NHL Trade Rumors: Tye Kartye waiver move hints at New York Rangers fourth line change after Brennan Othmann decision

The New York Rangers have made another move. On Thursday, they claimed forward Tye Kartye off waivers from the Seattle Kraken. Soon after, the team sent Brennan Othmann back to the Hartford Wolf Pack in the AHL. This is the Rangers’ second waiver claim of the season. Tye Kartye, 24, brings NHL experience and a hard-working style. He has played 180 NHL games with Seattle over three seasons. He is under contract through next season with a $1.25 million cap hit. According to The Athletic’s Vincent Mercogliano, the Rangers like his size, physical play, and penalty-killing skills. Even though he stands at 5-foot-11 and weighs 202 pounds, he plays a tough game. This move comes at a time when the Rangers’ fourth line needs help. With Matt Rempe and Adam Edstrom out, there was a clear gap. Now, Kartye will likely get a chance to fill that role right away.

Tye Kartye adds grit as Brennan Othmann heads back to Hartford

Tye Kartye went undrafted but worked his way up. In the 2022-23 season, he scored 57 points, with 28 goals and 29 assists, in 72 games for the Coachella Valley Firebirds in the AHL. That strong year earned him a call-up to the Seattle Kraken during the playoffs. In 10 postseason games, he scored three goals and added two assists.Since then, Kartye has mostly stayed in the NHL. After that one full AHL season, he played only three more AHL games, picking up four points. He is a left-handed shot who usually plays left wing but can also fill in at center. Coaches praise his effort, hockey sense, and two-way play. He may not be a top scorer, but he competes hard every shift.Fun fact shared by Keegan Jarvis: both Rangers waiver claims this season played against each other in the 2023 Calder Cup Final. Vincent Iorio was with the Hershey Bears, and Kartye was with Coachella Valley.As for Brennan Othmann, he had one goal in 17 games with the Rangers this season. He struggled to lock down a steady role. Sending him to Hartford gives him more ice time and a chance to reset. Meanwhile, Kartye steps in as a low-risk pickup who could steady the fourth line and possibly replace Conor Sheary next season.