Conor Sheary Takes the Stage with the Rangers

Conor Sheary quickly made his mark in Rangers training camp three weeks ago, distinguishing himself from the other fringe players.

Even after spending the previous season in the AHL, Sheary’s experienced demeanor and relentless effort stood out against younger players. Some were still in middle school when he celebrated his first Stanley Cup in 2016.

This led to the Rangers signing him on a one-year, two-way contract for a league minimum of $775,000.

“I was very happy,” Sheary shared regarding his reaction to the contract. “I had previously talked about coming in with a professional tryout contract, and how, well, it felt different for me. Stepping into a new locker room, trying to prove myself to my teammates, coaches, and management—finally getting that deal and being on the roster for opening night felt pretty special to me.”

“My goal has always been to get back to the NHL and prove that I still belong. I really hope to keep showing that throughout this year.”

There was hardly any doubt about Sheary’s place on the Rangers’ roster after training camp wrapped up, especially since the third-line position was largely vacant.

Having won two Stanley Cups with Pittsburgh, Sheary was not only looking to reclaim a Mike Sullivan-style role but also aimed to demonstrate his value throughout the preseason.

In June, the Lightning placed Sheary on unconditional waivers as part of a mutual decision to end his contract. Before heading to AHL’s Syracuse, he reflected on losing some of what made him effective due to the role he was given by the Lightning.

Entering training camp with a new team and no contract was nerve-wracking, but Sheary focused on making the most of the opportunity.

“There are so many unknowns,” he admitted about the process. “When PTOs get cut across the league, they often need to find new opportunities. It was a possibility for me going into camp, so I was relieved to secure a deal and stay with the Rangers. That really mattered to me.”

“I feel like I’m where I’m supposed to be. My game relies heavily on speed and work ethic. I believe if I keep that up, good things will follow.”

Sheary stood out in his debut game, a season opener where the Rangers lost 3-0 to the Penguins. Despite the score, he logged one shot on goal, two blocks, and was effective on the forecheck in 12 minutes and 42 seconds of ice time.

It looks like he’ll also start the season as part of the Rangers’ second power play unit.

The road back to the NHL hasn’t been a straightforward one for the undrafted forward. However, he seized the chance provided by the Rangers.

“It’s a significant responsibility to contribute offensively, but also crucial to play responsibly on the defensive end,” he said, discussing his third-line role. “It’s a challenging position, but I think it’s a good fit for me, one I’ve navigated before, so I hope to grow within it.”