The New York Rangers’ prospect pool is brimming with talent entering the 2024-25 season. They had a handful of young players in attendance at their recent development camp, sharpening their skills in preparation for the upcoming 2024-25 campaign.
One of their top forward prospects began to make a name for himself at the recent camp. 19-year-old Adam Sykora flashed his potential and showed off his “infectious” energy this season that could help him earn some NHL ice time in the upcoming season.
Adam Sykora showed off his talents at the Rangers’ recent development camp
During the development camp, Sykora caught the eye of Rangers director of player development Jed Ortmeyer, who shared some high praise for the 19-year-old prospect:
“One of the youngest kids in the AHL, he got better as the year went on,” Ortmeyer said on Tuesday, per The New York Post. “He’s a kid that is happy to come to the rink every day with a smile on his face and infectious energy that spreads throughout the room.”
In 2023, Sykora spent the season playing with the Rangers’ AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack. He totaled 23 points (eight goals and 15 assists) in 66 games as he flashed his potential and continued to grow his game.
“It was kind of different, it was a little harder,” Sykora said of the AHL to The Post. “Everything was faster, everything was bigger. The guys were unpredictable, they know what they’re doing. It was harder, but that was better for me.
“I can get more comfortable with the puck. I know the first part of the season, I could’ve gotten more points. But in the other half, I played much better with the puck. … Be stronger, be faster, try to work on my mind. That’s important, too. I know everything’s gotta be better.”
At 19 years old, Sykora still has room and time to grow. But his growth has seemingly begun as he began to turn on the heat at the Rangers’ recent development camp.
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Could Sykora earn some playing time with the Rangers in 2024-25?
As the team’s second-round pick (No. 63) in the 2022 NHL Draft, it was always going to take some time for Sykora to earn his playing time in the major league. However, prospects have played a valuable role for the Rangers in recent years as the injury bug has quite often bit the team, causing them to call up prospects to fill-in.
After losing Jack Roslovic in free agency, the Rangers could look to their prospect pool for potential replacements this season. Sykora brings that “never quit” mindset, high energy, and speed to the ice that the Blueshirts could utilize favorably in their bottom six. If he continues to stand out in the AHL, Sykora could get his name called for some NHL playing time this season.
