, especially when other players did more with less.

Ultimately, I think Väisänen just didn't click with ex-head coach Grant Potulny and his system. Väisänen will have an opportunity to establish himself next season, assuming he returns to Hartford. For this season, I'm giving Väisänen a D.

Jaroslav Chmelař

2025-26 stats: 46 GP, 8 G, 17 A, 25 Pts, -7, 42 PIMs

Another fan favorite in Hartford, Jaroslav Chmelař returned to the Wolf Pack for his sophomore campaign this past season. After showcasing an impressive toolset during his rookie year, Chmelař aimed to establish himself in his second tour of duty in the Connecticut capital.

Chmelař did all of that and more this season. In 46 games with the Wolf Pack, the Providence College product posted eight goals and 17 assists, just four points off match the 29 he recorded through 71 games last season. The quality campaign also helped Chmelař make his NHL debut on November 7th against the Detroit Red Wings, where he won a fight against Wings defenseman Travis Hamonic. He'd ultimately play 28 games with the Rangers this season, adding four goals and two assists.

If you ask me, nobody did more to raise their stock in the Rangers organization this season than Chmelař. Like Sýkora, he went from a depth piece to having an inside track to earn an NHL spot out of training camp. For a player drafted in the fifth round (#144 overall) in 2021, that's an impressive feat.

Chmelař clearly worked hard to improve, and now he's reaping the benefits. I'm excited to see what his NHL future looks like, but for his AHL time this year, Chmelař earns an A grade from me.

Brett Berard

2025-26 stats: 41 GP, 6 G, 16 A, 22 Pts, -16, 53 PIMs

Entering his third season as a pro, Brett Berard ended up being one of the final cuts from Rangers training camp this fall. Berard returned to the Connecticut capital to start the 2025-26 season, aiming to get off to a hot start in Hartford and work his way back into the NHL.

However, Berard just simply never got going this season. He recorded just six goals and 16 assists through 41 games with the Wolf Pack, ultimately ending the season on the injured list. His NHL time didn't fare better, going pointless across 13 games with the Blueshirts.

Berard showed flashes of the dynamic play he provided during his phenomenal rookie season in 2023-24, but he simply couldn't do it consistently. He dealt with multiple goal scoring droughts, and didn't find the back of the net for the first time until mid-November. This season has put the pending restricted free agent in a tough spot, especially since other players have seemed to leapfrog him on the depth chart.

Berard's future is in question heading into the offseason, but he still had his moments in Hartford this season. I'm giving him a B- grade for his time in the Connecticut capital this year.

Daniel Walcott

2025-26 stats: 39 GP, 4 G, 4 A, 8 Pts, -9, 51 PIMs

With the Wolf Pack battling injuries and recalls in late November, they made a call to an old friend. Hartford inked Daniel Walcott to a professional tryout contract, bringing the veteran forward back to the place where he started his professional career in April of 2015.

Walcott provided a solid veteran presence to the Wolf Pack's bottom six. The longtime member of the Syracuse Crunch supplied four goals and four assists over a 39 game stint with the Wolf Pack, which included suiting up in his 500th career AHL game against his old team in Syracuse.

It was cool to see Walcott, originally drafted by the Rangers 140th overall in the 2014 NHL entry draft, back in Hartford. He's become a well respected veteran in the AHL since his last stint with the Wolf Pack, suiting up in 534 contests plus an additional 41 playoff games.

Walcott would depart at the end of the season as the Wolf Pack gave younger players more opportunities after their elimination from the Calder Cup Playoff race. That said, he did exactly what the Wolf Pack brought him in to do, and you can't ask for much more. I'm giving Walcott a C+ grade.

Brennan Othmann

2025-26 stats: 26 GP, 8 G, 8 A, 16 Pts, -9, 49 PIMs

A fellow third-year professional, Brennan Othmann entered training camp with aspirations of finally claiming an NHL spot. However, an early cut sent him back to Hartford, and he kicked off his third professional season with the Wolf Pack as he aimed to play his way back into the NHL.

Othmann frequently shuttled between Hartford and New York this season, but turned in a quality campaign in the games he did play with the Wolf Pack. He recorded eight goals and eight assists across 26 games in the Connecticut capital, adding a goal in 17 games played with the Rangers.

When Othmann failed to break camp with the Rangers, it became evident that his time with the organization was limited. He was ultimately traded to the Calgary Flames at the NHL trade deadline for forward prospect Jacob Battaglia. There, he notched a goal and an assist in two games played while adding a goal and six assists across 14 games with their AHL affiliate, the Calgary Wranglers.

Othmann was one of my favorite players to chat with in Hartford, and I wish him the absolute best in the future. For his time with the Wolf Pack this season, Othmann earns a B grade from me.

Zakary Karpa

2025-26 stats: 24 GP, 1 G, 3 A, 4 Pts, -5, 9 PIMs

Connecticut native Zakary Karpa inked his first professional contract over the summer, signing an AHL deal with the Wolf Pack. The son of former Wolf Pack defenseman Dave Karpa and originally a sixth round pick (#191) by the Rangers in 2022, Karpa turned pro after playing four seasons at Harvard University.

Karpa ultimately appeared in 24 games with the Wolf Pack, notching a goal and three assists. In an additional 34 games with the ECHL's Bloomington Bison, Karpa notched seven goals and 10 assists, while adding an assists in six Kelly Cup Playoff contests.

During his limited stint in Hartford, I thought Karpa played a relatively simple game. He didn't try to do too much, was responsible in his own end, and always got back up after being on the receiving end of big hits. I could see him carving out a more regular AHL role in the future as a contributor in the bottom six.

Karpa likely needs a bit more development before becoming an AHL regular, but there are tools there to work with. For his time in Hartford this year, Karpa earns a C from me.

Gabe Perreault

2025-26 stats: 20 GP, 7 G, 10 A, 17 Pts, +5, 14 PIMs

He was here for a good time, not a long time. Gabe Perreault didn't spend much of his first full season as a pro in the Connecticut capital, suiting up in just 20 games for the Wolf Pack. But the games he did play in Hartford were incredibly fun to watch.

Perreault was a force in the AHL, playing at or near a point-per-game pace over his 20 game stint in the Connecticut capital, ultimately ending with seven goals and 10 assists before permanently earning an NHL spot. The 23rd overall pick in the 2023 NHL entry draft would tally 27 points (12 G, 15 A) across 49 NHL games this season.

When Perreault was first assigned to the AHL, I anticipated him playing the whole season in Hartford, as doing so would guarantee him top line minutes and plenty of power play time. However, Perreault simply forced his way into the Rangers lineup, ending the season on the Blueshirts' top line alongside Mika Zibanejad and Alexis Lafrenière. He even recorded a hat trick in a 4-1 win over the Red Wings on April 4th.

Perreault has a long NHL future ahead of him, and his brief Hartford stint may end up as little more than a footnote of his career. That said, I'm glad I got the chance to see him play with the Wolf Pack, and Perreault earns an A+ grade for his AHL time this season.

Aidan Thompson

2025-26 stats: 18 GP, 2 G, 5 A, 7 Pts, -1, 10 PIMs

Sending Othmann to Calgary wasn't the only move involving the Wolf Pack made at the NHL trade deadline. On deadline day, the Rangers agreed to a deal that sent veteran Wolf Pack defenseman Derrick Pouliot to the Chicago Blackhawks for rookie forward Aidan Thompson.

Thompson made an immediate impact in the Connecticut capital, notching a pair of assists in his very first game with the Wolf Pack. In 18 games with Hartford, he recorded two goals and five assists after tallying six goals and nine helpers through 40 games with the Blackhawks' AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs.

I enjoyed Thompson's game after the Rangers acquired him. The University of Denver product brought impressive speed and quality play along the walls to Hartford. He was leaned on as both a center and winger, and could turn out to be a versatile piece of Hartford's future. Plus, adding youth at the AHL level will always be a positive, and a player with Thompson's tools could be a potential steal.

Thompson will have an opportunity to build on his whirlwind rookie season next year. Thompson earns a B grade from me for his Hartford stint.

Brody Lamb

2025-26 stats: 15 GP, 4 G, 5 A, 9 Pts, -1, 2 PIMs

After wrapping up his senior season as team captain at the University of Minnesota, Brody Lamb turned pro. Lamb inked his entry-level contract with the Rangers on March 12 before signing an amateur tryout contract with the Wolf Pack and making his professional debut two days later.

Lamb immediately looked comfortable at the pro level. In 15 games with the Wolf Pack, he recorded four goals and five assists, an impressive showing for a rookie playing his first professional games. During that stretch, he also had a six-game point streak, tied for the longest such streak by a Wolf Pack player this season.

I've seen plenty of rookies join the Wolf Pack late in the season, including Sýkora, Chmelař, Adam Edström, Noah Laba, and Victor Mancini. None of them looked as immediately comfortable in the AHL as Lamb did during his stint in Hartford. He certainly didn't look like a rookie playing his first AHL games, and he figures to be a major part of the Wolf Pack's offense next season.

Lamb is someone you should absolutely pay attention to next season. For his initial stint in the Connecticut capital, Lamb earns an A from me.

Juuso Pärssinen

2025-26 stats: 15 GP, 5 G, 2 A, 7 Pts, -1, 4 PIMs

In late November, with Laba in firm control of the third line center spot, the Rangers opted to place Juuso Pärssinen on waivers. The Finnish forward cleared and was assigned to the Wolf Pack, where he was expected to get plenty of playing time that he wasn't receiving in the NHL.

However, injuries limited Pärssinen to just 15 games with the Wolf Pack. When he was on the ice, Pärssinen was noticable, notching five goals and two assists during his Hartford stint.

Over the past three years, one player on the Wolf Pack has gotten horrible luck when it comes to injuries. Two years ago, it was Riley Nash, who suffered multiple lower body injuries that wiped out nearly half a season. Last year, it was Bo Groulx, who returned from injury twice only to reaggravate the ailment twice. This season, that happened to Pärssinen, who suffered a pair of injuries that kept him out more than two months. It's incredibly unfortunate, as a strong performance in Hartford could have earned Pärssinen more NHL ice.

Pärssinen will have another opportunity to play his way into the NHL next season. For his time in Hartford this year, I'm giving Pärssinen a B grade.

Kyle Jackson

2025-26 stats: 12 GP, 1 G, 1 A, 2 Pts, -6, 0 PIMs

Following two straight strong seasons in the ECHL and his AHL debut with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins last season, Kyle Jackson signed with the Wolf Pack over the summer as a depth piece.

Jackson suited up in 12 games for the Wolf Pack, notching his first career AHL point and goal in the process. In 38 games with ECHL Bloomington, Jackson recorded 44 points (17 G, 27 A) and was named an ECHL All-Star.

Jackson played a relatively simple game during his 12 games with Hartford, but that's all you can really ask for from an AHL depth player. He got to show a bit of the offensive prowess that was evident in the ECHL as well. I could see him getting another look, perhaps a longer one, in the AHL next season.

For his quality depth play in Hartford this year, I'm giving Jackson a C 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.

Gavin Hain

2025-26 stats: 6 GP, 0 G, 0 A, 0 Pts, -3, 2 PIMs

Gavin Hain signed an AHL deal with the Wolf Pack over the summer as a depth option. He appeared in six games with the club, going pointless, before departing for the Slovak Extraliga just before Christmas. He played in 20 games with HK Spišská Nová Ves, notching seven goals and three assists.

Caige Sterzer

2025-26 stats: 5 GP, 0 G, 0 A, 0 Pts, +1, 4 PIMs

Caige Sterzer inked an ATO with the Wolf Pack in late March after recording 15 points (4 G, 11 A) in 34 games for the University of St. Thomas this season. He's on an AHL deal with Hartford next season and will be a depth option for the club.

Sullivan Mack

2025-26 stats: 4 GP, 0 G, 0 A, 0 Pts, EV, 2 PIMs

Sullivan Mack signed a one-year AHL deal with the Wolf Pack out of Cornell University last season. He appeared in four games for Hartford, going pointless. In 52 games with ECHL Bloomington, Mack notched 17 goals and 21 assists, helping the Bison to their first ever Kelly Cup Playoff appearance.