Following Saturday night’s 2-1 shootout win over the Columbus Blue Jackets, the New York Rangers were busy today.
They have called up defenseman Scott Morrow from the Hartford Wolf Pack and sent down forward Gabe Perreault.
The moves aren’t that surprising. In recalling Morrow, who was unavailable for last night’s game with the Wolf Pack in the American Hockey League, it’s due to the upper-body injury Will Borgen has. They need a right skating defenseman who can replace Borgen and play on the second power play unit.
It makes sense for Morrow to finally come up. Especially if Borgen isn’t available for tonight’s game at home against the Detroit Red Wings. Assuming he’s in the lineup, Morrow could find himself on the third pair with Urho Vaakanainen. Unless Mike Sullivan trusts him enough to play with Carson Soucy. Braden Schneider had one of his better games while teamed up with Soucy. I imagine they’ll stay together.
If Morrow dresses, it would be his Rangers debut. Acquired on July 1 as part of the K’Andre Miller trade to the Carolina Hurricanes, this could be his chance to make a good first impression. We’ll find out later if Morrow will replace Matthew Robertson in the lineup.
The reaction to Perreault being assigned to the Wolf Pack is predictable. Most observers can’t understand why he only got three games with the Rangers. Lost in translation is that Perreault is waiver exempt, which allows the Rangers to remain cap compliant by bringing up Morrow.
The move makes plenty of sense. After setting up Alexis Lafreniere for a power-play goal in his first game this season, Perreault didn’t distinguish himself in the last two games. While the analytics were strong against the Blue Jackets, he was demoted to the third line by Sullivan for the second straight game. He looked more comfortable playing with Noah Laba and Conor Sheary in the third period. So, it isn’t all bad.
If he stays in Hartford, Perreault can further develop by continuing to play top minutes. He’s only 20. With Vincent Trocheck back, the Rangers are playing a lot better. There’s no reason to rush Perreault. It was a little earlier than expected when he was brought up.
I’d like to see Juuso Parssinen get another look. He hasn’t been bad when he’s been in the lineup. In 12 games, Parssinen has two goals and an assist. He can slot in on either the third or fourth line.
Sullivan could also insert Jonny Brodzinski into the lineup. Without Perreault, someone else will have to play on the second power play. I guess it all depends on Sullivan’s preference.
The Rangers host the Red Wings at 7 PM.