Rangers: Kaapo Kakko on IR, Morgan Barron called up

The New York Rangers have announced that forward Morgan Barron has been recalled from the Hartford Wolf Pack. This is a move that makes sense, as Kaapo Kakko has now been placed on IR for a minimum of seven days. Ryan Strome is also still on the COVID-19 protocol list.

Kakko left Saturday night’s tilt against the Montreal Canadiens early after getting injured in a play with Montreal defenseman Alexander Romanov. Although it is expected to be a short-term injury, it is still hard to lose him. With Strome still out as well, the Rangers are now without two of their top-six forwards. In three games thus far this season, Kakko has yet to get on the scoresheet, but has had some good looks.

However, this is still a big opportunity for Barron to show the Rangers what he’s capable of at the NHL level. He played in five games for the Blueshirts last season and scored a goal. With Hartford, he scored 10 goals and had 21 points in 21 games, so yes, he’s been impressive at the AHL level. He’s also started this season hot with Hartford yet again, as he has two goals in two games. It will be intriguing to see where he ends up fitting into the team’s lineup.

It’s also hard not to think about Vitali Kravtsov right now. This could have been a good opportunity for him to replace Kakko at second-line right wing. However, he of course has requested a trade from the organization and refused to report to Hartford. Elliotte Friedman also reported in a recent Sportsnet piece that the Rangers have left the door open for Kravtsov to return to Hartford and work his way up to the NHL. However, at this time, nothing has changed on that front and the kid still wants out.

Yet, at this juncture, Ranger fans should focus primarily on Barron and see how he plays when inserted into the lineup. He’s been very consistent when it comes to producing at the AHL level, as evidenced by his 23 points in 23 games. Obviously the NHL is a far more competitive league, but he does have the potential to translate his success over to it. Here’s to hoping he starts to show that during this call-up, even if it is short.

The Rangers play their next game Monday night against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. Auston Matthews is expected to return, so they will have their hands full. Yet, a win is certainly needed, as the Blueshirts currently have a 1-1-1 record.