Rangers rookie defenseman to take on bigger role as he's quickly becoming a key piece in the lineup

The New York Rangers have had to adjust the blueline on the fly since subtracting Jacob Trouba through trade, and K'Andre Miller on the injured reserve. It's given Victor Mancini a chance to step up in the organization.

With the team's continued defensive struggles, it's been difficult for the Rangers to maintain consistency in play. Along with injuries in the lineup, you have a recipe for disaster.

One 2022 NHL Draft pick, Victor Mancini, has been a bright spot for an otherwise glum, Rangers defense.

The Rangers drafted Mancini in the fifth round of the 2022 NHL Draft. He played college hockey for the University of Nebraska-Omaha in 2023-24, finishing with four goals and six assists in 40 games. He then joined the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League (AHL) and had three assists in seven regular-season games and three assists in 10 playoff games.

Mancini would prove himself worthy of a role in the NHL, beating out veteran Chad Ruhwedel during the preseason. He scored two points in the Rangers 3-2 victory over the Boston Bruins on Sept. 22. His versatility helped the Rangers out when Ryan Lindgren was injured.

Now, he's become a fixture in the team's lineup this season and would help give the Rangers an offensive spark with great breakout abilities and scoring his first NHL goal against the Detroit Red Wings on Oct. 17. Mancini currently has 4 points (1G, 3A) in 14 games this year.