LATEST REPORT: Rangers rookie could make NHL debut if Erik Gustafsson sidelined by injury
When the New York Rangers face the Philadelphia Flyers at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, Brandon Scanlin stands the chance of becoming the fourth rookie for the Rangers to make his NHL debut this season. The 24-year-old defenseman would follow in the footsteps of Adam Edstrom, Brennan Othmann, and Matt Rempe in stepping onto the NHL ice for the first time this season.
Scanlin may step in for Erik Gustafsson, who is dealing with an upper-body injury. Gustafsson sustained what appeared to be an elbow to the head from Florida Panthers forward Sam Reinhart during overtime in the Rangers’ 4-3 shootout victory on Saturday. If Gustafsson, who didn’t participate in Monday’s practice, is unable to play, the Rangers will be without three of their regular defensemen. Jacob Trouba continues to be sidelined for his tenth consecutive game due to a lower-body injury, while Ryan Lindgren is absent for his fourth consecutive game with a similar injury.
Look who's skating at the optional morning skate today. pic.twitter.com/KmaUa28OTQ
— Colin Stephenson (@ColinSNewsday) March 26, 2024
Lindgren did engage in skating during Monday’s practice session, albeit in a no-contact jersey. Both he and Trouba participated in the optional morning skate on Tuesday. Following the skate, there was no confirmation from Laviolette regarding Gustafsson’s availability for the game against the Flyers.
Brandon Scanlin could make NHL debut for Rangers against Flyers
The series of injuries affecting the Rangers’ defensive lineup, coupled with another setback in Hartford, has created an opportunity for Scanlin to potentially make his NHL debut on Tuesday.
Scanlin was called up from the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League following Lindgren’s injury during the game against the New York Islanders on March 17. In the absence of Connor Mackey, who would likely have been the preferred choice if healthy, Scanlin was the logical option. However, Mackey, who showcased his abilities during a brief stint with the Rangers on January 27 against the Ottawa Senators, is sidelined with an upper-body injury.
Consequently, Scanlin has served as the extra defenseman for New York in the past three games. As an undrafted free agent, Scanlin is in his second full season as a professional player and has emerged as a standout performer for the Wolf Pack, leading their defensemen with eight goals.
Laviolette commended Scanlin’s consistent performance in Hartford, describing him as a reliable defenseman with a robust physical presence. The Rangers’ coaching staff is eager to see him in action if the opportunity arises.
Throughout this season, Scanlin has amassed 16 points and 39 penalty minutes in 57 games. Last season, he recorded 15 points (four goals, 11 assists) in 61 AHL appearances, achieving a commendable plus-21 rating. Additionally, Scanlin contributed one assist in 15 games with Hartford during the 2021-22 season after concluding his collegiate career at the University of Nebraska-Omaha.
Notably, Nebraska-Omaha has produced 16 other NHL players, including Flyers defenseman Nick Seeler and two-time Stanley Cup champion Jake Guentzel.
Will Cuylle returns to Rangers lineup against Flyers
Laviolette has confirmed that Will Cuylle will return to the lineup for the game against the Flyers after being a healthy scratch for the win against the Panthers.
Cuylle, a rookie forward, had played in the first 70 games of the season before being scratched on Saturday. Laviolette explained that with 13 deserving forwards vying for playing time and the playoffs approaching in three weeks, lineup decisions will be made on a game-by-game basis as the season winds down.
Despite being scratched in the previous game, Cuylle resumed practicing in his usual third-line position on Monday. The 22-year-old currently leads both the Rangers and all NHL rookies with 227 hits and is tied for seventh among NHL rookies with 12 goals this season.
Meanwhile, Alex Wennberg will be a healthy scratch for personal reasons.