Cole Beaudoin is getting the kind of NHL introduction most rookies never see coming: a debut Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden against the Islanders.
The 20-year-old forward has barely settled into pro hockey, but the Rangers are putting him straight into the fire. Beaudoin arrives after a strong first weekend with Hartford of the American Hockey League, where he piled up five points - one goal and four assists - in his first two games. That included a goal and two assists in his pro debut Saturday against Lehigh Valley.
Hartford coach Jay Leach came away impressed after Sunday’s win over Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, praising the rookie’s effort and all-around game.
“The biggest thing is his work ethic. He’s a dog on a bone.
He’s relentless on the forecheck, he wins pucks, smart player, can certainly defend, and really has straight-line speed,” Leach told Tony Androckitis of Inside AHL Hockey after Sunday’s win. “So, he’s been very competitive, clearly has taken a step in his professional career to say ‘Hey, I’m here and I’m ready to compete.’
He’s been very impressive.”
The Rangers weren’t planning to accelerate the timeline this fast, but circumstances forced the move. Joe Veleno is dealing with a lower-body injury, and New York didn’t have an extra center available on its 23-man roster.
To create the opening, defenseman Matthew Robertson cleared waivers at 2 p.m. on Tuesday and was assigned to Hartford, which opened the roster spot and gave the Rangers enough salary-cap space to bring Beaudoin back up.
There’s also a little symmetry to the assignment. Beaudoin scored his first goal in a Rangers uniform during a preseason game against the Islanders on Sept. 22.
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