Rangers Recall Justin Dowling; Reassign Cole Beaudoin

The New York Rangers are swapping centers for their fourth line. According to a team announcement, the Rangers recalled Justin Dowling from the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack. In a corresponding roster move, New York has reassigned rookie Cole Beaudoin.

Beaudoin, 20, ends his first NHL stint with a point in four games. The Rangers recalled him last week to fill in on the fourth line after Joe Veleno went down with an injury. Unfortunately, New York couldn’t provide him with enough ice time.

He played relatively well in his first three games despite going scoreless. In games against the New York Islanders, Washington Capitals, and Vancouver Canucks, Beaudoin managed a 50.0% faceoff percentage, blocked three shots, and delivered six hits, averaging 10:32 of ice time per game. Still, against the Tampa Bay Lightning last night, Beaudoin skated only 3:29.

As one of New York’s top forward prospects after being acquired from the Utah Mammoth this past offseason, Beaudoin needs to be skating. In Hartford, Beaudoin will play top-line minutes and can build on his impressive start, scoring one goal and five points in three games.

Meanwhile, Dowling will be a more comfortable fit in the Rangers’ bottom six. The 36-year-old veteran has 154 NHL games of experience, scoring nine goals and 26 points while averaging 10:34 of ice time. He’s in his second year with the Rangers organization and is one season removed from registering nine goals and 29 points in 46 games for AHL Hartford.