Rangers Recall Brett Berard, Zakary Karpa in Latest Roster Moves
The New York Rangers are tapping into their pipeline once again, bringing up a pair of young forwards as the team looks to bolster its depth. On Wednesday, President and General Manager Chris Drury announced that Brett Berard has been recalled from the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack. In a corresponding move, Associate GM Ryan Martin confirmed that Zakary Karpa has been recalled from loan to the ECHL’s Bloomington Bison.
Let’s break down what these moves mean - and what each player brings to the table.
Brett Berard: A Familiar Face Gets Another Look
For Rangers fans, Brett Berard isn’t a new name. The 23-year-old winger has already seen NHL ice this season, appearing in 12 games for the Blueshirts. While he hasn’t found the scoresheet yet, he’s brought energy and grit - evidenced by his six penalty minutes - and continues to develop into a reliable two-way option.
Down in Hartford, Berard has been productive. In 30 games with the Wolf Pack this season, he’s tallied 18 points (6 goals, 12 assists), showing the kind of offensive instincts that made him a fifth-round pick (134th overall) back in the 2020 NHL Draft.
Across four seasons in the AHL, Berard has skated in 134 games and racked up 89 points (40 goals, 49 assists). That’s solid production for a player who’s been steadily climbing the organizational ladder. He’s not just a call-up to fill a jersey - he’s a player the Rangers have invested time in developing, and this latest recall suggests the front office still sees untapped upside.
Zakary Karpa: Rising Through the Ranks
Karpa’s recall is a bit more under the radar, but no less intriguing. The 23-year-old center has been grinding it out in the ECHL with the Bloomington Bison, where he’s put up 11 points (4 goals, 7 assists) in 27 games as a rookie.
A sixth-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft (191st overall), Karpa signed an AHL deal with Hartford in May of 2025 after wrapping up a strong collegiate career at Harvard. There, he played 117 games and posted 35 points (16 goals, 19 assists), serving as team captain for two seasons - a testament to his leadership and work ethic.
Karpa made his AHL debut on December 27 against the Bridgeport Islanders and wasted no time making an impression, scoring his first career AHL goal in a 5-2 win. He’s only logged three games with the Wolf Pack so far, but the organization clearly liked what they saw enough to bring him back into the fold.
What This Means for the Rangers
With the NHL season deep into its grind, depth becomes critical - especially as injuries, fatigue, and schedule congestion start to pile up. Berard gives the Rangers a forward with NHL experience and a track record of producing in the AHL. He can slot into the bottom six and bring energy, speed, and a bit of edge.
Karpa, meanwhile, is still very much in the development phase, but his recall signals that the Rangers are keeping a close eye on his progress. He’s not just a placeholder - he’s a player with a strong foundation, both on and off the ice.
These moves also reflect the strength of the Rangers' development pipeline. Whether it’s Berard’s steady climb or Karpa’s quick transition from college to the pros, the organization is showing confidence in its prospects - and giving them real opportunities to contribute.
As the season unfolds, keep an eye on both players. Berard could carve out a more permanent role if he continues to show growth, while Karpa’s journey is just beginning. Either way, the Rangers are reinforcing their roster with young talent - and that’s always a good sign for the future.