Urho Vaakanainen #18 of the New York Rangers warms up before the game against the Calgary Flames. NHLI via Getty Images

EDMONTON — Aside from a few healthy scratches, Urho Vaakanainen became a regular on the Rangers’ back end after his arrival as part of last December’s trade that sent Jacob Trouba to Anaheim.

We've got you covered on the Liberty beat

Text with Madeline Kenney as she follows the Liberty — she’s sharing behind-the-scenes info and insights with Sports+ subscribers. SIGN UP NOW

The 26-year-old Finn even filled in on the second pairing when Adam Fox was injured but primarily skated on the third defensive pair with Braden Schneider during his first season with the Rangers.

Just seven games into the 2025-26 campaign, however, Vaakanainen lost his spot in the top six

See Full Page