With K’Andre Miller landing on injured reserve, Connor Mackey will take his place in the New York Rangers lineup.
Mackey has played just one game since being signed by the Rangers in 2023, so this is a great opportunity to prove himself.
The 28-year-old was one of the last players sent to the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League during training camp, which came with some emotions for Mackey.
“It’s hard being here for most of camp,” Mackey said. “It was definitely tough being one of the last to be let go, but it’s a business. It was clear that I worked hard there, had a positive attitude and trying to get better was my focus every day, and I still do that now.
In 22 games with the Wolf Pack this season, Mackey scored two goals, four assists and six points.
The former Calgary Flames and Arizona Coyotes defenseman feels he has grown as a player in recent months and is ready to take on this new challenge with the Rangers.
“I feel like I’ve gotten better every day since camp so far,” Mackey said. “I continued to work hard. Down there I try to be big on the penalty kill and help a team on the penalty kill that way. Just be a super reliable puck-moving defenseman, be tough and physical against guys and play with an edge.”
A lot of people would get nervous in this situation, but not Mackey, who has been feeling confident in his play lately.
“Nothing new changes for me,” Mackey said. “I’m not going to change my game or anything. They called me about my performance in Hartford. I’m not going to change what I did down there just because I’m here now.
Mackey will make his season debut with the Rangers against the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday afternoon.
