Hajek signed a one-year, minor-league contract with AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Hajek had been with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton's NHL affiliate Pittsburgh during training camp but was unable to secure a contract. Instead, the 25-year-old blueliner will spend the year in the minors with the Baby Pens. Unless he signs a two-way contract later in the campaign, Hajek won't be eligible to be recalled to Pittsburgh.

Hajek signed a professional tryout agreement with the Penguins on Tuesday, per CapFriendly.

EDGE Analysis

Hajek went unqualified by the Rangers in June, ending his five-year stint with the team. He has never appeared in more than 44 games or earned more than five points in a season. At 25 years old, he may still be able to find his way to a full-time NHL role. Hajek's PTO will allow him to showcase his game during the Penguins' training camp, though it's unclear if he'll earn a full contract from them or any other team.

Hajek won't get a qualifying offer from the Rangers, which will make him an unrestricted free agent Saturday, per Arthur Staple of The Athletic.

EDGE Analysis

Hajek had two goals and six points in 24 AHL contests with Hartford in 2022-23. At the NHL level, the 25-year-old defenseman has accumulated four goals and 12 points in 110 career games.

Hajek was assigned to AHL Hartford on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Hajek was an extra defender for the Rangers in the postseason. New York's elimination in Game 7 on Monday by New Jersey frees him up to see playing time in the Calder Cup Playoffs with the Wolf Pack. The 25-year-old blueliner chipped in six points and 31 PIM in 24 AHL contests during the 2022-23 campaign.

Hajek was promoted from AHL Hartford on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Hajek scored six points in 24 games with AHL Hartford. He'll fill a depth role with the Rangers this postseason.

Hajek was waived by the Rangers on Thursday, per TSN's Chris Johnston.

EDGE Analysis

Hajek last drew into the lineup for New York on Dec. 12. He has a goal in 16 games this season while averaging 13:16 of ice time. If Hajek clears waivers, the 25-year-old will likely be reassigned to AHL Hartford so he can get some work in.

Hajek hasn't dressed for a game since Dec. 12.

EDGE Analysis

The Rangers brought up Ben Harpur from the AHL after that date, and Harpur has skated in all 10 of New York's games since then at Hajek's expense. Hajek has just one point in 16 games this season, and it would likely take an injury to get the underwhelming blueliner back in the lineup.

Hajek totaled one shot, two blocked shots, two PIM and a plus-1 rating across 12:24 TOI in Monday's 4-3 overtime win over the Devils.

EDGE Analysis

Hajek is dressing by default due to a lack of appealing alternatives, but he's clearly at the bottom of the pecking order among New York's six defensemen -- each of the other five played at least 17:50 in this one. With a Nov. 10 goal in an 8-2 drubbing of Detroit comprising his entire season point total, Hajek hasn't made a strong case for more ice time.

Hajek scored a goal and produced a plus-2 rating during Thursday's 8-2 victory over the Red Wings.

EDGE Analysis

With the Rangers leading 6-2 after exploding for five consecutive markers, Hajek released what seemed to be an innocent wrist shot from the blue line. However, Michael Rasmussen attempted to block the shot and it deflected off the third-line center's stick and past Ville Husso, who was sliding over to cover the other post. It was Hajek's first goal since scoring against the Islanders on April 11, 2021.

The Rangers signed Hajek to a one-year, $800,000 contract Monday, per CapFriendly.

EDGE Analysis

Hajek was often a healthy scratch last season; he tallied just one assist while averaging 13:08 of ice time in 17 games. He'll likely fill a similar depth role with the Rangers during the 2022-23 campaign.