Massive opportunity presents itself for Rangers defenseman as K'Andre Miller is sidelined with injury
Photo credit: NHL.com
Now that K'Andre Miller has been placed on injured reserve, the Rangers have a spot for Connor Mackey in the lineup. Can he be the defenseman the Rangers need to improve the team's standings in the Metropolitan Division?
Connor Mackey has only played one game for the New York Rangers since signed with the club in 2023. This time around he could get a longer look in the NHL since he's spent the majority of his time in Hartford.
Mackey was one of the last defensemen to be sent down to the AHL at the end of training camp. The emotions got to Mackey afterward.
«It's tough being up here for most of camp,» Mackey said. «Being one of the last guys to get let go was hard for sure, but it's a business. Obviously down there worked hard, had a positive attitude and trying to continue to get better was my focus each day, still doing that right now.»
This season with the Wolfpack Mackey has 6 points(2 G, 4 A) in 22 games.
Since being sent down to the AHL Mackey has felt that he's improved his game and is ready to take on the challenge in the NHL this season.
«I feel like since camp until now, I feel like I've gotten better each day,» Mackey said. «I've continued to work hard. Down there I'm trying to be big on the penalty kill, help a team in that way on the penalty kill. Just be a super reliable puck moving defenseman, being hard and physical on guys, playing with an edge.»
While most defensemen would be nervous about being up with the big club, Mackey is approaching the opportunity with confidence.
While most defensemen would be nervous about being up with the big club, Mackey is approaching the opportunity with confidence.
«For me nothing new changes,» Mackey said. «I'm not going to change my game or anything. They called me up because of my play in Hartford. I'm not going to change what I was doing down there just because I'm here now.»
This season the former Arizona Coyotes, and Calgary Flames defenseman will make his NHL debut against the Los Angeles Kings.
Mackey was signed to a two-year deal during the offseason with a league minimum cap hit of $775K AAV.
His contract will expire in 2026, as a pending UFA and can he force the Rangers' hands to keep him past his expiry date?
Or will he be just another brick in the wall?
Last year he played only one game and acquired 5 PIMs, no points, and no assists.
Previously on NYRangersInsider
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 13 | 523 ANSWERS Massive opportunity presents itself for Rangers defenseman as K'Andre Miller is sidelined with injury Do you think defenseman Connor Mackey will make an impact on the New York Rangers lineup Saturday against the Los Angeles Kings? | ||
| Yes | 231 | 44.2 % |
| No | 292 | 55.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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