Rangers Trim Training Camp Roster to 36

As alluded to in yesterday’s article, the Rangers have made a significant amount of cuts from their training camp roster following the first of back-to-back outings with the New Jersey Devils.

Not a ton of surprises with any of these transactions. Jaroslav Chmelar, Bryce McConnell-Barker, Dylan Roobroeck, and Adam Sykora have been assigned to the Hartford Wolf Pack as expected. All four of those players have some promise and will look to continue their development in the AHL. Blade Jenkins and Blake Hillman who were already on AHL contracts with the Wolf Pack, have been released from their short lived PTO’s and will join unsigned forward Nate Sucese in attending Hartford’s camp. 

The only part of this round of cuts that comes with some intrigue is Adam Erne and Madison Bowey, both of whom were attending Rangers camp on PTO’s. From the start, it didn’t look like there was much of a route for Bowey to earn a roster spot with the Rangers but with Adam Erne, there was some potential despite it still being a long shot. Erne took part in two preseason games with the Rangers and while he didn’t blow anybody away, he did have solid showings which included a pair of assists and a spirited scrap last night. 

Both Erne and Bowey will continue their tryouts now with the Hartford Wolf Pack as a part of their camp. If Erne can’t secure an NHL contract, he would be a great addition to the Wolf Pack’s roster and would become a quality call-up option for the Rangers if they sign him to a two-way NHL contract. As for Bowey, I wouldn’t say it's likely Hartford has any pressing desires to add him to their blue line but you never can be too sure. Either way, both players will provide some quality experience in the JV squad's training camp.

The Rangers will give some of the remaining fringe players one last look tonight before likely making more cuts as they prepare for their dress rehearsal on Long Island Friday. The preseason intensity will likely peak tonight with roster spots still available and opening night just nine days away.