Rangers Recall Leschyshyn, Mackey From Hartford

It’s been a long, albeit much needed break for this New York Rangers team with their last game before the All-Star break coming a week and a day ago. As they get ready to take on the Colorado Avalanche in their return to play tomorrow night at the Garden, the Rangers have announced the recalls of Jake Leschyshyn and Connor Mackey.

Prior to the break, the Rangers were forced to use both Zac Jones and Connor Mackey on the back end as Ryan Lindgren was out with an injury and Jacob Trouba was given a two-game suspension. Lindgren is set to return, however Trouba still has one game left to serve. Both Jones and Mackey played big roles in the Rangers 7-2 win over Ottawa before the break. With Jones skating on the third pair with Erik Gustafsson at the Rangers practice today, it’s fair to assume Mackey will join the team as the extra defender while Trouba finishes out his suspension.

As for the forwards, Jake Leschyshyn joins the Rangers as their 13th forward as the Rangers opted to waive veteran Nick Bonino in a bit of a surprise move. Bonino cleared waivers but was allowed to enjoy the off week before reporting to Hartford. Barring any major trades from the Rangers, we’ll likely see Leschyshyn bouncing up and down between New York and Hartford in order for the team to accrue as much salary cap space as possible.

In their last three games with the Wolf Pack, Leschyshyn had three assists spread across their two most recent games with Mackey picking up one assist in their overtime thrilling win over the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. The Rangers jump right back into action this week as they kick off a two game homestand before heading over to Chicago Friday Night.