Talking Pack: Hartford Rolling in the Depth Amid Busy Offseason
After inking eight players to AHL deals, the Hartford Wolf Pack have assembled their best depth in recent memory.
Welcome to Talking Pack, a weekly offseason column about the Hartford Wolf Pack, exclusively at Blueshirt Banter. Every week, we'll catch you up on what's going on with the Rangers' AHL affiliate as they prepare for their 30th season in the fall.
For AHL clubs, players on AHL contracts form the backbone of the team. As teams manage injuries, recalls, and assignments, having a strong group of players you can rely on to fill the holes is paramount to staying competitive.
After suffering a last place finish in the 2025-26 season, the Hartford Wolf Pack have prioritized adding quality, experienced talent on AHL contracts this summer. The result is a preliminary roster that looks to be on of the deepest Hartford has built in recent years. Today, we'll dive into each of the eight players the Wolf Pack have inked to AHL deals so far.
Zakary Karpa, Forward
Cooper Moore, Defenseman
The Wolf Pack re-signed two players from last season on AHL deals, so we'll group them together. Greenwich, CT natives Zakary Karpa and Cooper Moore both provided strong depth for Hartford in their rookie seasons last year.
Karpa, originally drafted by the New York Rangers 191st overall in 2022, appeared in 24 games with the Wolf Pack, posting a goal and three assists. Karpa saw a lot of ice late in the season and became quite a reliable piece for Hartford. He provided strong play in the faceoff circle and on the penalty kill, becoming one of the team's more trusted forwards in both areas.
AHL Debut ✅
— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) December 27, 2025
First goal ✅
Welcome to @TheAHL, Zakary Karpa!!! Somebody grab that puck 👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/XIsBbJPbll
Moore, originally selected by the Detroit Red Wings 128th overall in 2019, suited up in 38 games for the Wolf Pack, recording a goal and six assists. Like Karpa, Moore was heavily leaned on by the Wolf Pack at 5v5 and on the penalty kill. He stepped up, providing quality play and becoming one of Hartford's best overall defensemen on the season.
GRAB THAT PUCK! COOPER MOORE NETS HIS FIRST PRO GOAL 🚨 pic.twitter.com/rMm5ARrdIQ
— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) January 31, 2026
Both Karpa and Moore are great pieces for the Wolf Pack to have back in the fold this season. They can be relied upon in their respective roles and are already familiar with the team, immediately making them the top depth options for the Wolf Pack entering the season.
