New York Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan declared the team’s 6-1 preseason finale rout of the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on Friday as “the closest thing to a full lineup that we’ve had of any of the exhibition games to this point.” That dress rehearsal provided a glaring look at the final roster battles. Fourth-line winger Matt Rempe and rookie defenseman Alberts Smits emerged in the driver’s seat for the final two opening-night spots ahead of Monday’s final roster cuts.
Roster Battles and Waiver Implications for the Blue Shirts
Management must finalize the opening roster of up to 23 players by Monday. The team’s lineup decisions hinge heavily on contract status and waiver eligibility. While Smits is waiver-exempt after being selected No. 5 overall in June’s draft, fellow defensemen Matthew Robertson and Scott Morrow both require waivers before heading to AHL Hartford. Smits skated alongside Braden Schneider during the preseason finale and logged 18:18 of ice time, securing high praise from the coaching staff.
Sullivan noted pregame that Smits has “certainly made a compelling argument through his play that he’s capable of playing in the NHL,” adding postgame that the 18-year-old blueliner “plays the game out there like he belongs.” The organization weighed a similar developmental choice last year with Gabe Perreault before assigning him to Hartford, intending to guarantee that young prospects step into roles where they remain impactful players.
Pro Tip: Roster decisions in the NHL often come down to waiver exemptions. Teams frequently prioritize waiver-exempt rookies over veteran depth pieces to avoid losing assets on the wire.
Matt Rempe’s Evolution Beyond Fighting
Rempe spent the finale anchored to the fourth line alongside Tye Kartye and Joe Veleno, picking up an assist on Kartye’s second-period goal. The 6-foot-9 forward missed significant time last year, appearing in just 26 games due to two procedures on his left thumb that limited his stick work. Like Robertson and Morrow, Rempe must clear waivers if assigned to Hartford, unlike forward Jaroslav Chmelar.
After collecting eight hits in a preseason game against the Devils, Rempe acknowledged he has plenty to prove and wants to secure his place in the lineup. Sullivan emphasized that Rempe’s value must extend beyond physical play and fighting. “When you look at the nature of how the game’s being played today, if a player, if their value is only in their ability to fight, how many fights does the average NHL fighter get in the course of a season? Half a dozen?” Sullivan asked reporters. “So if he’s only gonna make an impact five or six times a year… you would all say that there needs to be other elements to a player’s game. And I think Remps brings other elements.”
Preseason Finale Performance and Roster Moves
Goaltender Igor Shesterkin stopped 15 shots in the finale, nearly posting a shutout before Pierre Engvall beat him for the Islanders’ lone goal with just over eight minutes remaining. Perreault, Oliver Bjorkstrand, J.T. Miller, Will Cuylle, and Mika Zibanejad rounded out the scoring for New York’s six-goal night.
Prior to Monday’s deadline, the organization trimmed its depth pool by assigning Nathan Aspinall, Liam Greentree, Drew Fortescue, Cole Beaudoin, Jackson Dorrington, and Carey Terrance to the AHL’s Wolf Pack. Meanwhile, Anton Blidh, Marc Del Gaizo, Glenn Gawdin, and William Trudeau were placed on waivers.
Did you know? Alberts Smits was drafted fifth overall in June, making his rapid ascent to the cusp of the opening-night roster one of the most closely watched storylines of the training camp.
Frequently Asked Questions
When must the Rangers finalize their opening-night roster?
The Rangers must submit their final roster cuts by Monday.
Which players require waivers to be assigned to the AHL?
Matt Rempe, Matthew Robertson, and Scott Morrow must clear waivers before assignment, while Alberts Smits and Jaroslav Chmelar are waiver-exempt.
What did head coach Mike Sullivan say about Alberts Smits?
Sullivan stated that Smits made a compelling argument that he is capable of playing in the NHL and plays like he belongs.
What are your thoughts on the final roster spots? Drop a comment below and let us know who you think should make the opening-night lineup.
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