Forward Matt Puempel has cleared waivers, and was reassigned to the Hartford Wolf Pack. Claimed off of waivers last year from Ottawa, the former 1st round pick – 24th in 2011 – now finds his NHL career once again at the crossroads.
Resigned over the Summer to a one year contract, in order for the Rangers to fulfill their requirement of veterans to expose in the expansion draft, Puempel was fancied to at least be retained as a depth forward. Moreso thec ase with Jesper Fast out until late October, but with Paul Carey playing well in the preseason, the 24 year old wing finds himself pushed down the depth chart.
Puempel was also further hurt by the fact that he does not have a notable defensive game, nor does he contribute to the penalty kill, meaning his inclusion would give the Rangers less flexibility than keeping the 29 year old Carey.