The New York Rangers have brought defenseman Travis Dermott on a professional tryout contract with the Hartford Wolfpack, the team’s affiliate in the American Hockey League. Fans might wonder if we’ll see Dermott donning a Rangers jersey soon.
With the NHL’s Olympic break ending on February 26th, Dermott now has the chance to participate in AHL games and potentially earn a spot on the roster. His contract will cover 25 games, but it can be ended at any point if the team decides to move in a different direction.
As the Rangers undergo roster adjustments, they will likely need additional depth, and more trades could be on the horizon before the NHL trade deadline on March 6th. For instance, Carson Soucy has already been acquired by the Islanders, and the Rangers have also filled the spot left vacant after waiving Vincent Iorio. Dermott’s NHL experience gives him an edge over other Hartford defensemen, and he could be called up to the main roster if necessary.
The 29-year-old defender has previously played for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, Arizona Coyotes, Edmonton Oilers, and most recently, the Minnesota Wild over eight NHL seasons. Throughout his career, he has appeared in 348 games, scoring 16 goals, 46 assists, and totaling 62 points, averaging just under 17 minutes of ice time per game.
Fan Take: This move is significant because it provides the Rangers with additional depth and flexibility as they navigate a busy trade season. For hockey fans, it signals the team’s ongoing efforts to optimize their roster, which could lead to exciting changes and opportunities for upcoming stars to step up.
