The New York Rangers have waived defenseman Chad Ruhwedel, a move that was somehow both expected and a surprise at the same time. We knew the Rangers were going to send a defenseman down to Hartford, and it was a matter of Ruhwedel or Victor Mancini. Mancini did not have to pass through waivers, so there was logic to sending him to Hartford, but instead the better player stays with the Rangers. A refreshing move.
Sometimes you’re wrong, and I’ve never been happier to be wrong. For those who haven’t been around here for the last 15 years, we’ve been conditioned like Pavlov’s dogs to expect the kid to be sent down over the known quantity veteran. This is yet another example that Peter Laviolette and Chris Drury are bucking that trend. Now I just need to un-condition myself.
Mancini has earned this spot and, despite being statistically lagging defensively, he’s shown promise, poise, and a willingness to work through his gaps with the coaching staff. He’s a fine skater, and it’s going to be fun to watch him grow and improve in real time throughout the season.
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