Rangers Claim Forward Tye Kartye on Waivers, Send Othmann to Hartford
The Rangers are taking another low-risk swing in claiming Tye Kartye, a physical, penalty-killing forward who could factor into their evolving fourth-line plans.
The New York Rangers Rangers have officially made their second waiver claim of the season, as they bring on forward Tye Kartye from the Seattle Kraken.
OFFICIAL: The #NYR have claimed forward Tye Kartye off of waivers.
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 27, 2026
Welcome to New York, Tye! pic.twitter.com/gZXhGjj12T
An undrafted winger from the Soo Greyhounds of the OHL, Kartye had an impressive first year as a professional, putting up 57 points (28 goals, 29 assists) in 72 games with the Coachella Valley Firebirds in the 2022-23 season. That was enough to impress the Seattle Kraken, as he joined them for the postseason where he collected three goals and two assists for five points in ten playoff games.
Between his NHL debut and now, Kartye has appeared in 180 games with the Kraken over the course of three seasons. Since his first and only full season in the AHL, Kartye played in just three more AHL games, in which he registered four points, split evenly in goals and assists.
Fun fact as pointed out by our Keegan Jarvis: Both of the Rangers’ waivers claims this season played against each other in the 2023 Calder Cup Final—Vincent Iorio with the Hershey Bears, and now Tye Kartye with Coachella Valley.
Kartye was a big part of the Coachella Valley Firebirds’ inaugural season. As a rookie, he was third on the team in points with 57 (28 G, 29 A), eventually helping the team to the Calder Cup Final, where they lost to the Hershey Bears (and new teammate Vincent Iorio). #NYR
— Keegan Jarvis (@TheKeeganJarvis) February 27, 2026
According to The Athletic's Vincent Mercogliano, the Rangers like his size, physicality and ability to kill penalties. That’s a bit interesting, considering he clocks in at 5-11, 202 pounds.
#NYR take another flyer on a waiver claim. They like Kartye for his size, physicality and PK ability. Has also scored a bit at lower levels and had 11 goals for the Kraken two seasons.
— Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) February 27, 2026
My question would be how many 4th line types do they need, but no risk here. https://t.co/Oy07vOxv1d
It's also worth noting that Kartye is under contract through next season at a cap hit of $1.25 million. There’s a good chance that he will be the Rangers' Conor Sheary replacement heading into next season.
So what exactly are the Rangers getting in this player?
The Kingston, Ontario-native is a left handed shot who mainly plays the left wing, but can fill in at center as needed. While he's not huge, he plays like it as he's regarded for his physicality, grittiness and ability to out-work opponents. In addition to his sandpaper playing style, Kartye is also praised for his hockey IQ and two-way abilities. At 24-years-old, there's a chance he can grow into a bigger role but realistically, his ceiling is likely that of a third liner at absolute most.
Rangers claim Kartye pic.twitter.com/2fktoiPLje
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) February 27, 2026
For now, he will be a welcome addition to the Rangers fourth line which is currently without Matt Rempe and Adam Edstrom, and could lose more pieces to the puzzle following the trade deadline. Another low stakes, worthwhile waiver wire pick up for the Rangers.
In a corresponding move, the Rangers had assigned Brennan Othmann back to the Hartford Wolf Pack.
UPDATE: Brennan Othmann has been assigned to the Hartford Wolf Pack.
— NY Rangers PR (@NYR_PR) February 27, 2026
If you missed the game last night, there was a moment on the broadcast where they mentioned Mike Sullivan was fired up (in a bad way) after a rough shift from the Rangers fourth line. Regardless of the Kartye addition, this news doesn't come as much of a surprise with that in mind. In 17 games with the Rangers this season, Othmann has just the one goal to show for as he continues to struggle finding a role on this Rangers team.
