Rangers Waive Robertson to Open Roster Spot After Veleno Injury

The New York Rangers made a roster move on Monday, placing defenseman Matthew Robertson on waivers to open a spot after forward Joe Veleno was ruled out of Tuesday's game against the Islanders.

Robertson, a 2019 second-round pick, appeared in 72 games last season with 18 points and was expected to push for a regular role. The move is procedural — the Rangers need the flexibility — but it puts the 24-year-old at risk of being claimed.

The injury to Veleno forced the club's hand, and the cap picture remains tight: the Rangers are left with just $461,686 in space, limiting their options if further moves are needed.

Waiver decisions are rarely easy for teams balancing development and contention. Robertson's fate will be decided by Tuesday afternoon — claimed, cleared, or assigned. For a Rangers side with Stanley Cup ambitions, every roster spot is precious, and Monday's move was about survival, not preference.