Rangers rookie camp notebook: Robertson seeks edge, McConnell-Barker eyes roster spot
The New York Rangers rookie camp is underway, and several key prospects look to make an impression before the start of training camp ahead of the 2024-25 season. After two days of practice, the Rangers rookies play two exhibition games against the Philadelphia Flyers rookies on Friday at 7:00 PM ET and Saturday at 5:00 PM ET.
Some of the big names at Rangers rookie camp include forwards Brennan Othmann, Brett Berard, and Adam Sykora, each of whom is fighting to earn a roster spot with the big club. Other prospects to keep an eye on are defenseman Matthew Robertson, now in his fourth year as a pro, and center Bryce McConnell-Barker, entering his first professional season with high ambitions.
Related: Brett Berard enters Rangers rookie camp after summer training with Calder Trophy winner
Matthew Robertson seeks edge in mental game
It was somewhat of a surprise that Robertson was re-signed by the Rangers this offseason. The second-round pick (No. 49) in the 2019 NHL Draft hasn’t exactly stood out as a top prospect, as originally expected, his first three seasons as a pro.
Robertson isn’t thinking too much about that, though, as he goes through rookie camp and eventually training camp. His focus is on the task at hand. Robertson does believe that his game is progressing. Not only physically and as a player, but mentally as well, which is an area that he identified needed some work this offseason.
“I worked on the mental side of the game this summer and tried to improve that,” Robertson explained Thursday. “That was probably the biggest thing holding me back. My mental psyche, keeping confident and consistent each day. It’s something that I’ve worked on this summer, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it pans out this year.”
Robertson scored four goals and had 21 points in 68 games last season with the Hartford Wolf Pack in the American Hockey League. He added one assist in 10 Calder Cup Playoff games.
Perhaps the biggest disappointment for Robertson was that when the Rangers needed to call up a defenseman during the season, he was never selected. Instead, Connor Mackey and Brandon Scanlin were recalled at separate times for Hartford, each playing one game with the Rangers.
In fact, Robertson is still waiting to make his NHL debut after three seasons in the AHL.
So, the 23-year-old decided to take the extra step preparing for this pivotal season in his career.
“I started working with a mental coach a bit,” Robertson explained. “It’s a long year, there’s always ups and downs. There are dog days in the year that you just have to grind through and there are times when things aren’t going to go your way. I do believe I’m ready for the NHL.”
Related: Rangers signing Madison Bowey to PTO for defense depth
Bryce McConnell-Barker eyeing opening night roster
Photo courtesy Hartford Wolf Pack
McConnell Barker enters rookie camp with plenty of confidence ahead of his first professional season. Last year, he had a strong two-way season in the OHL with the Soo Greyhounds, scoring 22 goals and finishing with 51 points in 52 games. The season prior, he reached 30 goals and 77 points in 68 games as a more one-dimensional player.
The 20-year-old center got a small taste of professional hockey at the end of last season, suiting up in four playoff games with the Wolf Pack. While he didn’t record a point, it was valuable experience.
Now, he is bursting with confidence, and made quite a statement regarding his goals for Rangers training camp.
“I’ve gotten a taste of pro hockey,” McConnell-Barker mentioned. “Just trying to put my best foot forward here, make a good impression, and try and make the big squad this year.”
It would be quite a surprise for McConnell-Barker to make the opening-night roster for the Rangers, let alone crack the lineup in general. The Rangers right now with Mika Zibanejad, Vincent Trocheck, Filip Chytil and Sam Carrick as their top-four centers. Jonny Brodzinski is next in line at the position.
However, that’s not stopping McConnell-Barker from aiming big.
“I feel like I think the game really well,” he said “I think I have a good hockey IQ and can make plays at a really high level. I think I skate well, good shot, just an overall really good player and I like to play the game two ways. Offense, defense, I think I can do it all.”
He’ll get the chance to show what he’s got when the Rangers open training camp next week.
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