The New York Rangers have recalled Will Cuylle from the AHL, while sending Sammy Blais back on a conditioning stint. Blais hasn’t played in a week and was receiving just a handful of shifts in the games he did play.
Larry Brooks of the New York Post wrote about Blais’ situation yesterday, suggesting that his NHL future is in jeopardy as he continues to try to contribute in any way he can. The 26-year-old is still finding his way after a serious knee injury that required surgery to repair a torn ACL and MCL. He has just five points through 38 games this season, failing to score a single goal.
Blais has registered over 100 hits, his calling card during more successful days in St. Louis, but hasn’t really been making the same kind of impact with his physicality. Averaging fewer than ten minutes of ice time when he does get into the lineup, it’s unclear where his role really lies in the New York forward group.
Cuylle, meanwhile, represents the next generation for the Rangers. A 20-year-old forward that is just scratching the surface of his professional career, Cuylle has 13 goals and 20 points in 39 games for the Hartford Wolf Pack. The second-round pick offers a good deal of physicality (even if it doesn’t quite stand up to the level of Blais), and possesses a hard, accurate shot.
Given the Rangers’ recent success, it’s not clear if Cuylle will get much of an opportunity. But Blais wasn’t giving them much of anything at the moment, and will try to find that next gear with some games in the minor leagues.
Cuylle is a gritty player who likes to hit.would love to see him get meaningful minutes.Hope he dresses vs Toronto
Hopefully Cuylle is up for good.
Blais is a non factor on this team.
I know there were financial reasons for the trade but Buchnevich for Blais and a second is just such a fleecing by St Louis.
If you’ll remember correctly they let buch go because he was due a significant raise and the rangers had other skilled players to pay. I did like him though
We all recall correctly, but the reasoning for moving him aside from the potentially large contract was being tied up in it if the kids progressed (Igor, Fox, Laffy, Kakko). While two of the four have worked out extremely well, the Rangers have another of their draft picks in St. Louis playing RW (which they need) and putting up points.
It was a hard decision, one I would’ve made, but would’ve certainly been looking for more than what was received back. Hopefully we’re patient and give the kids time to develop. Buch did.