The New York Rangers have officially added a new face to their roster, announcing that they have agreed to terms with forward Trey Fix-Wolansky on a one-year contract. The 25-year-old winger, who has spent the majority of his career in the Columbus Blue Jackets organization, now makes his way to Broadway in a move that brings both depth and potential upside to a Rangers squad looking to strengthen its bottom-six forward group and maintain momentum heading into the 2025 NHL season.
Trey Fix-Wolansky, selected in the seventh round (No. 204 overall) of the 2018 NHL Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets, has long been considered a tenacious and skilled competitor despite being somewhat undersized at 5-foot-7. His journey to the NHL has been one defined by perseverance, gritty play, and a consistent offensive motor that has made him a standout at the AHL level. After several strong seasons with the Cleveland Monsters, Columbus’s AHL affiliate, Fix-Wolansky gets a fresh start with a new franchise and a new set of expectations.
For Rangers fans, the signing represents a classic low-risk, high-reward maneuver. While Fix-Wolansky has yet to truly establish himself as a consistent NHL contributor, he’s shown flashes of offensive creativity and a willingness to battle in all areas of the ice. In 2023–24, he notched 55 points (24 goals, 31 assists) in 65 games with the Monsters, showcasing his ability to generate offense both at even strength and on the power play. He also wore the “A” as an alternate captain, speaking volumes about the leadership qualities and respect he commanded within the locker room.
Though Fix-Wolansky only played in a handful of NHL games during his time in Columbus — appearing in 15 games and registering 3 goals and 2 assists — his limited exposure doesn’t fully capture his potential. A change of scenery, especially to a franchise with the resources, structure, and player development infrastructure of the New York Rangers, could be exactly what he needs to take the next step in his career.
From a Rangers perspective, this is a savvy addition by President and General Manager Chris Drury. The team continues to toe the line between remaining a serious contender in the Eastern Conference and finding ways to infuse their roster with new energy, youth, and depth. Fix-Wolansky’s one-year deal allows the Rangers to evaluate his fit without long-term financial commitment, and with training camp around the corner, he’ll have every opportunity to earn his spot.
This signing also comes at a pivotal moment for the franchise. The Rangers are coming off a deep playoff run and are determined to push further in the upcoming season. With stars like Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, Chris Kreider, and Adam Fox anchoring the core of the team, it’s imperative that the supporting cast around them continues to elevate their game. Fix-Wolansky may not be expected to immediately crack the top six, but his role on the third or fourth line, particularly in a high-energy checking role or on the second power play unit, could prove valuable over the course of an 82-game season.
Moreover, his skill set aligns well with head coach Peter Laviolette’s system. Laviolette emphasizes quick transitions, hard forechecking, and responsible two-way play — all areas where Fix-Wolansky has shown competence throughout his AHL tenure. His speed and low center of gravity make him difficult to knock off the puck, and his ability to make plays in tight areas could help the Rangers improve their offensive zone puck possession time, especially in matchups against defensively structured teams.
Fix-Wolansky’s signing also underscores a continuing theme around the NHL: undersized forwards with high compete levels are getting their chance more than ever before. Players like Alex DeBrincat, Cole Caufield, and Mats Zuccarello have proven that size isn’t everything in today’s fast-paced, skill-driven game. While Fix-Wolansky may not possess the pure scoring prowess of those names, his relentless motor and willingness to work could earn him a niche spot in the Rangers’ lineup — especially if injuries or inconsistency affect the bottom-six forwards.
The timing of this move also reflects the Rangers’ awareness of the current free agent market. With the bigger names signed early in the offseason and many teams now operating close to the salary cap ceiling, low-cost, versatile players like Fix-Wolansky become even more appealing. The ability to fill a roster spot with a player who can contribute in multiple roles without putting financial strain on the cap is a critical part of maintaining a championship-caliber team. Fix-Wolansky’s one-year, likely two-way deal gives the Rangers flexibility both in lineup decisions and in their cap structure.
For Fix-Wolansky personally, this opportunity in New York might be the most significant moment of his career to date. After years of grinding it out in the minors, including overcoming a major ACL injury early in his pro career, he now finds himself in one of the league’s biggest markets with a chance to make an impact on one of the NHL’s most storied franchises. It’s a fresh start and, in many ways, a career-defining chance. The expectations may not be enormous, but the pressure — both self-imposed and external — will be.
Fans of the Rangers, known for their passion and loyalty, will be eager to see what Fix-Wolansky brings to the ice. The team’s faithful have embraced grinders and lunch-pail players in the past, especially those who exhibit heart and hustle every night. If Fix-Wolansky can establish chemistry with linemates and contribute in all three zones, it won’t take long for chants of “Trey!” to echo through Madison Square Garden.
The journey to the NHL is never a straight path, and for Trey Fix-Wolansky, it has been filled with ups and downs, setbacks and breakthroughs. His time in Columbus offered development and growth, but it also left him on the outside looking in. Now, in New York, he steps into a new chapter with renewed purpose and a chance to prove himself on hockey’s grandest stage.
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on how he performs alongside a deep and talented Rangers forward group. Whether he finds himself battling for a bottom-six spot, leading the charge in Hartford with the Wolf Pack, or getting called up during the regular season to provide a spark, one thing is certain — Fix-Wolansky won’t lack effort, and he’s determined to make the most of this opportunity.
In a league where depth often becomes the difference between playoff contenders and champions, the addition of Trey Fix-Wolansky could quietly pay dividends for the Rangers. It’s not always the splashy moves that make the headlines in April and May — sometimes, it’s the under-the-radar signings that turn out to be crucial when the games matter most.
With his signature now on paper and a Rangers jersey soon to be on his back, Fix-Wolansky’s journey continues in the city that never sleeps. And for a player who’s spent his career fighting for recognition, the bright lights of Broadway may be exactly what he needs to finally shine.
