Rangers Recall Marc Del Gaizo From Hartford Amid Defensive Injuries

Rangers Recall Marc Del Gaizo From Hartford Amid Defensive Injuries

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The New York Rangers have recalled defenseman Marc Del Gaizo from the Hartford Wolf Pack, Blueshirt Banter reported.

The move addresses immediate depth issues on the blue line following injuries to Sean Durzi and Alberts Smits. Smits is currently sidelined with an upper-body injury that kept him out of Saturday night’s game against Seattle.

Del Gaizo arrives in New York following a strong AHL season. He was recently named the 16th captain in the history of the Hartford Wolf Pack franchise.

The decision to call up Del Gaizo likely stems from a need for a more physical edge in the defensive rotation. While Matthew Robertson is expected to remain the sixth defenseman on the bottom pair alongside Scott Morrow, Del Gaizo offers a different stylistic profile.

Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan previously noted the defenseman’s specific competitive traits during training camp.

“It’s hard not to notice him. He’s a fierce competitor. He’s physical. He plays with swagger. But he also plays within himself. I think he understands the game that he has to play. He’s not a high-risk player. He makes simple…”

Del Gaizo has maintained productive numbers in Hartford this season. Through 15 games, he has recorded two goals and nine assists for a total of 11 points.

For the Basking Ridge, New Jersey, native, this recall is a major career achievement. Del Gaizo grew up a Rangers fan and described the opportunity to sign with the organization this past offseason as a “dream come true.”

Rangers Recall Marc Del Gaizo From Hartford Amid Defensive Injuries

His path to the NHL roster included a stint with the Nashville Predators, where he played 46 games last season after failing to secure a spot on the Montreal Canadiens’ blue line. He joined the Rangers organization on a two-year deal following his time at UMass Hockey.

The team has not yet provided further updates regarding the status of Alberts Smits’ injury. The Rangers are scheduled to play the Edmonton Oilers on Monday at 8 p.m. ET.

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