NEW YORK — When the New York Rangers placed a claim for Tye Kartye on the waiver wire earlier this month, the move was largely viewed as a depth maneuver for a team looking to shore up its bottom six ahead of the postseason. Fast forward a few weeks, and that “depth move” is starting to look like the steal of the season.

Since arriving in Manhattan, the 24-year-old winger has been nothing short of a revelation. In a short span, Kartye has racked up three goals and five assists for eight points, providing the Blueshirts with a secondary scoring punch they desperately needed. But as the Rangers continue their push for divisional dominance, it’s becoming clear that Kartye’s impact isn’t just showing up on the scoresheet.

The offensive production has been the most immediate headline. Averaging nearly a point per game since joining the roster, Kartye has displayed a knack for being in the right place at the right time. Whether it’s a gritty rebound in front of the net or a heavy wrist shot from the circle, his three goals have all come at high-leverage moments.

“You never know what to expect when you change scenery mid-season,” Kartye said after a recent practice at MSG Training Center. “The guys here made it easy to transition. I’m just trying to play my game and keep things simple, and fortunately, the bounces have been going my way.”

Beyond the eight points, Kartye is making an impression in “more ways than one.” Known for his high motor and physical edge during his tenure with the Seattle Kraken, he has brought a relentless forechecking style to the Rangers’ lineup. His ability to finish checks and disrupt opposing breakouts has energized a third line that had previously struggled with consistency.

Rangers management has noticed. Sources within the organization have praised Kartye’s defensive responsibility and his willingness to sacrifice his body on the penalty kill. It’s that blue-collar work ethic that has quickly made him a favorite in the locker room and among the Garden faithful.

“He’s a Swiss Army knife,” one team official noted. “He can play up and down the lineup, he’s physical, and he has a nose for the net. He’s exactly the kind of player that becomes a difference-maker in April and May.”

As the Rangers gear up for what they hope is a deep playoff run, the emergence of Kartye provides head coach Peter Laviolette with significant tactical flexibility. With his ability to contribute offensively while maintaining a physical presence, Kartye has effectively solidified a roster spot that was previously a question mark.

Picking up an undrafted talent who can produce at this rate for essentially nothing is a massive win for the front office. If Kartye can maintain this level of play, he won’t just be a waiver-wire success story—he’ll be a vital component of the Rangers’ quest for the Stanley Cup.