How does waiving Connor Mackey impact these three New York Rangers defensemen

The team had decided to place defenseman Connor Mackey on waivers in hopes that he will clear and head to their AHL affiliate in Hartford. The 28-year-old who stands at six foot 2 and 201 pounds played for the Calgary Flames, Arizona Coyotes and Rangers pit last season; he spent 44 games with the Hartford Wolfpack. He scored two goals with nine assists for 11 points and had 82 penalty minutes.

This decision has paved the way for three other players to be considered for the final defensive roster spot. Victor Mancini, Matthew Robertson and Chad Ruhwedel feel that they have a good chance to make the roster.

Out of the three players, the 22-year-old Mancini has been the most impressive as he has great foot speed and had a great offensive mind. Robertson also should have had an extended look during this camp, but he ended up suffering from a lower body injury that kept him out of camp and hurt his chances for making the Rangers.

Ruhwedel Is the veteran of the group and at 34 years old he had signed A1 year deal with the team. It's likely he will remain with the Rangers as Ryan Lindgren continues to recover from his upper body injury.

In the end head coach Peter Laviolette will make his decisions based on performance and overall play as these three players have shown. There have been question marks on their blue line but with the organizational depth they have, it's likely this will not be much of A concern as the Rangers hope to build off of what they accomplished last year in hopes of heading to the Stanley Cup Finals.

Source: The Hockey News

Source: Eliteprospects.com