The Rangers have reportedly committed to Libor Hajek as their sixth defensive back.
Saturday, before to the Rangers’ 5-2 loss to the Blackhawks at Madison Square Garden, Zac Jones was sent to AHL Hartford as part of a series of moves taken to improve the team’s cap situation and personnel insurance. The decision was reached after Jones and Hajek alternated in and out of the Rangers lineup for the first 25 games of the season.
By transferring Jones to the Wolf Pack, he will receive substantial playing time as the top defenseman. The Rangers also recalled veteran Ben Harpur, whose $750,000 salary cap cost provides the team with more budget room than Jones’ $925,000 cap hit. Jones scored his first NHL goal and got his first NHL assist in 16 NHL games.
Jones is a young athlete. He may still play there without clearing waivers, according to Rangers head coach Gerard Gallant. “We desire that he play some games. We like him, but we require him to perform like a young player.”
Libor Hajek USA TODAY Sports
Hajek has played a more consistent game than Jones, although the 22-year-old may have struggled to establish a rhythm due to his frequent substitutions. The coach was undoubtedly attempting to be fair to both players when he stated that Hajek would not be placed in the same position as he was last season, when the Czech defenseman scarcely touched the ice.
Gallant said, “That’s not why we sent Zac down,” when asked whether he felt Hajek has done enough to play every night. “Their back-and-forth was expected to continue. We determined that it would be better for him to go down there and play a few games. It will be reassessed within a few days.”
Harpur, age 27, is an NHL veteran with 156 games of experience. As a free agent, Harpur signed a professional tryout contract with the Wolf Pack before signing a one-year, two-way contract with the Rangers in late October.
As the Rangers’ seventh defenseman, Harpur’s height and weight of 6 feet 6 inches and 218 pounds will bring size and strength.
Jonny Brodzinski, who had been sent to the Wolf Pack out of training camp after skating in 22 NHL games with the Rangers last season, was also recalled by the Rangers.
With a lower-body ailment, Filip Chytil, who was deemed game-time decision, was scratched. Chytil was listed as day-to-day by the Rangers.
With the addition of two players and the demotion of just one, the Rangers roster was back to its maximum size of 23.
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