The New York Rangers have recalled Jonny Brodzinski from the AHL, suggesting that trade deadline addition Tyler Motte might not be ready to go.
Motte was injured when Austin Watson ran him over last Thursday, a play that drew the focus of fans but not the Department of Player Safety. His return to New York hasn’t been very successful, with just one assist in six games and barely any playing time.
Given the team’s limited cap space, they don’t actually have room to recall Brodzinski without making another transaction or receiving an emergency exemption from the league. Since they played Saturday’s game against the Boston Bruins shorthanded, it is likely the latter, with Brozinski not counting against the cap.
This was the risk of adding so many high-priced talents at the deadline. The Rangers may face similar situations down the stretch, forcing them to play with fewer than 18 skaters because of minor injuries. It is unclear how long Motte will be out, but moving him to long-term injured reserve for the added cap flexibility would rule him out for ten games and 24 days.
Brodzinski, 29, has played in 16 games for New York this season but has just two points.