An unexpected injury to Joe Veleno opened the door for Cole Beaudoin to get a taste of NHL action earlier than expected, and the decision to send him back to the American Hockey League for some much needed playing time is a measured one.
Cole Beaudoin only played 3:29 last night and it's clear the #NYR feel he has things to work on. That's understandable for a 20-year-old, first-year pro who was always expected to get ample time in the AHL. They're hoping he can use this NHL taste as a learning tool and want him…
— Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) October 14, 2026
Beaudoin's stint saw him log just under 34 minutes at 5v5, an incredibly small sample, and you don't want to use that sample to make any concrete opinions. That being said, he posted a 50 GF%, a 50.87 CF%, and a 36.18 xGF% during his initial NHL run, and also won 48.5% (16/33) of his draws. The New York Rangers have replaced him with Justin Dowling for the interim, and while he did log two games with the Rangers last season, by no means should he be a long-term replacement.
Rangers' decision means more for AHL than NHL
The Rangers needed to replace Beaudoin with someone, and Dowling is that name they picked this time. The transaction makes a lot more sense when you look at it being about what's in the best interest of Beaudoin, and less so about the decision to add Dowling to the NHL roster. I firmly believe the Blueshirts will make a move of consequence to address their center depth, and the answer to their problem could ultimately be Noah Laba. For that to happen, though, the Rangers will need to find a top-six center who jumps to the top of depth chart to knock everyone down a rung.
Column: Possibilities are endless with Igor Shesterkin cap relief, and the surging #NYR think so too.⬇️https://t.co/SESzsvQ4XN via @nypostsports
— Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) October 15, 2026
Until that player is identified, or becomes available, it just makes sense to try different players out on the main roster. Dowling has 154 games of NHL experience, and the most games he's appeared in during a single season came back in 2024-25. Then a member of the New Jersey Devils, Dowling averaged 10:13 a game while posting a line of 2-5-7 in 52 games. More importantly, he won 48.3 % (158/327) of his draws, and that key statistic essentially explains why he's back on Broadway.
Dowling is 35 and has spent 16 years in the AHL during which he's posted a line of 141-298-439 in 623 games. He's trying to keep his career going, and him being in the NHL opens up a spot in the AHL, and that essentially makes it a win-win for everyone. Unless a better option becomes available on waivers, or that mythical center I made reference to becomes available, the job will be his to lose.
For those interested, both Cole Beaudoin and Liam Greentree have gotten a healthy dose of PK reps tonight.#LVvsHFD | #NYR
— Keegan Jarvis (@TheKeeganJarvis) October 15, 2026
There's always the chance of Beaudoin pulling a Gabe Perreault by absolutely going off in his second stint in Hartford to force the Rangers' hand once again. There's also a chance Dylan Roobroeck forces the issue too. In any case, the Rangers have a good thing going in the NHL right now, and they want to make sure their kids are getting what they need. It is still way too early to think about how much of a contender the team will be this year, and while it was fun to have Beaudoin around, the team made the right choice by sending him back.
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