The New York Rangers announced Wednesday that the team has agreed to terms with forward Karl Henriksson on an entry-level contract. Henriksson was selected by the Rangers in the second round, 58th overall, of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.
Henriksson, 20, skated in 44 games with Frolunda in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) this season, registering one goal and six assists for seven points, along with 18 penalty minutes. He was one of only 13 junior (U20) players in the SHL (and one of only eight junior forwards) who registered at least six assists and at least seven points this season. Henriksson’s 12:34 average ice time per game in 2020-21 was the fifth-most among junior forwards in the SHL during the season. He also skated in four playoff games with Frolunda this season.
Internationally, the Malmo, Sweden native has represented his country in several tournaments. Henriksson helped Sweden win a bronze medal at the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship, a gold medal at the 2019 IIHF U18 World Championship, and a silver medal at the 2018 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
Zac Jones is a possibility to replace Trouba in the New York Rangers lineup
After practice on Wednesday, head coach David Quinn confirmed that Jacob Trouba will not be in the lineup on Thursday. Trouba was injured when he was hit by Islanders forward Matt Martin at 9:09 of the first period Tuesday in the Rangers’ loss to the Isles. He left the game and did not return.
Quinn did confirm that newly signed Zac Jones remains a possibility to see his first action as a member of the Rangers. The Rangers agreed to terms with the 20-year-old defenseman, a third-round pick (No. 68) in the 2019 NHL Draft, on an entry-level contract on April 13.
After practice, Jones was asked in his Zoom conference if he was ready to play in the NHL. “100 percent,” Jones stated. “I’ll be out there trying to help the team any way I can and anyway they need me to. So if I get that chance, I’m going to make the most of it.”
If Quinn decides to not insert Jones, Libor Hajek also is an option to play. The defenseman has been scratched the past two games after playing in 20 straight from March 11-April 17.
The Rangers face the Philadelphia Flyers in back-to-back games starting Thursday night at MSG.