The Rangers weren’t done making moves. Following the trade of Mike Rupp to Minnesota for Darroll Powe and Nick Palmieri, the organization recalled J.T. Miller. The 19-year old center who was selected in the first round of the ’11 Draft (15th overall) could make his NHL debut tomorrow against the Devils in Newark.

Despite only being 19, the Blueshirts signed Miller to an entry level deal last year. He’s tallied eight goals and 12 assists for 20 points with the Connecticut Whale (AHL). Miller had two assists in the Whale’s 5-4 overtime defeat to Bridgeport. His development is crucial to the Rangers’ future. In light of the Rick Nash blockbuster with Columbus, the Rangers lost valuable assets Artem Anisimov, Brandon Dubinsky and Tim Erixon.

Combined with the departures of Brandon Prust, Ruslan Fedotenko and John Mitchell, who’s been reborn in Colorado, Glen Sather hurt the team’s depth. The one move he made that’s paid dividends so far is signing Taylor Pyatt, who ironically enough I wanted. Pyatt has scored three goals and tallied two assists- becoming a versatile forward John Tortorella can plug in. With injuries to rookie Chris Kreider and captain Ryan Callahan, Slats had no choice but to deal Rupp to fill a hole. Powe can bring energy and kill penalties while Palmieri supplies more depth in Connecticut.

Miller has had an interesting winter. Aside from getting his feet wet in the pros, he helped lead Team USA to the gold medal at the 2013 WJC in Russia. As an alternate captain, he posted two goals and seven helpers under Phil Housley– teaming with leading scorer Johnny Gaudreau to form two/thirds of USA’s top line. While he wasn’t as exciting as Gaudreau or current Habs rookie Alex Galchenyuk, Miller was often in the right place during the holiday tournament. He was solid both ways and played with an edge. Something the Rangers are severely lacking.

Also called up is Brandon Mashinter. A 24-year old former Shark who put up seven points (3-4-7 and 14 penalty minutes in eight games with the Whale. A player who will mix it up. Making room on the roster, Benn Ferriero was sent down. He posted an assist in four games. Ferriero didn’t do anything wrong. It’s just our team looking for a spark.