New York Rangers finalized opening night roster and projected taxi squad

Anthony Scultore Updated: Jan 12, 2021

Yesterday, the Rangers placed seven players on waivers and today none were claimed. On the list were:

Anthony Bitetto (D)
Colin Blackwell (C)
Johnny Brudziński (F)
Brandon Crawley (D)
Gabriel Fontaine (F)
Anthony Greco (F)
Keith Kinkaid (G)

There was some minor concern that the NJ Devils may put in a claim for Kinkaid after losing Corey Crawford, but didn’t come to pass.

New York Rangers Roster

The Rangers still have to finalize their taxi squad but let’s take a brief look at yesterday’s final practice group. It is in essence the opening night lineup.

NYR Forwards

new york rangers roster — Panarin and Kakko (Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports)

Chris Kreider – Mika Zibanejad – Pavel Buchnevich
Artemi Panarin – Ryan Strome – Kaapo Kakko
Alexis Lafrenière – Filip Chytil – Julien Gauthier
Brendan Lemieux – Brett Howden – Phil Di Giuseppe/Kevin Rooney

NYR Defense

Adam Fox was great least season (Frank Franklin II/AP/Shutterstock)

K’Andre Miller – Jacob Trouba
Ryan Lindgren – Adam Fox
Jack Johnson – Tony DeAngelo
Brendan Smith (7th D)

NYR Goaltending

New York rangers training camp — Shesterkin at practice (NHLI/NYR)

Igor Shesterkin
Alexandar Georgiev

New York Rangers taxi squad

When it comes to the taxi squad, some of the players on waivers are very likely going to end up on it. The NHL demands teams carry three goalies and we already received confirmation that Kinkaid will be the third net-minder.

As far as the rest, teams can carry a minimum of 4 up to 6. Here’s the six players I believe will be on the squad.

NYR Taxi Squad

KEITH KINKAID — Keith Kinkaid (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Keith Kinkaid (G)
Anthony Bitetto (D)
Matthew Robertson (D)
Morgan Barron (F)
Colin Blackwell (F)
Libor Hajek (D)

What I would like to note is that both Matthew Robertson and Morgan Barron would be temporary and sent down to Hartford as soon as the AHL season starts. Libor Hajek is an interesting case because maybe it would be better for him to get in game action with the Wolf Pack too.

Regardless, when it is time to send down Barron, we could see a player like Johnny Brodzinski or Anthony Greco called up to take his place. If Hajek remains on the taxi squad, then there would be no need to call up another defenseman for Robertson.