Chad Ruhwedel Set To Make Season Debut Against Maple Leafs

New York Rangers defenseman Chad Ruhwedel is set to make his season debut against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Ruhwedel was a healthy scratch in all four of the Rangers’ previous games, but now is finally expected to get his chance.

The veteran defenseman will play in the place of Zac Jones. Peter Laviolette had some positive things to say about Ruhwedel as he gears up for his season debut.

“He’s been great for us,” Laviolette said via The Athletic’s Peter Baugh. “He’s played really strong, played some good games. He’s been out for a little bit and I want to make sure we’re getting everybody involved.”

The Rangers acquired Ruhwedel from the Pittsburgh Penguins at the NHL Trade Deadline last season. However he only played a total of five games for the team.

New York decided to sign him to a one-year deal this past offseason.

Ruhwedel was practicing alongside Victor Mancini during Saturday’s practice, so expect that to be a defensive pairing through the Maple Leafs game.