Rangers SJ Preview Former Hartford Wolf Pack [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers/new-york-rangers/rangers-ahl-call-ups-succeeding-at-the-nhl-level] defenseman Ty Emberson has impacted the San Jose Sharks this season. Emberson played one season in the Rangers organization, suiting up for the Hartford Wolf Pack 78 times last season. He earned AHL Eastern Conference Defensive Defender Of The Year in 2022-2023. Although he can't play tonight, the 23-year-old rearguard is normally paired with the Sharks' top defenseman Mario Ferraro. Rangers forward Jonny Brodzinski [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers/new-york-rangers/the-main-thing-is-always-being-comfortable-in-the-uncomfortable-a-1-on-1-conversation-with-jonny-brodzinski], the Hartford Wolf Packs' leading scorer captain for the last three seasons, played with Emberson all last season. Brodzinski is currently a full-time NHL skater this year in the wake of Kaapo Kakko and Filip Chytils injuries suffered in November. Last season he played in 47 games in Hartford with Emberson. "It's pretty similar to what he brought to our team the entire year, last year," Brodzinski told Max Miller [https://twitter.com/Real_Max_Miller] of The Hockey News. "He brings some offense. But I think most importantly, he [is a] solid defensive player. You're going to get big hits out of him. You're going to get physical play. He's tough to play against and good defensively." Ever since the team opted to rebuild in 2018, the Rangers system has been deep on the back end. Hartford regulars who have dressed as seventh defensemen at the NHL level include Ben Harpur, Zac Jones, Connor Mackey, and Matthew Robertson. On Sept. 30, the Rangers waived Emberson and the Sharks claimed him. At one point, former Rangers bench boss David Quinn claimed Emberson was the best defender on the team. "It was a huge loss because of [him] being one of our better defensemen last year," Brodzinski said. "I was excited to have him back, and then he gets claimed. It was a he was a huge loss." Emberson recorded 27 points (seven goals, 20 assists) in 69 regular season games for the Wolf Pack in '22-'23, and five points (two goals, three assists) in nine post-season games. The New York Rangers face the Sharks at 10:30 p.m. EST. Max Miller [https://twitter.com/Real_Max_Miller] contributed to this piece. TOP STORIES:
