Hockey Team, Hartford Wolf Pack, New Prospects to | New York Rangers News

Corey (0:00)

It's September 27th. Okay, big one today for the New York Rangers. They're gearing up for the start of their AHL affiliate season, the Hartford Wolf Pack, where some exciting prospects are set to make their mark. Hartford kicks off its 30th anniversary season on October 3rd against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, then hosts the Wilkes-Barris-Granton Penguins for the home opener on October 10

First up is Alberts Smits, a name you definitely want to remember.

The Rangers picked him fifth overall in the 2026 NHL draft. He's a Latvian defenseman who made waves in Finland and Germany, racking up 13 points in 38 Liga games. If he doesn't snag a spot with the Rangers, he'll likely head to Hartford, which could be a huge opportunity for him. Next, we got Jacob Battaglia, who's officially heading to Hartford for his first pro season. This 20-year-old forward had a solid run in the OHL last year, tallying 48 points in 64 regular season games. New York assigned him to Hartford just a few days ago, and his playoff performance with Flint shows he's got the skills to play competitive hockey.

And don't sleep on Dylan Roobroeck. Standing at 6'8, he's hard to miss, and he's back for his third season with the Wolf Pack. Last year, he put up 26 points in 72 games, building on his solid performance from the previous seasons. He'll be a key player once again, bringing that size and skill to the lineup. So, plenty of excitement to watch in Hartford this season. These prospects are ready to prove themselves, as they aim for a spot on the big stage in New York. From your team, powered by AI, this is New York Rangers News Today. I'm Corey with the story.