The New York Rangers may benefit from adding from within the organization before the trade deadline on March 8th.
New York Rangers defender Connor Mackey put on a surprising display on Saturday night against the Ottawa Senators, skating 16:27 TOI and resurrecting a lifeless effort with a fight against Brady Tkachuk.
The last couple of trade deadlines have been the point of controversy for the club.
An organization that committed to a long-term rebuild in 2018 but hit the fast-forward button a few times to advance to contender status in five seasons.
In 2022, the Rangers added complementary players (Frank Vatrano, Andrew Copp, Justin Braun) to bolster the team, which played itself to two victories short of a Stanley Cup Final appearance.
Last season Drury went for broke and brought in Patrick Kane, Vladimir Tarasenko, and Nikko Mikkola ahead of the trade deadline to build a super team on paper.
When comparing the two. the results say it all. Yes, there are intricacies and context, but the Rangers may be better off adding complimentary.
Does a 5-7-2 January warrant an all-chips-down approach at the deadline? It may not. The organization may benefit from adding from within.
The list of AHL recalls and Wolf Pack talent contributing at the NHL level continues to grow in length this season; Will Cuylle, Jonny Brodzinski, Louis Domingue, Brennan Othmann, Zac Jones, and Connor Mackey are all names that added to the team upon recall.
Every name listed above is a member of the Wolf Pack who played at least one full season in the American League.
With Erik Gustafsson quiet in the second quarter of the season, it may be worth giving Mackey a long-term look. The team is struggling off the rush to defend, even from Adam Fox and Jacob Trouba.
Mackey has skated in 40 NHL games and 115 AHL contests over the last four seasons, recording 71 points (12 goals, 59 assists).
The numbers aren't how the 27-year-old can add to the Bluehsirts. Mackey is 6'2, 197 pounds. In his Rangers debut, he proved that he is not afraid to throw his body at star players or fight a team captain in their building.
In the playoffs, a team needs trees, not shrubs on the blue line. This may be a good opportunity to give Mackey a long-term look.
If he holds his own it gives the club depth without having to trade assets, as they had for Braun in 2022.
If he struggles, he is a player who earned an opportunity and was sent down in early February. It shows that the team is willing to promote players who contribute and create their opportunities, while also establishing the standard the club is looking for (ex. waiving Nick Bonino).
No harm no foul. Now is the time to see if a player like Mackey can add to the lineup as Cuylle and Brodzinski have.
With limited salary cap space, it may save the organization from stretching itself thin again.