Time To Send Weise Back To CT

The Rangers have a bit of a dilemma on their hands. Right now, they have two guys who are AHL call ups fulfilling the role of “stereotypical injury replacement” while the Rangers wait to get Ryan Callahan, Erik Christensen, and maybe Vinny Prospal back from injury. Dale Weise, called up after the Erik Christensen injury, and Kris Newbury, called up after the Alex Frolov injury, have both been competing for the fourth line RW spot to play around five minutes per game. Newbury, 28, has some NHL experience prior to this year, where he has been utilized in a fourth line role. Meanwhile, this is Weise’s first NHL go-round at 22 years old.

At some point, one of these two is going to have to be returned to the CT Whale. It doesn’t appear there is much competition for the spot, as whoever is playing is just keeping the roster spot warm and cozy until someone returns from injury. Both offer relatively the same kind of player, but with Weise offering more offensive skill, and Newbury more toughness. Personally, I don’t see a reason to keep Weise around if he is going to get five minutes per game. Let the kid go back to the AHL, get top line minutes, and develop more. Newbury is used to playing these kinds of minutes in the NHL, and likely isn’t in the Rangers long term plans. Oh, and Newbury can win face-offs. May as well keep him around.

Of course, the Rangers might keep both of them around until the All-Star break, when the Rangers get a week off.