Jacob Trouba is out long term. K’Andre Miller is on the NHL’s COVID protocol list. It’s time for the New York Rangers to give Tarmo Reunanen a shot.
Tarmo Reunanen playing well for the Wolf Pack
The Rangers 22 year-old left handed defenseman from Finland, didn’t have a great camp. At the same time it was an abbreviated one with not even a single exhibition game.
Tarmo Reunanen however has picked up where he left off in Liiga. He’s using his size and hockey sense to lead the Wolf Pack blue line. Thus far in four games for Hartford he has 2 goals and 4 points without a single penalty.
It’s time for the Rangers to consider giving him a look.
Reunanen is itching for a chance
The name Tarmo Reunanen was not one many New York Rangers fans knew much of back in 2016. Selected 98th overall in the fourth round, only prospect connoisseurs were aware he existed.
“I have no idea about the schedule but I am ready to leave immediately when everything is clear and I get the call from the Rangers,” he told Forever Blueshirts back in October. Reunanen did indeed come to camp but it didn’t work out as he likely planned.
Still the Rangers saw it fit to keep him in Hartford and he’s been impressive. Similar to how he was playing in Finland before coming over. He’s getting big minutes and not afraid to step up offensively. He’s been a steady contributor for the Blueshirts’ AHL affiliate.
He would slot in nicely on a pairing with Brendan Smith or Anthony Bitetto. This would push Jack Johnson back to the 7th defense spot for the time being. With Trouba out at least another four weeks, it’s a move worth making.
More must-reads: