Previewing the 2022-23 Hartford Wolf Pack

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HARTFORD, CT - The American Hockey League (AHL) is entering its 87th season beginning on Friday, October 14th. The Hartford Wolf Pack are entering in their 26th season in the league under the New York Rangers affiliate, preparing for another journey to attempt to reach the Calder Cup Playoffs.

Hartford will open the season on the road for two games in Charlotte on October 14th and 15th. Then the Wolf Pack will return home to host the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on October 22nd.

After a strong start followed by a disappointing ending to the 2021-2022 season, expectations are set higher for the reconstructed roster. The Wolf Pack will try to break their playoff drought as the franchise has missed playoffs since the 2014-15 season. While the previous groups were close to snap the streak, the Wolf Pack fell short, especially with the changes to the roster and their inability to maintain consistency in the later part of the season.

The New York Rangers addressed these deficiencies by bolstering up the veteran group, ensuring the group is in good hands throughout the 2022-23 season. This year’s roster features new faces for the veteran group along with a mix of new and returning prospects.

Hartford’s captain, Jonny Brodzinski will be returning after a strong performance last season with the club (18 goals, 21 assists for 39 points in 36 games). The veteran also received numerous call ups by New York.

C.J. Smith will bolster the Wolf Pack’s offense as well. The 27-year-old forward won the Calder Cup last season with the Chicago Wolves and has proven to be dominant in the league (24 goals, 34 assists for 58 points in 60 games).

Bobby Trivigno is a young up and coming prospect in the Rangers system as this will be his rookie season with Hartford. The forward played in 11 games with the Wolf Pack last season in conclusion of his college hockey season. Trivigno spent the last three college seasons with University of Massachusetts, generating reliable offense for the Minutemen (20 goals, 29 assists for 49 points in 37 games).

On paper, the Wolf Pack look promising.

There are a few players to look out for in the upcoming season. Let’s check them out.

New Additions

Goaltender Louis Domingue

The 30-year-old goaltender fills in the void of the Wolf Pack losing veteran Keith Kinkaid in free agency. Domingue will provide a veteran presence in the crease and brings his experience from the AHL and NHL level. While Hartford’s coaching staff rotate the goalies throughout the season (Nearly an even split), Domingue will be mentoring two incoming goalie prospects. Dylan Garand and Olof Lindbom will be battling for the backup in Hartford. Both prospects have potential and will need guidance from experienced goaltenders. Another plus is that Hartford’s ECHL affiliate, the Jacksonville Icemen, will have players with experience at the professional level as the organization has more depth from NHL to ECHL.

Regardless of the assignment, New York’s two goalie prospects will get comfortable in the system. This season will allow Domingue to potentially play the whole season with the Wolf Pack. He will be given the opportunity to be reliable in the crease and help of Wolf Pack win. The veteran has played a wide range of games in the previous seasons depending on where he played for. Regardless on that number, he brings his experience and mentorship to Hartford’s prospects.

Defenseman Andy Welinski (RHD)

Welinski brings in experience to Hartford’s blueline. In addition to his experience, the 29-year-old has solid puck movement and poised in all three zones. Offensively, he could be on Hartford’s power play on the point helping to set things up on the specialty unit. Furthermore, he’s disciplined and will be able to mentor Hartford’s prospects.

Defenseman Ty Emberson (RHD)

The 21-year-old prospect joined the Rangers organization this summer through a trade. Emberson completed his rookie season with the Tucson Roadrunners (4 goals, 7 assists for 11 points in 58 games). The defenseman progressing in his development and is poised to have a good skillset for defense. Prior to his rookie season, Emberson played with University of Wisconsin and was the captain in 2021. The prospect brings in potential and could be a stronger player as the season progresses. Keep an eye on Emberson as he could be a nice surprise for Hartford’s lineup.

Forward Turner Elson (LW)

The 30-year-old veteran will compliment Hartford’s forward lineup. The veteran spent the last five seasons with the Grand Rapids Griffins and played under Hartford’s General Manager, Ryan Martin, while he was in Grand Rapids. Martin knows what Elson can bring to the Wolf Pack lineup and will be another potent player to have for offense. Elson brings his additional leadership as well as he was given the “A” while playing in Grand Rapids. He is also able to help setup plays and can shoot. Last season with the Griffins, Elson collected 21 goals and 24 assists for 45 points in 73 games.

Forward C.J. Smith (LW)

After winning the Calder Cup with the Chicago Wolves, the 27-year-old joined Hartford to give the Wolf Pack further scoring options in the forward group. Smith has the potential to be a strong point producer in the AHL as he has strong offensive instincts. The forward can be crafty with the puck and is dynamic. He will compliment the Rangers prospects and be able to help raise other players' game on the same line.

Returning Contributors

Forward Tim Gettinger (LW)

The Rangers elected to re-sign Gettinger over the summer as the forward continues to develop with the Wolf Pack. Gettinger provides size to the lineup and is dependable on offense (10 goals, 15 assists for 25 points in 45 games). The forward continues to show good skating ability and is well rounded on both ends of the ice. Gettinger can play gritty as well, utilizing his body for checks along the boards and get into the dirty areas for puck battles.

Forward Lauri Pajuniemi (RW)

Pajuniemi completed his rookie season with Hartford last season. In 51 games, the prospect collected 13 goals and 13 assists for 26 games. Despite a few injuries last season, Pajuniemi made the best out of his first season at the pro level. The prospect can get hot and when he does, he plays well and have good offensive instinct. He adjusted well to playing on a smaller ice surface and has shown growth over the season. I expect Pajuniemi to be consistent this upcoming season and become one of the impressive players on the roster. The potential and ability are there.

Forward Jonny Brodzinski (C)

Hartford’s captain will continue where he left off from last season. He will light the lamp and continue to bring leadership and strong offensive firepower to the roster. The Rangers are pleased with the forward as well, given the opportunities with New York and contract extension (two years). Brodzinski will potentially be one of the point leaders on the roster and perhaps even in the AHL. The veteran will be making noise in Hartford and will give opponents a challenge with his strong skillset and a knack for scoring.

Forward Austin Rueschhoff (RW)

The prospect forward returns to Hartford for his third season with the club. Rueschhoff had a good outing last season, collecting 14 goals and 10 assists in 59 games. The prospect found his game in the second half of the season and was one of the best players in December and January while the NHL implemented the taxi squad. In addition to providing depth offense, Rueschhoff brings in size and a two-way game to the lineup. Expect the forward to further develop his game and become stronger on both ends of the ice. He will be efficient and a good depth piece in the lineup.

Team Outlook

The AHL’s Atlantic Division will be competitive. In addition to Hartford’s reshaped roster, the rest of the teams will have improved rosters as well.

The Wolf Pack’s strongest asset will be their offense, given the returning forwards in addition to the new veterans. Hartford will have offensive contributions from numerous players regardless of the lineup changes.

Furthermore, the veteran group will be able to help guide the Rangers prospects and give the group a chance to win games on a nightly basis. The group will have everything from grit to offense, and the Wolf Pack should be a tough team to take on.

On the defensive aspect, the blueline remains largely intact with a few new additions. The blueline will feature continual development of the Rangers prospects that will be guided by two veterans. However, there will be learning, and growing pains associated with the defensive core. As the season progress, the group should be improving.  Last season the core of the team fell apart and there was struggles all around, especially on defense.

Goaltending will be a strong component of the team as well. Domingue is top-tier as far as AHL goalies go.

The Hartford Wolf Pack’s roster is new and improved. Now the question remains.. will they make the playoffs?

The Roster

Roster submitted to the AHL & posted on the league's website as of 10 p.m. ET on October 13, 2022.

Forwards (15): Jonny Brodzinski, Will Cuylle, Turner Elson, Tanner Fritz, Julien Gauthier, Tim Gettinger, Karl Henriksson, Patrick Khodorenko, Ryder Korczak, Lauri Pajuniemi, Austin Rueschhoff, Matt Rempe, Gustav Rydahl, C.J. Smith and Bobby Trivigno

Defensemen (8): Ty Emberson, Zach Giuttari, Ben Harpur, Blake Hillman, Matthew Robertson, Hunter Skinner, Brandon Scanlin and Andy Welinski

Goalies (3): Louis Domingue, Dylan Garand and Olof Lindbom

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