Rangers make waiver claim amid rebuild!

The New York Rangers returned from the Olympic break on Thursday night with a reshaped roster, falling to the Philadelphia Flyers in overtime. The team is in the midst of a retool following Artemi Panarin’s trade to the Los Angeles Kings and ongoing speculation about moving Vincent Trocheck.

Adding to the roster shuffle, the Rangers claimed 24-year-old winger Tye Kartye off waivers from the Seattle Kraken on Friday.

Kartye has three goals and eight points in 40 games this season and posted a career-best 11 goals and 20 points in 77 games with Seattle in 2023-24.

According to team insider, Vincent Z. Mercigliano, "They like Kartye for his size, physicality and PK ability. Has also scored a bit at lower levels and had 11 goals for the Kraken two seasons."

While not a marquee addition, Kartye gives the Rangers another young, affordable forward as they continue to tweak the lineup in preparation for the stretch run. W

With trade rumours swirling and the team looking to balance youth and experience, this waiver claim could be a small but strategic piece of their rebuild. At least, that's what the fanbase is hoping for, focusing on the positive during this tough stretch.