Šmits earns roster spot with Rangers, Mateiko assigned to AHL
18-year-old Latvian defenseman Alberts Šmits has made the New York Rangers' 23-man roster for the upcoming NHL season, while Washington Capitals forward Ēriks Mateiko has been sent to the team's AHL affiliate.
The New York Rangers have trimmed their roster to 23 players ahead of the new NHL season, and 18-year-old Latvian defenseman Alberts Šmits is among those who made the cut. He will be part of the group the club carries into the upcoming championship.
According to journalist Vince Mercogliano, the Rangers placed forwards Dylan Garand and Taylor Raddysh on waivers, a move that brought the roster down to the required size before the season opener.
In the team's final preseason game, Šmits played on the third defensive pairing and logged 18 minutes and 18 seconds of ice time. The Rangers will open their new NHL season on the night of September 30, facing the Boston Bruins.
Mateiko heads to Hershey
Meanwhile, the Washington Capitals have cut 18 players from their training camp roster. Among them is 20-year-old Latvian forward Ēriks Mateiko, who recently returned to play after suffering an Achilles tendon rupture earlier in the year.
Mateiko has been assigned to the Capitals' AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears. As a result, he will begin the season in the minor league rather than with the NHL club.
