Rangers Trim Roster to 25, Send 6 Prospects to Hartford

The New York Rangers are down to a 25-man roster ahead of the final game of preseason.

Nathan Aspinall, Cole Beaudoin, Liam Greentree, Carey Terrance, Jackson Dorrington, and Drew Fortescue have all been assigned to the Hartford Wolf Pack. Additionally, Anton Blidh, Glenn Gawdin, Marc Del Gaizo, and William Trudeau have been placed on waivers . 

Not many surprises here as it always felt as though the plan was for the young players to spend the season developing in the AHL. Beaudoin, Greentree, and Aspinall are all embarking on their rookie season in the AHL and will be exciting players to follow throughout the season. They will each have the chance to play important roles on a revamped Wolf Pack team this season. 

Joining them in the forward group, Terrance is coming off his rookie campaign last year as he had eight goals and nine assists for 17 points in 68 games in Hartford this past season. Assuming they claim waivers, Blidh and Gawdin will join the younger bunch as veteran leaders. Blidh finished last season with 16 points in 64 games in Hartford while Gawdin had 51 points in 71 games with the Ontario Reign. 

On the blueline, Drew Fortescue will begin his first full season in the AHL after appearing in nine games with the Rangers at the end of last season. He will be looked at as a top defender for them as he’s expected to make his Wolf Pack debut this season. Dorrington is coming off his first season of AHL hockey with the Wolf Pack, collecting 11 points in 70 games last year. 

Del Gaizo definitely made an impression in Rangers preseason and as such, could be a call-up option if and when injuries arise. He is coming off a 27-point season across 63 games with Laval where he was teammates with William Trudeau. Acquired in the Brett Berard trade, Trudeau had 20 points in 62 games with the Rocket and alongside Del Gaizo, will be a welcome addition to Hartford’s blue line. 

The Rangers are set to take on the New York Islanders tonight with what is expected to be the opening night roster.

The Rangers will have at least two more cuts to make. Assuming one of which is a goaltender (either Dylan Garand or Joonas Korpisalo), the final decision will likely be between the four skaters not taking part in tonight's preseason finale.