Rangers place defenseman Matthew Robertson on waivers after Joe Veleno injury creates center shortage

The New York Rangers placed defenseman Matthew Robertson on waivers Monday, after a lower‑body injury to center Joe Veleno left the club with limited center depth on its 23‑man roster.

The waiver move frees a roster spot and roughly $462,000 in cap space, giving the Rangers flexibility to call up a center before Thursday’s matchup against the Islanders.

Veleno suffered the injury early in the first period of the Rangers’ 4‑2 win over the Mammoth on Sunday, going down awkwardly along the boards in a clash with Clayton Keller. He was unable to put weight on his right leg and did not return to the game. Coach Mike Sullivan said Veleno was being evaluated for a lower‑body issue and would receive an update later in the week.

With Veleno sidelined, the Blueshirts face a shortage of NHL‑ready centers. Options include Oliver Bjorkstrand, who filled Veleno’s spot in practice on Monday, as well as prospects Justin Dowling, Glenn Gawdin, Juuso Parssinen, Cole Beaudoin and Dylan Roobroeck currently playing for the Hartford Wolf Pack.

Robertson, a 29‑year‑old left‑handed defenseman drafted in the second round in 2019, appeared in 72 games last season, tallying six goals and 18 points. He lost his regular‑line spot to rookie defenseman Alberts Smits but made the opening night roster out of training camp alongside right‑handed Scott Morrow. The waiver clearance could see him reassigned to the AHL Hartford, where he would join a group of left‑handed defensemen with NHL experience such as Urho Vaakanainen, Drew Fortescue and Marc Del Gaizo.

If Robertson clears waivers, the Rangers are expected to promote a center from their depth chart within the next 24 to 48 hours, addressing the immediate roster need while monitoring Veleno’s recovery.