Conor Sheary has nothing to lose as he eyes a spot on the Rangers roster after AHL stint

Conor Sheary is attempting to rejoin the NHL with the New York Rangers on a professional tryout, hoping to convert the opportunity into a full contract after spending most of last season in the American Hockey League. The 33-year-old winger joined the Rangers' camp with a clear objective: prove he can contribute at the NHL level and earn a guaranteed deal. He arrived in New York after walking away from his contract with Tampa Bay in the offseason, a move that left him free to pursue his next opportunity.

Sheary is a two-time Stanley Cup champion who helped the Pittsburgh Penguins win titles in 2016 and 2017. After years of steady production as a depth forward, he spent the majority of last season in the AHL, trying to rebuild his NHL value. The decision to leave his contract with the Lightning underscores his willingness to take a short-term opportunity in the Rangers' camp to extend his playing career.

In camp, Sheary is competing for a spot on the Rangers' forward lines, offering veteran experience and a history of clutch playoff moments. A successful professional tryout would allow him to stay with New York beyond the preseason and contribute depth at a time when the team is integrating young players with established leaders.

Rangers officials have to weigh the risks and rewards of adding a veteran winger who has won a pair of championships with the Penguins. If he earns a contract, he would join a crowded, talented group of forwards and provide an option for the coach to mix lines in a way that balances offense and two-way play. He has momentum entering camp and a chance to prove he can still compete at the NHL level.

Across the league, players in similar situations have used PTO opportunities to revive careers; Sheary's case will be watched as a test of whether a veteran with Cup pedigree can still adapt to a newer generation of players in New York.