What New York Fans Can Expect from This 33-Year-Old Winger
As the offseason continues for the Blueshirts, they continue to find new ways to change up their roster. More importantly, they look for new additions for the bottom-six, hoping to add some more depth to those forward groups. While possible players like Brennan Othmann and Brett Berard are looking to potentially make a big impact next season on the roster, a new player seems to have joined that race. Just last Friday, the Rangers signed free agent Conor Sheary, reuniting him with his old coach Mike Sullivan. Sheary was put on waivers by Tampa Bay for a buyout as one season remains on his two-million AAV contract from 2023, and now joins the Blueshirts, most likely on the third line. A player like Sheary, someone who’s been coached by Sullivan for years, looks significant for this Rangers team, so what exactly can fans expect from this two-time Stanley Cup champion?
While it would seem there’s a chance Sheary may begin next season down in Hartford, he’s most likely getting his chance in MSG at some point during the season. Coming to the Rangers with 593 NHL games played, along with 124 goals and 267 points, Sheary also brings a handful of postseason experience. In 72 playoff games, Sheary saw much production in both of the Penguins’ runs in 2016 and 2017, with 23 total points in his postseason career. One plus of this decision, there's no financial commitment for the Rangers, meaning once preseason concludes, New York can decide whether to sign him to a contract or just land a two-way contract and have him play in Hartford. Sheary has proven last season in the AHL that he’s a player who can still produce, recording 20 goals and 41 assists in Syracuse, so there’s a reason he deserves a spot. In the end, Sheary is also at the age to step in as a mentor as well, helping those young forwards who are not yet ready for the NHL full-time. As an affordable option, Sheary seems what's best until the young forwards prove themselves ready to join the roster in MSG. His veteran status aside, let's dive into the more significant pro of his place here as he reunites with Mike Sullivan.
Sheary’s experience with being under his old coach, Mike Sullivan, could be quite massive for the Rangers. New York has someone who has familiarity with Sullivan, meaning he knows his style and system, which could be a key to their coach's new home next season. Whether he starts the season in MSG or down in Hartford, it's important for their new coach to have at least one familiar face, one to make him feel in the right place. Sadly, New York fans shouldn’t expect anything huge from Sheary, offensively wise from how his previous few seasons have gone. Over the last few seasons, Sheary has averaged around 16 goals during his time with Washington, meaning fans shouldn’t expect him to be on the same level as a player like Artemi Panarin. This leaves to the bad side of Sullivan and closeness, and fans can only hope he doesn’t stick with him despite the possibility of a player like Gabe Perreault earning his chance. New York Ranger Conor Sheary now searches for his purpose. Does he earn himself a spot in MSG, or does he help those in search of a chance in the NHL?
