bobby trivigno signing

On Friday, the long rumored Bobby Trivigno signing finally happened. This is a great value signing for the Rangers, as the Hockey East Player of the Year and undrafted free agent was on the top of everyone’s boards. The signing adds another forward to the mix at Hartford, something that is much needed, in the short term. Long term remains to be seen. As per usual, I have some thoughts.

1. The Bobby Trivigno signing is a great job by Drury. He’s had ties to the Rangers, attending prospect camp and playing with Zac Jones. The scouting report on Trivigno is that he’s small, skilled, and pesky. He gets in on the forecheck, is a solid two way player, and can put the puck in the net. When you have an article about you called “The Playmaker and the Pest,” it’s a good thing, especially for how the Rangers want to play.

2. That last bit is important. The Rangers have been targeting players that play a very specific style. They are quick, tenacious, get in on the forecheck, and get back on the back check. It showed in the trade deadline acquisitions, and it carried over to the Trivigno signing. He is going to start in the AHL on an ATO right now, but the Rangers likely view him as an outside shot to make the team while he is still on his ELC.

3. Now to temper expectations. He is an undrafted free agent. He’s not Kevin Hayes, a former first round pick who didn’t sign with his team. Nor is he even Jimmy Vesey, a third round pick who also didn’t sign with his team. The absolute best case and least likely scenario is that the Bobby Trivigno signing turns out like Mats Zuccarello. But that’s not really fair. It’s fair to assume he will be something like a Brett Berard. The two have similar scouting reports, skill sets, and build. Berard projects to be a bottom six pest at his ceiling, which is where we should put Trivigno.

4. More on this, Trivigno is not a shoo-in for a roster spot next year, like how many had him pegged. There were even people on Twitter that were saying the Rangers should trade Chris Kreider to make room for him. Trivigno is more than likely playing in the AHL next season, and that’s fine. It’s very difficult to make the jump from the NCAA’s to the pros. Undrafted free agents rarely make that jump immediately. To avoid disappointment, it’s best to level set your expectations.

5. Hartford is certainly going to get an influx of talent that is pegged to spend all of next season with them. Trivigno, Will Cuylle, and Dylan Garand are on their way. Karl Henriksson is likely headed there too. Ryder Korczak, who will turn 20 in September, may also be a dark horse to make the jump from the WHL. That’s some serious skill up front, plus some much needed stability in net.

6. One last thought on the Bobby Trivigno signing: None of this is to say that he’s going to be a career AHLer or a sure fire NHLer. It’s to say that he likely needs development time. He’s not a player you adjust the roster for or force him onto the roster. You make room if he forces you to, of course, but treat him like a mid-round pick. We all love Brett Berard, so let’s treat him like Brett Berard. Would you put Berard in the NHL immediately? I don’t think so. So let’s do the same with Trivigno.

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