In a move that underscores their focus on experience and chemistry, the New York Rangers have offered veteran winger Conor Sheary a professional tryout (PTO), inviting the 33-year-old to compete for a roster spot at training camp this December.
The signing isn’t flashy, but it may prove to be strategic. Sheary brings with him a decade of NHL experience, having skated with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Buffalo Sabres, Washington Capitals, and Tampa Bay Lightning. Most notably, he shared championship success with new Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan, hoisting the Stanley Cup together during their time with Pittsburgh.
This reunion could be more than nostalgic. Sullivan’s familiarity with Sheary’s game and work ethic may give the veteran a leg up in a highly competitive training camp. Though Sheary spent the bulk of last season in the AHL with the Syracuse Crunch, his production—61 points in 59 games—signals he hasn’t lost his scoring touch. His 20-goal, 41-assist campaign suggests he still possesses the offensive instincts and two-way hustle that once made him a valuable top-six option in the NHL.
For the Rangers, this PTO is a low-risk, potentially high-reward gamble. Sheary’s experience, versatility on the wing, and prior success under Sullivan’s system make him a compelling depth option. Whether he earns a contract remains to be seen, but his presence adds a new layer of competition to a team eager to break through in the Eastern Conference.
The signing may not shake the NHL at large, but within the Rangers’ locker room, it could be a catalyst for renewed focus, veteran leadership, and the type of internal competition that championship teams thrive on.
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