In one way or another, Jack Rathbone has a promising future ahead of him.
Firstly, he is a pro hockey player, which can be quite a lucrative job, even if you are playing in the American Hockey League.
Secondly, he is working towards a psychology degree at Harvard, which is a well-regarded institution.
Rathbone mentioned, 'I am still taking classes in the summers. We have a few guys who also turned pro around the same time as me. We go back to train and skate in that area and take some classes.'
However, Rathbone is not thinking too far ahead at the moment. He is currently focused on helping the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins try to secure a playoff spot in the final weeks of the regular season.
Rathbone stated, 'I am trying to put together some consistent games here at the end. Whatever happens, happens. I am definitely excited about hopefully making a playoff run here. Right now, that's the only thing on my mind.'
Rathbone, who is left-handed and stands at 5-foot-11, 182 pounds, has been one of the most reliable defensemen for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton this season since he was acquired through a trade early in the regular season.
On Oct. 17, the Pittsburgh Penguins management traded for Rathbone and forward Karel Plasek, who left the organization shortly after, from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for veteran defenseman Mark Friedman and forward prospect Ty Glover.
From the Penguins’ point of view, the main reason for the trade was to get rid of Friedman to avoid a situation where the AHL's rules for the number of veterans in the lineup would create problems.
For Rathbone, the trade meant a typical but necessary change in surroundings.
Rathbone, who was the 95th overall pick of the Canucks in the 2017 NHL Draft, spent parts of four seasons with the Canucks and showed a lot of promise, especially during the 2021-22 season with the AHL’s Abbotsford Canucks where he scored 40 points (10 goals, 30 assists) in just 39 games.
However, that promise didn't result in much success at the NHL level, as he only played in 28 games with the Canucks and had five points (two goals, three assists).
Rathbone said, 'I have only positive things to say about the people in that organization. They gave me the opportunity to fulfill my dream of playing in the NHL. But I am definitely looking forward to the move and a fresh start.'
While playing for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Rathbone has participated in 59 games, scored 18 points (six goals, 12 assists), and has been a contributing factor to the team's position to potentially qualify for the postseason.
What a scope from Rathbone pic.twitter.com/cFEQNBeC5w
— Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (@WBSPenguins) December 14, 2023
J.D. Forrest, the coach of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, described Rathbone as a very impressive skater with great movement and a powerful shot. He competes well, has potential for offense, and has scored important goals for the team this year. He can also make high-level plays.
Forrest added, 'He has the ability to make those plays, so he tends to attempt them frequently. Sometimes, he just needs to make the right decision. But overall, he has been beneficial for us.'
The 24-year-old person from Boston is in the final year of a three-year first-level contract and will be a restricted free agent this upcoming offseason. There is no guarantee, but it seems like there is a lot of reason for management to re-sign him.
At the same time, there are too many left-handed defensemen in the organization.
Rathbone declares that he is not concentrating on that. Only the future.
The immediate future.
“That’s the least important thing to consider,” Rathbone said. “I am comfortable playing on either side, but that’s the least important thing to consider. I am focused on trying to put together some good and consistent games leading into the playoffs.”
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