Hartford WolfPack Quarterly Rangers Prospects Report: Part 2 - Forwards

*Edited by: Alyssa Hertel

HARTFORD, CT -- The Hartford WolfPack have seen several of their forward prospects excel in the early portion of the 2018-19 season.

Lias Andersson began the season in the AHL, but after putting up 12 points (four goals, eight assists) in his first 14 games of the season he earned a call up to New York in early November and hasn't returned since - earning a regular spot in the NHL lineup.

Tim Gettinger is excelling in his first season, earning an NHL call up and bouncing back-and-forth between the two leagues as a rookie.

Ville Miskanen has been a pleasant surprise for Hartford as well, scoring all of his six goals to date at even-strength - the most of any player on the team.

If you missed it

Here's the first half of the Hartford WolfPack quarterly report on New York Rangers prospects playing in the American Hockey League, taking a look at the goalies and defenseman through the first two months of the season.

Part 1: Team Stats, Goalies & Defense

Forwards

Peter HollandFirst Quarter Stats: 23GP, 4G-17A,-1, 31 PIM

The veteran has had a decent start to the season. Seventeen assists in 23 games is not something to bat an eye at, but four goals is not up to par for Holland. He has picked up his offensive game as of late, putting up multiple points. As long as that continues, his points total will be up in no time. Leadership wise, he is doing a good job guiding the Rangers top prospects.

Cole SchneiderFirst Quarter Stats: 23GP,7G,-9A, -1, 4 PIM

Over the summer, Cole Schneider commented that he wants to do better with Hartford. Last season, Schneider put up 50 points. However, that wasn’t enough in Schneider’s eyes. Now the captain of the Pack, he has capability to make noise for the Pack. The forward seems to have found his game after going on a five-game point drought, recording a point in six straight games to date.

Tim GettingerFirst Quarter Stats: 20GP, 7G-4A, -6, 6 PIM

Tim Gettinger had an impressive start for Hartford. The tall forward adjusted to the professional life, and uses his height to his advantage. He has gotten dirty goals and is able to screen goalies. The rookie continues to find ways to collect points. He finds opportunities and converts on them. So far, so good development-wise for the prospect.

Bobby ButlerFirst Quarter Stats: 22GP, 4G-5A, -12, 10 PIM

The veteran had a decent start to the season. There are periods where he has not much production, then there are moments where he is able to produce offensively. The forward has some improvements to make, as he was brought in for experience, leadership, and the ability to step up in necessary situations.

Ville MeskanenFirst Quarter Stats: 23GP, 6G-8A, +3, 4 PIM

Ville Meskanen is another prospect for New York that is in his first year with Hartford. In the offensive aspect of the game, he is developing well. He has the ability to shoot the puck well and is able to convert on opportunities provided for him. The rookie reminds me of Tim Gettinger, as both are making noise in their first season.

Gabriel FontaineFirst Quarter Stats: 20GP, 2G-6A, +3, 6 PIM

Returning for his second season in Hartford, Gabriel Fontaine is a forward that is quiet, but not in a bad way. He does the little things throughout games and helps on the special teams when needed. Fontaine continues to be a depth player for Hartford. He is great at the defense aspects of the game. The offensive aspect needs more work.

Shawn O’DonnellFirst Quarter Stats: 22GP, 5G-2A, +9, 19 PIM

Shawn O’Donnell returned to Hartford after playing a few seasons in the ECHL and AHL. The gritty forward is in the locker room to provide veteran leadership. In addition, he provides physicality on the team and is not afraid to drop the gloves. He had a good streak for points in the last week of October. Since then, he is often attempting to lead the group in moments of the game where it is tight. His streaky scoring returned of late, as he has two goals and an assist in his last four games.

Ryan GroppFirst Quarter Stats: 19GP, 2G-3A, -8, 4 PIM

In his second year, Ryan Gropp is still adjusting to the game. He has potential to do more both offensively and defensively. Despite a low point total, he is still a depth player for the Pack. He still has lot of learning to do in all areas of the ice. Gropp was recently reassigned to the Rangers' ECHL affiliate in Maine - announced by the team Monday.

Matt Beleskey*First Quarter Stats: 14GP, 3G-6A, +3, 9 PIM

Matt Beleskey joined Hartford after returning from injury in New York. The veteran played in select games last year with Hartford. He is expected to provide leadership for the group. He plays with grit and is another veteran that should be in an asset for the Pack. His recent offensive surge - six points in his last four AHL games - earned him a one-game NHL call up before being returned to Hartford the following day.

Ty RonningFirst Quarter Stats: 8GP, 1G-0A, -2, 2 PIM

Ty Ronning is off to a slow start. However, this is his first season as a pro in Hartford. He showed capability to produce quality numbers in his junior ranks, and he has great speed. There is potential - it just it will take time for him to adjust. Hartford and New York fans will have to be patient with his development. The forward was sent down to Maine for playing time on November 19th, similar to Sean Day’s situation when he had little ice time. The prospects have to play, where in the organization is less important at this stage of development.

Dawson Leedahl First Quarter Stats: 5GP, 0G-0A, -2, 2 PIM

Dawson Leedahl played with Hartford in five games this season, as he is a recent call up from Maine. He played in 38 games with the Wolf Pack last season. I need to see the forward in more games this season before I can comment on his development and what he brings to the table in Hartford. Prior to the call up, the Rangers prospect collected three goals, four assists for 7 points in 12 games with the Mariners. He also had racked up 26 penalty minutes and a +/- rating of -4.

Vinni LettieriFirst Quarter Stats: 4GP, 3G-2A, -2, 2 PIM

Vinni Lettieri was sent down to Hartford back on November 17th. Last season with the Pack, the forward had a strong impact with the group with his offensive stats. He had earned a spot with the Rangers out of training cam, however, he was sent down as he was struggling in New York. After five points in four games with Hartford, Lettieri was back up with the Rangers briefly before again being reassigned to Hartford on Sunday.

Cristoval “Boo” NievesFirst Quarter Stats: 8GP, 2G-4A, -4, 6 PIM

The Rangers prospect joined Hartford recently, coming off a concussion that he got in preseason with New York. Since getting back to the ice, the older prospect has played well with the Pack. He jumped right out of the gates with strong offensive tactics. He is able get himself offensive opportunities such as breakaways and 2-on-1s. The forward could earn himself a spot with New York later on the season when there are injuries with the big club. He has to keep his head up and continue to do well with the WolfPack.