Rangers Recall Rookie Cole Beaudoin for NHL Debut Amidst Injury Woes
The 20-year-old forward steps into the lineup for the Rangers, who are dealing with multiple injuries to key players.
The New York Rangers have recalled rookie Cole Beaudoin for his NHL debut, filling a vacancy at center just two games into his professional career with the Hartford Wolf Pack. The 20-year-old forward was recalled Tuesday afternoon ahead of the team's matchup against the Islanders at Madison Square Garden.
Beaudoin, whom the Rangers acquired in the Vincent Trocheck deal, skated on the fourth line between Jaroslav Chmelar and Oliver Bjorkstrand. "I felt good. Obviously, just playing my game," Beaudoin said after the Rangers' 5-2 victory over the Islanders. "There’s excitement, a little bit of nerves. I’m just going out there and having fun, having a smile on my face and going out there and enjoying it. It was great."
Beaudoin's recall comes as the Rangers are facing significant injury concerns. Prior to Beaudoin's call-up, forward Joe Veleno was placed on injured reserve with a lower-body injury sustained during a game against Utah. Veleno fell awkwardly along the boards and required assistance to leave the ice, not putting weight on his right leg. Head coach Mike Sullivan did not provide a timeline for Veleno's return.
To make roster space for Beaudoin, the Rangers placed Matthew Robertson on waivers Monday. Robertson cleared waivers and was subsequently assigned to Hartford.
The team has now placed three players on injured reserve in the opening week of the season. Backup goaltender Joonas Korpisalo and young winger Adam Sykora are also sidelined with lower-body injuries. Sykora sustained his injury during the preseason after a hard hit resulted in him bending his right knee awkwardly. He was ruled out for four to five months.
Beaudoin had been a strong performer for the Wolf Pack, leading the team with five points (one goal, four assists) in two games. He had been playing on Hartford's second line.
The Rangers' offense has also seen a slow start, with the team extending its longest streak without a first-period goal to start a season since 1939, now spanning five games.
The team is scheduled for a day off Wednesday before returning to practice Thursday at the MSG Training Center.