State of The Hartford Wolf Pack 2021-22

HARTFORD, Conn. – The Hartford Wolf Pack will be celebrating their 25 th anniversary in the 2021-22 season at the XL Center beginning on Friday, October 15th against the newly re-branded Bridgeport Islanders.

After completing a shortened 2020-21 season competing against Bridgeport and Providence, the Wolf Pack look to earn a playoff spot in the 2021-22 campaign. Hartford was inching closer to that goal in the 2019-20 campaign before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the American Hockey League (AHL) for the remainder of the season.

Despite a 24 game season for Hartford, Providence, and Bridgeport, development continued for the prospects of tomorrow on each respective team. In the scope of the New York Rangers, the franchise was given another solid roster for the brief season. The Wolf Pack fell short against the Bruins in the last game of the season to clinch first in the Atlantic Division.

While the excitement was happening on ice, fans were shutout in each respective AHL city in the Atlantic Division that participated. For the first time since March 11 th , 2020, Wolf Pack fans will be able to enter the XL Center to attend a hockey game in person. This has been a long time coming being away from home and following the team online for a whole season last year.

THE ROSTER

Goaltenders: Keith Kinkaid, Adam Huska, Tyler Wall

Defenseman: Anthony Bitetto, Jeff Taylor, Zach Giuttari, Zac Jones, Hunter Skinner, Braden Schneider, Matthew Robertson, Tarmo Reunanen

Forwards: Ty Ronning, Mike O’Leary, Tanner Fritz, Greg McKegg, Justin Richards, Austin Rueschhoff, Jonny Brodzinski, Pierre-Cedric Labrie, Tim Gettinger, Anthony Greco, Lauri Pajuniemi, Patrick Khodorenko, Morgan Barron, Cristiano DiGiacinto

Please note the roster is not finalized for Hartford.

Crowded Blue Line Boosts Hartford

The Rangers have loaded up on prospects and defenseman on the blue line in the last few seasons. As a result, there is a backlog of strong defenseman in the organization. The Wolf Pack will have a solid blue line with a mix of veteran and prospects.

“Watching the Rangers and it dawns on me that Hartford should be a really good AHL team. Lots of good defensemen will be ticketed for Hartford because there just won’t be room in New York. And that’s good for the organization.” – Dan Rosen (@drosennhl)

Hartford will have Tarmo Reunanen returning after having a successful 2020-21 season with the franchise. The young defenseman has the ability to produce points and continue to help power play.

Zac Jones will be joining the Pack after a strong training camp with New York. Jones is another promising defenseman in the organization that will make the jump when there is an opportunity to do so.

Anthony Bitetto will provide mentoring on the blue line and add experience for Hartford’s defensive aspect of the game.

Hunter Skinner, Matthew Robertson, and Braden Schneider are also up and coming prospects that have high ceilings as they each bring a different perspective to the blue line.

High Expectations for Ty Ronning

The 23 year old prospect is entering his fourth full season as pro in the organization. The Rangers renewed Ty Ronning’s contract at the conclusion of his entry level contract this past summer. The shortened 2020-21 season was a make or break for the prospect as he was struggling in the organization in the prior two seasons. The forward split time between Hartford and Maine (ECHL affiliate at the time).

Last season was different for the fan favorite. Ronning brought his game and was noticeable in the games he participated in. The prospect was making an immediate impact, boosting Hartford’s offense and became a key cog in the season. Ronning collected 10 goals and 8 assists in 18 games in 2020-21.

With a full season approaching, Ronning has another year to prove himself to the organization. Despite a crowded prospect pool, Ty has the experience from his playing time in the ECHL and AHL. If he continues his consistent production, then he'll be rewarded. This would be a similar scenario as last summer. In addition, the forward lines have abundance of talent that will raise Ronning’s game further.

Future Blue with High Potential

There are a few strong Ranger candidates on the opening night roster for Hartford. These select players are a must watch and will provide an immediate impact to the roster.

Lauri Pajuniemi

This is the first year on North American ice for the promising Rangers prospect that was selected in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft (5 th round, pick 132). The 22 year old had strong development overseas while competing with TPS Turku and in SM-liiga. In preseason action, Pajuniemi had immediate impact offensively. The forward produced four points in three games (3 goals, 1 assist). He will become a noticeable forward on ice for the Hartford Wolf Pack. He could be a high end offensive weapon on the roster for the upcoming season.

Morgan Barron

The 22 year old prospect was one of the last cuts from training camp in New York. Barron had a dominant season in the AHL last year, producing a point per game (10 goals, 11 assists in 21 games). At the end of last season, Barron had the opportunity to play in five games with New York. Barron is NHL ready and will be ready to dominate offensively for the AHL club. He is able to pass well, and also has a great wrist shot. He uses his size effectively as well. He will be a dangerous player on a nightly basis.

Tarmo Reunanen

The 23 year old prospect will continue where he left off last season. He will be reliable on both ends of the ice, especially on offense. He will help quarterback the power plays for Hartford. He has a nice shot and is able to snipe at will.

Matthew Robertson (1st year in the AHL)

The 20 year old has shown a mix of offensive production and grit with the Edmonton Oil Kings in the WHL. The upcoming prospect will utilize his weight and size to make it difficult for the opponents. He will not be afraid to get into the dirty areas and forecheck. He will also be able to play a physical brand of hockey as well.

Braden Schneider (first full year with Hartford)

Schneider is another big-bodied defenseman on the blue line. He has played a well-rounded game in the WHL with the Brandon Wheat Kings. In his two games with Hartford last season, Schneider has shown he is able to compete in the AHL.

Hunter Skinner (first full year with Hartford)

The 20 year old will spend his first full season with Hartford. Last season, the prospect played in 10 games with Hartford and 26 games in the ECHL with Utah. Skinner has shown toughness and will provide that in Hartford’s lineup as the Pack will be missing Mason Geertsen (claimed by New Jersey). He can be utilized on the penalty kill and will be a factor in the physical aspect of the game.