The Rangers announced on Tuesday that six players have been recalled by the club from its AHL affiliate the Connecticut Whale, including 2011 first-round draft pick JT Miller (pictured) and 2010 top pick Dylan McIlrath. Both of those players joined the Whale once their respective junior seasons had come to a close.
Joining Miller and McIlrath in being recalled by the Rangers were defenseman Tim Erixon, goalie Cam Talbot, and forwards Kris Newbury and Casey Wellman.
The six players were eligible to join the Rangers since the Whale's season ended a few days ago, eliminated by the Norfolk Admirals in the second round of the AHL playoffs. The six will practice on their own, at different times from the Rangers contingent that has been together throughout the NHL's post-season to date. Their collective recall provides depth insurance should the Rangers suffer injuries in the final two rounds of the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs.
After playing in 52 games this season with Moose Jaw in the WHL, McIlrath appeared in two regular season, and five post-season, games with the Whale. Miller notched 25 goals and 62 points in 61 games for Plymouth, and then appeared in eight playoff games with Connecticut, registering one assist.
Talbot emerged as the Whale's No. 1 goalie during the post-season, posting a 2.10 goals against average and .939 save percentage, after playing in 33 games during the regular season. His post-season save percentage is second-best among all goalies in the AHL.
Erixon, who notched two assists in 18 games played with the Rangers at the NHL level this season, recorded 30 assists and 33 points in 52 games with Connecticut.
Newbury and Wellman both have NHL experience---with Newbury having spent parts of the last two years with the Rangers, while Wellman has played with the Minnesota Wild. Wellman was acquired during the season from Minnesota in exchange for Erik Christensen.
