The Rangers are shaking things up as they call up left wing prospect Adam Sykora from AHL Hartford. In a corresponding move, defender Connor Mackey heads back to Hartford. Sykora, who might make his NHL debut tomorrow in Toronto, is a player to watch.
At 21, Sykora was the 63rd overall pick in 2022. Despite his smaller stature at 5’11” and 192 lbs, he's known for his high energy and potential as a versatile middle-six forward.
While his offensive journey in Hartford has had its ups and downs, he’s hit double-digit goals for the first time this season with a 12-17-29 line in 62 games. Over four seasons with the Wolf Pack, he’s tallied 29 goals and 82 points in 201 games, though his -25 rating suggests room for growth.
Sykora's experience is notable given his age. One of the youngest in his draft class, he came over from Slovakia shortly after being drafted.
Although his offensive game hasn’t fully blossomed in Hartford, he’s still early in his development. Ranked #7 in the Rangers’ prospect pool by Scott Wheeler and #10 by Steven Ellis, he’s a player with potential.
The Rangers might find it beneficial to test Sykora in a bottom-six role. His current point production suggests this could be his NHL niche, and giving him this opportunity could help both the team and his development as they consider his future when his entry-level contract expires in 2027.
On the flip side, Connor Mackey, who stepped in for the injured Urho Vaakanainen, is heading back to Hartford. The 29-year-old defender played in three games, averaging 12:47 on the ice without registering a point and posting a -3 rating. Despite the lack of points, Mackey showed decent possession numbers with a 50.9 CF% and 51.3 xGF% at 5-on-5.
Mackey's move suggests that Drew Fortescue might be ready to make his NHL debut. The 20-year-old was recently signed out of Boston College and could step in tomorrow, adding another layer of intrigue to the Rangers' lineup.