Vincent Iorio hit the ice for his first practice with the New York Rangers on Monday, officially kicking off a new chapter in his young NHL career. Claimed off waivers, Iorio is looking to make the most of what could be a pivotal opportunity - and based on early impressions, he’s already turning a few heads.
Though he skated as an extra defenseman during the session, Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan liked what he saw from the 23-year-old blueliner.
“I thought he looked good today,” Sullivan said. “First time seeing him up close, but it looks like he has decent puck skills, he has good size.
It’s not an easy thing just jumping into a brand new team like that, but I thought he executed pretty well in the drills that we were doing. Maybe the biggest thing that jumped out at me was his ability to move the puck, and I think that skillset will certainly help us.”
That ability to move the puck - clean exits, smart first passes, composure under pressure - is exactly the kind of tool that can keep a young defenseman in the lineup. While Iorio’s role is still undefined, that kind of early praise suggests he’ll get a real look as the Rangers continue to evaluate their depth on the back end.
The team welcomed him in with a traditional initiation - a stick-tap gauntlet from his new teammates as he skated through the line, officially becoming one of the boys. It’s a small moment, but for a player trying to find his footing in the league, it means a lot.
After practice, Iorio spoke candidly about the mindset he brings to the rink every day - one shaped by a career that’s already had its share of twists and turns.
“Since I've been playing pro, I've gone through a lot of ups and downs,” he said. “For me, just to continue to have that positive mindset and just be the happy-go-lucky kid that I am. I pride myself on smiling, coming to the rink every day, and just being happy, and I’m going to continue to do the same thing here.”
And “ups and downs” is putting it lightly. Since being selected in the second round of the 2021 NHL Draft, Iorio has already been waived by both the Washington Capitals and the San Jose Sharks. He’s played just 30 NHL games across three seasons - a tough road for any young player trying to establish himself in a league where opportunities can be fleeting.
But now, he’s getting a fresh start with a Rangers team that’s actively looking to inject more youth and upside into its lineup. With team president and GM Chris Drury signaling a desire to retool, there’s a real opening for players like Iorio to earn a spot and grow with the team.
“Grateful,” Iorio said, when asked how he feels about this new opportunity. “My parents growing up, they really preached the 1% better each day and being happy with where you're at in life. For me, playing this game is such a privilege, playing in this league is such a privilege, and especially a team like New York is such a privilege.”
That kind of perspective - grounded, optimistic, and hungry - is exactly what you want to hear from a player trying to carve out a role. Iorio knows nothing is guaranteed, but he’s stepping into this chance with the right attitude and a skillset that could quietly fill a need for a Rangers team in transition.
The road back into an NHL lineup is never easy, but Iorio’s already shown he’s not afraid of the climb. Now, it’s about turning that first impression into something more lasting.