New York Rangers Bolster Roster with Waiver Claim of Forward Tye Kartye
In a strategic roster adjustment, the New York Rangers have executed a significant move by claiming forward Tye Kartye off waivers from the Seattle Kraken this Thursday. This acquisition marks the Rangers' second waiver claim of the current season, demonstrating their proactive approach to team building. Concurrently, the organization has reassigned young forward Brennan Othmann to the Hartford Wolf Pack in the American Hockey League (AHL), a decision aimed at optimizing player development and team performance.
Tye Kartye: A Hard-Working Addition with NHL Experience
Tye Kartye, a 24-year-old forward, brings valuable NHL experience and a renowned hard-working style to the Rangers' lineup. Over three seasons with the Seattle Kraken, Kartye has accumulated 180 NHL games, showcasing his durability and commitment. He is under contract through the next season with a salary cap hit of $1.25 million, making him a cost-effective addition for the team.
According to insights from The Athletic's Vincent Mercogliano, the Rangers are particularly impressed by Kartye's physical attributes and on-ice skills. Despite standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 202 pounds, Kartye is known for his tough, gritty gameplay. His size, combined with his physical play and penalty-killing abilities, makes him a versatile asset. This move is timely, as the Rangers' fourth line has been facing challenges due to injuries to key players like Matt Rempe and Adam Edstrom, creating a clear gap that Kartye is expected to fill immediately.
Kartye's Journey from Undrafted to NHL Regular
Tye Kartye's path to the NHL is a testament to perseverance and hard work. Going undrafted, he worked his way up through the ranks, culminating in a standout 2022-23 season with the Coachella Valley Firebirds in the AHL. During that campaign, he recorded an impressive 57 points, including 28 goals and 29 assists, across 72 games. This performance earned him a call-up to the Seattle Kraken for the playoffs, where he contributed three goals and two assists in 10 postseason games.
Since that breakthrough, Kartye has primarily remained in the NHL, playing only three additional AHL games and tallying four points. As a left-handed shot, he typically operates on the left wing but possesses the versatility to fill in at center when needed. Coaches and analysts frequently praise his effort, hockey sense, and two-way play, noting that while he may not be a top scorer, he competes intensely on every shift, making him a valuable role player.
Interesting Connections and Roster Implications
A fun fact highlighted by Keegan Jarvis reveals that both of the Rangers' waiver claims this season faced off against each other in the 2023 Calder Cup Final. Vincent Iorio, claimed earlier, was with the Hershey Bears, while Kartye represented the Coachella Valley Firebirds, adding a layer of narrative to their new roles in New York.
On the other side of this transaction, Brennan Othmann's reassignment to Hartford comes after he managed just one goal in 17 games with the Rangers this season. Struggling to secure a consistent role, Othmann will benefit from increased ice time and an opportunity to reset his development in the AHL. Meanwhile, Kartye steps into the lineup as a low-risk pickup who could stabilize the fourth line and potentially serve as a replacement for Conor Sheary in the upcoming season.
Looking Ahead for the Rangers
This roster shuffle underscores the Rangers' focus on addressing immediate needs while fostering long-term growth. With Kartye's arrival, the team gains a seasoned, physical presence that can enhance their depth and special teams play. As the season progresses, his integration into the lineup will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, with hopes that his grit and experience will translate into on-ice success for the Broadway Blueshirts.
