New York Rangers injury update: K’Andre Miller skating on own, won’t return against Stars
When Peter Laviolette scored against Igor Shesterkin in a post-practice shootout contest Thursday in Dallas, the New York Rangers reportedly whooped it up. However, K’Andre Miller was not among those taking part in the fun. The injured Rangers defenseman remained in New York, skating on his own.
When Miller landed on IR ahead of a three-game road trip with an upper-body issue, the Rangers expressed hope that the 24-year-old might join the team at some point during its road swing. The Rangers, who lost 3-2 in St. Louis to the Blues on Sunday and 2-0 at the Nashville Predators on Tuesday, will close out the trip Friday against the Dallas Stars. And there was no Miller sighting on the trip.
But he has resumes skating, so that’s a plus. The Rangers defense corps cycled through Connor Mackey, Victor Mancini, Chad Ruhwedel and Urho Vaakanainen in recent games. Will Borgen joined the Rangers in Dallas and practiced, after the 28-year-old was acquired from the Seattle Kraken along with two draft picks in exchange for forward Kappo Kakko on Wednesday.
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Borgen is expected to make his Rangers debut against the Stars on Friday, likely paired with Zac Jones. Vaakanainen, who made his debut against the Predators after being acquired from the Anaheim Ducks in the Jacob Trouba trade two weeks ago, is expected to line up alongside Braden Schneider. The top pair remains intact with Adam Fox and Ryan Lindgren.
Present at practice Thursday, though wearing a green no-contact jersey, was Artemi Panarin. New York’s leading scorer with 15 goals and 36 points missed the past two games with an upper-body injury.
All Laviolette said about Panarin’s status is, “He’s out there. That’s a good thing.”
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‘There’s a chance’ Matt Rempe could dress for Rangers against Stars
Matt Rempe didn’t arrive in time to take part in practice. Rempe was recalled from Hartford of the American Hockey League Wednesday night after the Kakko trade was announced. There is a chance that the towering 22-year-old forward could play against the Stars, though.
“We’ll see when he gets here. There’s a chance he’s playing,” Laviolette said.
Rempe and Borgen would add some size, heft and jam to the Rangers lineup if each plays Friday. Borgen, a right-shot defenseman, could fill that abrasive defensive role, which was Trouba’s calling card in the past. Rempe is capable of being a one-man wrecking crew, and could help cure what ails the lackluster Rangers, who’ve lost three straight and 11 of their past 14 games.
After racking up 71 penalty minutes in 17 games last season, and scoring New York’s first goal in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Rempe’s been a forgotten man this season. He’s played only four games with the Rangers, averaging under seven minutes TOI, making very little impact.
In 18 games with Hartford, Rempe has five points (three goals, two assists) and 22 penalty minutes. Most importantly, he played on the wing and at center, and in all game situations — even strength, power play and penalty kill. That expanded experience should be invaluable for his growth as a player.
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