Two picks from the New York Rangers’ roster are set to conclude the 2023-24 season in the American Hockey League, having secured Amateur Tryout contracts (ATO) with the Hartford Wolf Pack.
Forward players Kalle Vaisanen and Maxim Barbashev finalized their ATO agreements on Tuesday and will be eligible for play when Hartford faces off against Springfield on Friday.
Vaisanen recently inked a three-year, entry-level contract with the Rangers, slated to commence next season. The 21-year-old was chosen by the Rangers in the fourth round (No. 106 overall) of the 2021 NHL Draft, being their fifth selection in that draft and the second of three picks in the fourth round.
Meanwhile, Barbashev, aged 20, was drafted by the Rangers in the fifth round (No. 161 overall) of the 2022 draft. Notably, he is the younger sibling of Ivan Barbashev, a forward for the Vegas Golden Knights and two-time Stanley Cup champion.
The signings of Vaisanen and Barbashev accompany those of three other Rangers prospects who recently secured ATOs with the Wolf Pack. Jaroslav Chmelar, drafted in the fifth round of the 2021 draft, has played four games, recording no scores and a minus-five. Victor Mancini, drafted in 2022, has participated in three games, also without scoring. Goalie Hugo Ollas, drafted in 2020, is yet to make an appearance.
Vaisanen’s recent performances with TPS Turku saw him tally nine goals and 14 points across 58 games in the latest season, with an additional four points during the playoffs. He previously contributed four goals and five points in the 2022-23 season with TPS Turku. On an international scale, Vaisanen notably assisted Finland in securing a silver medal at the 2022 World Junior Championship.
Barbashev, on the other hand, recently wrapped up his fourth season in the QMJHL, accumulating 35 points split between Shawinigan and Rimouski. His prior season with Moncton saw him notch 32 goals and 65 points in 67 games.
As Hartford aims to snap a six-game losing streak on Friday, they have five games left in the current season.
