The Rangers Metropolitan Division Rivals trim roster significantly

PUBLICATION

Joshua Deeds
September 29, 2024 (8:22 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

One of the Rangers Metropolitan Division rivals has made a huge roster cut today, as they have sent more than twenty players to the Hershey Bears.

This is a significant cut to the Washington Capitals roster, which should give us a better idea of who the Rangers will have to face off against this season.

Of those notables who remain are Jakub Vrana, and Andrew Cristall.

Vrana started his NHL career with the Washington Capitals in 2016-2017 and was a part of the team who'd win the Stanley Cup in 2017-2018.

He'd spent the next three seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, two in St. Louis and partially in AHL Springfield.

The first-rounder from 2014, was issued a PTO as a UFA and is turning heads at training camp. Vrana is known primarily as a sniper.

Players sent to the Hershey Bears

Zac Funk, F
Alexander Suzdalev, F
Bogdan Trineyev, F
Pierrick Dubé, F
Henrik Rybinski, F
Vincent Iorio, D
Nicky Leivermann, D
Jake Massie, D
Clay Stevenson, G
Mitch Gibson, G

Players sent to continue rehab with Hershey Bears
Luke Philip, F
Spencer Smallman, F
Logan Day, D
John McDonald, D

Players on waivers for purpose of loan to Hershey
Ethen Frank, F
Alex Limoges, F
Riley Sutter, F
Hardy Häman Aktell, D
Chase Priskie, D

Returned to Juniors
Ilya Protas (Windsor Spitfires, OHL)

The team has 31 players left on the roster, which means the Capitals can run one practice. This will increase competition for spots on the lineup, with Nicklas Backstrom, and TJ Oshie out on injury, players will be competing for 23 spots in the lineup.

This will be the last week of preseason play for the Capitals, which means spots are limited and they will have to make an impact on ice to remain relevant.

The goal is for the team have make it back into the NHL playoffs, and help Alex Ovechkin beat Gretzky's record.

But from a Rangers perspective, this roster isn't solid, nor is it as tight as the Capitals with Trotz as bench boss.

They will have holes in the lineup and chemistry to build, which the Rangers should be able to weaknesses and tear into them.

If the Rangers are to win the Eastern Conference, it doesn't seem likely that the Capitals will offer much resistance. It's all about Florida.

Source: Hockey Trade Rumors
Washington Capitals drastically cut their training camp squad by 20 players