Victor Mancini seemed like he was destined to be on the New York Rangers for a long time, but his life changed when he was traded to the Vancouver Canucks in January.
The 2022 fifth-round pick worked his way up New York’s prospect ranks and after an impressive showing through training camp, he made the Rangers’ opening night roster.
In the 15 games he played for the Rangers, Mancini showed promise and although he was eventually sent back down to the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League, the wide growing sentiment that he would make his way back to the NHL eventually.
However, while preparing to play in an AHL game, Mancini was told he would not be playing due to a decision from management, but he wasn’t exactly told why.
The reason was because the Rangers were on the verge of acquiring J.T. Miller from the Canucks and Mancini was a part of the deal.
When he heard about the trade, Mancini’s anxiety quickly turned to excitement.
“Just for me it felt like I was wanted in the Canucks organization, so that really made me feel at ease,” Mancini said. “You kind of go from this sense of unease to like comfort, almost an excitement.”
The 22-year-old recorded one goal, two assists, and three points in 16 games for the Canucks while averaging 15:30 minutes.
