headtopics
In the aftermath of a disappointing defeat to the New Jersey Devils, the New York Rangers made another roster move on Friday, calling up veteran forward Taylor Raddysh from their AHL affiliate in Hartford and sending Jaroslav Chmelar down to the minors. The decision came just one day after Chmelar logged a mere 8 minutes and 35 seconds of ice time in the loss.
Raddysh, who appeared in 68 games for the Rangers last season and has accumulated 380 NHL contests over his five-year career, has been a bright spot for the Wolf Pack this season. He has tallied five points, including a team-leading three goals, in five games since clearing waivers at the conclusion of training camp.
During his previous stint with the Rangers, Raddysh contributed nine goals and 19 points, occasionally earning shifts in the top six and on the power play. This time around, he is expected to provide a seasoned presence on a fourth line that has struggled to secure consistent ice time under head coach Mike Sullivan.
The Rangers have predominantly rolled three lines, and the fourth unit has seen limited action. Cole Beaudoin, a 20-year-old prospect acquired in the Vincent Trocheck trade, was given the first opportunity, skating in four games as the fourth-line center. However, he averaged only 8:47 per game and was eventually returned to Hartford for more playing time.
Justin Dowling was recalled on Wednesday and received the next look during the Rangers' matchup against the Devils, but he was on the ice for just 7:41. The team has opted for the veteran Raddysh over other options and has rotated Matt Rempe on the right side of the fourth line to begin the 2026-27 campaign.
While Rempe would have required waivers to be assigned to Hartford, Chmelar is exempt from waivers, making the transaction simpler for the organization.
Originally reported by headtopics.