By Matt Puempel having what Rangers general manager Jeff Gorton called an “OK” training camp, he got beat out for a spot on the opening-night roster by Paul Carey. Now Puempel could have very well played his last game for the Blueshirts.
Puempel was placed on waivers Thursday, meaning any team in the league can put in a claim for him up until noon Friday. If he happens to clear, Puempel will be assigned to AHL Hartford and try to work his way back to the Rangers. At 24 years old and about to start his one-year, $725,000 deal, it’s possible Puempel could fit into another team’s picture — just as he did when the Rangers claimed him last season off waivers from the Senators.