Rangers Claim Defenseman Vincent Iorio Off Waivers

The New York Rangers bolstered their defensive depth Saturday by claiming 23-year-old defenseman Vincent Iorio off waivers from the San Jose Sharks, the team announced ahead of its 6-5 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins at Madison Square Garden.

Iorio, a 6-foot-4, 220-pound right-handed shot from Coquitlam, British Columbia, brings 30 games of NHL experience to New York. Drafted 55th overall in the second round by the Washington Capitals in 2021, he appeared in nine games over two seasons with the Capitals before the organization placed him on waivers in October. The Sharks claimed him shortly after, and he played 21 games this season, recording three assists while averaging 16 minutes and 30 seconds of ice time primarily on the third pairing. His performance included a plus-4 rating in those outings, though he had been a healthy scratch for the Sharks' previous six games.

In the American Hockey League, Iorio has shown more consistent production. Last season with the Capitals' affiliate, the Hershey Bears, he skated in 67 games, tallying five goals and 15 assists for 20 points, the third-highest total among team defensemen. He ranked third in shots with 86 and tied for third in...