New York Rangers News: Jesper Fast Recalled; Malone/Allen Sent To Hartford
The New York Rangers made a string of moves this evening as they recalled Jesper Fast, and assigned both Ryan Malone and Conor Allen to the Hartford Wolfpack.
According to the AHL transactions page, the New York Rangers have re-assigned both Conor Allen and Ryan Malone to the Hartford Wolfpack of the American Hockey League. Malone had cleared waivers earlier this month, but was never officially re-assigned, as Alain Vigneault elected to keep him around as an injury replacement. As for Allen, his demotion came as a result of John Moore returning to the lineup, as he finished serving out his five game suspension last game. While Allen didn't necessarily look out of place, it was pretty much a choice between him Matt Hunwick or Michael Kostka.
In addition, the team has also decided to recall Jesper Fast, who will likely be slotting in on the fourth line tomorrow night. During his 11 game stint down in Hartford, Fast was able to compile a total of one goal and eight assists for nine total points. One of the biggest issues the Rangers have had thus far, is putting together a competent fourth line which will not only chip in here and there, but also give you big shutdown and defensive zone minutes.
In an ideal situation, Fast would slot in for Glass, while promoting both Kevin Hayes and Anthony Duclair to third line duties. That would leave the trio of Lee Stempniak, Dominic Moore, and Jesper Fast to handle the tough assignments in the defensive end. Unfortunately, Tanner Glass is still a thing, and Alain Vigneault hasn't shown any signs of ending that experiment any time soon, so the likely choice to sit tomorrow night will be Duclair.
No lineup changes are official just yet, so we will have to wait and see what Alain Vigneault puts together tomorrow during the morning skate.
For now though, thoughts?
