With J.T. Miller, Vincent Trocheck, and Mika Zibanejad still competing in Milan at the 2026 Winter Olympics, the New York Rangers recalled Brendan Brisson and Brett Berard from the Hartford Wolf Pack.
Tuesday is the first time in which NHL teams can officially hold practice since the Olympic break went into effect, and the timing of the move makes sense for both Brisson and Berard.
What should fans know about Brisson and Berard?
Brisson most recently represented the Wolf Pack at the AHL All-Star Classic, and is currently second on the team with 13 goals. He's also tallied 10 assists for a total of 23 points in 46 games. This is his first full season in Hartford, and last season he posted a line of 7-18-25 in 61 games split between Hartford and Henderson. Brisson is 24 and was a first round pick in 2020, so it is good to see that he's playing better hockey. It's unknown what his NHL future looks like, but it's likely he will get more of an extended look post trade deadline once the Rangers have some openings on the roster.
When it comes to Berard, what's really left to be said? He's appeared in 13 NHL games with the Rangers this year and has produced nothing but goose eggs. It's a disappointment considering he had 25 goals and 48 points with the Wolf Pack as a rookie, he had six goals and 10 points during his first stint with the Rangers last season, and he earned that promotion on the heels of a start which saw him go 9-14-23 in 30 games. Berard has just six goals and 12 assists for 18 points in 34 games, and it is fair to say everyone expects more from the 23 year old.
Jaroslav Chmelar remains with Wolf Pack
What was interesting about the recalls was the fact that the team did not bring back Jaroslav Chmelar, a player who was deserving of such an opportunity. The 2024-25 season was Chmelar's first full season in the AHL, and he appeared in 71 games while scoring 12 goals and adding 17 assists for 29 points. This year he's posted a line of 8-15-23 in 41 games, and he's got a plus-minus rating of minus six. While plus-minus is a pretty bad stat to look at, it is worth pointing out that Chmelar was a minus 37 last season. While these moves are likely just for practice filler and giving players some extra NHL paychecks, Chmelar is someone the Rangers should bring back once there are openings on the roster.