Former Rangers draft pick signs AHL contract with Wolf Pack

Maxim Barbashev didn’t sign an entry-level contract with the New York Rangers but the fifth-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft will remain in the organizational family after agreeing to a one-year AHL contract with the Hartford Wolf Pack on Thursday.

The 20-year-old forward made his pro debut late last season after signing an amateur tryout contract with the Wolf Pack in April following his fourth season of major junior hockey in the QMJHL. He played one game for the Wolf Pack, on April 20 against Springfield, and didn’t record a point.

Barbashev stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 191 pounds. He combined for 35 points (14 goals, 21 assists) in 59 games with two teams in the QMJHL last season. In 2022-23, Barbashev scored 32 goals and had 65 points in 67 games with Moncton, after scoring 15 goals for them the year before.

He’ll join three other players selected by the Rangers in the 2022 draft on the Wolf Pack roster this coming season. The group includes forward Adam Sykora (second round), center Bryce McConnell-Barker (third round) and defenseman Victor Mancini, who was selected in the fifth round, two spots ahead of Barbashev.

Of that group, Sykora has the most pro experience, having just played an entire season with Hartford at the age of 19. Sykora was recently called a “menace” for his tenacious play in a story about Rangers prospects. He had 23 points (eight goals, 15 assists) in 66 games with Hartford last season.

McConnell-Barker played four Calder Cup Playoff games with Hartford after finishing his junior season with the Soo Greyhounds in the OHL this past spring. And Mancini became a regular on the Wolf Pack’s defense corps after completing his collegiate career at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. The 22-year-old had three assists in seven regular-season games in the AHL and another three assists in 10 playoff games.

Related: Brett Berard “confident” ahead of Rangers training camp

Former Rangers draft pick set to begin first pro season with Wolf Pack

Blade Jenkins – Photo courtesy Hartford Wolf Pack

Barbashev’s older brother Ivan is a forward with the Vegas Golden Knights. He helped the Golden Knights win the Stanley Cup in 2023 after previously winning the Cup with the St. Louis Blues in 2019.

The Barbashev signing is part of a busy week for the Wolf Pack. They also signed forward Blade Jenkins, who had two goals and three points in 13 games with them last season.

And in the biggest news, a $145 million renovation of the Wolf Pack’s home, the XL Center, was approved the other day. In addition, a 20-year lease agreement was approved with Oak View Group.

That provides stability for the Wolf Pack and much-needed upgrades for the players and fans alike.

And earlier this offseason, Grant Potulny was hired as coach of the Wolf Pack, replacing Steve Smith who was the interim after Kris Knoblauch was hired by the Edmonton Oilers in November.

Hartford’s 28th season in the AHL begins with a road game at Lehigh Valley on Oct. 13. The Wolf Pack’s home opener is set for Oct. 18 against Springfield.

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