Watching Morgan Barron play heavy, important minutes for the Winnipeg Jets in their jaw-dropping Game 7 comeback victory against the St. Louis Blues on Sunday, might just entice the Rangers to consider a reunion with the 26-year-old center.

Barron was a sixth-round pick (No. 174 overall) by the Rangers in the 2017 NHL Draft and played 18 games on Broadway before he was traded to the Jets in March 2022 as part of the trade-deadline swap that brought veteran forward Andrew Copp to Broadway.

Though that deal will go down as a success – Copp played a key role in the Rangers run to the Eastern Conference Final that spring – Barron’s developed into the kind of player that his first NHL team so desperately craves now. Accordingly, Rangers general manager Chris Drury should take a run at re-acquiring Barron to bolster the bottom six.

Related: Former Rangers teammates play massive roles in helping Jets win epic Game 7 in 2OT

Morgan Barron’s size, physicality suits what Rangers have long sought in shutdown center

Barron exhibited signs of the heavy, grinding game he was capable of bringing in his short stint in New York. His three full seasons north of the border have seen the 6-foot-4, 220-pound center establish himself as an NHL regular by playing precisely that style. Barron totaled at least 70 games in each of those campaigns with the Jets, scoring 30 goals, adding 30 assists, dishing out 362 hits and growing as a face-off force in 2024-25, winning a career-best 52.1 percent of his draws.

In Winnipeg’s Game 7 double-overtime win, Barron stepped up to play 26 rugged minutes, tasked with a bigger role since No. 1 center Mark Scheifele was injured and out of the lineup.

Barron will never be a star, but his skill set would fit the current Rangers to a ‘T.’ The Rangers are starved for a big, strong third-line matchup center, especially in a playoff series. One need only look at the impact of the Carolina Hurricanes’ Jordan Staal and the Jets’ Adam Lowry – both of whose teams are into the second-round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs – to know that having such a player is a key ingredient for success.

Perennially absent that element, multiple Rangers coaches have employed Mika Zibanejad in the role, one which he handled well at times. That, however, came at the expense of his offensive game, and may have contributed to Zibanejad’s decline from unquestioned No. 1 center to winger on J.T. Miller’s line in the latter half of this season.

The Rangers need to find a shutdown forward in the middle to anchor their third line next season – not to mention as many forwards as possible who can get to the net and create havoc. Those kinds of players are anything but easy to find; but Barron’s game is still growing, and a long career in just that role might be in the offing.

So why would the Jets want to move him? It’s a matter of economics and personnel. Even with the salary cap rising from $88 million to $95.5 million next season, Winnipeg is likely to face a financial crunch. The Presidents’ Trophy winners likely want to re-sign top-six winger Nikolaj Ehlers, an unrestricted free agent who carried a $6 million cap hit this season and will command a raise. They’ll also be in the market for a bonafide No. 2 center, former Rangers journeyman Vladislav Namestnikov’s recent playoff heroics notwithstanding.

And the Jets have to re-up rising 25-year-old forward Gabriel Vilardi, a restricted free agent who will be looking for a long-term contract after recording career highs of 27 goals and 34 assists this season.

With nearly $70 million already projected to be on Winnipeg’s cap for 2025-26, and major financial commitments pending, things will get very tight very quickly for the Jets. Barron, a pending RFA with arbitration rights, will be looking for a salary increase and some term after completing a two-year, $2.7 million bridge deal. He can be an unrestricted free agent in 2026.

Even if the Jets are determined to retain Barron, there’s a question of roster fit. Ready for more responsibility, Barron’s path upward through the middle of Winnipeg’s lineup looks blocked. The Jets have Lowry, their captain and erstwhile third-line center, signed through next season.

Related: Rangers rumors: Irritated Brady Tkachuk says trade wish ‘just not true’

Morgan Barron, Adam Lowry are redundant on Jets roster

Though he’s 32, Lowry remains highly effective, having scored an NHL career-high 16 goals in 2024-25 and posting a career-best plus-18 rating to give him a plus-35 mark over the past two seasons. Lowry is the Jets emotional leader, on the ice and off, and it seems likely the sides will try to work out an extension starting this summer.

That leaves Barron playing on the wing, which he’s done often for the Jets but limits his impact, or back in the middle of the fourth line. Will cap-challenged Winnipeg want to pay perhaps $2.5-$3 million over three or four years for a bottom-line center, one that might in some situations have to play out of position – especially when his skills are redundant with its captain?

It’s why the Rangers should take a run at Barron, who had eight goals, seven assists and some excellent underling metrics, per Natural Stat Trick, in 2024-25. A top-to-bottom center corps of Miller, Vincent Trocheck, Barron and Sam Carrick, with Juuso Parssinen and Jonny Brodzinski in the mix, has the look and feel of where Drury wants to take his roster.

While the Rangers don’t have much cap room either, they could undergo much more summer upheaval than the Jets. That means more cap space theoretically available to commit to someone who could finally fix their third-line center problem for awhile, and wouldn’t break the bank. And since Barron’s only 26, it’d be less painful for the Rangers to trade a young prospect or draft pick to get him.

Moving Barron was necessary for the Rangers three years ago. Now Drury needs him back. Barron represents what the Rangers want for their near future and they should put forth a serious effort to try to make that into a reality.

Like a boat that’s less than seaworthy, leaks keep appearing and needing to be plugged. As with any leak, a permanent fix is required or the problem will resurface as some point.

The latest crack the Blueshirts ship is facing is the third line, which like it did last season, has devolved into a sinkhole of uncertain personnel use and little production. That the dilemma re-emerged after the departure of regular No. 3 center Filip Chytil should hardly have been a surprise.

The excitement over the acquisition of top-line pivot J.T. Miller on Jan. 31 has largely worn off, with the reality of the cost of the move becoming increasingly obvious. While no one would harbor regrets over the obtaining of Miller as a linchpin of general manager Chris Drury’s ongoing renovation of the roster, the deal cost the Rangers Chytil, whose skill set at least gave the team an anchor to build a third forward unit around.

With Chytil now playing for the Vancouver Canucks, coach Peter Laviolette has watched as any impact from his third line has stalled. Without a clear option to center the line, or a clear sense of what he’s looking for from the unit, Laviolette has cycled through personnel to little success.

Related: Winners, losers after Rangers fall to Jets to start road trip

Loss to Jets put spotlight on Rangers ugly third-line situation

The coach has tried depth players Jonny Brodzinski and newcomer Juuso Parssinen in the middle of the line, neither of whom stuck. Recently, he’s moved Sam Carrick, a revelation as a low-cost fourth-line center this season, up to 3C, where he’s miscast. Wingers from Chris Kreider to Arthur Kaliyev to Brennan Othmann to Brett Berard have taken spins on the third line. None of it has worked.

The frustration for Laviolette over this issue is all too familiar. Last season, the loss of Chytil to a suspected concussion for almost all of 2023-24 left the coach in the same spot, as Brodzinski and others tried in vain to create a cohesive, effective unit that could at least contribute some offense. The opening was only somewhat patched with the trade-deadline acquisition of Alex Wennberg, who provided stability in the middle of the line but not much in the way of scoring (his overtime goal in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final notwithstanding).

This time around, Chytil is gone for good, and with the trade deadline having passed, the Rangers are left with internal options, none of which evoke confidence in them being the solution.

Laviolette and the front office received a painful reminder of what they’re missing in the 2-1 loss to the NHL-best Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday – the fourth in a row (0-2-2) for a Blueshirts team that’s struggling to keep pace in the race for an Eastern Conference wild-card spot. The Jets boast a sturdy third line, made up of 6-foot-5, 210-pound two-way center Adam Lowry, 6-2, 218-pound left wing Nino Niederreiter and right wing Mason Appleton.

The Jets employ that line as a shutdown unit, with the big and physical Lowry ideal for going head-to-head with top NHL centers, winning 52.0 percent of his face-offs this season. Niederreiter, like Lowry an elite defensive forward, served in the same role during his three-plus seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes, teaming with center Jordan Staal and former Ranger wing Jesper Fast on a dominant matchup third line.

All three players also provide offense. Lowry has 14 goals and 15 assists this season, Niederreiter has 30 points and Appleton 19. The trio has posted a 51.1 expected goal share, and Winnipeg has outscored opponents 20-9 with the line on at 5-on-5 while out-chancing teams 97-84, per Natural Stat Trick. It’s hardly a coincidence that the Jets are by far the League’s best defensive outfit, allowing 2.3 goals per game.

It’s the kind of third line that the Rangers have never been able to construct – one with a clear purpose and dimension that the Blueshirts desperately need. Even with Chytil, questions persisted about whether the club required what amounted to a third offensive unit instead of a checking trio to take on opposing top lines.

Related: Jonathan Quick to return for another season with Rangers, agrees to 1-year contract

There’s little hope of Rangers being able to correct third-line problem this season

Now, Drury isn’t any closer to forging such a group than he was last season, when stellar play from the top line of Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck and Alexis Lafreniere helped to paper over the lack of bottom-six depth — especially the glaring matter of the third line.

The avenues for coach and GM to fix this for the final 17 regular-season games are limited and known. Parssinen was viewed as an intriguing prospect when he arrived as part of the Ryan Lindgren trade March 1, but he lasted a couple of games as the 3C before Laviolette moved him to the wing, and then out of the lineup. Kaliyev’s mostly nondescript 14 games in a Blueshirt have illustrated why the Los Angeles Kings waived him in January.

Brodzinski remains nothing more than a solid depth option, one who’s failed to nail down a steady role when given chances to do so over the past several seasons. And Laviolette would benefit the lineup by putting Carrick back on the fourth line with Matt Rempe, as that unit is the team’s only one that can maintain a consistent forecheck and cycle effectively in the offensive zone.

Like so many of the Rangers’ structural and cultural problems, the third forward unit’s ongoing lack of identity and meaningful production will have to be dealt with in the offseason. Perhaps a summer call to Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff about old friend Morgan Barron might be a course of action for Drury as he seeks a big, tough center to build a Winnipeg-esque third line.

Drury, of course, has bigger offseason matters to address. If he doesn’t get around to addressing this one, however, the hole is going to keep letting in water indefinitely – dragging the Rangers downward with it.

The details for the Andrew Copp trade have emerged and they are a bit complex. Along with the 27 year-old pending UFA forward, the New York Rangers will also receive a 6th-round pick in the 2023 Draft.

New York will send prospect forward Morgan Barron to the Jets along with two conditional 2nd-round picks, and a 2023 5th-round pick in 2023.

Here’s the breakdown of the conditions per the New York Rangers press release:

• Conditional second round pick 1 (NYR’s own second round pick in 2022; becomes a first-round pick in 2022 if the Rangers advance to the Eastern Conference Final and Copp plays in at least 50 percent of New York’s playoff games)
• Conditional second round pick 2 (either STL’s own second round pick in 2022 or NYR’s own second round pick in 2023)

OFFICIAL: #NYR have acquired forward Andrew Copp and a sixth-round selection in the 2023 NHL Draft from Winnipeg.

Welcome to Broadway. 🗽 pic.twitter.com/ETQSC9ppTq

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 21, 2022

Andrew Copp traded to the New York Rangers

Copp has 35 points in 56 games this season good for 5th in scoring for Winnipeg. He is considered a versatile forward that can play all three positions and log important minutes. His TOI ranked 4th among all Jets forwards at 19:48 per game.

Per Team Press Release:

 The Ann Arbor, Michigan native has skated in 467 career NHL games, all with Winnipeg, notching 74 goals and 110 assists for 184 points and a plus-56 rating. Copp has recorded double-digit goal totals in each of his last four seasons and 20 or more points in each of his last five seasons. In 2020-21, the 6-1, 206 pounder established career highs for goals (15), assists (24), points (39), power play goals (6), and power play assists (6). In the past two seasons combined, he ranks fifth on Winnipeg in points (74) and assists (46), and sixth in goals (28). His nine power play goals since 2020-21 rank fourth on the Jets.

Internationally, Copp has represented the United States in several tournaments, including the 2017 and 2014 IIHF World Championship and the 2012 U-18 World Championship. Copp played two seasons (2010-12) with the U.S. National Development Program where he was teammates with Jacob Trouba and Frank Vatrano.

 Copp was originally selected by the Jets in the fourth round, 104^th overall, of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.

Quick Trade Analysis

Andrew Copp could easily slide into a second line role until Kaapo Kakko returns from his injury. Gerard Gallant has plenty of options that include moving him down to center the third line, or give more offensive support to Filip Chytil on the wing.

Morgan Barron, who was selected in the 6th round of the 2017 Draft struggled to crack the Rangers bottom six. The 23 year-old certainly has promise but was quickly falling down the depth charts with the acquisition of Tyler Motte, whom the team may consider re-signing.

The New York Rangers acquired speedy and gritty winger Frank Vatrano on Monday from the Florida Panthers for a fourth-round pick.

In a subsequent move, forward Morgan Barron was sent down to the Hartford Wolf Pack to make room for the new acquisition.

Vatrano, who turned 28 on Monday, has 157 points (93 goals, 64 assists) in 379 career games with the Boston Bruins (2015-18) and Panthers. Boston traded him to Florida on Feb. 22, 2018 for a third-round pick in 2018. He has 19 points (10 goals, nine assists) through 49 games this season

On July 1, Vatrano will be an unrestricted free agent.

Rangers send down Morgan Barron

Per Press Release:

 The New York Rangers announced on Wednesday afternoon that the club has assigned forward Morgan Barron to the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack. 

Barron, selected in the sixth round (174^th overall) by the Rangers in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, has skated in 23 games with the Wolf Pack during the 2021-22 season. Barron has scored 14 points (9 g, 5 a) in his second professional season at the AHL level. 

In addition to his time in Hartford, Barron has suited up in 13 contests with the Rangers, scoring an assist. Over the course of two seasons with the Rangers, Barron has skated in 18 games and scored two points (1 g, 1 a). He scored his first career NHL goal on May 5^th, 2021, against the Washington Capitals. 

Rangers team up with STAPLE

The New York Rangers have partnered with world renowned brand STAPLE, founded by NJ Native Jeff Staple, to create a limited co-branded capsule collection that will be available to fans on Fri., March 25. 

The products, which include t-shirts, hoodies, long sleeve crewnecks and hats, will be offered exclusively at MSG Team stores inside of Madison Square Garden during the Rangers game on Friday 3/25 when they take on the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Staple, a NJ native, grew up a Rangers fan and attended Parsons and NYU. While attending NYU, Jeff played goaltender for the club hockey team, so there is a nice local tie here, and the products consist of some cool and different designs that fans will really enjoy.

The New York Rangers are one of the top top teams in the NHL and they are also one of the youngest. Unlike many of the seasoned contenders like the Tampa Bay Lightning, Colorado Avalanche, and Vegas Golden Knights, Chris Drury has a ton of assets in the form of prospects and picks to improve the team.

As the NHL Trade Deadline is a little over two weeks away, let’s rank the Rangers top future assets. The criteria will be any player with less than a year’s experience in the NHL coupled with the likelihood they will be traded.

Ranking the New York Rangers prospects for a trade

Below are my top 10 futures that Chris Drury can move at this year’s trade deadline on March 21st to bolster the lineup. They are ranked by their trade value and probability to be moved.

I included the Rangers first round pick for not only this upcoming draft but for the following one as well. This team’s window to win a Stanley Cup has opened and drafted players that are likely going to be late first round picks won’t be able to help for at least another five years.

Analyzing the list

There should be no surprise that Kravtsov is at the top of the list. The Rangers are going to be buyers and the former first round selection, 9th overall, from 2018 has seen his value drop steadily year after year. While it’s nice that he’s playing well in the KHL, the red flags are out on his compete level. I almost feel like Drury would dump him for Phil Kessel instead of giving up a second round pick.

The rest of the top five is likely only going to see New York’s 2022 first round pick moved and one prospect defenseman. Chris Drury is not going to gut his farm system and prospect pipeline at this deadline. Nils Lundkvist will likely only be traded for a player like J.T. Miller (one with term left), but I could see Zac Jones or Matthew Robertson included in a deal for a top six rental forward. Keep an eye on either of them to be part of a deal to bring in Rickard Rakell from Anaheim. That will save the team’s first round pick for a run at Montreal’s Ben Chiarot.

As for the bottom five, Will Cuylle is the one I would try to keep if possible. However, with Brennan Othmann tearing it up in the OHL, and a long line of young forwards already in the Rangers lineup he could be expendable. If he stays, Cuylle could be part of the Rangers third line next season.

Finally, I added Morgan Barron at 10. While I doubt they will trade him, it isn’t an impossibility. Barron is projected to be no higher than a third line player, with the reality being more of a fourth liner. That can be easily replaced every year via free agency.

NHL Rumors

The Toronto Maple Leafs make their trade deadline priority clear. Plus Mark Giordano suitors and who is the New York Rangers top trade target? Read more.

While the New York Rangers may be 2-0-1 since returning from break, there have been some concerns about their offensive game.

Mostly, these issues point to some of their youth and the stage they’re at in their development. But the Rangers will need to address these issues before the playoffs if they want to make a meaningful run and prove they can compete.

Playing a complete game remains a concern

A problem plaguing the Rangers for most of this season is not playing a complete game. Early on, they often got off to good starts but didn’t maintain pace throughout the game. That began to shift well before the break so that they were starting slowly and taking too long to find their legs. This was the case against Boston and Detroit. The Rangers were able to defeat Boston in a shootout but lost to Detroit, also in a shootout.

This inability to play a full 60 minutes points to the Rangers’ relative immaturity as a team. For how young they are, they’ve been surprising and have often looked like a seasoned team that has been playing as a group for years, but in reality this is a relatively new group.

Prior to playing Ottawa on Sunday, Gerard Gallant spoke about slow starts being part of the mental aspect of the game that the Rangers need to get past. Against Ottawa, they were still outplayed for most of the first period but were able to get going late in the first and wound up winning 2-1 in regulation.

“Our offense is good enough to win, that’s about it,” Gerard Gallant admitted. “I don’t think we’re playing our best game yet due to the long break. We played good shutdown hockey and it’s nice to win those type of games too. But we can bring more offense for sure.”

The Rangers went into the break coming off of a satisfying 4-2 win over the Florida Panthers. But both of their wins since returning were by very narrow margins. The team has had some shaky moments in all three games since returning. Initially, it seemed like a rest versus rust situation where the long layoff certainly had an impact.

In order to contend, teams must be able to compete under a wide range of conditions including coming off of breaks. Taking three games to return to form isn’t ideal but it has been impressive that they continue to find ways to win.

More contributions needed from the bottom six

Much of the Rangers’ success this season can be largely attributed to Igor Shesterkin’s incredible goaltending, solid defense, and consistent offense from the top six. The Rangers are a more complete team than they’ve been in recent years, a product of the Jeff Gorton rebuild. However, contributions from the bottom six are still lacking.

The fourth line has been more successful than the third. No one is expecting the fourth line to go out and score multiple goals a night. They’re expected to play a physical game a send a message. They’ve done that for the most part being led by Ryan Reaves who was brought aboard for precisely that purpose. He has 181 hits on the season so far.

Playing Greg McKegg on the fourth line does raise questions. For the time that McKegg has been in the lineup, he has not made a noticeable impact. The younger Morgan Barron with plenty of potential deserves a chance. Kevin Rooney is more than capable of playing the wing. It’s time for Gallant to give Barron a look at the fourth line center position with Reaves and Rooney on the wings.

The third line sees some glimmers of success every now and then, but not nearly often enough. Filip Chytil may have been held back by injury for some time leading into the break. However, this is his fifth year with the Rangers, and he has never recorded more than 23 points in a season. This is underwhelming for a player who was revered as a top prospect for the organization. The Rangers may have a better time playing him more often on the wing. Now that he is healthy, a change needs to be made to spark more production from him.

“It might change tomorrow morning if we sit in the coach’s room too long and look at our board. It’s a work in progress,” he said. “With Kaapo (Kakko) being out a little, you move things around and I wanted to make a change for tomorrow.”

Julien Gauthier and Dryden Hunt both looked promising at the beginning of this season. Thye have both been moved up and down the lineup but struggle to produce. Hunt has nine points on the season, and Gauthier has six. Successful playoff teams have third lines that put up more points than the Rangers’ third line is currently putting up. With the upcoming trade deadline, Chris Drury should consider improving the third line a priority.

Progress has been made but the process continues

Something that has been made clear is that the Rangers have improved significantly this year but still have to mature. There have been times where they’ve looked like a mature team, but not playing a complete game and narrow wins are signs of a team with work to do.

The Rangers will make the playoffs, and that will be the real test. But there are some issues that need to be addressed before then.

Note: All stats come from hockeyreference.com

NHL Rumors

Maple Leafs have entered the J.T. Miller Trade Talks. Plus Zdeno Chara and Hampus Lindholm news. Read More.

Prior to hitting the ice, the team announced the recall of forward Morgan Barron. In addition, Larry Brooks is reporting that Kaapo Kakko will remain sidelined. No timeframe for return has been provided as of yet.

New York Rangers roster notes

The Rangers roster has 21 of 23 spots taken with the recall of Barron. Patrik Nemeth, who has been out for personal reasons and is on the non-roster, is skating with the team today.

Once activated, he will be the team’s 7th defenseman. That leaves one spot left for Kakko when he comes of IR, but depending on how long he is out another Hartford call up is expected.

Filip Chytil, who was a game-time decision against the Panthers is skating as well. He’s been out since getting injured against the Coyotes on 1/22.

Chytil, 22, was selected by the Rangers in the 2017 NHL Draft in the first round (21st overall). He has 11 points in 38 games this season and 82 in 224 career contests.

Adam Fox, who was recently taken off IR is also a full participant.

Kaapo Kakko IR

During the Rangers loss to the Hurricanes (1/21), cameras caught Kakko wincing in a lot of pain and discomfort at the end of the second period. He could be seen flexing his shoulder and chest area. He was placed on IR soon afterwards.

According to head coach Gerard Gallant, he expected Kakko to return to the lineup after the All-Star break. After practice, Gallant will likely provide an update today.

Kakko, 20, was selected second overall in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. The 6-3 winger is at a crucial point in his development as he’s in his third year. He finished the 2020-21 campaign with 17 points on the strength of 8 goals in 48 games. This season, he has 14 points in 37 games.

Morgan Barron recall

Barron was the 174^th overall pick by the Rangers in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. He’s recorded 14 points (9 G – 5 A) in 23 games with the Wolf Pack this season.

Barron, 23, has 1 assist in 9 NHL games this season. The forward has been as a center and wing with the Rangers this season. His versatility makes him an asset for the third and fourth line.

In his limited action with the team this season, Barron has lived up to his billing as a good face-off man. He’s taken a total of 37 draws winning 23 of them for a 62.2 face-off winning percentage.

NHL Rumors

The Oilers are looking for defense. San Jose is trying to keep Tomas Hertl, and more NHL rumors here.

Barron, 23, has one assist in eight games. Currently, Filip Chytil is a game-time decision against the Florida Panthers.

UPDATE: Morgan Barron has been recalled to the active roster. Tim Gettinger, Lauri Pajuniemi, Tarmo Reunanen and Jarred Tinordi have been assigned to @WolfPackAHL.

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 1, 2022

Ryan Reaves on Black History Month

New York Rangers forward Ryan Reaves had a special message to all as Black History Month begins.

“How can everyone truly make a difference on Black History Month? It’s simple,” Reaves said. “Educate yourself on the issues at hand. Educate yourself on the problems we have in society. Through education it’s easier to find a solution.”

Well stated.

On the first day of #BlackHistoryMonth, @NYRangers Ryan Reaves shares how you can truly make a difference. pic.twitter.com/J8QXE05nwu

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) February 1, 2022

New York Rangers to celebrate Black History Month

Per the Rangers:

To kick off Black History Month, the New York Rangers, along with presenting partner Chase, will highlight the trailblazers who broke barriers and continue to lead the global fight for racial equality with Black History Night on Tuesday, February 1, when the Blueshirts take on the Florida Panthers at 7:00 PM at Madison Square Garden.

Throughout Black History Month, the Rangers will amplify their commitment to diversity and inclusion in the game by developing original content to recognize current and former Black NHL players and those who blazed the trail for a better game. In a cohesive effort with the NHL, the Rangers will continue to inspire and elevate the message that hockey is for everyone.

NHL Rumors

The latest rumors swirling around the Canuck and Canadiens. Read more here.

The New York Rangers announced several roster moves in preparation for their matchup against the Los Angeles Kings.

Adam Huska has been recalled from the Wolf Pack and added to the taxi squad. In addition, Gord Murphy has cleared COVID protocol and will rejoin the coaching staff tonight.

Jarred Tinordi was placed on waivers and has been moved to the taxi squad. Meanwhile, Kaapo Kakko is on IR with an upper-body injury that head coach Gerard Gallant labeled “week-to-week.”

UPDATE: Morgan Barron has been recalled from the taxi squad and Jarred Tinordi has been assigned to the taxi squad. Kaapo Kakko was placed on IR (upper body).

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 24, 2022

Morgan Barron possible for Kings game

Barron, 23, has an assist in six NHL games this season. The forward has been mostly used as a center in Hartford, but can also play on the left wing too. His versatility will likely be utilized on the third or fourth line if he gets into the lineup.

“We’ve got different options if we go with seven (defenseman) or four lines,” Gallant said about the possibility of Barron coming in.

Barron was the 174^th overall pick by the Rangers in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. He’s recorded 12 points in 20 games with the Wolf Pack this season.

“I like playing six D,” Gallant expanded. “But if you got someone banged up and you’re not sure, you play 7 D.”

Gallant was also asked about keeping Artemi Panarin with Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad. He noted that they will likely stay together tonight.

Chris Kreider named NHL Player of the Week

Nearly two years ago, Chris Kreider was a candidate to be traded before eventually signing a seven-year contract extension.

Now Kreider is tied with Alex Ovechkin for the league lead with 29 goals and he attempts to continue his surge Monday night when the New York Rangers host the Los Angeles Kings.

Kreider agreed to the contract extension on Feb. 24, 2020, on the same day as the NHL’s trade deadline as he was in the midst of scoring 24 goals in 63 games during a truncated season. He scored 20 goals in 50 games last season during a 56-game campaign but is in the midst of a career season two years into the contract.

Kreider pulled into a tie with Ovechkin on Saturday when he sparked a 7-3 win over the visiting Arizona Coyotes on Saturday. He scored for the fifth straight game when he notched his fifth career hat trick by getting his first career short-handed goal, his 14th power-play goal of the season and an even strength tally.

The NHL announced that Kreider is their Star of the Week with 5 goals and 2 assists in three games.

Chris Kreider's seven points (5G, 2A) in three games was definitely enough to earn the 1st Star of the Week! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/rEYfjScrAS

— NHL (@NHL) January 24, 2022

NHL Rumors

Is Martin Jones a fit in goal for the Oilers? How will Vegas approach the trade deadline, and Rangers called on Bruins’ DeBrusk. Read more.

The Blueshirts saw their three-game winning streak stopped with a 5-1 loss to the Golden Knights. Chris Kreider scored his 21st goal but the Rangers were mostly outplayed as they allowed the final four goals and numerous odd-man rushes.

Thanks to their own COVID issues, there’s many questions about the final lineup. Here’s what is known.

Rangers lineup versus Ducks

Alexandar Georgiev is the confirmed starter for the game. The 25 year-old netminder is 6-4-2 with a 2.89 GAA and a .904 SV%.

The third defensive pair was noted at practice on Friday as Jarred Tinordi and Nils Lundkvist. “I love Tinordi, I’ve had him before. Good character guy, works hard,” head coach Gerard Gallant said.

Tinordi, 29, has no points in five games this season with a -5 rating.

Morgan Barron will play

Another confirmed change to the lineup will be the insertion of Morgan Barron.

Barron was the 174^th overall pick by the Rangers in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. He’s recorded 12 points in 20 games with the Wolf Pack this season.

“It’s definitely an opportunity,” Barron said today. “We still have some (COVID) results waiting to come in. If I get a chance to get in, there’s some things I can do to help them win.”

Barron, 23, has no points in just two NHL games this season. The forward has been mostly used as a center in Hartford, but can also play on the left wing too. His versatility will likely be utilized on the third or fourth line.

So, Gallant didn’t say much. Didn’t want to confirm if any players are being added to COVID protocol or if Panarin has come off. It sounds like we’re going to have to wait until warmups, but he did say that Barron will play. Obviously, #NYR will be missing at least a couple guys.

— Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) January 9, 2022

COVID issues still cloud lineup

It is uncertain what other moves will be coming. We will update this article when the team comes out for the pre-game skate.

Earlier today, the team announced that Lauri Pajuniemi and Anthony Greco were added to the taxi squad. They are currently in Anaheim, but not expected to play.

No word on Artemi Panarin, but he was not at practice this morning so that is a decent indication he likely did not make the trip to Anaheim.

Stay tuned.

Update: Ryan Reaves on COVID list

UPDATE: Ryan Reaves has entered Covid protocol.

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 9, 2022