Despite falling to the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday 4-2, the New York Rangers have found what they needed in Alexander Wennberg and Jack Roslovic. It was no secret that New York considered themselves buyers during this recent 2024 NHL Trade Deadline. On their “wish list” were three types of players: a top-six right-winger, a third-line centre, and a depth defenceman. Two of the three have been a part of Peter Laviolette‘s lineup since the moment of their acquisitions. A speedy winger with familiarity with the roster and a centre with all kinds of swagger was just what this team needed, and it is slowly paying off.
The Two New Forwards on the Block: Wennberg and Roslovic
Sure, they might not be players that are going to have multi-goal games every single night. They are compliments: in this case, they both play a game that is recognizable whenever they step out onto the ice. The speed and flair from Roslovic was the missing piece for New York’s dormant top line. The two-way stability from Wennberg provides an outlet for wingers like Jonny Brodzinski and Kaapo Kakko. With about a month left to play, both Alex Wennberg and Jack Roslovic are going to help New York reach a place that they have not been to in quite some time. Here are some assessments of both of the “new guys” and how they have adapted to living life in The Big Apple.
Alex Wennberg: Two-Way Hockey and Drip
You are probably asking yourself, “Does Alex Wennberg provide that much drip?”. If you can rock both a tinted visor and an all-white stick, that is drip to me. Style aside, there has been a lot to like about Wennberg’s game. A former first-round pick of Columbus back in 2013, the Swedish centreman has always relied on his two-way play and playmaking abilities in Columbus, Florida, and most recently Seattle.
One cannot put it into words but Wennberg always seemed like a perfect fit for the Rangers. Since the injury to Filip Chytil, New York wanted to fill in that void. Help was needed in the centre position and General Manager Chris Drury was destined to make a move. With Elias Lindholm going to Vancouver and Sean Monahan off to Winnipeg, the match was made when Seattle agreed to send Wennberg to the bright lights of Broadway.
In seven games played for New York, Wennberg has tallied four points to his name and has been responsible defensively with a dSZ% over 61. Tuesday was Wennberg’s 700th game in the National Hockey League. He capped off the monumental game by scoring New York’s first goal past Connor Hellebuyck, which just so happened to be on the power play.
FIRST GOAL AS A #NYR IN CAREER GAME NO. 7️⃣0️⃣0️⃣. pic.twitter.com/2TmffSVGWQ
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 20, 2024
If you take a look back at the past Stanley Cup Winners (i.e. Vegas, Colorado, Tampa Bay, etc.), depth at centre has been a benchmark to success in the playoffs. Whether you are on the man advantage, trying to kill a penalty yourselves, or at even strength, a centre can cover most of the ice. Wennberg’s ability to back-check and lead a breakout play can be crucial in the future success of the New York Rangers.
Jack Roslovic: Carl Hagelin Version 2.0?
Let’s go back in time and take a look into the vault. Ten years ago, the Rangers were one of the more successful franchises in the NHL. In the midst of a Rangers team headlined by Henrik Lundqvist, Rick Nash, and Derek Stepan was a former Michigan Wolverine who was a fan favourite for years. Donning the jersey number 62 was a player by the name of Carl Hagelin. He was the speedster on the roster before Michael Grabner, and Jack Roslovic shows some similarities to his game.
Jack Roslovic set the @NYRangers' goal in motion with his play behind the net.
Dave Reid looks at how the forward uses his body position to protect the puck.@EJHradek_NHL | #NYR pic.twitter.com/HZIlgfwN9H
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) March 13, 2024
Playing his college hockey at “The Brotherhood” of Miami University (Ohio), Roslovic has used his speed to the best of his ability. Playing opposite of Chris Kreider, both give Mika Zibanejad pacey options along the side boards to lead an offensive breakout. In what we have seen so far from Roslovic, there is a lot of Hagelin-esque traits to his game. Like Wennberg, Roslovic has the chance to become a playoff hero given his status as the first-line right-winger.
New York is back in action on Thursday as they ship up to Boston to take on the Bruins. New York’s last game in Boston was a successful as Vincent Trocheck notched two goals, including the overtime winner in a 2-1 victory back on December 16th. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST on Thursday from TD Garden.
Main photo: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
