JUST IN: 2 Rangers draft picks sign ATOs to play with Hartford Wolf Pack
The New York Rangers’ draft picks, Kalle Vaisanen and Maxim Barbashev, are set to wrap up the 2023-24 season with the Hartford Wolf Pack in the American Hockey League, having signed Amateur Tryout contracts (ATO) on Tuesday.
The players will be in action when Hartford faces Springfield on Friday.Vaisanen, 21, inked a three-year, entry-level deal with the Rangers last week, which commences in the upcoming season.
He was chosen by the Rangers in the fourth round (106th overall) of the 2021 NHL Draft and is one of the eight picks the team made that year.Meanwhile, Barbashev, 20, was selected by the Rangers in the fifth round (161st overall) of the 2022 draft. He is the younger brother of Ivan Barbashev, a two-time Stanley Cup champion currently playing as a forward for the Vegas Golden Knights.
#NYR prospect Maxim Barbashev on the breakaway, in overtime, to win Game 7 for the @monctonwildcats❗️ 😤 pic.twitter.com/ExM1PAt6nW
— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) April 12, 2023
Rangers prospects Kalle Vaisanen, Maxim Barbashev sign ATOs with Hartford Wolf Pack
Vaisanen and Barbashev are the latest additions to the group of New York Rangers draft picks who have recently signed Amateur Tryout contracts (ATO) with the Hartford Wolf Pack. This group includes Jaroslav Chmelar, Victor Mancini, and Hugo Ollas, who were selected in the 2021 and 2022 drafts.
Vaisanen, a 21-year-old forward, has displayed impressive stats, including nine goals and 14 points in 58 games with TPS Turku this season. He also contributed four points (one goal, three assists) in nine playoff games.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and 178 pounds, Vaisanen has proven his worth on the world stage, helping Finland win a silver medal at the 2022 World Junior Championship and representing his country at the 2023 WJC.Barbashev, 20, has completed his fourth season in the QMJHL, scoring 35 points (14 goals, 21 assists) in 59 games split between Shawinigan and Rimouski.
He previously scored 32 goals and 65 points in 67 games with Moncton in the 2021-22 season.The Hartford Wolf Pack is currently on a six-game losing streak and is looking to end it on Friday, with five games remaining in their 2023-24 schedule.
