One of the unconfirmed details of the NHL’s 2021 season plans is roster size. The NHL is reportedly looking at expanded roster sizes and a taxi squad that can fill in late COVID related scratches. Initial rumors have a 25-man roster and a 3-4 man taxi squad. For the NY Rangers, the expanded roster will give them options. But what will the impact on the Hartford Wolf Pack be?
Expanded Roster Size
The Rangers have a lot of journeyman veterans on the team this year. This was obviously due to the upcoming expansion draft. However given COVID, there may be a secondary use for these players. Initially thought to be AHL depth and NHL call ups, players like Colin Blackwell and Anthony Bitetto may find themselves getting an NHL salary this year as the 14F/8D.
If the Rangers use the expanded roster, then I’d expect two extra forwards and two extra defensemen. That’s where Bitetto and Blackwell come in, but it also makes players like Phil Di Giuseppe and, dare I say, Jack Johnson more valuable. They become extra bodies that don’t impact the much needed growth of K’Andre Miller, Tarmo Reunanen, Morgan Barron, and any other prospect that may need AHL time.
We don’t know how the roster is going to play out, as any of these kids could make the team. But it’s safe to assume that Bitetto, Blackwell, Di Giuseppe, and others will have an expanded role as COVID rears its ugly head this year.
Taxi Squad
A taxi squad is usually used for the playoffs, and consists of a bunch of depth players and top prospects. They usually participate in practice and serve as emergency injury depth. That’s the same concept for this year, but the difference is there will be an AHL season to contend with.
It will be interesting to see how the Rangers implement a taxi squad, or if they even take advantage of it. Is this a paperwork thing, where only certain players on that squad can be used as emergency call ups? Do they play in the AHL unless otherwise needed? How many travel for away games?
The taxi squad this year, if it’s 3-4 players, might consist of the prospects that play the best in camp. It might also include young players that have NHL experience, but haven’t quite shown they belong in the NHL just yet. Libor Hajek is the first player that comes to mind, but I can see Tim Gettinger and perhaps Darren Raddysh getting on this squad. Probably Adam Huska as well.
AHL Impact
The biggest impact to the AHL will be the emergency removal of players from their roster. It will certainly hurt to lose some of their top-nine and top-four players to an emergency call up. That said, prospect development likely won’t be impacted.
Development is going to be the most important aspect of the NY Rangers season this year. The top prospects, if they don’t make the Rangers outright, will not be subjected to the unpredictability of the taxi squad or expanded roster. I’d suspect it will be business as usual for players like K’Andre Miller, Morgan Barron, and others. If they earn a call up, and a call up is needed, they will get it. Otherwise, they will spend the year in the AHL.
I highly doubt the expanded roster and taxi squad will impact the NY Rangers big picture plans. If anything, it will be a bit of a burden on the 4-A players. But I’m sure none will be crying if they get their NHL salary over consistent playing time in the AHL.
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