The Rangers have decided to make a few roster moves in advance of their game tonight against Chicago as the team announced (Twitter link) that they have assigned defenseman Zac Jones to Hartford of the AHL while recalling winger Jonny Brodzinski and defenseman Ben Harpur from the Wolf Pack.
Jones has been regarded as one of New York’s better defensive prospects and has played somewhat of a regular role this season, suiting up in 16 games with the Rangers. He has just a goal and an assist in those contests while logging 15:37 per game, good for fifth on the team among their blueliners. This move will give him a chance to play a much bigger role with Hartford which they’re hoping will be better for his development in the long run.
Replacing him on the depth chart in New York is Harpur, a veteran who is no stranger to being an extra on an NHL roster. The 27-year-old had his AHL deal converted to an NHL contract back in late October and has five points and 24 penalty minutes in 17 games with the Wolf Pack this season. Harpur has played in 53 games with Nashville over the past two seasons in a role that’s similar to the one that Jones has held this year.
As for Brodzinski, his recall is to cover for an undisclosed forward whose presence is uncertain for tonight’s game, relays Arthur Staple of The Athletic (Twitter link). The 29-year-old played in 22 games for the Rangers last season and has seen NHL action in each of the last six years. He has played exclusively with Hartford so far in 2022-23, picking up nine points in 17 contests.