BYE-BYE RISSMILLER 

One of the most productive members of the Wolf Pack these past few games has been recalled by the Rangers. Patrick Rissmiller, who has cleared waivers twice and who was on a conditioning loan in Hartford is now back in New York. This is an interesting scenario because as much as the Pack has struggled to put the puck in the net, losing Rissmiller is a big blow. It also creates a further logjam in New York.

It’s entirely possible that Petr Prucha, who has been scratched for the last six consecutive games, could be the next player sent to Hartford. Prucha is clearly struggling to rediscover the form that made him such a highly productive rookie in which he scored 30 goals. Sitting this long for a player like Prucha will be a big kick in the confidence, and if he is to make a contribution, especially given the $1.6mm in cap space he eats up, or to make him have some value to trade, he will need to find his scoring touch and get back in to game shape.

Don’t rule out the possibility that either Rissmiller or Dan Fritsche could be permanently sent to Hartford. Both would have to clear waivers and if they did would stay, much like Thomas Pock and Andrew Hutchinson did last season, for the rest of the way. Both could be plucked off the waiver wire and cost the Rangers half the salary cap space so they would stay a the Rangers cannot afford to give up the cap space.

More on this should there need be.

Here is the official release.

New York Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather announced today that forward Patrick Rissmiller has been recalled from the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League (AHL).

Rissmiller, 30, recorded seven assists in six games with Hartford. He registered two multiple-assist contests during his stint, collecting two assists on November 16 at Lake Erie and two assists on November 22 at Portland. Rissmiller tallied at least one point in five of six games with the Wolf Pack. The 6-4, 215-pounder has appeared in two games with the Rangers this season. He made his Rangers debut on October 11 at Philadelphia after signing with the club as a free agent on July 1.

The Blueshirts return to action tonight, November 24, when they will face off against the Phoenix Coyotes at Madison Square Garden (7:00 PM). The game will be broadcast live on the MSG Network.