After struggling to secure regular playing time with the Edmonton Oilers last season, Erne will now compete for a spot at the lower end of the Rangers’ forward lineup.
Erne, who was projected as a mid-first-round pick for the 2013 NHL Draft, was eventually selected 33rd overall in the second round by the Tampa Bay Lightning. He made his NHL debut with the Lightning in the 2016-2017 season, scoring three goals in 29 games. He initially thrived with the AHL’s Syracuse Crunch, where his physical play and scoring ability stood out.
The 2018-2019 season marked a notable performance for Erne, as he recorded seven goals and 20 points in 65 games with the Lightning, contributing significantly to the team’s deep playoff run. Following the expiration of his entry-level contract and Tampa Bay’s cap issues, he was traded to the Detroit Red Wings for a 2020 fourth-round pick.
Erne enjoyed his most successful stint with Detroit, where he had more ice time on a rebuilding team, becoming a key part of the middle-six forwards. Over 241 games with the Red Wings, he scored 27 goals and accumulated 62 points, earning a two-year, $4.2 million contract.
About a year ago, Erne joined the Edmonton Oilers on a PTO and later signed a one-year, league-minimum deal. He played 24 games for Edmonton in the 2023-2024 season, netting one goal and two points, while spending a significant portion of the season with their AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors, where he scored six goals and 12 points in 36 games.
As the Rangers head into the 2024-2025 season, their top three forward lines are largely settled, but there may be opportunities available on the fourth line. Erne will compete with Jimmy Vesey, Sam Carrick, and Matt Rempe for a spot, with nearly a month to demonstrate his value to the team.
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