Photo credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
The New York Rangers roster stays in constant motion, as they have just assigned a veteran forward to the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League.
Just moments ago, the New York Rangers PR account posted an update confirming veteran forward Anton Blidh has been assigned to the Hartford Wolf Pack. It’s a small move on paper, but it tells you the club is counting every spot.
Blidh’s recall earlier this month was always about coverage, not a promotion. With injuries stacking up and daily lineup questions, Chris Drury has leaned hard on quick shuttles to keep options open.
UPDATE: Anton Blidh has been assigned to the Hartford Wolf Pack.
The real story is still his AHL workload and why he’s valuable there. Blidh has three goals and seven points in 28 games for Hartford, plus 20 penalty minutes.
Anton Blidh assignment likely means a return is incoming
It’s hard not to roll your eyes, because it feels like the roster never stops shaking. However, moves like this simply mean that a player will be returning to the lineup, or even another prospect being recalled.
From a hockey perspective, the appeal is simple, Blidh can play straight-line minutes without cheating for offense. That matters for a team trying to tighten forechecks and stop giving up slot chances after turnovers.
He’s 30, a 2013 sixth-round pick by the Boston Bruins, and he’s been around enough rooms to handle the up-and-down life. When the Rangers need a safe 13th forward for a night, he’s the kind of call you can make.
Now Hartford gets him back for real minutes, and New York keeps the option to pull him again if the injury list refuses to shrink.
The next milestone is the Rangers getting healthier, because these paper moves are only useful if the lineup finally stabilizes.
Previously on NY Hockey Insider