The New York Rangers have started the 2024/25 season strong, losing only once in overtime across six games. However, they surprised many by placing veteran defenseman Chad Ruhwedel on waivers after he played just one game this season, following five games with the team last year. With a talented roster, the Rangers are viewed as strong contenders for the Stanley Cup Finals this year.
Ruhwedel, 34, made his NHL debut in 2012 with the Buffalo Sabres. While he didn’t quite reach the level of a top contributor, he did play 34 games with the Stanley Cup-winning Pittsburgh Penguins during the 2016/17 season. Over his career, he has played in 365 games, scoring 13 goals and accumulating 49 points. However, with only six NHL appearances in the last two years, it seems his time as a regular NHL player may be coming to an end.
Additionally, it was confirmed by Elliotte Friedman that Conor Sheary of the Tampa Bay Lightning cleared waivers and will take his $2 million AAV salary to the AHL as a depth forward. This reflects a slow day in the waiver market as teams finalize their rosters, with Ruhwedel likely to go unclaimed and remain a depth option for the Rangers as they aim for their long-desired Stanley Cup Finals run.
