The New York Rangers have made a change at the lower end of their forward lineup, making a small but significant adjustment. The team has recalled Benoit-Olivier Groulx from their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, and reassigned Brett Berard to the AHL in a corresponding move.
This shift, however, is expected to be temporary. According to Mollie Walker of the New York Post, the reason for this move stems from an uncertainty regarding center Filip Chytil’s availability for the upcoming game against the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday night. Chytil is currently considered a game-time decision, and the Rangers may need Groulx as a potential replacement for him. If Chytil is unable to play due to an injury, it’s likely that Groulx will step into the lineup for his NHL debut.
Groulx, a skilled center, joined the Rangers this past summer on a one-year contract worth $775,000 after spending the first four years of his professional career with the Anaheim Ducks organization. Despite being a relatively new addition to the Rangers, Groulx has quickly established himself as a strong candidate for call-ups from the AHL. He has been performing exceptionally well with the Hartford Wolf Pack, recording 11 goals and 29 points in 32 games so far this season. His offensive production has made him the second-highest scorer on the team, behind Alex Belzile, and has made him the primary option for the Rangers when it comes to adding depth to their forward core.
In contrast, Berard has had a relatively limited role with the Rangers this season, appearing in 19 games and recording three goals and seven points. He has averaged about 11 minutes and 20 seconds of ice time, primarily within the bottom six forward positions. Despite the small sample size of games played, Berard has proven to be a useful player for the Rangers, particularly with his physicality. He has accumulated 27 hits, which ranks him 13th on the team, despite playing far fewer games than most of his teammates. While Berard still has areas to improve, especially in terms of his defensive play, his strong physical presence and discipline in staying out of the penalty box have made him a valuable asset to the team.
With the Rangers’ recent roster move, it’s likely that Berard will spend some time back in Hartford, where the Wolf Pack has a few home games coming up. The reassignment should be short-lived, as Berard has proven his worth to the Rangers with his performance so far this season. However, Groulx’s call-up provides the team with additional depth in case Chytil is unable to play, and it gives them a chance to evaluate a new option in their forward core.
In terms of the overall implications for the Rangers, the change is largely a matter of ensuring the team has sufficient depth, especially with Chytil’s potential absence. Groulx’s impressive AHL production, combined with Berard’s physicality and solid play, gives the Rangers flexibility in how they manage their roster moving forward. Both players bring different qualities to the table, and their availability will be crucial as the team looks to continue its push through the season.
Ultimately, the Rangers’ decision to make this swap at the bottom of their forward core is a smart move to ensure they have enough capable players in the lineup, particularly if Chytil’s status remains uncertain. Whether Groulx gets the chance to debut or Berard returns to the NHL soon, the Rangers are ensuring that they are prepared for all scenarios as they head into their next matchup against the Golden Knights. The depth of their roster, including players like Groulx and Berard, will play an important role in their success in the coming weeks.
