GREENBURGH, N.Y. — Welcome to another chance, Ryan Gropp.
The big left wing, who was selected 41st overall by the Rangers in the 2015 entry draft, immediately responded with 34 goals and 70 points in 66 games for the WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds.
So expectations were high: Gropp was expected to join the Rangers’ AHL affiliate in Hartford last fall, but he wasn’t ready defensively and was returned to Seattle, where he started slow: Through 33 games, Gropp had 10 goals and 26 points.
But the Kamloops, British Columbia, native caught fire, in part when the Islanders returned center and ex-linemate Matthew Barzal to Seattle.