The Rangers have made a roster move in advance of their game tonight against Boston, announcing (Twitter link) that they’ve recalled defenseman Connor Mackey from AHL Hartford.
The 27-year-old was on an NHL roster on a full-time basis last season, splitting time between Calgary and Arizona where he got into 30 games combined in a depth role. That helped Mackey earn a spot on Team USA at the Worlds in the spring. However, after inking a one-year, two-way deal in July, he was waived at the end of training camp and cleared.
Since then, Mackey has been one of the first recalls from Hartford; this is his sixth promotion of the season after being brought up on five separate occasions last month. Despite that, he has yet to make his Ranger debut. In between the frequent travel, Mackey has played in 15 games for the Wolf Pack where he has a goal and four assists along with 35 penalty minutes.
It’s unclear who Mackey’s recall is intended to cover for; USA Today’s Vince Z. Mercogliano relays (Twitter link) that this is believed to be a precautionary move in case one of their blueliners can’t play tonight. If they wind up not needing him, it could end up as a sixth quick recall and demotion for Mackey.