When a kid scores 4 goals in 110 NCAA games, it is surprising to see him running the point in his first NHL game. Considering that same kid was drafted 159th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, it was even more surprising to see him score a goal, add an assist and be named the #1 star in an opponent’s building. That’s exactly what Victor Mancini did in the New York Rangers 3-2 pre-season win this past Sunday in Boston.
Mancini’s efforts have not surprised head coach Peter Laviolette who is rewarding him with a second game tonight at Madison Square Garden in a rematch against the Bruins. Mancini has been with the organization since he signed a pro-contract a few days after Nebraska-Omaha was eliminated from the NCAA playoffs this past spring. He immediately joined the Hartford Wolf Pack where Laviolette said he impressed in his 17 games which included 10 in the AHL playoffs. Plus, he stood out in the two rookie games against Philadelphia prior to the opening of training camp.
Mancini is listed at 6’3”, 215 pounds and comes with a reputation as being a dependable, stay-at-home right-shot defensemen. He joked with the Rangers’ beat writers that he only got a few power play shifts in college, yet it’s clear that the Rangers are intrigued by his two-way potential.
The timing of his emergence couldn’t be any better for the Rangers who face a serious salary crunch next summer when they have 10 prominent players headed toward free agency, including pending UFA Igor Shesterkin and pending RFA’s K’Andre Miller and Alexis Lafreniere.
How can Mancini help?
Currently, the Rangers are paying Jacob Trouba $8m and Igor Shesterkin $5.67 for a total of $13.67m. IF the Rangers trade Trouba at the conclusion of this season, which even he admitted at the beginning of camp is a possibility, and replace him with Mancini, they could sign Shesterkin to the record setting deal he is seeking and still save money. As an example:
- 2024 (Trouba $8m plus Igor $5.67m = $13.67m)
- 2025 (Mancini $870 plus Igor $12m = $12.87m)
The current Rangers are strong on the right-side with Adam Fox, Trouba, Braden Schneider and veteran reserve Chad Ruhwedel. Mancini is probably ticketed for Hartford, which will give him a chance to play big minutes each night in all situations The general feeling in hockey is that defensemen, especially bigger ones like Mancini, take longer to develop. Barring injuries, the Rangers depth affords Mancini that time.
Next season? Now, that’s a different story.
