The New York Rangers have had to make major roster moves to start the beginning of the season.
The finalized roster had to be submitted to the NHL by 5 PM to ensure each team has not more than 23 players, and not less than 20.
Prior to the start of the season, each Club must submit to the NHL its "Opening Day Playing Roster" which shall be comprised of not more than 23 players. Each Club must have a roster of at least 20 players, composed of 18 skaters and two goaltenders. Players on Injured Reserve do not count in the 23-man limit.
According to Larry Brooks of the New York Post, these moves are all paper moves, and we should expect more to follow in light of the team's difficulties.
To explain what "Paper moves" mean in layman's terms:
The nine player swap with gives the Rangers two full cap days of lesser salary, maximizing their LTIR space while Vesey is out. But rest assured, as Edstrom, Rempe, Mancini, and Cuylle will be in the lineup for the opener in Pittsburgh. It's purely a paper transaction.
Brett Berard is not expected back, but given he was the final forward returned to Hartford, he's the first man up for injury.
The Rangers won the President's Trophy in 2023-2024, and will look to shoot for an spot in the Stanley Cup playoffs, in what could be a last dance for this roster.