The New York Rangers have announced the recall of goaltender Dylan Garand and defenseman Connor Mackey from the Hartford Wolf Pack in the AHL. Garand, 22, has been called up likely as a backup for Jonathan Quick, as Igor Shesterkin’s wife is in labor, leading to Shesterkin’s anticipated absence from the game. Garand has excelled in Hartford this season, achieving a .917 save percentage and a 2.42 goals-against average, including a shutout against the Rockford IceHogs and a record of 7-2-2.
A fourth-round pick in 2020, Garand may be smaller in stature, but he is gaining confidence and showing significant potential as the season advances.
Mackey has played in 22 games for the Wolf Pack this season, contributing two goals and four assists, along with a +2 plus/minus rating. The 28-year-old has been a mainstay in the AHL throughout his career, participating in 146 games and scoring 12 goals and 57 assists. Hailing from Tower Lakes, Illinois, Mackey has also seen NHL action, playing in 40 games with three different teams and recording four goals and seven assists for a total of 11 points in the NHL.
It is anticipated that Mackey will act as the Rangers’ seventh defenseman, according to Colin Stephenson of Newsday Sports.
