The New York Rangers have begun trimming their roster as the 2024 NHL preseason progresses. In their first round of cuts, 15 players have been removed from the main camp roster. This is a crucial stage in the team’s preparation for the season, as they start narrowing down the roster to ensure the team is focused on the core group heading into the regular season.
Eleven players have been reassigned to the Hartford Wolf Pack, the Rangers’ AHL affiliate. The most notable among this group is Maxim Barbashev, a player with considerable potential who will continue his development in Hartford. Joining him are **Carter Berger**, **Brett Budgell**, **Jonny Evans**, **Blake Hillman**, **Blade Jenkins**, **Case McCarthy**, **Blake McLaughlin**, **Jake Murray**, **Chase Pauls**, and **Ryan Siedem**. All these players will have the opportunity to refine their skills in the AHL, hoping for a future call-up if their performance merits it.
In addition to the AHL assignments, three players have been returned to their Canadian Hockey League (CHL) teams. These include **Raoul Boilard** and **Nathan Aspinall**, both 2024 draft picks, as well as **Noah Van Vliet**. These young players are not quite ready for professional play in the AHL or NHL and will benefit from more development time in juniors.
Finally, **Kalle Vaisanen** has been returned to Europe, where he will continue his season. For Vaisanen, returning to his home league gives him the chance to further hone his skills before possibly making the leap to North American hockey full-time.
While the first round of cuts is always a bit early in the preseason, it is a necessary step to start focusing on the players with a real shot at making the Rangers’ roster. The Rangers still have 48 players remaining in camp, as they continue to prepare for the upcoming season.
This phase of cuts largely consists of prospects who are either not eligible or not ready for AHL play, such as the CHL and European players. It also includes players, like Barbashev, who are unlikely to see NHL time this season but are still key to the organization’s future plans.
As the Rangers head toward the regular season, the roster will continue to be trimmed, with each round of cuts bringing the team closer to its final form for 2024.