Seven Rangers prospects played Friday, including Jacob Battaglia’s debut, NCHC playoff openers and the Big Ten finale.
Introducing Jacob Battaglia
The Rangers acquired Jacob Battaglia from Calgary for Brennan Othmann. Battaglia was Calgary’s 2024 second‑round pick.
He plays center with Nathan Aspinall in Flint but likely projects as a right wing. Listed at 6‑1 and 202 pounds, he fits that role.
Battaglia is a strong offensive forward who scores from many areas. He has ten power‑play goals and five game winners.
He also creates well for teammates. His assist totals dipped in Flint due to a different role.
His defense needs work, especially reads and zone coverage. His first step also limits his skating.
Right now, he projects as a third‑line NHL forward. Playing with Laba and Cuylle could help all three.
Signed to an entry‑level deal, Battaglia should start next season in Hartford.
OHL
Nathan Aspinall scored the winner in Flint’s 3‑1 win over Sarnia. It was his 30th goal and extended his streak to seven games.
He scored on a power play from the right circle to break a 1‑1 tie.
🚨Aspinall
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🍏Graziano pic.twitter.com/5JbqtvL0l6— x – Flint Firebirds (@FlintFirebirds) March 7, 2026
Aspinall scores often from that spot, and teams rarely deny it. The goal came 46 seconds into the second period. It was his fifth winner and fifth power‑play goal.
He leads Rangers prospects with a 30‑54‑84 line, good for second in the OHL. His six‑game assist streak ended, but he had six shots.
Jacob Battaglia was scoreless in his Rangers debut. He has 26‑17‑43 this season with Flint and Kingston. Flint moved ahead of Liam Greentree’s Windsor team in the West race.
Artem Gonchar and Sudbury beat Oshawa 5‑2 to move closer to a playoff spot. Gonchar had a primary assist to extend his streak to six games.
His 13‑34‑47 line ranks ninth among OHL defensemen. Sudbury now holds a 13‑point lead for the final Eastern playoff spot.
That likely sets up a matchup with Brantford. The upside is Gonchar could join Hartford sooner.
The Rangers drafted him before Sudbury selected him in the Import Draft.
NCHC Frozen Playoff
Ty Henricks and No. 4 Western Michigan beat Colorado College 5‑2 in game one. Henricks had two assists, including the primary on the winner.
His other assist came on the first goal. The two points ended a five‑game drought and moved him to 9‑15‑24.
Western can advance with a win Saturday.
E.J. Emery and No. 2 North Dakota beat Omaha 5‑3 in their opener. Emery had a secondary assist on the winner.
It was his seventh assist and tenth point. North Dakota can advance Saturday.
Big Ten
Minnesota hosted Michigan State on senior night. It was Brody Lamb’s final home game.
The teams tied 3‑3, and Minnesota won the shootout 2‑1 for the extra point.
Lamb played his 151st game but was scoreless. He is 47‑44‑91 in his career. Minnesota finished sixth and will visit Penn State on Wednesday.
Sean Barnhill was scoreless for Michigan State. The Spartans earned a bye after winning the Big Ten title. They will host the lowest remaining seed.
Malcom Spence and Michigan were idle but learned they will host Notre Dame on Wednesday.
Did Not Play
Rasmus Larsson missed his third straight game for Robert Morris. It is unlikely he was a healthy scratch for a playoff opener.
Robert Morris lost a double‑overtime heartbreaker to Air Force. They must win Saturday to stay alive.
