Michael Del Zotto Sent To CT; Ryan McDonagh Called Up
In what I am going to deem as surprising news, the Rangers have sent defenseman Michael Del Zotto to the CT Whale, and called up defenseman Ryan McDonagh. After being a healthy scratch for four games, MDZ had a poor and tentative showing in the Rangers 3-0 loss to Florida on Sunday. In 35 games this year, MDZ has struggled mightily, putting together a line of 2-7-9 and a -1 rating. The -1 rating is a significant improvement over last year’s -20, but his decisions with the puck have been questionable at best.
Ryan McDonagh, a former first round pick in 2007, has been very solid in Connecticut, and has put together a line of 1-7-8 in 38 games in the AHL. McDonagh also had a relatively slow start, much like the rest of the Whale, but has really turned it on of late. McDonagh is not an offensive defenseman, and is a more physical and defensive presence. The Rangers are probably looking to see what exactly they have in McDonagh, while letting MDZ work on his game in the AHL.
MDZ does not need to pass through waivers. For players who played their first games before the age of 20, he can play 160 professional games before requiring to pass through waivers. Over 20 players only need 80 games.
Update 4:50pm: As per Arthur Staple, there is no time table for MDZ’s return. Matt Gilroy, and not Ryan McDonagh, is the guaranteed player for Wednesday’s game against Carolina. McDonagh is with the Rangers for evaluation purposes. If Gilroy plays well, MDZ will not be called back up for some time.
By Mike Axisa, January 3, 2011 @ 3:44 pm
Good, let MDZ catch his breath down there.
Added bonus: McDonagh’s a lefty. They need another one of them on the blue line.
Dave Reply:
January 3rd, 2011 at 3:49 pm
And they just sent down a lefty, so it’s still the same number.
Mike Axisa Reply:
January 3rd, 2011 at 4:06 pm
Yeah my bad. But still, MDZ hasn’t been playing lately. Maybe McD will get some consistent ice time.
Dave Reply:
January 3rd, 2011 at 4:11 pm
He’s been the best lefty not named Redden in CT. I would have to assume this is a short lived call up.
Says a lot about Gilroy though if they aren’t going to play him with MDZ down.
By Brian, January 3, 2011 @ 5:30 pm
Nothing wrong with letting MDZ work on his game with the Whale. His talent is unmistakable and 20 min a game will be good for him. I sure wouldn’t mind Eminger sitting for a game to see what McD has to offer.