Conor Sheary’s time in Tampa was certainly frustrating.
The veteran had established himself as a valuable winger throughout his career when he signed with the club on three-year deal back in July 2023.
But during his first year with the Lightning he missed significant time due to a broken hand and then served as a healthy scratch throughout their playoff run.
Then last season, Sheary was placed on waivers and ended up being sent to AHL Syracuse, appearing in just five games at the pro level.
So before free agency opened this offseason, the 33-year-old and his agent approached the front office about a potential exit, and the two sides mutually agreed to terminate the final year of his contract.
Sheary left a guaranteed $1.5 million on the table to reach the open market again.
“I just knew I needed to get out of there,” he said.
“I’ve had a good long career, made more money than I ever thought I was going to make — the experiences you have and the chances you have to win and play in these games in the NHL, they’re probably numbered, so I wanted to give myself the best opportunity to get back there.”
Sheary felt that chance was with the Rangers.
He said that he turned down a guaranteed offer from another NHL club this summer to have the chance to reunite with head coach Mike Sullivan, who he won a pair of Stanley Cups with as a member of the Penguins.
Through just two preseason games, Sheary has made the most of that opportunity.
After finding the back of the net in the second period of last weekend’s opener in New Jersey, he added a pair of assists and four more shots on goal during Thursday night’s exhibition loss to the Islanders.
The winger has looked rejuvenated, providing a solid all-around veteran presence on New York’s third line.
If he’s able to keep this up, he could very well earn himself a deal with the Blueshirts to open the regular season.
“I just want to prove myself, I kind of have nothing to lose,” Sheary said. “I’d love to get a contract out of this. I’m coming into a place that I have familiarity with the coaching staff and I’ve played against them for a long time, so hopefully some of the management has seen me play.
“I just want to prove to myself that I can still play and I can help this team win.”
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