K’Andre Miller Injury Creates Big Opportunity For Connor Mackey

With K’Andre Miller landing on injured reserve, Connor Mackey is set to take his place in the New York Rangers lineup.

Mackey has played in just one game since being signed by the Rangers in 2023, so this is a big opportunity to prove himself.

The 28-year-old was one of the last players to be sent down to the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League during training camp, which came with some emotions for Mackey.

“It’s tough being up here for most of camp,” Mackey said. “Being one of the last guys to get let go was hard for sure, but it’s a business. Obviously down there worked hard, had a positive attitude and trying to continue to get better was my focus each day, still doing that right now.”

In 22 games with the Wolf Pack this season, Mackey has recorded two goals, four assists and six points.

The former Calgary Flames and Arizona Coyotes defenseman feels he’s grown as a player through the past few months and is ready to take on this new challenge with the Rangers.

“I feel like since camp until now, I feel like I’ve gotten better each day,” Mackey said. “I’ve continued to work hard. Down there I’m trying to be big on the penalty kill, help a team in that way on the penalty kill. Just be a super reliable puck moving defenseman, being hard and physical on guys, playing with an edge.”

A lot of people would get nervous in this situation, but not Mackey who is confident with his play as of late.

“For me nothing new changes,” Mackey said. “I’m not going to change my game or anything. They called me up because of my play in Hartford. I’m not going to change what I was doing down there just because I’m here now.”

Mackey is set to make his season debut with the Rangers on Saturday afternoon against the Los Angeles Kings.