Rangers recall Jake Leschyshyn

The Rangers have recalled center Jake Leschyshyn, a move that was expected once Brennan Othmann was returned to Hartford early today. It’s likely that Adam Edstrom would have been the recall had he been healthy, for what it’s worth, as this recall is very underwhelming as the Rangers rotate through several bodies as their 15F. Riley Nash is also hurt.

Leschyshyn is…not good. He wasn’t good in Vegas, he wasn’t good last year with the Rangers when he was claimed off waivers. He’s just a guy with significant negative on-ice impacts. While it would have been nice to have Othmann with the Rangers longer, it’s more important that he develops in the AHL playing big minutes in all situations.

Leschyshyn doesn’t solve the Rangers’ need for a 1RW, but that should be Kaapo Kakko’s spot upon his imminent return. With Kakko, Filip Chytil, and Tyler Pitlick all injured, the Rangers are down to barely-NHL players at this point. That’s what happens when you’re regularly playing your 14F and 15F. Such is hockey, sometimes.