Conor Sheary Chooses NHL Aspirations Over $2M Deal with Lightning
The New York Rangers are gearing up for an exciting season, and one veteran forward has made a notable impression during training camp. Conor Sheary, who arrived on a professional tryout (PTO), appears poised to secure a spot on the roster. NHL insider Vincent Z. Mercogliano has reported that Sheary’s performance has caught the attention of the coaching staff, with the Rangers leaning toward him filling the role of third-line left winger.
Impressive Preseason Performance
Sheary’s preseason stats speak volumes about his readiness for a full-time position. He has notched three points—one goal and two assists—over three exhibition games, showcasing his speed and tenacity in forechecking. This playing style is familiar to head coach Mike Sullivan, who has previously coached Sheary during their successful tenure with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
A Bold Move for Opportunity
In a surprising turn, Sheary opted to terminate the final year of his three-year, $6 million contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning while he was assigned to the AHL. This decision, which meant walking away from a guaranteed $2 million salary, underscores Sheary’s determination to re-establish himself in the NHL. Refusing to spend another year in the minors, he has demonstrated a fierce commitment to reclaiming a full-time NHL role.
Coach’s Insight on Sheary’s Role
As Sheary vies for a spot on the Rangers, Sullivan weighed in on his potential contributions. While Sheary has shared the ice with superstars like Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin, Sullivan emphasizes that his role with the Rangers will likely be in the bottom-six forward group.
“I’ve coached him for a while,” Sullivan noted. “I know his game pretty well, and I know what it looks like when he’s at his best. He’s a great puck-pursuit forward. He’s a dog on a bone on the puck. He knocks a lot of pucks down. He’s got a great stick. He has an offensive dimension to his game.”
Despite Sullivan’s classification of Sheary as a bottom-six player, he acknowledges the forward’s ability to step up when needed. “He can play on your top six if you need him to, because he has the offensive instincts to do it,” Sullivan added, highlighting Sheary’s positional awareness and his knack for being in the right place at the right time.
Career Overview and Future Outlook
Sheary’s NHL journey has seen him compete in 593 games, amassing 124 goals and 143 assists for a total of 267 points. His career includes back-to-back Stanley Cup victories with the Penguins in 2016 and 2017, further solidifying his reputation as a skilled player.
Despite the financial security of his previous contract, Sheary’s focus has shifted to the thrill of being an NHL player once again. “I just knew I needed to get out of there,” he reflected on his decision. “I’ve had a good long career. Made more money than I ever thought I was going to make—the experiences you have and the chances you have to win and play in these games in the NHL, they’re probably numbered. So I wanted to give myself the best opportunity to get back there.”
As the Rangers prepare for their season opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 7, it seems that Sheary’s journey may lead him back to the ice in New York, invigorated and ready to contribute to his new team.
