After last night’s loss to Boston, Brandon Segal was returned to the Connecticut Whale of the AHL. Segal, who was obviously just filling in for the suspended Arron Asham, played just over five minutes last night, finished with a blocked shot and two PIMs (a hooking call).
Thanks to Joe Fortunato of Blueshirt Banter for this one.
The Rangers have recalled forward Brandon Segal, per the AHL transaction page. Earlier today, we discussed who might replace Arron Asham in the lineup while he serves the last game of his suspension. Stu Bickel appeared to be the front-runner, but with the Rangers recalling Segal, it appears he may get the nod against the Bruins.
(Photo by Scott Levy/NHLI via Getty Images)
No matter how much we choose to ignore it, injuries happen to every NHL club. Players get banged up, nicked up, and bruised just like everyone else. It is one of the reasons why teams spend some time and money building their depth in the AHL, as these players can come to define a season. Some players, like Ryan McDonagh, can even make veterans expendable (see: Rozsival, Michal). Others enter in an attempt to shake things up (Carl Hagelin) or due to large numbers of injuries (Stu Bickel). Either way, AHL depth is often an overlooked quality for perennial contenders.
As the Rangers call up more players, their depth in the AHL diminishes slightly. Gone are the big effects of Hagelin and McDonagh. Even Bickel has parlayed his call up into a two-year deal. The Rangers already have a spare forward (Michael Haley) and a spare defenseman (Steve Eminger) on the roster, but the injury bug isn’t always that friendly. As multiple players go down, others will need to be brought up.
Naturally, the role the injured player has will affect the player called up, so let’s look at the strong possibilities to fill these important roles:
In another depth move designed to strengthen the Connecticut Whale, the Rangers have signed RW Brandon Segal. Terms of the deal are still undisclosed, but Segal is likely going to be an insurance policy for the CT Whale, as the 29 year old winger has just 102 NHL games under his belt (11-11-22).
The 6’2″, 209 lb RW plays consistent minutes in the AHL, but has never found the kind of consistency that would help him stick at the NHL level. It is likely that Segal would be an injury call up during the season, if the need arises.
