DeAngelo and Holland Recalled; Lettieri Left In Hartford

Steve Bowman Jan 30, 2018

Share

• Share on Facebook Facebook
• Share on Twitter Twitter
• Share on Flipboard Flipboard
• Share via Email Email

In a move that most of us expected, the Rangers recalled Anthony Deangelo and Peter Holland from the AHL.

Both DeAngelo and Holland, as well as Lettieri, were with the Rangers prior to the All-Star Break but were sent down to Hartford in order to allow them to play while the NHL was on a brief hiatus. The only somewhat surprising piece is that Vinni Lettieri was not recalled in favor of Cody McLeod, the Rangers’ most recent waiver claim.

While it is somewhat disappointing for most fans, given that Lettieri was a shoot first player and brought a high level of energy every night, this is probably the correct move as Lettieri will be able to play bigger minutes in Hartford. In addition, with the Rangers moving towards selling at the deadline, Lettieri will be one of the first call-ups if and when Rick Nash, Michael Grabner and others are moved.

It’s good to see Anthony DeAngelo being re-called as prior to the break, Deangelo was showing marked improvement in all facets of the game. He was playing smart, decisive hockey, and was using his natural abilities to help fill the hole left by Kevin Shattenkirk, who had surgery on a torn meniscus. It will be extremely crucial for DeAngelo to continue to show improvement given AV’s shorter-than-usual leash.

While Holland has not had the kind of success in the NHL that he was having in Hartford, Holland deserves another look given his near point-per-game pace in Hartford. With the Rangers depth being tested, Holland needs to be a solid depth scoring forward option.