Per Colin Stephenson, the New York Rangers cap games are in full swing, announcing several roster moves designed to maximize LTIR space. First and foremost, Jimmy Vesey was placed on LTIR and Ryan Lindgren on IR. This opens two skater spots for the time being. Vesey will be out the entire month of October, and Lindgren can return next week, ensuring he will miss at least two games to start the season.
Next, the Rangers have sent all non-waivers players to the AHL on a paper transaction. This includes Adam Edstrom, Matt Rempe, Brett Berard, Victor Mancini, and Will Cuylle. To replace them, the Rangers have recalled Jake Leschyshyn, Anton Blidh, Ben Harpur, and Adam Sykora.
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.
