Full Breakdown
New York Rangers Assign Brendan Brisson and Connor Mackey to AHL
10/2/2025, 7:52:04 PM
Roster Adjustments Ahead of NHL Season
As the New York Rangers finalize their roster ahead of the NHL regular season, the team has assigned forward Brendan Brisson and defenseman Connor Mackey to their AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack. This decision was announced by Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury on October 1, 2025, as the team prepares for its upcoming games against the New Jersey Devils and Boston Bruins before opening the season against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Brendan Brisson, 23, was acquired by the Rangers from the Vegas Golden Knights in March 2025. He had a varied performance last season, splitting time between the NHL and AHL, where he recorded nine games with the Golden Knights, 45 games with the Henderson Silver Knights (19 points), and 16 games with the Wolf Pack (six points). Connor Mackey, 29, had a career-high 66 games with the Wolf Pack last season, scoring 24 points.
Training Camp Developments
The Rangers have been actively trimming their training camp roster, recently cutting ten players, including Brennan Othmann. Following these adjustments, eight players were assigned to the Wolf Pack, while Brisson and Mackey were placed on waivers before their reassignment. The Wolf Pack's current training camp roster includes 23 forwards, 12 defensemen, and four goaltenders.
Coaching Transition and Team Dynamics
With the Rangers entering their 100th NHL season, they have also welcomed new head coach Mike Sullivan, a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Sullivan's experience is seen as a valuable asset, but former Rangers captain Mark Messier emphasized that past successes do not guarantee future results. He noted that building trust and relationships with the players will be crucial for Sullivan's success in New York.
Messier remarked, “Winning earns credibility, but that doesn’t equal trust,” highlighting the importance of fostering a cohesive team environment. Sullivan's immediate challenge will be to integrate his winning philosophy with the Rangers' current roster, which aims to rebound from a disappointing previous season.
Implications for the Rangers' Future
The Rangers' decision to assign Brisson and Mackey to the AHL reflects a broader strategy of roster management as they seek to balance veteran presence with the development of younger talent. While there is a push to give prospects like Brett Berard and Noah Laba opportunities, the team's current win-now philosophy may delay their integration into the NHL lineup.
As the Rangers prepare for the regular season, the effectiveness of Sullivan's coaching and the team's ability to build trust will be critical in determining their success in a competitive Metropolitan Division.
Verbatim Quotes
- “What Messie r points out so astutely is that winning earns credibility, but that doesn’t equal trust.” — Mark Messier, Former Rangers Captain
- “So for the coach coming in, he’s going to get instant credibility because he’s been in the league for a long time,” — Mark Messier, Former Rangers Captain
