With only eight games left in the regular season, the New York Rangers are in a tight race for the final wild-card spot. Despite winning the President’s Trophy and reaching the Eastern Conference Final last year, they are currently tied at 77 points with the Montreal Canadiens, who currently hold the last playoff spot. However, Montreal has a game in hand and will play on Tuesday in a key matchup.
In response to this intense situation, the Rangers made a roster move on Tuesday morning, adding depth to their goaltending.
“New York Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury announced today that the team has signed goaltender Callum Tung to a three-year, entry-level contract,” the team said in a statement.
Though head coach Peter Laviolette already has his playoff goaltending duo set with Igor Shesterkin and Jonathan Quick, this move is more about future planning than an immediate solution. Tung will report to the Hartford Wolf Pack, the Rangers’ AHL affiliate, on an amateur tryout for the remainder of the season.
The 21-year-old goalie joins the Rangers after an impressive college career with the UConn Huskies. Tung played a pivotal role in helping UConn reach its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance this year, with outstanding stats: a .933 save percentage, a 2.01 goals-against average, and a 10-4-1 record over 15 starts.
As the Rangers aim for a playoff spot, Tung’s signing strengthens their goaltending prospects and adds important depth for the future.
