Maxim Barbashev impresses at competitive Hartford Wolf Pack training camp
Training camp is in the rearview mirror and the Hartford Wolf Pack are set to embark on their 28th season in the American Hockey League. The New York Rangers affiliate will be seeking their third consecutive berth in the Calder Cup Playoffs this season, this time under new coach Grant Potulny.
Training camp featured Potulny teaching his system, which, perhaps not so coincidentally, is the same one deployed y the Rangers.
Among other things, Potulny said last week he wants the Wolf Pack “to play fast.” And by that, he meant not so much skating fast, but making quick decision and moving the puck quickly.
Potulny likes the looks of his team ahead of what should be a very interesting 2024-25 season.
Related: Rangers place Matthew Robertson on waivers, send Connor Mackey to AHL Hartford
Hartford Wolf Pack training camp notebook
Let’s dive into some of the big topics from Wolf Pack training camp.
Maxim Barbashev makes noise before ECHL assignment
Maxim Barbashev — photo courtesy Hartford Wolf Pack
Though he ended up being assigned to ECHL Bloomington, Maxim Barbashev had an impressive camp and preseason with Hartford. The 20-year-old forward, a fifth round pick by the Rangers in 2022, signed a one-year contract with Hartford after not being offered an entry-level contract by New York. He responded by tying for the Hartford lead with four points (two goals, two assists) in the preseason.
The young forward, who played one game with Hartford on a PTO last season, displayed an offensive presence in three games last week, as well as a physical aspect. Barbashev, who’s listed as 6-foot-2, 191 pounds, dropped the gloves and secured a Gordie Howe hat trick in Hartford’s second game of the preseason.
The prospect built a compelling case to remain on the Wolf Pack’s roster. However, it was not good enough and he will begin his first full pro season with the Rangers ECHL affiliate, the Bloomington Bisons. If he continues to make noise in the ECHL, then Barbashev will likely be a top candidate to earn a call up to Hartford.
Veteran Wolf Pack players stand out
Forwards Blade Jenkins and Alex Belzile were in the grove and had an immediate impact in the preseason games. Offensively, Jenkins produced four points (one goal, three assists) and Belzile notched three points (two goals, one assist). Both are part of the group returning from last season, craving for more after concluding the season in the Atlantic Division Final, where they were swept by the Hershey Bears.
Belzile returns to Hartford for his second straight season after after playing well for the Rangers in the their preseason. The 33-year-old is a prime candidate to be Hartford’s next captain after the departure of Jonny Brodzinski to the Rangers full time. Prior to joining the organization, Belzile was the Laval Rocket’s captain in the 2022-23 campaign. Experienced in the NHL as well, the forward will be able to guide the prospects throughout the season.
Jenkins joined the club at the halfway point of last season through a Professional Tryout, which led to signing an AHL deal for the remainder of the season. The 24-year old split time in the AHL and ECHL prior to joining Hartford. He brings size (6-foot-2, 195 pounds) and physicality to the roster. While he is not an offensive juggernaut, Jenkins is versatile and can take face-offs (Hartford lacks depth at center) and is dependable defensively.
Projecting Hartford’s opening-night roster
Currently the Wolf Pack have 15 forwards, nine defenseman, and three goalies, and are expected to make additional cuts. The projected roster to begin the season will be tweaked as the Rangers are beginning the season with a few injuries. Once healthy, a trickle-down effect will occur since the Wolf Pack may receive another player or two from the NHL club.
Among the forwards, Peter Laviolette — yes the son of the Rangers coach — is on a PTO. Another question up front is the status of NHL veteran forward Adam Erne, who’s also on a PTO. On defense, Griffin Luce is the lone player on a PTO. Decisions will also have to be made on Carter Berger, Case McCarthy, and Ryan Siedem. Players on PTOs are likely to be released, and Bloomington will receive additional reinforcements on the back end. Lastly, goaltender Brad Arvanitis is on a PTO and likely will be released.
Brennan Othmann, who had four points (one goal, three assists) in the preseason with the Rangers is back to start the season with Hartford, along with key forward prospects Adam Sykora, Bryce McConnell-Barker and Jaroslav Chmelar.
Forward Brett Berard and defenseman Victor Mancini remain with the Rangers, who still have a cut or two to make before opening the season Wednesday against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Hartford’s 2024-25 squad will be difficult to play against with sprinkles of talent built around size and grit. Potulny will be able to roll out four solid lines and three good defense parings with ease.
Preseason notes
- Riley Nash is expected to be out for a while. The veteran did not participate in the Rangers training camp nor in Hartford’s. The veteran forward is missed in Hartford for his steady veteran presence.
- The Wolf Pack’s lease is not official as we begin the season. However, the sales office is moving and is given a 5-year lease. Based on the language of the lease, Hartford has a 2-year deal with options to renew. Stay tuned for additional information once available.
Upcoming games
The Wolf Pack have 7 games (5 home, 2 away) in October. The first of those takes place this weekend.
Saturday, October 12th vs Lehigh Valley Phantoms (Flyers) at 7:05pm, PPL Center
- This is the first of six meetings in the season series. Last season, Hartford won the series posting a record of 4-1-1. The rematch will be at the XL Center on Oct. 25.
- The Phantoms posted a record of 32-31-6-3 for 73 points last season. They were ranked sixth in the Atlantic Division. In the Calder Cup Playoffs, Lehigh Valley lost to Hershey in the Atlantic Division Semifinals.
- Listen – Mixlr. Watch – AHLTV.
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