New York Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi has been ruled out of Tuesday’s game against the Edmonton Oilers with knee swelling, the team announced Monday.
The Rangers have not yet made a decision as to what defenseman will be recalled from the Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL, though their announcement indicates that a defenseman will be recalled. Raphael Diaz may get a look, in no small part because of the familiarity he provides and his own familiarity with the system and teammates. The team is looking for a way to rein in some very inconsistent play.
However, it can’t be too long before the Rangers give former University of Minnesota defenseman Brady Skjei a cup of coffee. It’s a good moment for him to get a taste with both Girardi and Kevin Klein on the shelf. (Though Klein practiced on Monday.) Skjei could provide some mobility and spark if he’s able to adjust to the NHL level quickly.
Skjei is currently sixth on the Wolf Pack with 11 points, the best mark among team defensemen.
Girardi has two goals and seven assists on the season, with an average ice time of 20:17, the lowest mark since his rookie year in the 2006-07 season.
Girardi also sports a team-worst score-adjusted CF%Rel of -10.19% (41.24% CF%), which bests Jarret Stoll’s miserable -9.53% CF%Rel (40.02% CF%). The team waived Stoll on Monday.
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Advanced stats via War on Ice.