NHL Insider Reveals Reasoning Behind The New York Rangers' Latest Roster Transaction
Photo credit: 2025 NHLI
The New York Rangers are receiving a reinforcement in Urho Vaakanainen, who is coming off the injury list. The team has reassigned depth defenseman Connor Mackey to the Hartford Wolfpack.
Defenseman Urho Vaakanainen was out of the Rangers' lineup against the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday as a result of a lower-body injury.
However, according to a report today from Colin Stephenson of NewsDay, Vaakanainen will slot into the Rangers lineup today.
GM Chris Drury has reassigned defenseman Connor Mackey to the AHL's Hartford Wolfpack.
The former 18th overall pick by the Boston Bruins has played a total of 197 games during his NHL career and scored 41 points (3-38).
56 of those have been with the Blueshirts, where he's scored 16 points (2-14).
The New York Rangers open A spot in the lineup for Urho Vaakanainen and Vinnie Trocheck
Since they have sent defenseman Connor Mackey back down to AHL Hartford, the team has coincidentally opened up a spot for Vinnie Trocheck to return to the lineup.
While we haven't received an official return date for Vinnie Trocheck yet, he's been seen skating on the ice. Positive news all around for a team that needs it.
So, a positive development for the Rangers today, with bottom-four defenseman Urho Vaakanainen returning to the team.
The Rangers are regrouping after yesterday's game against the Red Wings and will need all the help they can get.
Vaakanainen was signed to a two-year, $1.5 million deal with the Blueshirts on March 7th, 2025.
Previously on NY Rangers Insider
