Bryce McConnell-Barker is confident in his abilities and feels he is ready to play for the Rangers.
Bryce McConnell-Barker feels he is ready to take the next step with the New York Rangers.
After playing multiple seasons in the Ontario Hockey League for the Soo Greyhounds, McConnell-Barker is determined to make the Rangers’ opening night roster.
“I’ve gotten a taste of pro hockey,” McConnell-Barker said. “Just trying to put my best foot forward here, make a good impression, and try and make the big squad this year.”
This past season, the 20-year-old center recorded 22 goals, 29 assists and 51 points in 52 games for the Greyhounds and also played four playoff games in the American Hockey League as a member of the Hartford Wolf Pack.
The Rangers selected McConnell-Barker in the third round back in 2022 and since being drafted, he’s really continued to develop well.
“I feel like I think the game really well,” McConnell-Barker said “I think I have a good hockey IQ and can make plays at a really high level. I think I skate well, good shot, just an overall really good player and I like to play the game two ways. Offense, defense, I think I can do it all.”
Standing at 6’2’’, McConnell-Barker has potential as a two-way center who can provide a physical aspect to his game.
McConnell-Barker has had a strong start to rookie camp thus far and now he has a chance to prove himself as the Rangers’ rookies play the Philadelphia Flyers’ rookies twice this weekend.
The odds are that McConnell-Barker plays for the Wolf Pack this upcoming season, but if performs well through the rookie series and training camp, anything is possible.