New York Rangers: Which minor league free agents will be brought back?
Taylor Beck, Chris Brown, Daniel Catenacci
Taylor Beck is a 26-year-old, former third-round pick of the New York Islanders who has only played seven career NHL games, two of which were with the Rangers this past season.
The 6′ 2″ Beck might not have much NHL success, but just like Nicklas Jensen, Beck is an AHL beast. His 16-17 numbers are incredible, as he notched 19 goals and 47 assists in 56 games split between Hartford and Bakersfield, the Edmonton Oilers’ AHL affiliate.
Beck is an RFA so he could be had for cheap if Drury wants in. He just has to decide whether somebody who clearly won’t make an NHL impact is worth keeping.
Speaking of players traded to the organization at this past trade deadline, Daniel Catenacci is a guy to talk about. A defensive-minded centerman, he has never notched more than 29 points in any of his four AHL seasons.
This past season, he notched nine goals and 13 assists split between Hartford and Rochester–Buffalo’s affiliate. It is worth noting that his points per game numbers skyrocketed when he came to Hartford. His nine points in 19 games were a great start to his Wolf Pack career, one that he hopes continues on going forward.
Chris Brown was acquired two trade deadlines ago from the Capitals. The 26-year-old from Texas is the quintessential minor league third liner. He tallied 14 goals and 13 assists in 16-17 to go along with 78 penalty minutes. Brown, who can play both center and right wing, is unrestricted. At his age, he might try to go to a team that is not too deep at the NHL level so he can break into the league.